Winter Trip Ideas
You Can't Beat A Ruidoso Winter
Why Ruidoso in Winter?
Winter in Ruidoso isn’t just about the snow—it’s about the experience. From adrenaline-packed outdoor fun to small-town holiday charm, every moment feels like a scene from a winter postcard.
Top Winter Activities in Ruidoso
Five things to do in Ruidoso this winter.
Plan Your Trip
• Find the Perfect Winter Getaway – Explore Ruidoso’s lodging options and make yourself at home in the mountains.
• Meet the Locals – Discover the stories, flavors, and traditions that make Ruidoso special.
• Know Before You Go – Get insider tips on how to get here, where to stay, and how to get around.
Winter in Ruidoso is waiting—start planning your trip today!
Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2026 in Ruidoso with cozy mountain stays, seasonal events, romantic dining, sweet local treats, and winter adventures. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a friends’ weekend, or a spontaneous escape, Ruidoso offers an easygoing Valentine’s experience surrounded by fresh air, warm hospitality, and mountain charm.
Looking for the best place to see the stars in 2026? Escape city lights and experience the breathtaking dark skies of Ruidoso. From constellations and the Milky Way to dazzling meteor showers, this mountain getaway offers unforgettable stargazing. Plan your trip around the top 2026 meteor shower dates for the ultimate night-sky adventure.
Dust off your skates! The outdoor ice rink at Wingfield Park returns for the 2025-2026 winter season. Opening day is Saturday, November 29, 2025. A visitor Day Pass is $20, $12.00 for customers with their own skates, and a $20 season pass for Ruidoso residents. Here’s everything you need to know.
Discover New Year's Eve Events in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Whether you’re looking to ring in the New Year with a romantic evening, a night out with friends, or a celebration the whole family can enjoy, Ruidoso has you covered.
Discover the season’s best holiday events in Ruidoso. From festive parades and Christmas shows to sparkling light displays and family-friendly celebrations, the village is full of ways to enjoy the season. Explore our must-see holiday happenings and plan a magical winter getaway in the mountains.
Discover the magic of the holidays in Ruidoso, New Mexico! From sleigh rides and ice skating to twinkling lights and festive parades, this mountain village offers endless seasonal cheer. Enjoy Christmas in the Park, the Flying J Christmas Show, and the Festival of Lights Parade—plus cozy shops, scenic views, and warm welcomes all winter long.
Experience winter’s magic in Ruidoso, New Mexico — where snowy peaks, cozy cabins, and endless mountain adventures await. Ski Apache, snow tubing, scenic trails, and fireside nights make the season shine long after the holidays. Plan your perfect winter escape and discover why Ruidoso is New Mexico’s mountain wonderland.
Get ready to experience the holiday magic like never before! CC Productions proudly presents "The Christmas Classic," a heartwarming feature film Filmed in and around Ruidoso. This timeless tale of love, family, and the true spirit of Christmas is sure to become an instant holiday favorite. Learn more at IMDb. Watch now at Amazon.
Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW >>
Go tubing at Ruidoso Winter Park. There are lanes for racing your friends and a Magic Carpet conveyor belt for an uphill ride. Adrenaline junkies can descend individually, in tandem — or for the fastest and longest ride, in group clusters in a giant tube. After your chilly thrill, retreat to a warming VIP Igloo to cozy up in with a hot drink and a snack.
What's the weather like in Ruidoso? Check out the official Village of Ruidoso Tourism Webcams from strategic points overlooking Midtown and Grindstone Lake. View Ruidoso’s daily weather forecast and learn when is the best time to visit.
Snuggle in front of a fire. Build a snowman. Take a walk in the forest. Stargaze. Ruidoso embraces winter weather with plenty of no-cost activities to keep your vacation on budget.
Escape to Ruidoso's winter serenity in the Sierra Blanca mountains. Relax with peaceful strolls on snow-covered trails, breathe in crisp air, and enjoy a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride. Rejuvenate with spa treatments that soothe the spirit, and cozy up by the fire as night falls. Surrounded by stunning scenery and local charm, Ruidoso is the ideal mountain retreat for a tranquil winter getaway.
