Updated for 2022
Experience winter’s cool colors with a New Mexico winter vacation at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.
Located in beautiful Mescalero, New Mexico, the snowy period here typically lasts from November to late February. Winter vacationers staying at Inn of the Mountain Gods can expect peak snowfall in December with an average snowfall of two inches.
But what makes Inn of the Mountain Gods so special for a winter getaway is its diverse on-site amenities, services and activities, and central location to many of the area’s best attractions and things to do.
Take a look at what you can expect during a New Mexico winter vacation at Inn of the Mountain Gods:
Skiing and Snowboarding near Inn of the Mountain Gods
Address: 1286 Ski Run Road, Alto
Located on Sierra Blanca peak, just minutes from the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino, Ski Apache offers the best warm-weather powder skiing in the world! Winter vacationers of all ages will enjoy the slopes, bump runs, a terrain park, New Mexico’s only eight-passenger Gondola, and much more thanks to enhanced snowmaking all the way to the summit of gorgeous Sierra Blanca.
No skis? No problem. Ski Apache has ski and snowboard rentals for all ages, including lessons for beginners or those that just want a refresher.
White Mountain Christmas at Flying J Ranch
Address: 1028 Highway 48 North, Alto
Enjoy an evening of cowboys and cattle trails with a backdrop of season’s greetings and holiday tidings at Flying J Ranch. Their White Mountain Christmas event takes place from late November through New Year’s Eve. This family-friendly event includes musical performances, a hearty chuckwagon supper, dazzling light displays, and old west Christmas caroling!
If you’re planning a holiday trip to New Mexico, check out our New Mexico Christmas vacation guide!
Grindstone Stables Sleigh Rides
Address: 523 Resort Drive, Ruidoso
Snow or no snow, winter vacationers can enjoy a sleigh ride through the Upper Canyon thanks to Grindstone Stables Sleigh Rides. Get cozy with family and friends on an evening winter stroll as a team of draft horses, adorned with holiday bells, pull the sleigh through the oldest part of Ruidoso.
Midtown Ruidoso Shopping
If you’re in need of completing your holiday shopping list, Midtown Ruidoso has you covered. Winter vacationers will discover a row of specialty shops, vintage sellers, and local retailers where you’re sure to find that special gift or souvenir. Check out some of our top choices for midtown Ruidoso shopping:
The Perfect Gift with Algodones Distllery
Tasting room and eccentric gift shop
Address: 2501 Sudderth Drive Suite G, Ruidoso
Ruidoso Trading Post
Turquoise jewelry, including ear rings, rings, and bracelets
Address: 2553 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso
Beer and wine tasting around Inn of the Mountain Gods
Warm up with handcrafted brews, spirits, and wines from around New Mexico, just minutes from the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.
Noisy Water Winery
A selection of award-winning, locally distilled wines
Address: 2342 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso
Lost Hiker Brewing Company
Locally brewed craft beers
Address: 26394 US-70 #6, Ruidoso Downs
Broken Arrow Taphouse
Over 70 beers on tap and a wide selection of food options
Located at Inn of the Mountain Gods
The Cork & Kettle
Wine, coffee, and tea bar featuring New Mexico products
Address: 2801 Sudderth Drive Suite B., Ruidoso
Bonito Valley Brewing Company
Locally crafted brews inspired by old west history
Address: 692 Calle La Placita, Lincoln
The Spa at the Inn
Take in respite from the cooler weather outside with a rejuvenating spa experience at The Spa at the Inn. Located on-site at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, The Spa at the Inn is the area’s featured spa and salon where relaxing and energizing spa treatments are inspired by the tranquility of the Mescalero-Apache reservation. From purifying body treatments to stimulating massages, indulge this winter at The Spa at the Inn.
Apache Wind Rider ZipTour
Soar down the snowy ridges of Sierra Blanca when you take flight aboard the Apache Wind Rider ZipTour at Ski Apache. Riders descend at 11,489 feet above the ground and at speeds over 60 miles per hour on this three-part ZipTour. This attraction can be enjoyed by most ages, taking riders through nearly 9,000 feet of zipline, making it one of the longest ZipTours in the world! You can even enjoy the experience side-by-side with a friend thanks to dual ziplines.
Las Vegas-Style casino gaming
Your chance to win big doesn’t stop when the seasons change at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino. The 45,000 square foot casino floor features Las Vegas-style gaming that includes the best machine games, your favorite table games, roulette, bingo, and much more, all just steps from your accommodations at the Inn of the Mountain Gods hotel. Plus, you’ll get even more chances to win thanks to featured casino promotions happening monthly!
Rooms and suites with a view
Take your pick from luxuriously appointed hotel suites and spacious rooms with unrivaled views of mountain peaks and the wilderness that surrounds the Inn of the Mountain Gods. Guests can get extra cozy in our hotel rooms that include pillow-top beds. Select units include their own private outdoor balcony where you can enjoy the crisp winter air with a hot cup of coffee from the in-room coffee maker.
If you’re enjoying your New Mexico winter vacation with family and friends, select units include a sleeper sofa.
Hiking trails with incredible views
Get the complete New Mexico winter experience when you take to the trails of the Lincoln National Forest. Ski Apache also offers over five miles of on-site hiking trails that most ages can enjoy.
Dining for all appetites
Inn of the Mountain Gods guests won’t have to travel far to enjoy the best dining in the area. Wendell’s Steak and Seafood is consistently voted a top dining experience thanks to its selection of mouthwatering aged steaks, fresh seafood, expansive wine list, and incredible mountain views from your table.
If beer and a burger are more your things, the Broken Arrow Taphouse has 70 beers on tap for you to choose from and Southwest-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. See the full list of Inn of the Mountain Gods restaurants.
Winter events and entertainment
Inn of the Mountain Gods hosts entertainment throughout the year, from touring musical artists and comedians to family-friendly events. So be sure you keep up with the Inn of the Mountain Gods entertainment schedule for the best New Mexico events upcoming this winter!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is any part of New Mexico warm in winter?
Mescalero in southern New Mexico has an average high between 45 degrees Fahrenheit and 57 degrees between the months of December and March. This is generally warmer than northern New Mexico due to the lower precipitation that leads to less snowfall.
Is New Mexico worth visiting in December?
Mescalero, New Mexico travelers will discover many things to do in December, including holiday themed festivals, skiing at Ski Apache, and the best gaming in New Mexico at Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino.