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
Plan Your Trip
• Find Exclusive Winter Deals – Stay longer, play more, and save on lodging & activities.
• 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!
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.
Dust off your skates! The outdoor ice rink at Wingfield Park returns for the 2024-2025 winter season. Opening day is Friday, November 29, 2024. A visitor Day Pass is $20, with a $20 season pass for Ruidoso residents. Here’s everything you need to know.
If seeing stars, constellations, and the Milky Way in the sky is your idea of a perfect vacation, forgo the city in favor of the breathtaking grandeur of the Ruidoso nightscape. To make your stay more memorable, we have put together a list of our top recommended meteor shower dates for the year 2025.
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.
Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2024. BOOK NOW >>
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.
Light shows, holiday parades, and winter sleigh rides. Here's how Ruidoso shines at holiday time.
Experience the magic of the holidays in Ruidoso! From festive sleigh rides and ice skating to Christmas in the Park and the beloved Festival of Lights Parade, Ruidoso is filled with seasonal cheer. Stroll through twinkling Midtown shops, enjoy heartwarming performances, and create unforgettable moments with family and friends. Discover the ultimate holiday getaway in Ruidoso, where every event is a reason to celebrate!
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!
Get ready to experience the holiday magic like never before! CC Productions proudly presents "The Christmas Classic," a heartwarming feature film released on November 3, 2023. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yelp reviews answer the question: Where do locals in Ruidoso go to eat? Discover the Top 10 Ruidoso restaurants according to Yelp reviews.
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.
A Ruidoso vacation cabin can be a fairy-tale escape — a place to curl up with a good book in front of the fireplace or conquer the nearby ski hills. Ready to cozy up to your own slice of cabin bliss? Here are a few visitor favorites to help get you started.
This adrenaline-pumping, three-span zip tour begins above 11,000 feet with parallel cables so riders can ride side-by-side. It also spans over 8,900 feet in length, making it one of the longest in the world while offering a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
DISCOVER WHAT’S HAPPENING DURING YOUR RUIDOSO WINTER VACATION
Test your knowledge at Thirstday Night Trivia at Lost Hiker Brewing in Ruidoso! Join the fun from 6:30–8:00 PM at the Midtown Taproom. Bring a team or join one on the spot for a lively battle of wits. Enjoy $10 growler fills of local brews and bring your own food to snack on. Trivia runs every Thursday—don’t miss out!
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 A-game to a lively evening of fun, challenging, and quirky questions at The Cellar Uncorked! Each month, trivia buffs are invited to test their knowledge, with prizes awarded to the top three teams. It’s free to play and open to ages 21 and up. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your smarts and enjoy a great night out!
Bring your A-game to a lively evening of fun, challenging, and quirky questions at The Cellar Uncorked! Each month, trivia buffs are invited to test their knowledge, with prizes awarded to the top three teams. It’s free to play and open to ages 21 and up. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your smarts and enjoy a great night out!
Shop from a selection of artisan makers and small businesses at A Christmas Affair, November 1- 2, 2025, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and décor from talented local artists. Enjoy delicious treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun—all in a magical holiday atmosphere!
Don’t miss this one-stop shop for all your Christmas needs at the Ruidoso Convention Center on November 1 -2, 2025. Take pictures with Santa and bring home some unique Christmas gifts.
Embrace the season and join the Ruidoso Valley Greeters for a timeless and treasured tradition, the Christmas Jubilee, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Admission is only $5.00 and active military members are free. Learn more at RuidosoChristmasJubilee.com
Ruidoso’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade brings friends and family together for an evening of twinkling lights and togetherness in the winter wonderland of Ruidoso.
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.
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.