ROAD TO TAOS: Day 3 Red River Exposed by Red Man

Leaving Angelfire, the skies were clear, the air was crisp and the stoke was at an all-time high. New Mexico is living up to my expectations as a little known snowboard paradise. If you are looking to get away, avoid the crowds and hit good snow while meeting genuinely good people, then The Land Of Enchantment is most certainly for you.

The drive to Red River Ski Resort was about 45 minutes, and one of the more spectacular drives I have encountered. Rolling hills end at the horizon where sharp blue skies take the helm, lending a more than pleasurable experience to spectators. The land is surprisingly undeveloped, which gives me a sense of enjoyment in this land of over-consumption.

We arrived at Red River and met up with our guide Lauren. Lauren is the PR Manager for Red River, and the resort is owned and operated by her entire family, so she knew all the good spots to take us. The resort is best described as “quaint,” and reminded me very much of the small, local ski hills that I grew up riding back home in New Hampshire. I took an immediate liking to this place upon arrival, maybe based upon that one sole fact. There is no “scene” here; no kids sagging around the hill with fancy sticker jobs and lazy style. Though it’s a mountain marketed towards families who mainly ski, I saw my fair share of shreds, and they seemed to be far removed from the media, trends and fashion that seems to have consumed, and in my personal opinion, corrupted snowboarding.

We toured he hill and saw what the mountain had to offer. Some steeps, tree runs, fun groomers, bumps, rollers and trees to do with what you please. It was simply a day of riding. No filming, no fancy photos, just cruising around and scoping the scene. Red River is the epitome of a modern-day ski town that still stays true to the stereotypes held to most resort towns in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The nickname “Dead Liver” was muttered more than a few times by our locals, as drinking is a little more than a hobby, rather bordering on a recreational activity. It was a refreshing day, and as we left, Lauren and her husband Tim, who also manages the food and beverage services at the resort, were standing arm in arm, smiling, waving and telling us to come back soon, and if I have anything to say about my upcoming winter, I most certainly will.

Tomorrow, we shred Taos. Stay tuned for all the details.

MORE LINKS:

ROAD TO TAOS DAY 2: Firecrotch goes to Angelfire, New Mexico

ROAD TO TAOS: Day 1 Ski Santa Fe Video

ROAD TO TAOS: New Mexico Explored by a Ginger