While you're in Ruidoso, check out these indie coffeehouses offering outdoor patios, welcoming interiors with cozy chairs in quiet corners, ample outlets and free WiFi, delicious pastries, baked goods and light meals—perfect for an afternoon or morning pick-me-up.
Hit the slopes, backcountry trails, or town with gear designed to take you wherever you want to go. From winter clothing, to safety gear, or extra layers Ruidoso shops have you covered. Here's where to find everything you need for your Ruidoso winter vacation.
Stay warm and comfortable during your Ruidoso winter getaway with the right gear. Layer up with insulated jackets, cozy pullovers, wool socks, and waterproof outerwear. Don’t forget hats, gloves, and boots to stay protected from snow and chilly temperatures. Get expert tips on winter packing to make the most of your trip.
Experience a magical Christmas in Ruidoso with winter adventures, festive events, and cozy mountain cabins. Hit the slopes at Ski Apache, enjoy the holiday charm of Midtown's lights and find unique gifts in local shops. Relax by the fire in a rustic cabin and explore scenic drives. From snow sports to festive dining, Ruidoso offers everything for a memorable holiday escape!
Winter in Ruidoso is a special time. Experience Ruidoso's winter magic with these recommendations for a cozy recipe, a tasty pizza spot, a scenic stroll, and a delightful movie suggestion to enjoy by a fireplace.
As winter kicks off in Ruidoso, the village fills with holiday lights after dark: from the holiday displays in Midtown and Upper Canyon to the festive glow of the Festival of Lights Parade and After Party. Pile everyone into the car to see some of the best, brightest, and most beautiful holiday light shows by Ruidoso area residents. Don't miss the fun!
Don't have a travel partner? No problem. Ruidoso is an ideal destination for travelers exploring alone. Enjoy solitary hiking, mountain biking, or paddling in summer. Ski and snowboard in winter. Ruidoso is a laid-back village with a friendly mountain town vibe, making it easy to socialize and find your way around. Visitors will find plenty of year-round solitary activities.
We’ve pulled together a list of some of Ruidoso’s favorite gift shops to help you find the perfect holiday gifts. Choose something special for yourself or someone you love. Discover friendly independent shops with unique jewelry, clothing, home decor, and skin care products, plus Southwestern turquoise, art, pottery, and New Mexico wine and spirits.
Winter is nonstop fun in Ruidoso. Hit the slopes at Ski Apache, fly down the tubing hill at Ruidoso Winter Park, walk our Midtown shopping district, and celebrate the many events we have going on all season long. Here are five winter experiences you won’t want to miss.
Wildlife and Ruidoso go hand in hand. From the quiet appearance of the majestic elk and wild horse herds that roam here to the impressive flight of the bald eagle and the entertaining antics of the bears that are frequently seen, here are some of Ruidoso's most amazing wildlife and some tips on where you can safely spot them on your next trip.
From Outerwear and layering to helmets and goggles plus skis, boots, and boards, Ruidoso ski shops have you covered.
What 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.
Tubing, 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.
Navigating Ruidoso’s winter roads? Stay safe with expert tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Learn how to prepare your vehicle, drive in snow and ice, and handle mountain roads for a smooth and stress-free winter vacation. Plan ahead and drive with confidence in Ruidoso’s snowy conditions.
From downhill excitement at Ski Apache and the tubing runs of Winter Park Recreational Area to horse-drawn sleigh rides through Upper Canyon, here are some of our most popular winter activities.
Grindstone Lake Recreation Area returns to low-season operations effective September 6, 2022. Open 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, weekend reservations are no longer required, and while the WIBIT Water Park is closed for the season, you can still kayak, paddleboard, hike, bike, horseback ride, picnic, and enjoy disc golf.
DISCOVER WHAT’S HAPPENING DURING YOUR RUIDOSO WINTER VACATION
Test your trivia skills every Thursday night at Billy the Kid Casino! Team Trivia starts at 6:00 PM inside the Cantina at Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino. Teams compete for a chance to win a share of $500 in FREE PLAY. Fun, friendly competition every week.
