Each year, instead of heading to Florida for Spring Break and more barefoot waterskiing, we take a much needed break from the water and instead, head to the mountains for a few days of snow skiing.  We've been to Colorado, Utah, Canada, Lake Tahoe, Ca.  This year, we decided to visit a ski resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  It's less well known compared to the big resorts like Whistler, Tahoe, Vail, etc..., but it's a destination that's affordable and has something for everyone to enjoy.

I've traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico on business several times and have always enjoyed the culture, art, food and many festivals hosted around the area.  It's a town rich in history that dates back long before the United States was settled.  The native American Indian culture is celebrated and a big part of the Santa Fe lifestyle.  The town is home to hundreds of artists, chefs, historians, nature lovers, athletes and retired people from all over.

This year, we decided to try out Ski Santa Fe, a single ski resort nestled high in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains just 16 miles from downtown Santa Fe. With a base area elevation of 10,350 feet, Ski Santa Fe is among the highest ski areas in the continental United States.  The area around Santa Fe is desert and dry (only 80 miles south of Las Vegas, NV), so the snow is soft and the power is amazing.

We looked on the internet for places to stay and found a great deal at a resort and spa called The Bishops Lodge Inn & Resort.  The resort is about 5 miles out of town, and very close to the road that leads up the mountain to the ski resort.  When we arrived, we were blown away by the beauty of the resort.  Every room was like a mini-apartment with living area, kitchen, large bath, plenty of closet space, and an adobe style fire place.  Internet was free and they had plenty of wood on hand each night for fires.  We opted for the skier's package which included a breakfast to go each morning.  We were expecting a granola bar and water, but instead we were treated to a large hand made breakfast burrito, fruit and tall bottle of Evian water.  They also offered a free shuttle service either to the ski resort or into town. 

When we checked into the Bishops, we discovered for other activities that are very fun. The offer horse back riding year round, skeet shooting (that was unique), full service spa, yoga, heated pool, sauna, sled riding for the kids, and most important to me, a world class chef in their main restaurant.  After eating at several great places in town, we came to the conclusion that the chef at the Bishop's Inn was just as talented as any chef in Santa Fe.

While in Santa Fe, we enjoyed 3 days of amazing snow skiing, great food, shopping and learning as we toured the Santa Fe Museums. Kathryn really enjoyed the museums. I made a video of our trip which you can view below:

Our room at the Bishop's Lodge ------------->
Day 1	Day 2
Overlooking Santa Fe	Kathryn could do this all day
Kathryn meets Mark Twain	Entry Road to Bishop's Lodge
Church in downtown Santa Fe	Santa Fe Town Square
	Cowgirl's Barbeque is a very popular restaurant - GREAT FOOD!

We take a snow ski trip every year on St Patrick's day week.  If you're interested in joining us next year, send us an email and we'll be sure to let you know our plans.  Now it's back to the WATER!