Thoughts of New Mexico typically conjure up images of cacti, sand, rock formations and the hot desert sun. Well, it’s about time you start visualizing a winter wonderland with ski lifts, black diamond peaks and snow — New Mexico offers some of the best slopes in the nation, rivaling Colorado and Utah. In New Mexico, you can ski from one side of the state to another, hitting runs in Santa Fe, Taos, Red River and Angel Fire, to name a few. Make Santa Fe your base; its luxe resorts are perfect for resting after a long day skiing or boarding. Plus, the hotels are only a short drive from Ski Santa Fe, a great spot tucked in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at the southern portion of the Rocky Mountain range that has 74 trails.
Encantado, An Auberge Resort Suite
Encantado, An Auberge Resort. Set in the mountains, scattered over 57 acres, this Four-Star hotel has a main lodge that’s surrounded by 65 private casitas and suites. It provides nice apres-ski amenities, such as an indoor wood-burning fireplace, a soaking tub in the bathroom (with a heated floor) and a private outdoor terrace with yet another wood-burning fireplace. Its Three-Star spa also takes cues from its surroundings, with treatments inspired by the region (check out the Altitude Adjustment Massage to get situated in Santa Fe’s high elevation).
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. This Native American-influenced boutique hotel, with 58 guestrooms, creates a warm, rustic, luxurious retreat. The Southwestern style throughout the Four-Star hotel reflects the stone and mud pueblos of the Anasazi culture with geometric designs, handcrafted furnishings and sandstone walls. Staying here means having a four-poster bed, flat-screen TV, kiva fireplace and possibly a balcony. The inn offers two ski packages, which include ski passes for either nearby resort, Ski Santa Fe or Taos Ski Valley.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Guestroom
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa. Located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque in Santa Ana Pueblo, this Three-Star hotel has 350 guestrooms, each with a balcony. Think pueblo-style buildings, with large open-air courtyards, beautiful views of the Sandia Mountains and more than enough activities to keep you and the little ones busy year round. Kids will love learning about Native American customs with hands-on activities such as adobe brick making, jewelry making and storytelling. In between your time on the slopes, take a horse-drawn carriage ride or book a Tamayame-inspired treatment at the Tamaya Mist spa.
Photos courtesy of Encantado, An Auberge Resort; Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa
