5 Reasons to Road Trip Santa Fe this Winter

The winter season can bring a longing to pack your bags and hit the open road for a much-needed vacation. New Mexico, for decades, has been known as the Land of Enchantment. The city of Santa Fe is the living embodiment of that now-famous slogan. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Santa Fe is a hub for both avid and beginner skiers. The mountains also provide the perfect place to hike and take in the breathtaking nature of New Mexico. If skiing or hiking isn’t your thing, the town of Santa Fe has you covered with one of a kind charm and amenities. Home to the best museums, restaurants, and shopping, you will never have a lack of things to do in Santa Fe this winter season. To help you breakdown what Santa Fe has to offer before you plan your trip, we have put together a list of our favorite things to do.

1. Hit the Slopes for Some Skiing

Skiing is the biggest attraction that brings tens of thousands of visitors to Santa Fe every winter. Ski Santa Fe is home to one of the most impressive ski ranges in the United States and is just a thirty-minute drive from downtown. However, the road to the lodge can be quite intimidating for drivers, so we recommend you take the shuttle that runs from downtown to the lodge. The shuttle will run you $5, but you will be given a $5 coupon that you may use for any non-alcohol purchase once you are at the lodge. When you arrive at the lodge, you will be overwhelmed with the number of options Ski Santa Fe has to offer. Comprised of over eighty ski trails, all of them ranging in difficulty from blue to black. Ski Santa Fe provides a non-stop thrill ride for skiers of all levels.

If you plan ahead, you will be able to get a rate of $60 a day per person for ski lift privileges. Paying at the door will cost you a little more with a total cost of $80 a day. The lift provided will be able to take you to most of the over eighty ski trails within five minutes.

2. Take a Hike

Just because its winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a hike while looking at all the breathtaking wildlife New Mexico has to offer. The surrounding area of Santa Fe boasts over ten nature trails for you to enjoy. If you are an avid hiker, we would recommend the Dale Ball Trail or Black Canyon Trail.

Your family doesn’t always have to slow you down. Both the Nature Conservancy Loop and Aspen Vista at the Ski Basin offer a more family-friendly hiking experience.

We can’t in good conscious make hiking suggestions without including some options for the four-legged fluff balls in your life. If you are bringing your pets, you should take them to either the Atalaya Trail or the Arroyo Open Trail.

3. Shopping at its Best

For some of you, nature is not your cup of tea, and that’s okay. The town of Santa Fe offers a lot of stuff to do in the comfort of central heating. One of these activities is shopping. Hey, maybe you could buy an interesting looking rock and tell your friends and family you found it on a hike; we won't judge. While walking the streets of Santa Fe, you will have the opportunity to explore unique shops that offer everything from art, to clothing, to furniture.

However, one thing that makes Santa Fe unique compared to other towns is the shopping you will do outside the historic Palace of the Governors. The sidewalks that surround the Palace of the Governors is covered by an awning where local Native Americans gather to sell homemade items. This experience provides a more personal touch to the things that you buy when compared to a brick and mortar store.

4. Good Food and Lively Restaurants

One thing that we all do on vacation is eat, and Santa Fe is prepared to satisfy any hungry visitor. You can’t travel to New Mexico without experiencing authentic Mexican food. The Shed, located right off the main square in Santa Fe, provides authentic Mexican food while adding their own unique and quirky qualities. As you sit at your table, waiting for the famous enchiladas, you will be provided with an unlimited supply of garlic bread. Let that sink in, free unlimited garlic bread. During the winter months, it can be hard to get a table at The Shed, but don’t you worry the roaring fire at the front of the restaurant will provide warmth for you and your party.

5. Learn at a Museum

If you are looking for some affordable options for your time in Santa Fe, a museum will never disappoint. From history, art, and even bug museums, you will always find something that will leave you mesmerized.

One thing you can say about Santa Fe is it embraces the past. The New Mexico History Museum, located at the historic Palace of the Governors, allows you to take a journey into the rich history of New Mexico.

For the art lovers out there, you can’t go wrong with the famous Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Santa Fe has been blessed with a massive collection of art from Georgia O’Keeffe, and they allow you to be immersed in the breathtaking abstract and modernist art.

If you were every curious about all the insects that live in your house, and let’s face it who isn’t, the Harrell House Bug Museum is perfect for you. This museum features over one thousand insects and bugs for your perusal.




The winter season is the perfect time to stretch your legs and hit the open road. During your travels, we recommend that you make a stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico. From activities like skiing, hiking, shopping, and museums, no matter what you're looking for, you will love Santa Fe.