The phrase “Ski Town of the Southwest” has been associated with Red River since early 1959 when the ski area in the middle of town opened its doors.
Not everyone, however, visits Red River to ski. Some come to just BE in the mountains and the snow. They enjoy the scenery, but are always open to the idea of having fun to add enjoyment to their trip.
Here are some traditional activities, tried and true, that are easy and inexpensive that will add a bit of “zip” to your winter trek to the mountains.
One of the oldest and most prized Red River traditions is the building of Snow People. Men, Women, Dogs and someone named Frosty appear everywhere because they are easy to make and delightful fun for kids of all ages
Snowball fights in Red River are all done in good fun and are especially good as a bonding exercise for dysfunctional families. They’re inexpensive and easy to start.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the honor of the largest snowball fight in the world belongs to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, (Canada). In January 2016, 7,681 snowball tossing “participants” bombarded each other with an, as yet, undisclosed number of snowballs. While the illegal practice of disguising rocks as snowballs was never proven, a number of injuries were reported, included more than a smattering of deep bruises and black eyes and a few torn rotator cuffs.
Sleds and saucers are downhill treats. Find a slope and go down. A piece of a cardboard box will do the trick. Remember Social Distancing. It’s important.
Building snow forts no doubt goes back to someone above the Arctic Circle. In Red River, the forts are not elaborate and may resemble snow caves or igloos. They require cold weather and wet snow. Have fun!
Hiking in the forest , following the mountain trails, is not just a summer pastime. Depending on your physical condition and the snow depth, the nearby forest paths near town or Mallette Park are great places to go. Modern, lightweight snowshoes are also great for hiking fun.
Dress warm and in layers. Be sure to take water. Dehydration can be a serious problem, especially in the dry, cold climate. Don’t forget your gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen. The UV rays at this altitude and the reflection off the snow can leave you with a painful sunburn, especially on your nose and forehead.