Thirstday Night Trivia returns Jan. 29 with Puzzle Night at Lost Hiker Brewing. Bring your team for a creative, puzzle-inspired trivia evening starting at 6:30 p.m. Outside food welcome and $10 growler fills available.
Thursday Sessions launches January 29 at the Patina Lounge, presented by the Ruidoso Sound Collective. Roscoe and the Boozehounds bring gritty, groove-driven live music with no filler and no cover. Real sound, strong drinks, and a crowd that’s there for the music. Show starts at 7:00 PM.
Spend the evening riverside at Downshift Brewing Co. with live music from Dave Millsap and KC Johns. Enjoy blues-rooted guitar, powerhouse country-rock vocals, craft beer, and laid-back mountain vibes. Music starts at 5 PM with Millsap, followed by KC Johns at 7:30 PM. One great night—don’t miss it.
KC Johns brings her high-energy country-rock sound to Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside on January 30, 2026. Expect powerhouse vocals, gritty originals, crowd-favorite covers, and engaging stage presence—paired with great craft beer and a laid-back brewery vibe.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking for a fun night out, Win, Place and Show bar promises an unforgettable experience. So grab your cowboy boots and enjoy a night of country music and dancing. Please note that this event is exclusively for those aged 21 and older.
Bring your dancin’ boots for Johnny Blaine & The Spur Band live at The Quarters Nightclub and Grill. A Texas country favorite with charting hits and honky-tonk roots, Johnny Blaine delivers a high-energy night of classic country, storytelling, and dance-floor favorites—starting at 9:00 PM and going late.
Enjoy afternoon live music at Win Place & Show Bar in Ruidoso, where talented local and regional musicians set the vibe on the outdoor patio. Relax with a drink and soak in the fresh mountain air. Cold weather? No problem! The music moves inside, so the fun never stops. Gather your friends and enjoy an afternoon of great tunes and good company!
Support All Season Adaptive Sports at the 2nd Annual Sip & See Fundraiser at the Enchanted Vine in Alto. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, dancing, and a small silent auction while helping children and adults with disabilities experience the joy of adaptive outdoor sports. 21+ only.
Velvet Keys & Woolly Winos hits The Patina Lounge on Sat., Jan. 31 with Killer Keyz Dueling Pianos, high-energy singalongs, and a wine tasting hosted by Republic National Distributing Co. Expect hand-selected pours, big laughs, and a rowdy, classy night where the music is loud, the wine flows, and anything can happen.
Here are 5 Ruidoso winter experiences you won’t want to miss
Zoom Down Snow Tube Runs at Ruidoso Winter Park
Get in touch with your inner child and go snowtubing. It’s a Ruidoso winter activity that’s fun for the whole family. There are lanes for racing your friends and a Magic Carpet conveyor belt for an uphill ride. Adrenaline junkies can descend individually, in tandem — or for the fastest and longest ride, in group clusters in a giant tube. After your chilly thrill, retreat to a warming VIP Igloo to cozy up in with a hot drink and a snack.
Stroll Midtown and Discover Great Shops and Restaurants.
From early December to mid-March, Ruidoso is like a fairyland Christmas village of lights, decorations, snow, and outdoor adventure. The jingle of sleigh bells ring out throughout Midtown and Upper Canyon where visitors can enjoy a winter sleigh ride and holiday lights sparkle in anticipation of the holiday events and New Year’s celebrations.
Celebrate the Season at These Holiday Events
Make holiday magic in Ruidoso! Gather your family and friends and come together for fun-filled holidays full of festive events. Don’t miss the beautifully lit and fantastically festive, Festival of Lights Parade and After Party.
Hit the Slopes at Ski Apache
Nestled on the northern flank of the 12,003-foot Sierra Blanca peak near Ruidoso, Ski Apache is southern New Mexico's premier ski and snowboard resort offering dozens of trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Take Advantage of the Free Winter Activities in Ruidoso
Snuggle in front of the fire. Build a snowman. Take a walk in the forest. Ruidoso embraces winter weather with plenty of no-cost activities to keep your vacation on budget.
During the winter holiday season, there are sleigh rides through the historic upper canyon with Grindstone Stables. No snow is required to enjoy a crisp winter evening and the holiday decorations of Ruidoso's oldest neighborhood.