Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area
Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area
Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area
5
About
Enchanted Forest is New Mexico's largest and only full service cross country ski area. We offer a full rental shop, PSIA XC ski lessons, ski patrol, and snack bar, all at our comfy day lodge and lesson area. With 32 km of ski trails, and 18 km of snowshoe trails we offer plenty of terrain for anyone to have fun. We also offer Summer and Winter on trail yurt rentals. Ski or Snowshoe in the Winter, or Hike or Mt. Bike in the Summer.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
85 reviews
Excellent
71
Very good
12
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1
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1
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0
SrgnFsh
Santa Fe, NM560 contributions
Mar 2020
I came mid-week, so there were few people and I had the place literally to myself. I have my own gear, so I can not comment on the rental equipment, but it looked well maintained, high end, and with plenty of choices. The network of trails is fantastic and, again, no people. The maintenance of the trails that I got to use was also superb. Thie is clearly the number 1 spot for cross country skiing in the state of New Mexico and well worth the drive to get to.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dani1707NM
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We were running late for our group lesson reservation. We parked at the overflow parking lot. They arrived within ten minutes, so make sure to have your stuff ready to go when they come pick you up because you won't have access to your vehicle. Alternatively, you can walk to the visitors center. It's 300 yards and might take 20 minutes. They were super friendly even though we were late.
This is not a high end resort running a tight operation. The atmosphere was much more laid-back and friendly. It seems like the site is perfect for beginners with one long easy trail and tracks laid out for beginners to ski on and gain confidence.
The instructors were GREAT and friendly and actually tried to teach you. Will be back.
The visitors center has vault toilets, rentals for skis/boots/poles and snowshoes for rent. They have a little store that sells a few winter sports products such as Croakies, wax, etc. They also have a few tables to sit and relax. They have free water, and you can purchase a few snacks and drinks such as instant ramen. Don't expect a restaurant. There are no lockers for your stuff or lunch. Just set it down somewhere.
This is not a high end resort running a tight operation. The atmosphere was much more laid-back and friendly. It seems like the site is perfect for beginners with one long easy trail and tracks laid out for beginners to ski on and gain confidence.
The instructors were GREAT and friendly and actually tried to teach you. Will be back.
The visitors center has vault toilets, rentals for skis/boots/poles and snowshoes for rent. They have a little store that sells a few winter sports products such as Croakies, wax, etc. They also have a few tables to sit and relax. They have free water, and you can purchase a few snacks and drinks such as instant ramen. Don't expect a restaurant. There are no lockers for your stuff or lunch. Just set it down somewhere.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
don_hoyler
Rochester, NY31 contributions
Mar 2023
The XC Trails at Enchanted Forest are very nice. There is a long trail around the perimeter with a variety of connector trails throughout. They are well marked and well maintained, groomed with both a single 'classic' track and 'skating' track. We also had plenty of snow.
The staff is friendly and helpful, the communication was very good, and the rental equipment was fine.
This was our first time visiting and we apparently picked the atypical "counterclockwise' direction for the outer loop trail. This led to minor confusion regarding who had the right of way in the classic tracks. Also, when there was no 2-way traffic, my wife and I would have liked to ski next to each other. I suggest laying 2 parallel classic tracks (I have seen this elsewhere).
The other area for improvement is at the base lodge. Indoor plumbing would be a very welcome addition. There was not much room for putting on boots or having lunch, although it was not crowded the day we were there and this was not a problem. The microwave was quite welcome as we brought our lunch and had to store it in an outside locker while we skied.
Bottom line - we would go again if we are in the area because the trails are so nice.
The staff is friendly and helpful, the communication was very good, and the rental equipment was fine.
This was our first time visiting and we apparently picked the atypical "counterclockwise' direction for the outer loop trail. This led to minor confusion regarding who had the right of way in the classic tracks. Also, when there was no 2-way traffic, my wife and I would have liked to ski next to each other. I suggest laying 2 parallel classic tracks (I have seen this elsewhere).
The other area for improvement is at the base lodge. Indoor plumbing would be a very welcome addition. There was not much room for putting on boots or having lunch, although it was not crowded the day we were there and this was not a problem. The microwave was quite welcome as we brought our lunch and had to store it in an outside locker while we skied.
Bottom line - we would go again if we are in the area because the trails are so nice.
