Red River is a family oriented small mountain town in north eastern New Mexico with a 2020 population of 542 permanent residents. Pulling into town in the winter it looks like picturesque ski town. The town offers a handful of bars and restaurants that make the after-ski afternoon an enjoyable experience.
The mountain when fully open allows for multiple days of challenging skiing or snowboarding. With dedicated learning areas, park terrain, and steep moguls, there are enough runs for all skill levels to have fun.
Click here for the most up to date map from the ski area website.
Red River lift tickets currently sit just under $100/day which is a great deal cheaper than its larger counterparts in Colorado and neighboring Taos. The ski area is on the Freedom pass which grants you access to several other ski areas across the nation as well.
Lifts
Red River has a total of 7 ski lifts, each named after precious metals paying homage to Red River’s Mining past.
*Two of these are magic carpet lifts on the bunny slope designated for beginner skiers in ski school
The Gold Chair
The Gold Chair is the most beginner friendly chairlift on the mountain taking you up to the top of Gold Rush. This lift services a learning area green run as well as a small park area that gives more experienced skiers and snowboarders a chance to show off their aptitude at jumps and other terrain obstacles like rails.. This lift is a great way to get your ski-legs or practice your form to prep for the more challenging runs further up the mountain.
At the bottom of this lift you will find the Ski Chalet as well as an area to rent skis and buy gear.
The Platinum Lift
Red River’s main chairlift, the Platinum lift is a 3 person lift that takes skiers to the top of the mountain. It also has a stop at the half way point near the hollywood terrain park section.
Being one of two lifts that takes you to the top the platinum lift often has a line but the lift is operated well and the line moves quickly even with a crowd.
The Copper Chair
My personal hidden favorite, the copper chair off from the main ski area takes you all the way to the top with an option to hop off at the half way point right next to the slalom course. Being off from the main ski area it sometimes offers better parking and shorter lift lines. Following the chairlift straight to the bottom gives skiers a challenging mix of blacks and blues.
The lift is a recently renovated 3 person lift, the challenging nature of the trails leading to this lift and the seclusion from the rest of the ski area means that this lift almost never has a line giving impatient skiers a quick way to get to the top.
The Emerald Chair
One of two lifts not at the bottom of the mountain, the Emerald Chair is found at the top of the mountain. A four person chairlift taking skiers to the top of Green Acres, and the Moon Star Mining Camp.
This chair services several blues and greens, lines are not uncommon but move quickly.
The Silver Lift
This lift services the most challenging terrain at the peak of the ski area. This two person chairlift is accessible by taking one a ride up the Emerald Chair and skiing down one of the accessible runs leading to the lift.
This lift gives skiers access to challenging terrain including steep icy runs, tight trees, and giant moguls. There is often never a line at this lift however it is not recommended for beginner skiers.
Notable Runs
The Face
The dream of all new skiers in Red River is to be able to wear an “I Skied the Face” t-shirt that almost all stores in town sell.
The Face is a black diamond rated run that sits directly in-between you and the bottom of the Platinum chair. Steep and often icy, the face offers a challenge for newer skiers looking to test their skills at the end of the day. Often an entertaining show for patrons of the Lift House – a restaurant/bar at the base of the face – who gather on the patio of the restaurant cheering on the skiers shooting down or wiping out on their way down.
Moon Star Mining Camp
Accessible from the top of the Emerald Chair the Moon Star Mining Camp is a collection of fun scenic green rated runs leading to the bottom of the Emerald Chair. The area has several spots that are perfect for pictures with old mining equipment and small cabins scattered in the wooded areas.
Moon Star has 12 unique runs and this area could easily take up an entire day of Skiing. With flat runs perfect for new skiers Moon Star offers unique offshoots and tree skiing off the beaten path.
Amenities
Ski Chalet:
The ski chalet is located in the main ski area at the bottom of the Gold Chair and is accessible from the main parking lot. Offering food, drinks, restrooms, chairs, and heat, the warming hut is an essential facility that makes skiing all day that much more enjoyable.
Ski Tip
Just like the warming hut at the bottom of the mountain there is another one at the top! Just as essential only a tad smaller giving skiers a place to recharge, and refuel. This warming hut is usually far less crowded being at the top, and it also has a large porch that gives the patrons an amazing scenic view of the surrounding snowy rockies and the beautiful town below.
Both of these spots get crowded around lunch time but stock water, food, and a place to take a break from a hard day.
Red River is a must see for ski enthusiasts and families looking to have a fun weekend. The surrounding area offers multiple options for accommodations and gear rentals as well as activities to help you get the most out of this winter wonderland.
Being located in northern New Mexico, the ski area occasionally struggles to get as much snow as some of its northern counter parts, so it is important to check the snow conditions before planning a vacation. However with robust snow making facilities and many things to do inside and outside of the town, I have never not had a great time while visiting.