Santa Fe has Snow, Farolitos and Special Package Deals for Winter Vacations

Head to Santa Fe New Mexico for the holiday season and be welcomed with hotel and spa packages crafted for travelers to experience a wealth of enticing “City Different” amenities.

With Ski Santa Fe already packed with fresh snow and opening on Thanksgiving Day with a full roster of special events including the Santa Fe Winter Indian Market, world-famous Canyon Road Farolito Walk, the first ever New Year’s Eve On The Plaza, the inaugural Santa Fe Foodie Classic in January, and much more, Santa Fe visitors can choose from many special indoor and outdoor activities to forge memories for a lifetime.

Hotel Santa Fe The Hacienda & Spa – Fa-La-La-La-Ah! Holiday Relaxation Package

Hotel Santa Fe The Hacienda & Spa is helping travelers keep the fun in the holidays and eliminate stress. Now through December 31, the hotel is offering the Fa-La-La-La-Ah! Holiday Relaxation Package, which starts at $479 and includes:

·         Two (2) nights’ accommodations

·         Continental breakfast each morning for two

·         Two (2) one-hour Cielo massages


*Rates based on double occupancy. Taxes, resort fee, beverages and gratuities not included.

Reservations: (855) 825-9876 or www.hotelsantafe.com

Inn and Spa at Loretto, A Destination Hotel – Winter Wonderland Package

This season the Inn and Spa at Loretto is offering the new Winter Wonderland package designed to enchant and inspire for an unforgettable city adventure. Rates start at $209 per night and include:

·         Overnight accommodations of guests’ choice, ranging from traditional rooms to the Penthouse Suite

·         Entry to The Loretto Chapel, home of the miraculous staircase

·         $50 food and beverage credit to be used in any of the hotel’s culinary outlets including Luminaria, The Living Room and room service

·         Complimentary sample of The Spa at Loretto’s most popular hand crafted oil: Winter.

·         Local’s List of ‘must see, must do’ Santa Fe Activities

·         Limited Edition handmade, one-of-a kind, Christmas Ornament of the Inn and Spa at Loretto

Offer valid through March 31, 2016. Not valid with any other offers and does not include the Inn’s daily service fee ($15) or valet ($21). Other restrictions may apply.

Reservations: (505) 984-7997 or www.innatloretto.com

The Lodge at Santa Fe - Up To Snow Good Package

The Lodge is perched on a hilltop overlooking downtown Santa Fe, with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains—a boutique New Mexico hotel with a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The package is valid now through March 31. Rates start at $69 per night and include:

·         Overnight accommodations

·         Storage for all ski and snowboarding gear

·         Breakfast burrito for two (2) daily

·         Shuttle service to Santa Fe Plaza

·         Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking

·          Local Treasures card – Offers an exclusive 15% discount at New Mexico's best shops, boutiques, restaurants and attractions


*Mention code SNOWGOOD to book this package

Reservations: (888)-563-4373 or www.lodgeatsantafe.com

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe – Stay Four, Ski Free Package

Participate in a ski-filled winter in New Mexico in luxury with this new package. After an exciting day on the slopes, guests can return to a luxurious casita and enjoy a crackling fire prepared by the fireplace butler. This package requires a four-night minimum stay and must be booked at least seven days in advance. Rates start at $329 per night and include:

·         Luxurious overnight accommodations in a casita

·         Two (2) adult three-day lift tickets to Ski Santa Fe

·         One $50 resort credit per room

Package is valid December 6, 2015 – March 31, 2016.

Reservations: (505) 946-5700 or www.fourseasons.com/santafe/

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa – Winter Dreaming Package

Visitors can warm up while still taking in Santa Fe’s natural beauty at Ojo Caliente, home to the world’s only hot spring with four kinds of mineral waters. Visit one of the oldest natural health resorts in the U.S. where rates start at $399 and include:

·         Overnight accommodations in a plaza, pueblo, or Cliffside suite

·         Complimentary access to the private Kiva Pool

·         Two (2) 50-minute Essence of Ojo custom massages

·         Two (2) passes to a yoga class of guests choice

·         50-minutes in a private outdoor pool with Kiva Fireplace

·         S’mores for two to enjoy at the Outdoor Fire Pit

·         Unlimited access to mud area, steam and sauna, and all mineral pools

*Based on double occupancy. Tax and gratuity additional. Subject to availability. Package valid now through February 29, 2016.

