While some travelers might not associate New Mexico with the word “alpine,” Ruidoso offers a glimpse into the Sierra Blanca mountain range. Acres of mountain wilderness draw visitors to the village for outdoor activities ranging from skiing in the winter to mountain biking in the summer. Most things to do in Ruidoso are family-friendly, including hiking peaceful trails and riding horses. Excellent star-gazing opportunities and proximity to popular New Mexico attractions like White Sands National Park add extra reasons to visit.
Choosing an activity in Ruidoso will help you decide what time of year to visit. People interested in skiing will want to plan a trip during the winter months to explore more than 50 runs for every ski skill level. Hikers and mountain bikers, meanwhile, will prefer the summer months. Top annual events in Ruidoso include the All American Futurity, the richest quarter horse race in the world; a marathon in June; and the Brewdoso Beer and Wine Festival in August.
Ruidoso is located within close proximity to many acres of wilderness, so the best way to navigate the area—and its hiking trails, biking trails, and ski runs—is to get a rental car. Within the village, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are available for exploring. There are no public transit options in Ruidoso.
In addition to skiing, Ruidoso is known for its cowboy culture, and one of the best times of year to experience it is the annual All American CowboyFest in October. This event celebrates country and Western music with events like swing dancing and live music. Other attractions here include a rodeo, a petting zoo for kids, and a large display of Western art and crafts.