A Charming Winter Wonderland Awaits in Red River

© Courtesy of Town of Red River

A Charming Winter Wonderland Awaits in Red River

The Town of Red River can be reached at an altitude of 8,750’ and rests atop Route 38, a beautifully scenic patch of road known as the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. After a slow and meandering drive up, the wilderness gives way to the hustle and bustle of Main Street. Charm fills the sidewalks and storefronts, along with the special kind of warmth only a small town can provide. Winter is a magical time in Red River.

The million-acre Carson National Forest, the trails and slopes, boutique shops, and restaurants greet visitors in matching winter whites. Colorful holiday lights are strung from buildings to treetops. The air is scrubbed clean with pine. Some alpine towns get sleepy during winter months, but not Red River. This destination wakes up with weekend after weekend of holiday events and family-friendly activities.

The town of Red River was recently voted “Best Ski Town” by USA Today. Red River Ski & Summer Area can claim a mountain-sized portion of the credit. Snowmaking machines cover 85 percent of the runs, virtually guaranteeing daily snow coverage and open slopes throughout the season. Skiers and snowboarders enjoy 209 skiable acres, 64 trails, seven lifts, 214” of annual snowfall, and minimal lift lines.

Also, there is terrain for all levels: beginner, intermediate, and expert. Replenish calories at the mid-mountain lodge, or hit the Grill at the Lift House, the town’s most popular spot for Après ski. It is a raucous place to cheer the last runs of the day. The season’s biggest news, however, is the opening of the new three-seat Copper Chairlift that replaces the old two-seater from 1993. Now, people can get up the mountain almost as fast as they can get down it. There’s also inner tubing for the inner child in everyone. Rentals are available on Main Street; experts will equip you for a full day on the slopes.

Exploration of Red River’s surrounding beauty is highly encouraged. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are popular activities that transport you through peaceful, white-frosted forests and to spectacular scenic overlooks. Tours are smart ways to travel around the backcountry. Guides know the local trail systems. They can point out cool things to see, such as abandoned mines and old loggers’ cabins, and come in awfully handy for group photos.

Adventure can be found in town, too. A relaxing walk along the Red River—which flows next to two towns—is a beautiful way to disconnect and puts you within a short walk of Main Street’s many offerings. Most of the businesses are locally owned and can’t be found anywhere else except Red River. Often, the chef, cashier or server who helps you is also the owner of the business.

As you meander about Main Street, friendliness shines through as brightly as the holiday-lighted trees. Red River hosts many winter events and activities. Torchlight Parade & Fireworks is a weekly occurrence where visitors and locals ski with red torches in hand, and fireworks decorate the night sky behind them. There are open mic nights, holiday and New Year events, amateur slalom, ski and frozen turkey races. Winter is a season-long adventure and gives the holidays a warm glow that can be felt in the hearts and the smiles of all who participate.

The town of Red River is a low-key, family-friendly getaway, a charming mountain town with less attitude and more eagerness to please. Winter is an especially wonderful time to visit and is packed with holiday events and winter activities. Lodging is within a snowball’s throw of Main Street and Mother Nature. Mule deer and Santa sightings are common. Local restaurants and breweries serve up hot meals, hearty laughs, and fiery fire pits. Red River feels cozy even on the coldest winter nights and creates warm holiday memories for all who pass through.

Don’t wait to visit—your winter wonderland awaits in Red River.

Visit redriver.org to plan your trip.