The Red River Ski & Summer Area is observing its 60th year of mountain fun and excitement. It held a big birthday party last January which was attended by the new governor who confessed to skiing with her family in Red River for years!
The Red River Ski Area opened in 1959 as a winter attraction, but has over the years become a delight for summer visitors with the focus on nature and outdoor adventure.
The Platinum Chair Lift ride to the top of the mountain has long been a favorite, offering a spectacular scenic ride. The Pioneer Flyer seated zip Line that soars to a height of 70 feet before sailing high above Willow Pond has become an exciting addition to RRSA fun.
At the Base Camp (at the Ski Chalet on Pioneer Road), summer tubing features the longest course in New Mexico, while the nearby Hidden Treasure Aerial Park offers the largest and most challenging ropes course in NM.
The Mountain Top Disc Golf course, scene of the annual Drew Judycki Memorial Disc Golf tournament, has a 21-hole course with a very hilly and moderately wooded layout which appeals to both amateur and professional players. Disc rental is available.
All the activities take place in the clean, clear mountain air under the beautiful New Mexico sky, bluer than blue.
The Walk With The Ranger program is headquartered at the Tip Restaurant at the top of the Platinum Chair Lift and can be enjoyed every Friday through Sunday, 11am – 1pm.
Ski Area Ranger Tim Collver leads a one mile hike through the aspens and evergreens and provides a narrative and answers questions about the flora and fauna, geology, hydrology, ecology and history.
“It’s focused on what people want to know about. You can ride the chairlift or hike to the top. There’s an exhibit on the deck at the Tip Restaurant – hands-on native artifacts, animal skulls, horns and antlers.
“This year, we’re adding a “Leave No Trace” element,” Tim says. “We’re actually going to put up a Leave No Trace model campsite.” A Leave No Trace Master Educator, Tim and other volunteers will be able to show LNT bear lines (how to do it properly), offer discussions of bear behavior and demonstrate how to set up a campsite to be bear aware.
(Leave No Trace is an organization to promote the best practices to follow to enjoy and protect the natural spaces.)