Santa Fe hiking/skiing in winter
 

We will be in Santa Fe in Jan. We have never visited the area and know that hiking would be better in the Spring and Fall. We do however, enjoy hiking in the winter. Any suggestions for hikes?

We have not skiied for 10 years but are considering skiing one day. On my last ski trip, the ski patrol brought me down the hill on a sled--tore my ACL. Thinking of bracing my knee and trying some easier skiing. My husband would be thrilled. We do miss skiing. I have just turned into a ski wimp.

Any hiking or skiing suggestions? Other ideas for fun in the winter?

My suggestion would be to stay OFF Taos Mountain. Very steep and challenging, IMO. I am just a very weak skiier, and my husband is moderate. We had icy conditions, and it was the hardest thing, ever. At the bottom of the mountain, DH through himself face down in the snow and lay there for 5 minutes!

Chimayo was just wonderful, and I highly recommend a visit there. Also, there are supposedly much more manageable slopes nearer to Santa Fe.

First thing, there has been limited snow so far this winter in Santa Fe so hiking is a great option. We're hoping for snow but so far it's up to Mother Nature. (They do make some snow, too) There are wonderful & varied trails to hike but understand, S.F. is at elevation 7,000 ft and you go upward for some of the hikes. There are others that will not stretch your elevation limits, however and there are books available with this info. There is a book called, "Santa Fe Day Hikes" available everywhere in town - check it out! There are many things to do in Santa Fe depending upon your interests, museums, shopping, history of the SW, etc.

If you want to try a day of skiing and you are just getting back into skiing, try Ski Santa Fe. Much closer to Santa Fe & probably less intimidating than Taos, but yet still a fun big mountain experience (but with lots of green & blue terrain!).

Did you decide which hotel you're going to stay at in Santa Fe?

You might enjoy spending a day at Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos. Our first visit there was the day after Christmas a few years ago, and we had a lovely time hiking.

I don't ski, but I hear another place in the area with fairly easy runs is Pajarito, also near Los Alamos.

Have a great time!

Lee Ann

There is a good hike that takes you to some Indian ruins that is near to, but not within, the Bandelier area. Ask the locals and they'll give you directions.
Also, there are some wonderful hiking trails at Ghost Ranch.

Hope the heavy snow holds off and we have some of the sunny days I keep reading about. We would love to do some hiking--thanks for the suggestions.

We have hotel reservations at Inn of the Governors, Inn on the Alameda and still haven't cancelled Bishops Lodge. With Christmas, I haven't had much time to research--very unlike me.

Stillhaven't rented a car or made arrangements for Phoenix. We leave the 10th--need to get organized.

I agree with the suggestion to see Bandalier Nat'l Park. Near it is another interesting easy walk named Tsankawi. They can tell you how not to miss it at Bandalier. Weather is warming up - today was 56 in Santa Fe midday, drops down 30 degrees after sunset.