Outdoor Winter Activities in Santa Fe, NM

If you’re a winter outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find ample opportunities to enjoy the season around Santa Fe. While we have some super fun indoor winter activities, we also love exciting outdoor winter activities in Santa Fe, NM.

There is something magical about a blue sky and a sunny day in the wintertime. Yes, Santa Fe winter temperatures can be cold, but we have over 300 days of sunshine, making it much more bearable — even magical! The crisp and bright air makes the snow-covered buildings and mountains sparkle in the sunlight.

You’ll find our top 4 favorite winter activities outlined below!

1. Downhill Skiing

Ski Santa Fe — This fun ski area sits at a base elevation of 10,350 feet and offers 86 runs with a 1725-foot vertical drop. Regardless of your experience level, you’ll find runs to suit you; 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 40% expert. Check out the Trail Map to see what’s in store for you.
- Psst! To make your trip up and down the mountain easy, or if you plan on having a few beers after your run, we recommend taking advantage of The Big Blue Bus — with fare-free services Monday through Sunday!

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area — Like Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito offers perfect conditions for a fun day on the slopes. The base elevation is 9,000 feet and reaches up to the summit of 10,440 feet. Featuring 750 acres of terrain with great bump skiing and short lift lines, their diverse layout of runs presents skiers of various skill levels the opportunity for a great day of skiing. Take a peek at the aerial view of the area.

2. Cross-Country Skiing

Pajarito Nordic Ski Trail — You’ll be thrilled when you wind through this aspen forest, slicing forward on top of a carpet of snow. Experience an exhilarating day of cross-country skiing amidst nature’s bounty.
Aspen Vista Trail — This favorite summer hiking trail doubles as an excellent cross-country skiing trail in winter. In addition to skiing, you’ll enjoy nature, stunning views, and always the potential to spot wildlife. Plus, as you stay on course, the trail will guide you up a gradual climb to give you a workout for your outing.

3. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an excellent, low-impact aerobic exercise for people of all ages and abilities. And it’s easy to do! Similar to cross-country skiing, a few popular, groomed courses can be found at the Aspen Vista Trail and the Norski Trail on Hyde Park Road just below Ski Santa Fe, the Pajarito Nordic Ski Trail, and the rolling terrain of Valles Caldera National Preserve, a volcanic caldera in the Jemez Mountains. These locales offer pristine alpine meadows with courses for beginners and advanced skiers.

4. Winter Hiking

Are you wondering about things to do in Santa Fe in January and into the spring? We have you covered for those of you who prefer boots to skis or snowshoes. Winter hiking is a unique experience and a great way to get outside in the “in-between” months. When snow covers the ground and trees, the sounds are muffled, and the landscape is quiet, offering a soothing relief from a hustle-bustle world. The pine aroma becomes more intense, and the air on your skin feels invigorating. An added bonus is that there are no bugs. Santa Fe has many fabulous hiking trails, but here are our favorite winter hikes to check out:

Santa Fe National Forest — This forest is crisscrossed by a thousand miles of year-round hiking trails, luring hikers of all experience levels into the beautiful snow-frosted forests of pinon, juniper, and ponderosa pines.
Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary — For hiking just 5 minutes from our Inn, head up to this beautiful 135-acre preserve that attracts more than 190 species of rare and common birds, varied local wildlife, as well as high desert plant life and forests. Plus, the center also offers guided bird spotting and nature trail tours.
Nambé Pueblo — Located just 30 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, visitors can see one of the most spectacular natural waterfalls in the Southwest. Nambé Falls Recreation Area offers an array of outdoor winter recreation opportunities, including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and, most spectacularly, hiking along a frozen waterfall.
- The Pueblo is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains’ foothills, encompassing nearly 20,000 acres of high desert winter landscape. Nambé, originally “Nanbe”, meaning round earth, is one of six Tewa-speaking pueblos of Northern New Mexico.

Relax at The Bear

In Santa Fe, you’ll find yourself immersed in nature at its finest — acres and acres of untouched forest, tall mountains, and many wildlife and birds. At the end of the day, when you’re tired and satisfied, you can return to our Inn at the Turquoise Bear to relax, sip your favorite beverage, begin your winter wellness getaway, and enjoy the warmth and coziness of your guest room. Book Now.