New Mexico Winter Activities (Other than Skiing)

When most people think of New Mexico, they picture hot desert summers. However, many parts of the state are blanketed in snow for nearly half the year, offering a variety of winter activities beyond downhill skiing and snowboarding. While skiing remains popular with eight ski areas and thousands of acres of terrain, there are plenty of alternative ways to enjoy New Mexico winter activities in the high desert.

New Mexico Winter Activities - Hiking & Snowshoeing

Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing in New Mexico

One of the most peaceful ways to enjoy New Mexico’s winter landscape is by hiking. While many higher elevation trails may be snow-covered and challenging without additional gear, trails at lower elevations can remain accessible.

Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail: This relatively flat trail offers stunning views of snowy peaks and the deep Rio Grande Gorge.

Snowshoeing Adventures: If you’re eager to tackle snow-covered trails, snowshoeing is a great option.

Popular destinations include:

- Northside of Taos Mountain
- The Enchanted Forest in Red River
- Valles Caldera National Monument near Los Alamos

These areas often feature designated snowshoe trails and the chance to explore fresh snow after a recent storm.

New Mexico Winter Activities - Snowmobiling Tours

Guided Snowmobile Tours

For a more thrilling winter activity, consider a guided snowmobile tour. These tours, available from late November to early April, range from a few hours to full-day excursions. Many tours allow time for individual exploration, letting you carve out your own winter adventure.

sledding activities in new mexico winter

Tubing and Sledding

Tubing and sledding are fun for all ages and provide a fantastic way to enjoy the snow. Many tubing hills in New Mexico feature magic carpets to whisk you back up the hill for endless runs.

Southern New Mexico: Ski Cloudcroft and Ruidoso Winter Park
Northern New Mexico: Angel Fire, Red River, and Taos Ski Valley

Don’t forget to link up tubes with friends or ask for an extra spin for added excitement!

winter activities in new mexico - ice fishing

Ice Fishing and Ice Skating in New Mexico

Winter in New Mexico extends well beyond the snow slopes. Frozen lakes and community rinks across the state open up unique cold-weather sports you might not expect to find in the high desert.

Ice Skating: Indoor rinks in cities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos stay open throughout the colder months. They offer public open-skate sessions, figure skating ice time, and recreational hockey leagues for all skill levels.
Ice Fishing: Eagle Nest Lake State Park, nestled along the Enchanted Circle scenic byway, becomes a hub for ice anglers once the surface freezes solid. Anglers drill through thick ice to catch rainbow trout, native cutthroat, and kokanee salmon while taking in views of the surrounding Wheeler Peak wilderness

A group of people paddling a yellow raft through a rapid on a river during spring runoff in New Mexico

Spring Preview: Snowmelt and Early Season Rafting

As winter transitions to spring, New Mexico’s rivers swell with snowmelt, making early-season rafting a must-try activity. Whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande is one of the only opportunities to experience winter and whitewater in the same day! Starting as early as mid-March, you can experience the river with fewer crowds and enjoy the beauty of the changing season.

Enjoying the Best of New Mexico Winter Activities

Winter in New Mexico is a season full of diverse activities for all interests. From serene snowshoeing trails and thrilling snowmobile tours to family-friendly tubing hills and frozen lake adventures, the Land of Enchantment has something for everyone.

Winter in New Mexico FAQs

Does it actually snow in New Mexico during the winter?

Yes! While New Mexico is known for its desert climate, high-elevation areas and mountain ranges are covered in snow for nearly half the year, offering extensive winter sports and recreation.

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Where are the best places to go snowshoeing in New Mexico?

Top destinations for snowshoeing include the Northside of Taos Mountain, The Enchanted Forest in Red River, and Valles Caldera National Monument near Los Alamos.

Can you go winter hiking without special snow gear?

Yes. Lower-elevation trails like the Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail remain relatively clear and accessible, offering great views of snowy peaks without needing heavy snowshoes or crampons.

When are guided snowmobile tours available in New Mexico?

Guided snowmobile tours typically run from late November through early April, with options ranging from short hourly excursions to full-day trips.

Which locations offer sledding and tubing in New Mexico?

In Northern New Mexico, you can visit Angel Fire, Red River, and Taos Ski Valley. In Southern New Mexico, popular spots include Ski Cloudcroft and Ruidoso Winter Park, which feature magic carpets to take you back up the hill.