The Best of Ruidoso People’s Choice Awards polled the Ruidoso community and visitors to select the best businesses and organizations in the area. People choose from over 25 categories through online voting, including Ruidoso shops, attractions, activities, restaurants, drinks venues, and more. Voting ran from January 9, 2023, through January 31, 2023. Here are the 2023 Best of Ruidoso People’s Choice Award Winners.
Read MoreSome 377 species of birds have been observed on the refuge since 1940. The wetlands attract huge flocks of wintering cranes and geese, the refuge's most exciting features. Many other species—notably waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey—also winter in the refuge. Striking vagrants, such as groove-billed and have been found there.
Read MoreWith courses at Grindstone Lake and Ski Apache, add disc golf to your list of fun things to do in Ruidoso. Better yet, bring your own disc and it’s free fun for the whole family.
Read MoreSubmit social media photographs of your Ruidoso trip(s) for the annual #scenicsouthernNM2024 contest for weekly giveaways, as well as a final grand prize package, with multiple opportunities to win. The contest is open from February 1 - 29, 2024. Enter to win!
Read MoreRuidoso in the summertime has all the usual visitor favorites: Live horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, the lively outdoor patios at Ruidoso eateries, a vibrant live music scene, and a never-ending stream of events and festivals, and great venues to visit. Not to mention the incredible forests, river, lakes, and other natural attractions that are perfect for exploring, having fun, and getting away from it all.
Read More“Once a sleepy mountain town, Ruidoso is thriving and growing fast. Lovers of the great outdoors flock to the town to take advantage of the surrounding wilderness and hiking opportunities, while history buffs delight in the nearby Mescalero Apache Reservation’s preservation of nomadic Native American culture. A community of quaint shops and restaurants in town will keep also keep the cosmopolitan type entertained.” — Culture Trip
Read MoreEver wondered how Ruidoso got its name? Learn about its origins, meaning, and how to pronounce it like a local. Discover the history behind this scenic mountain town’s unique name and what makes it special.
Read MoreIf you are looking for a blend of festive cheer and mountain culture, then opt for a winter vacation in Ruidoso. Here are some of the best things to do in Ruidoso in winter, including where to stay, eat and how to make the most of a getaway in this special mountain town.
Read MoreThe data team at Realtor.com® names Ruidoso as one of 14 Great Ski Towns You’ve Never Heard Of (That Are Affordable for Buying a Home), where you can find the cozy sense of community and the balance of corduroy carving and mellow living for a bargain, at least relative to the area. Read the article here >>
Read MoreIn 2022, we welcomed record visitors to our friendly mountain town. From the scenic forests and lakes to our indie shops and restaurants and great places to stay, Ruidoso vacations have taken people outside, brought families closer, and reminded guests how special Ruidoso is. Along the way, Ruidoso visitors have shared their most memorable moments and memories online.; read more to discover this year’s top Ruidoso reasons to return from their perspective and in their own words.
Read MoreFrom Outerwear and layering to helmets and goggles plus skis, boots, and boards, Ruidoso ski shops have you covered.
Read MoreWhat to do on a Ruidoso ski vacation if you don’t ski or snowboard? Just off the ski slopes, there are galleries, restaurants, and easy access to multi-use trail systems.
Read More"Ruidoso, New Mexico, is one of the best-kept secrets in the Southwest. It's a small mountain town with excellent scenery and some great wildlife. Deer will even wander up to homes year-round." — BestLifeOnline.com
Read More“ In Ruidoso and on Mescalero Apache land, a new menu of recreational options entices adventurous visitors year-round.” — New Mexico Magazine
Read MoreFind the best bike shops to explore Ruidoso. Downhill, enduro, cruisers, e-bikes, kids bikes, rentals. Local. Knowledgeable. Complete Offerings. Genuine Service. Meet the bike shops you always wanted.
Read MoreTubing, OHV adventures, sleigh rides — there is so much more to a Ruidoso winter vacation than skiing. The village location is perfect for those who want to hit the slopes at Ski Apache, but with so many activities — both on and off the slopes — including cozy lodging, shopping, dining, and live music, Ruidoso is a winter family vacation everyone will love.
Read More“Ruidoso is an idyllic destination for a romantic honeymoon in the Southwest.” - VacationIdeas.com
Read More[Ruidoso] “The once sleepy mountain town has become a thriving and growing dream community for tourists and lovers of the great outdoors.” - WorldAtlas.com
Read MoreDiscover "Autumn Sounds," a playlist curated by the tourism team at Discover Ruidoso. Explore a selection of songs for the cool autumn months ahead when the days get shorter, the summer visitors return home, and a collective calm settles over Ruidoso—a playlist intended for fall listening.
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