Red River, N.M. Essentials

Vital Stats 257 skiable acres; 58 trails; 1,600 vertical feet; 8,750-foot base elevation; 218 annual inches and 87 percent snowmaking; four double chairs, two triple chairs, one surface tow.

Ticket Prices Adult $44; teen $39; junior/senior $30

Java Joints Get your morning fix at The Black Crow Coffee House on Main Street.

Dining Texas Reds Steakhouse (505-754-2922) for regional décor and incredible beef; Brett's Homestead Steakhouse (505-754-6136) for superb seafood and lamb; the Sundance Restaurant (505-754-2971) for excellent Mexican fare.

Lodging Step out of your room at the Riverside Lodge ($64-$85, 800-432-9999) and choose your pleasure: casting for trout in the Red River, soaking in a hot tub or loading the Copper Chair to the Red River Ski Area summit. Next door, try the Copper King Lodge ($63-$144, 800-727-6210), which also sits at the base of the Copper Chair and offers fireplaces, kitchens, a hot tub and a short walk to town.

Après-Ski For local color, try the Bull o' the Woods Saloon (505-754-2593). For adventure, ride a snowmobile to the summit of Greenie Peak with Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures (505-754-2769), or nordic ski or snowshoe at the Enchanted Forest XC area (505-754-2374) on Bobcat Pass.

Locals' Tip Pick up gifts at the Jewelry Lady on Main Street (505-754-2300).

Getting There The majority of skiers drive the 282 miles from Amarillo, Texas, or the 519 from Oklahoma City. Albuquerque, 162 miles away, is served by United, Delta, America West and Frontier airlines.

Contact Red River Ski Area, 800-331-7669 or 505-754-2223, redriverskiarea.com; for lodging and information on activities in the area, log on to skiredriver.com.