You can’t beat a Ruidoso winter vacation. From downhill excitement at Ski Apache and the tubing runs of Ruidoso Winter Park to horse-drawn sleigh rides through Upper Canyon, Ruidoso delivers.

Photo courtesy of Discover Ruidoso

Ruidoso Cabins Will Make You Want to Hibernate

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? Find the Ruidoso cabin, vacation rental, or condo right for you.

Photo courtesy of Discover Ruidoso

Ruidoso Winter Park: A Winter Family Favorite

Zoom down snow tube runs 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.

Can’t-Miss Holiday Happenings in Ruidoso

Ruidoso is an incredible place year-round, but there’s something extra special about the village during the holiday season. From holiday parades and Christmas shows to winter sleigh rides and spectacular lights, Ruidoso shines at holiday time. Gather your family and friends and come together for fun-filled holidays. Don’t miss the beautifully lit and fantastically festive, Festival of Lights Parade and After Party.

Photo courtesy of Discover Ruidoso

Winter Sleigh Rides in Upper Canyon

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.

Photo courtesy of Discover Ruidoso

See the Holiday Lights in Ruidoso

As winter kicks off in Ruidoso, the village fills with holiday lights after dark: from the holiday displays in Midtown and Upper Canyon. Pile everyone into the car and experience the Ruidoso Christmas Light Driving Tour on the Ruidoso App.

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 rings 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.

Photo courtesy of Discover Ruidoso

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2023.

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.

Photo courtesy of Discover Ruidoso

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.

Gear Up for Winter in Ruidoso

Get active 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. Find everything you need for your Ruidoso winter vacation.

Photo courtesy of Discover Ruidoso

Ring In the New Year in Ruidoso

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 with options for every budget. Celebrate the arrival of 2024 in Ruidoso.

Photo courtesy of Discover Ruidoso

An Easier Way to Book an Epic Ruidoso Trip

Now that travel is almost back to normal, it’s time to make up for lost trips. If you’re trying to plan a winter Ruidoso vacation, the new Ruidoso Lodging Directory helps you to search, compare, read reviews, check availability, and book Ruidoso hotels, cabins, vacation rentals, and campsites. Get started today.