Once, on a weekend quest to enjoy myself, by myself, on a cross-country skiing adventure, I headed to Red River, New Mexico a skiing town near Enchanted Forest Cross-Counry Ski Area. Red River, 36 miles from Taos, is a small, picturesque ski town in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico. In addition to the ski trails through the Carson National Forest, the Enchanted Forest seemed like a safe bet for a solo cross-country skiing venture. It was.
The range of lodging options and the beauty of the area brought me back to Red River and the Enchanted Forest Cross-Country Ski Area two more times during this time of year. Both of those times, friends came along. Each time, I stayed at a different place.
Ponderosa Lodge in Red River
On my solo trip, I stayed at Ponderosa Lodge in one of the standard queen rooms. As I drove through town after dark looking for a place to land for the night (this adventure involved minimal planning), the Ponderosa looked friendly, non-fussy and cozy.
My room with its wood paneling accents mixed a bit of down-home rustic with clean and comfortable. An HD flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi are more modern updates. There’s also a greenhouse hot tub.
Ponderosa Lodge Standard Queen Room
In addition to the standard two queen rooms, there are queen bed suites with a living room, kitchen, and a wood burning fireplace. Ponderosa Lodge is also pet friendly for a small fee. Room rates start at $119. You can also book through Booking.com.
Red River Alpine Lodge
A year later, the next stay was at Alpine Lodge, a hotel that evokes images of a Bavarian inn. This hotel looks like the postcard version of a ski mountain town.
My room was one of the queen bed studio suites with an equipped kitchen set up along one wall. Alpine Lodge is another clean and comfortable stay within walking distance to most places in Red River including the main chair lift of the Red River Ski and Summer Area.
Alpine Lodge, Studio Suite
Other room options range from suites to cabins with queen and king size beds. The Alpine Lodge’s property includes a playground, two hot tubs, charcoal grills, and a covered pavilion. High-speed internet and coffee are free. Rates start at $95 weekdays. Weekends go up to $140. Compare rates at Hotels.com.
Best Western River’s Edge
On my third Red River, New Mexico getaway, two women friends and I stayed at the Best Western River’s Edge in a room with two queen beds. Rooms are equipped with a microwave and a refrigerator. A well-stocked continental breakfast is included.
The ambiance here is also casual with a hot tub for unwinding and seating in the lobby to visit. Plus, the Best Western River’s Edge is another pet-friendly stay for a small fee. There are rooms with a queen bed, a king bed, suites, and a kitchenette. Room rates start at $116.99 for the AAA rate. You can also compare rates at Hotels.com.
All of these hotels are on Main Street within minutes of each other.
Photos courtesy of each hotel.
