This time of year, with the holidays in high gear, there's no better place to be than in Santa Fe. Renowned as a snow lover's paradise, the mountains offer sunlit slopes and perfect powdery conditions. The region has also drawn people for centuries who seek well-being and inspiration, whether they visit ancient sacred sites, majestic mountains or natural hot springs with healing properties. Spend a day skiing some of the most prized slopes in the Southwest, then relax in one of Santa Fe's world-class spas, and you're guaranteed to leave feeling refreshed, recharged and ready to ring in the New Year.
Ski Santa Fe is the launching point for a ski experience your family will never forget. (Photo courtesy of Ski Santa Fe)
Get started at Ski Santa Fe, one of the premier Southwest ski destinations. Located just 16 miles from the Santa Fe Plaza, Ski Santa Fe offers 38 trails appealing to beginner, intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders. The scenic ride to the top is rivaled only by the stunning mountain views that greet you as you exit the chairlift. If you're new to snowboarding, plan to visit during the annual Burton Learn to Ride Weekend, held December 16-17, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Instructors will teach the nuts and bolts of boarding, from carving a turn to safely using a chairlift, on the easy-to-use Burton Learn to Ride equipment.
Ski Santa Fe has a wonderful range of terrain, from isolated beginner slopes to great glades and tree runs. (Photo courtesy of Ski Santa Fe)That same weekend, Ski Santa Fe kicks off its annual winter music series. The first concert takes place on Saturday, December 16, 2017, with the Kitty Jo Creek Band performing bluegrass music on the deck at Totemoff’s Bar & Grill, where you can relax in the sun, sip beverages and savor food. The series continues on Saturday, January 6, 2018, with the rockabilly music of DK & The Affordables. On Saturday, January 13, 2018, Alto Estilo takes the stage, playing a rhythmic blend of American, Latin American and Caribbean music. All concerts are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Don’t forget to grab a hot chocolate or signature warm cocktail and bite to eat at Totemoff’s. (Photo courtesy of Ski Santa Fe)If you love trailblazing a path on freshly fallen snow, don't miss the annual Santa Fe Snowshoe Classic, which starts at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 7, 2018. Sponsored by the nonprofit, Santa Fe Striders, the challenging 3.8-mile race takes place south of the ski basin on the Norski Trail. Participants set out from the parking area at Hyde Park Road's Big Tesuque Campground, located at Mile Post 13. The competition takes place along forest service trails with an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet. Newcomers to the sport are invited too.
Trailblaze 3.8 miles in the Santa Fe Snowshoe Classic. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
After a day on the slopes, a soak at Sunrise Springs Spa Resort will ease your aches and pains, ushering you into blissful relaxation. People have been visiting the natural springs at this lush oasis for centuries, in search of rejuvenation and renewal. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Santa Fe, this enchanting getaway received the #3 Top Destination Spa in the U.S from the prestigious Travel + Leisure 2017 World's Best Awards. As you unwind in the outdoor secluded pools and eucalyptus steam room, the cares of the day will slip away.
Nourish your body and soul at a Santa Fe natural springs spa at Sunrise Springs. (Photo courtesty of Santa Fe County)
Situated in the Sangre de Cristo mountains seven miles south of Ski Santa Fe, Ten Thousand Waves envelops you upon arrival in the ancient traditions of Japanese mountain hot spring resorts. Any tension from the ski day will melt away once you've relaxed in an outdoor hot tub nestled beneath towering pine trees, enjoyed a sauna in a wooden bathhouse and taken an invigorating cold plunge or two. Ten Thousand Waves also offers an enticing menu of spa treatments.
The Four Seasons Rancho Encantado is a secluded, five-star resort tucked away on 57 acres in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
Unwind in the lap of luxury at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado in nearby Tesuque. Start by slipping into an outdoor hot tub. Then head inside to warm your spirits and enjoy a fireside chat as you lounge in cozy chairs. The spa's inviting design echoes the sacred kiva rooms of the area’s Ancestral Puebloan people. Its regionally inspired menu of massages and other spa options further reflects the timeless traditions of the ancient Southwest. As you end your Santa Fe ski/spa getaway, you'll leave with a reverence for those seekers who came before you, and a respectful appreciation for the awesome mountains above you.
Planning a mind, body and spirit getaway during the winter months will allow you to take in some of area’s best restaurants and galleries as well. Plan your Santa Fe getaway now by ordering the [blog_link url="http://santafe.org/Visitors_Guide/index.html" text="Santa Fe Visitors Guide" date-"2017-12-12"]. Here’s a little secret….there’s always new [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe/Specials/" text="Deals and Specials" date="2017-12-12] to be found, so make sure to check them out.
This blog was written in partnership with TOURISM Santa Fe and Santa Fe County.
