Red River, Red River

Red River Ski Area bills itself as "Ski Town of the Southwest." The whole town looks like a stage set from a favorite Western movie and - no surprise - is popular with vacationers from Texas and Oklahoma. The area has exceptionally easy access from town, with one chair rising a block off Main Street. Its terrain is mostly beginner and intermediate, but some people here avoid powder like the plague, so it can have some surprisingly good days for advanced skiers or boarders. Lots of excellent ski-stay deals for families. Toughest run: Catskinner.ActivitiesSnowboarding: Snowboarding lessons and rentals are available, and 100 percent of the mountain is open to boarders.Cross Country Profile: None withon resort, but many options in adjoining Carson National ForestLodgingSome 90 percent of lodging is located within walking distance of the slopes, and consists mostly of modest motel and hotel rooms, and a decent range of condos.Winter RecreationThis is one of the two leading centers for snowmobiling in northern New Mexico, with daily guided tours, though early season snow coverage can be spotty. Also enjoy cross country skiing at nearby Enchanted Forest (a commercial XC center), ice-fishing, and snowshoeing.