cross country skiing and snowshoeing in
New Mexico and Arizona

Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area in Red River, New Mexico (800-966-9381, 505-754-2374, www.enchantedforestxc.com) offers 33 km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing and 15 km for snowshoeing. For a full page of info click Enchanted Forest. Enchanted Forest is known for the entertaining events it schedules and the great scenic views in its 600 acres of ancient forests, aspen groves and sweeping meadows.There are xc ski equipment rentals and lessons available at the center and more equipment selection at Millers Crossing (the area proprietors' retail store) in the town of Red River. Lodging and services are in the town, which is a step back to the Old West in the Sangre de Christo Mountains. Enchanted Forest has a warming hut day lodge for a snack and two new shelters on the trails. CCSAA member

Nordic Village in Flagstaff, Arizona (928-220-0550, www.FlagstaffNordicCenter.com) has 40 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing and dedicated snowshoe trails. There are telemark areas in the quaking aspens and pine tree. On the way from Phoenix and Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon sits the Nordic Village in the Coconino National Forest at 8,200 foot elevation. XC ski and snowshoe equipment rentals and lessons are available. There's lodging in cabins, yurts and at the Eco-Hideaway Cabin, which is a 3-hour tour to an eco-friendly off grid facility. Located 16 miles northwest of downtown Flagstaff on Hwy 180 mile marker 232. CCSAA member

The Valles Caldera National Preserve west of Los Alamos, New Mexico was created by the U.S. government in 2000 to protect the historic Baca Ranch in the Jemez Mountains. There are 35 km of tracked trail for xc skiers and flat track for snowshoers. The base elevation is at 8,500 feet and there are more than 7,000 open and wooded acres with old growth Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. The trails are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and Monday holidays.