Originally published January 10, 2020. Updated September 2026 with a summary, next steps and answers to common questions.
New Mexico is a great place to live year-round, especially if you love getting outside and exploring. Even though the weather might be cold, there are so many fun things to do with your family this winter. We’ve collected are three favorite outdoor adventures to share here so that you and your family can get out there and #claimyourweekend!
- Ski School. Ski Santa Fe offers great lessons for kids ages 4 to 11. Just a little more than an hour’s drive from Albuquerque, a day spent on the slopes in Santa Fe is one of the best ways to stay active during the winter – and make memories with your kids, too! Chipmunk Corner at Ski Santa Fe offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids to help them learn the basics and gain confidence on the mountain. If you reserve a whole day, your child will get a lesson, rentals, lunch, and access to the kids-only slope and conveyor lift.
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- If you’re looking for something other than skiing or snowboarding, New Mexico is filled with tons of great trails for snowshoeing. You can rent snowshoes at local shops or you can purchase them (they’re less than you might think). Snowshoeing is pretty easy to get the hang of, so you can take your whole family on an adventure. Some of our favorite spots include Sandia Peak (now with the new restaurant on top you can hike from the Peak parking lot to Ten 3 for a snack or drink and then hike back), Valles Caldera (check conditions to make sure there’s enough powder), and Wheeler Peak (this is more of an advanced hike so it’s best to do with older children if you’re taking the whole family).
- Animal Watching. The cold doesn’t stop New Mexico’s animals from being active. In fact, the winter is the best time to spot some of our coolest critters. Head to Bosque del Apache for some of the country’s best birdwatching or take a stroll through the Rio Grande bosque to spot porcupines in the trees. Albuquerque’s foothills also have some great places to spot families of deer, so taking a hike near the base of the Tram, along the paths at Elena Gallegos, or one of the many routes at the Michael Emery trailhead is a great winter activity for the whole family!
What are some of your favorite things to do outdoors with the family during the winter here in New Mexico? We at Sandia Green Clean would love to hear your suggestions!