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristeen G
3 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
We went March 10th, 2022. When this place says they rarely cancel for inclement weather, they mean it! We were told this day was the heaviest snow since sometime in the 80’s and it took us 2h to get to the resort from Taos. The road to turn off from the highway was so deeply covered in snow we couldn’t see it and once we found it, we slid down the hill and promptly got stuck in a snow bank. The road in snow was literally impassable without either all wheel or 4 wheel drive (snow chains won’t cut it). Luckily, once we hoofed it up to the resort, the staff kindly towed us back up to the main road and drove us back in for our lessons. It was very fun once we got there! Shane was awesome and Ellen drove us back to our car and even made sure we got back to town safely. Overall probably should have rescheduled for safety but since none of us had a crystal ball to predict how the day played out and we made it out alive, I’m glad my kids got to experience cried country skiing!
Written March 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen G
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
The rental equipment is in excellent condition and the trails we went on were well groomed. Highly recommend Shane for a group or private lesson. If you find XC skiing is not for you, (or if you already know that), they rent snowshoes and have dedicated trails. They also sell used equipment.
Written January 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sammie Z
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Couples
My partner and I had an unforgettable experience during our visit to Red River, New Mexico, starting with our exploration of the Enchanted Forest. We opted for the guided snowshoe hike and were fortunate to have Shane, affectionately known as 'Chain,' as our guide.
Shane's extensive knowledge and warm demeanor truly enhanced our adventure. His insights into the area's history and the forest's natural wonders enriched our understanding and appreciation of the surroundings. Shane's enthusiasm was infectious, making the tour one of the highlights of our trip.
Following the guided tour, we decided to rent cross-country skis and further explore the area. It was exhilarating to engage in a new activity, and Shane graciously provided us with a quick and complimentary lesson before we embarked on our adventure. His patience and encouragement were greatly appreciated, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our experience.
Shane's extensive knowledge and warm demeanor truly enhanced our adventure. His insights into the area's history and the forest's natural wonders enriched our understanding and appreciation of the surroundings. Shane's enthusiasm was infectious, making the tour one of the highlights of our trip.
Following the guided tour, we decided to rent cross-country skis and further explore the area. It was exhilarating to engage in a new activity, and Shane graciously provided us with a quick and complimentary lesson before we embarked on our adventure. His patience and encouragement were greatly appreciated, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our experience.
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy T T
Albuquerque, NM12 contributions
Jan 2021
What a beautiful area! Just outside Red River, we easily checked in and got our snow shoes. Our guide knew SO much about the history and natural biology of the area. We even saw a small herd of Elk across the ridge. The views were astounding.
We were two couples with adult young male children who took cross country ski lessons. They learned a lot and seemed to enjoy themselves.
We had a wonderful time and recommend this area to everyone!
We were two couples with adult young male children who took cross country ski lessons. They learned a lot and seemed to enjoy themselves.
We had a wonderful time and recommend this area to everyone!
Written January 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham D
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Couples
An outstanding area with great staff and am obviously dedicated corps of volunteers. Recently damaged in a severe windstorm, the area is back up and running at about 50 percent. However, the trails that were open were well groomed and maintained.
If you even think you might be interested in cross country skiing, Enchanted Forest is not to be missed. I will return without a shadow of a doubt.
If you even think you might be interested in cross country skiing, Enchanted Forest is not to be missed. I will return without a shadow of a doubt.
Written February 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spartytraveler1
12 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Found this delightful gem while in Taos,New Mexico. It is about 45 mins north of Taos, in Red River ,NM. It is located on the Carson National Forest property. This is a family run, no frills, cross country ski and snow shoe venue. Mary runs the rental part of the business. And she knows her stuff. They have quality equipment and a variety of sizes. My husband wears a size 14! No problem. The trails are groomed and they even offer dog runs where your pup can be off lead and enjoy the snow and fresh air! The “lodge” is nothing great but you are there to ski or snow shoe not drink cocoa. We had a fabulous time here. They offer a variety of events as well. We enjoyed it so much we did it two days in a row.
Written February 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amy z
2 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
This was our first (in years and years) cross country ski adventure. We got lessons and they were worth every single penny. Shane was great and everyone we met along the as well. We also enjoyed all the routes. There were all levels but we stuck to the green with a little blue. Everything was groomed, clearly marked, and quiet as can be. We can’t wait to return!
Written February 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do you book the cross country and snow show outings? We have several that can't/don't want to downhill ski in our group.
Thanks
Written January 13, 2023
Exit159
Boston, Massachusetts
We will be staying in the area for a week, will we get bored with this ski area?
Written March 30, 2016
There's a lot of activities to do in this area. You can go for snowmobile, sledging, tubing. Enchanted ski area is also big as well, and they are not expensive as well.
Written March 30, 2016
how far is it from abiquiu nm
Written December 21, 2014
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