New Mexico has a huge range of outdoor activity, due to having six of the earth's seven climatic zones and mountain ranges that tower over its high desert plains. To the north, 13,000 foot peaks covered in aspen and coniferous forests are covered in powdery snow, offering some of the finest ski conditions in
... more the West. Taos Ski Valley has 110 runs, half of which are designated expert, and it remains a purist place only for alpine skiers. For snowboarding and skiing, try the Red River Ski Area, with over 290 acres and an average annual snowfall of 252 inches. In the nearby Enchanted Forest, there are 35 kilometers of groomed trails for Nordic skiing. From this Alpine Zone down to the southern Lower Sonoran Zone, there's a great variety of game: deer, elk, quail, pheasants, waterfowl, pronghorn and javelina, just to name a few. Fishing is a year-round affair for most of New Mexico's waters, excellent for panfish, trout, northern pike and walleye, and incredibly, there's also ice fishing up north! With 310 days of sunshine a year, New Mexico is a paradise for golf lovers. There's year-round golf available amongst the mountains, forests and deserts. This desert country will continue to surprise with its 30 major lakes and 10 major rivers, with rafters daring the Rio Grande west of Taos or opting for the Rio Chama for a calmer ride.
