The holidays at Angel Fire Resort are here! Are you ready to experience a true white Christmas? A lot is happening this winter, but here are ten “must-do” holiday activities for you and your family.
1. Ski with Santa
Santa will be out on the mountain on Christmas Day. Find him for a few festive, snowy photos. And make sure to let him know how good you have been this year. You might even catch some of Santa’s friends like the Grinch, Mrs. Claus, and elves. So keep your eyes peeled!
2. Go Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to get out into the beautiful wilderness and see some amazing views. If you are lucky, maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of some wildlife. Snowshoeing is an easy activity for the whole family to participate in.
The Nordic Center rents snowshoes, and snowshoeing is allowed on the Nordic Center Trails. Snowshoeing is also allowed on all the Greenbelt Trails.
A favorite trail to hike is Oeste Viste. The trailhead is located across the highway from the turnoff to the Country Club. It is a two-mile loop with an option for a shorter loop. The hike is a bit more difficult, but it allows you to see beautiful views of the valley.
Leave about 2 hours to complete the loop. There are picnic tables and benches along the way, where you and the family can stop for a snack and pictures.
Most of the Greenbelt Trails have picnic tables and restrooms along the way.
Remember to dress for the weather.
3. Watch the Fireworks & Torchlight Parade
Angel Fire Resort has two torchlight parades—one on Christmas Eve and one on New Year’s Eve. The torchlight parades are one of the most unique things to experience at Angel Fire Resort. A torchlight parade is a parade of skiers and snowboarders, all holding torches or lights, who ski in line down the mountain after dark. This creates a beautiful show of moving lights down the mountain.
Snuggle up with the family and watch a one-of-a-kind experience. It is a great way to celebrate the holidays with the family. After the parade, you will be treated to a fun and festive fireworks display. The parade begins at dark.
4. Explore the Nordic Center
The Angel Fire Resort Nordic Center delivers classic winter adventure. Go sledding with family or glide through groomed trails on cross-country skis. Nordic skiing is a great activity for the entire family to participate in. If you downhill ski or if you have ever skated, you can pick up the sport easily. Relax afterward with hot cocoa, beer, or wine. You’ll also find a fantastic selection of outdoor gear for sale.
5. Jingle All the Way on a Sleigh Ride
Make “Jingle Bells” a reality! Bundle up the kids and take them on a ride through the village that they’ll never forget. Join Nancy Burch’s Roadrunner Tours for a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh. On this ride, you’ll travel along the foothills of the Carson National Forest and through Angel Fire Resort. Bring your camera to capture photos of wildlife and the children playing in the snow. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be arranged by request. Before or after the excursion, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies at the Camp Fire Café.
6. Take a Ride on Our Tubing Hill
Invite the family out and take some runs down our tubing hill. Tubing is the perfect complement to a morning of skiing on the mountain.
Tubing is sold in 1hour blocks and is open from 10 AM – 4 PM. Afterwards, enjoy some hot chocolate at the Village Haus.
7. Have Dinner at Elements
Elements has an array of delicious menu items this holiday season. Try one or try them all. The food at Elements is always delicious. Pair this with a Nordic Lesson in the morning for a day full of fun and amazing food. Call (575) 377-3055 to reserve a table for your family.
8. Try Night Skiing
Experience New Mexico’s only night skiing & snowboarding on the front side of the mountain! Ski and ride under the stars with terrain consisting of over 50 acres of groomed trails. If you haven’t skied under the lights, it is definitely a must-try. A crisp night full of twinkling stars with your people is the perfect way to celebrate this holiday season. Learn more here.
9. Live Music
It’s always nice to have dinner, listen to some live music, and do some dancing! Throughout the holiday season, Angel Fire Resort will have live music in various venues. Check the events calendar to find band names and times. Live music is also a great way to unwind after a busy day of skiing, snowboarding, or even tubing! Get your Aprés on this holiday season.
10. Crafts, Games, Hot Chocolate, & S’mores
Our events calendar is jammed full of festive crafts, games, and treats. Is anyone up for Candy Bingo or snowflake making? Well, you’re in luck because those things, along with free hot chocolate and s’mores at Winter Sport,s are happening this holiday season. Keep your eye on our events calendar for all the details.
Bonus!
This year, Stargazing and S’mores is happening on New Year’s Day at Monte Verde Lake. If you’ve never viewed the clear New Mexico skies through a telescope and seen the moon, stars, galaxies, and nebulae, it’s truly a memorable treat. Amateur astronomer and astrophotographer Mike Hawkins will be on-site to operate the telescope, guide discussions, and answer questions. We’ll have fire pits set up and complimentary s’mores to enjoy!
Which of these holiday activities is on your list this winter? We can’t wait to see you soon!
