Looking for the best places to visit in New Mexico in winter? Inn of the Mountain Gods is located near some of the top destinations in New Mexico, like Ski Apache and the iconic White Sands National Monument. Read on for a list of some of the best things to do and places to visit in New Mexico during your winter vacation!
Ski Apache
1286 Ski Run Rd., Alto | 22 miles from Inn of the Mountain Gods
One of the best places to visit in New Mexico in Winter is Ski Apache. Owned and operated by the Mescalero tribe, Ski Apache is the premier destination in New Mexico for skiing for beginners and experienced riders, snowboarding, and hiking trails. Ski Apache also features a scenic gondola, perfect for birds eye views of the snow covered Sierra Blanca Peak.
Wingfield Park
300 Center St. | 3.7 miles from Inn of the Mountain Gods
Located conveniently near the Midtown Shopping District, Wingfield Park is a park in Ruidoso with a walking path, playground, disc golf course, picnic tables, and a space for special events. Wingfield is the site for community events, festivals, craft shows, and more – check their page for upcoming events.
White Sands National Monument
Between mile markers 199 and 200 on Hwy US-70 | 59 miles from Inn of the Mountain Gods
The White Sands National Park, previously the White Sands National Monument, is a New Mexico icon. This 275-square mile dune field isn’t full of sand at all, but powdered gypsum that is a result of evaporation from Lake Lucero! White Sands National Park is a unique place to visit in New Mexico during winter, when temperatures will still stick around the 60s during the day.
Sierra Blanca Viewpoint
Cox Canyon Hwy. | About 24 miles from Inn of the Mountain Gods
The Sierra Blanca Viewpoint is an official Scenic Historic area about 24 miles from Inn of the Mountain Gods. Sierra Blanca is an ancient volcano, rising over 7,00 feet above the Tularosa Basin with a peak at 12,003 feet. The views are incomparable from this spot in the winter, when snow covers the Sierra Blanca.
Mescalero
Mescalero is home to many places to visit, and the winter season offers a quieter experience since there are fewer visitors. Take in the beauty of the historic St. Joseph Apache Mission Church, learn about the history of the Mescalero Apache tribe at the Mescalero Apache Cultural Center and Museum, and even try your hand at Las Vegas-style gaming at Inn of the Mountain Gods!
Ruidoso
5.7 miles from Inn of the Mountain Gods
Ruidoso is a great place to visit in New Mexico in winter. While Grindstone Lake may be too chilly for a swim, the views are picturesque. The Sierra Blanca mountain range offers more unbeatable views, extending into Lincoln National Park and the nearby Lincoln Historic Site. Ruidoso is also home to Ruidoso Winter Park, one of the top places to visit in New Mexico in the winter.
Noisy Water Winery
2331 Sudderth Dr. | 4.1 miles from Inn of the Mountain Gods
Noisy Water Winery is a perfect place to visit in New Mexico in the winter – what warms you up like delicious, award-winning wine? Guests can book a Library Tasting, which includes tasting sizes of four Noisy Water Winery offerings. Noisy Water Winery is a true New Mexico winery, taking the state’s dedication to chiles to the next level: try their 2022 Besito Caliente Green Chile Wine!
Ruidoso Winter Park
121 Ski Run Rd. | 10 miles from Inn of the Mountain Gods
Ruidoso Winter Park lets you race your friends downhill in tubes, with a “magic carpet” ride that brings you back to the top to race down again. There are even igloos available in Ruidoso, the perfect place to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate after a few runs down the hill.
Lincoln National Forest
Lincoln National Forest is a popular destination for New Mexico visitors, attracting over 777,000 visitors annually. Even if you’ve never visited Lincoln National Forest, you probably know someone from there: Lincoln National Forest is the birthplace of the original Smokey Bear! This National Park covers five different life zones, from Chihuahuan desert to subalpine forest, with elevation changes up to 11,500 feet. If you visit New Mexico in the winter, Lincoln National Forest’s hiking trails, scenic vistas, and skiing await.
Ready to plan your visit to New Mexico in winter? Start with your lodging – Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino is located near the best things to do in New Mexico, so you can spend more time enjoying your New Mexico winter vacation.