RED RIVER

NEW MEXICO

HISTORY:

Red River New Mexico is nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by the southern Rocky Mountains, part of the Sangre De Christo Mountains and the Carson National Forest. 

 

Red River New Mexico established itself in 1895 as a booming mining town, know as River City, when many prospectors came in search of gold.  The town used to boast a  population of over 3000 and was complete with saloons, gambling halls and bordellos lining the streets. The mines were closed after just a few years and left Red River with just a few settlers that began to market Red River as a cool mountain summer destination.  

 

By the 1930's Red River New Mexico had reinvented itself as a summer vacation destination where visitors could come enjoy mountain scenery and relief from high temperatures.  Many tourists began building mountain cabins around the area that are still enjoyed by families today.  Several of the Red River Main Street businesses were built in the 1930's including The Bull of the Woods Saloon. 

 

It wasn't until 1959 that Red River had established the Red River Ski Area and in 1965 the Powder Puff Ski Area.  Powder Puff  was located just west of town and catered to mostly first time skier's.  It was a beginner hill with only 2 double chair lifts and three surface lift. It was sold in 1980 to the Red River Ski Area and operated as The Woodland's Ski Basin for just a few years before they brought the first time skier's and beginner lessons to the main Red River Ski Area we know today.