Beautiful New Mexico

Quick Tips:

The location is perfect for those who want to explore Santa Fe as well as the area around it (as long as you have a car or a bike). It is a peaceful oasis that is central to Santa Fe, Taos and Chimayo. The High Road itself is a breathtaking mountain ride that takes you past Santaurio Church (known for the miraculous healing powers of the dirt located underneath the church), famous weaving houses, and spectacular scenery - it''s worth a drive, or better yet, rent a bike and cycle it!

An interesting note - the local clientele was a lot of fun as well. I met some folks from the table next to ours who had arrived from Espanola (the low-rider capital of the world) in their low-riders. When I said that I had never seen such a car in person, they took me out to the parking lot after dinner and let me drive their souped-up cadillac around the lot! (Quite a leap of faith considering I arrived on a bicycle!) We found just about everyone in NM to be this kind, fun, and outgoing.

Also, if you are in Taos when feast day Dances are being held, I strongly recommend doing everything you can to attend. Visitors are invited to watch most of the Dances, but as they are relgious ceremonies, be sure to act with the proper reverence and solemnity. Check out this website to find out when tribal dances are held - they are incredible to watch and shouldn't be missed: http://www.indianpueblo.org/taos.html.

The lifts were smooth, the tiny lines moved quickly, and the lodge was nice enough. The staff was great. I had some trouble with a new boot that I had purchased back East, and the ski shop staff cheerfully helped me out and didn't charge me for making minor alterations to the instep of my boot.

Even the ride up to the mountain is nice. The ski area is about 15-20 miles from the center of Santa Fe, but it will take you about 40 minutes to drive the curving roads up the Sangre de Christos to reach the base. Shuttles to the lodge from remote parking areas run regularly and are easy to catch. On the way to the ski area on my first day, I spent half the drive hanging out the window of the truck trying in vain to take pictures (it's THAT beautiful!).

Skiing Santa Fe Ski Area is a rewarding experience. It won't offer the most challenging skiing in the world (try Taos if you're looking for steep verticals and crazy black diamonds), but Santa Fe will provide you with an enjoyable, hassle-free day. It's a good place for families with little skiiers and beginners.

A Bar is perfect for a date or after-dinner drink. I went with a small group and we had a blast!

This is a great place to let loose! Santa Fe is a strange town, and the best of what makes it quirky is often at the Drama Club. Closing time is 2 a.m.

Now, I am not advocating trespassing on Indian land or private ranches, nor am I suggesting that people go out and get themselves lost. But, I do recommend that you inquire around town for some nice driving routes. Ask the locals if they know the location of some cool rock formations or good places to get away from it all. Take a pad and pencil with you and write down where you turn so you can get back again. Bring your cell phone (but keep it in the glove compartment for emergencies only) and take a picnic lunch. Be aware of where you are and watch for signs that denote reservations.

You'll be bowled over by the incredible beauty of New Mexico off the beaten track, especially if you are like me and are not from a land of big mountains and sky (I'm from the coastal Northeast). Give it a try - just do your homework first, take precautions, be aware, and respect the land. You won't regret it!