Nordic skiing is the oldest form of snow skiing on record. In Scandinavian countries it dates back 6,000 years. The Sami people of that snowy part of the world may have been the first to use wooden “sticks” tied to their feet to travel the frozen county, looking for wild game for the community tables.
The fact that the first known skiers in the high country were cross country skiers carrying the mail, around 1895, has long been a part of the oral traditions of Northern New Mexico.
Those brave and hardy skiers came from Raton, which was on the rail line of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (AT&SF), making the Gateway City the jumping-off place to the gold fields of La Belle, Midnight, Anchor and Red River.
In 1973, Charles Gaylord operated the Claim Jumper Cross Country Ski Shop on Pioneer Road, across from the RRSA Lift House. A young man working with him named John Miller took Nordic ski enthusiasts to the Upper Valley. He “cut trail” where the pavement ended six miles from town and guided personal tours.
John and Judy Miller operated Powder Puff Ski Area on Red River’s west side from 1970 until 1979 when it was sold to the Veale family, owners of the Red River Ski Area. Over the years the Millers have also owned an art gallery, a bookstore and Millers Crossing clothing store.
In 1985, the Miller family opened trails for the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area, adding Nordic skiing on groomed trails to the attractions of the Red River area of Northern New Mexico.
In 2020, EFXC is still a family business, with daughter Ellen Miller Goins at the helm. It is a delightful experience for all ages.