Reservations: (505) 583-2233 or www.ojospa.com

For more information on holiday offerings and hotel deals, visit www.santafe.org.

Winter Sports in Colorado: Even if you can't ski!

Dog Sledding in Colorado (courtesy: Durango Resort)

It's wintertime and everyone is going to Colorado to ski and snowboard. But if you don't ski, what can you do? Colorado is known around the world for its epic skiing and snowboarding and its 25 world-class ski resorts and areas. Yet, visitors who are looking to experience the other side of Colorado’s winter season will find countless other activities, from ice climbing and snowmobiling to snow biking and dog sledding.

Following is a sampling of the winter sports activities that can be enjoyed in Colorado. For additional information or to order a copy of the 2013 Official State Visitors Guide, visit www.colorado.com.

Snow Biking in Telluride. Home to world-class skiing and snowboarding, Telluride is one of the finest ski resorts in the world. It is also an amazing area for non-skiers looking for fun winter activities. Telluride, known for its amazing mountain biking from spring through fall, now offers snow biking in the winter for the first time. Local area outfitter BootDoctors offers Big Tire Bike Tours on Salsa Mukluk fat bikes starting this winter season, an adventure that can be tailored to various riding abilities. A stop at the Telluride Brewing Company for an après bike libation can be included as part of the half day Big Tire Bike and Brew Tour. 

Ice Climbing in Ouray. The tiny southwestern Colorado town of Ouray is known for off-roading and biking in the spring through fall seasons. However, every winter, the town attracts visitors from around the world for its amazing ice climbing at the Ouray Ice Park. In January, the ice park hosts the annual Ouray Ice Festival, the premier ice climbing festival in the U.S., which attracts skilled ice climbers and spectators from around the world. The Ouray Ice Park also offers the Kids Climbing College, a free ice climbing clinic for kids ages 8-17, hosted by San Juan Mountain Guides. All equipment is provided and is offered on a first come, first served basis. 

Snowshoeing in Vail. The posh resort of Vail is synonymous with world-class skiing. The resort, which celebrates its 50th season in 2013, offers every snow sport visitors can imagine, from skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing and snowmobiling. But the area is also home to amazing snowshoeing on groomed trails, for those who want to explore some backcountry beauty on their own. Pack some snacks and bottled water, strap on your snowshoes and you're on your way. Many area outfitters offer snowshoes and all necessary equipment to enjoy a day exploring Colorado’s back country. 

Georgetown Jeep Ice Racing. For the past 37 years, Our Gang Ice Racing has been holding jeep ice races on Georgetown Lake in the charming Victorian town of Georgetown, Colorado. On weekends in January and February, Georgetown is transformed into a racetrack for Jeeps and other four-wheel drive vehicles. Experience levels vary but there is a beginner’s class, which allows anyone with a driver’s license to participate in a race. 

Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Iconic Rocky Mountain National Park receives heavy snowfall west of the Continental Divide. But the eastern side of the park receives lighter snowfall, leaving low elevation trails (below 8,700 feet) open for hiking without the need for snowshoes. Trails range anywhere from 1.5 to three miles in length and are rated easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. Along the trails, visitors can see lakes, streams and valleys dotted with evergreens and aspens. Before each outing, check with park rangers for local snow conditions. 

Snowmobiling in Aspen. Aspen is known throughout the world as a winter ski destination where celebrities and luminaries flock for some of the best skiing in the country. And yet the region also boasts a plethora of other winter activities, including snowmobiling. Snowmobile cross is an event in the Winter X Games, which take place in Aspen every January. For non-pros, access to amazing snowmobiling is widely available from outfitters such as the Aspen Snowmobile Concierge tours, including the popular Timberline Tour. This guided tour heads through Aspen's high mountain parks and pristine forests and is suited for ages four and up. Visitors will see spectacular views of Aspen and Snowmass Mountains nestled away from the glitzy resort. All tours have free practice riding time in open meadows so guests can familiarize themselves with the equipment and terrain. Hot beverages are also served. 

Dog Sledding in Durango. Southwest Colorado is home to the popular ski resort Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort. The skiing and riding is top-notch but Durango is also home to the Durango Dog Ranch, which offers amazing dog sledding tours on groomed backcountry trails. The ranch's season runs from mid November until mid April, weather permitting. There is a guide on every sled and all participants will get a chance to drive the sled. Snacks are included.

Information courtesy: Colorado Tourism Office