Ruidoso New Mexico is a perfect place to travel at any time of year. But the winter season is especially wonderful.
If you’re looking for a chilly thrill, check out the snow tubing at Ski Apache. It’s fun for all ages and a great way to get out and exercise.
Ski Apache
Located in the Sierra Blanca Mountains, Ski Apache offers some of the best skiing in New Mexico. Their 55 trails are spread over 750 acres and offer a wide variety of runs for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Founded in 1961 as the Sierra Blanca Ski Resort, it changed its name to Ski Apache when it was purchased by the Mescalero Apache Tribe in 1963. During the winter months, they host ski lessons and activities.
After you finish up on the slopes, try snow tubing for some chilly fun. Guests can choose to race down the lanes, go in tandem or link single tubes together for a group ride.
Midtown Shopping
Whether you’re looking for vacation clothes, local art, or an afternoon of fun, Midtown is the place to shop in Ruidoso. Here you’ll find unique shops, quaint eateries and the town’s famous public murals.
There are ten colorful murals throughout the area that you can check out on your walk along Midtown Street. Some are easy to spot from the road, while others are hidden on the sides of restaurants and businesses.
You’ll be happy to know that the area is also home to many local shops, including some that specialize in outdoor equipment. You’ll also find several antique and hand-crafted furniture stores as well as many art galleries.
Grindstone Stables
Grindstone Stables is located in the heart of Lincoln National Forest, outside quaint Ruidoso. It has been offering horseback rides since 1988, allowing guests to connect with the horses and experience real western history.
Alternatively, families can enjoy an hour of exploration on a trail around the beautiful Grindstone Lake, which is just nearby. Here you can see black bears, osprey, and other wildlife–a great opportunity to get in close to nature.
Winter is also a great time to visit this fun park. They have a snow play area, as well as a snow tube run. Plus, you can even stay in a stylish VIP Igloo. The igloo package includes tables, chairs, handmade pizza, and drinks!
Ruidoso Botanical Garden
Winter is a great time to visit Ruidoso New Mexico. The town is known for its gorgeous mountain views, the Lincoln National Forest, and a beautiful lake!
Ruidoso is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here you can enjoy nature at its best with a variety of activities available to suit your interests!
The Botanical Garden is a perfect way to spend the day and learn about the flora of the area. You will see a diverse range of plants and flowers including desert cacti, mountain flora and even waterfalls!
Mescalero Apache Tribe
The Mescalero Apache Tribe operates Ski Apache, which is the first ski resort in Ruidoso. This ski mountain is a 45-minute drive from downtown and offers gorgeous views of the Sierra Blanca and Sacramento Mountains.
Ski Apache also has 2 snow tubing lanes and a magic carpet that will make your winter vacation even more exciting! There are sessions that last 3 hours and both single and double tubes are available.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the Mescalero Apache Tribe also hosts an annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso. This event is free and includes festive shopping, cookies and hot cocoa, photos with Santa and more!