New Mexico Sampler

New Mexico Ski Sampler Santa Fe, New Mexico / Feb. 8-15, 2009

Join our expedition to New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment! We’ll be based in Santa Fe, the nation’s oldest capital city, currently celebrating the 400th anniversary of its founding on the site of an ancient Pueblo Indian ruin. Each day will bring the opportunity to explore the less-traveled slopes of northern New Mexico’s superb ski resorts situated in the arid beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Each evening will offer glimpses of the distinctive New Mexican atmosphere which has captivated everyone from the ancient Anasazi to Georgia O’Keefe.

After a warm-up day close to home at Ski Santa Fe, we’ll enjoy two days of the steeper terrain at Taos Ski Valley where you can “hike the ridge” if the lift-accessible trails aren’t challenging enough. We’ll also travel to Angel Fire, the newest resort in the state, and a have a final outing to Pajarito, located near Los Alamos. Here we will take time after skiing for a guided tour of the Bradbury Science Museum of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, which features exhibits about the Manhattan Project as well as current research such as the Human Genome Project.

On our day off we’ll have a visit to the Museum of Indian Art and Culture, followed by free time to explore the galleries and historical sights (including the oldest public building in America—the Palace of the Governors) or enjoy the spa

services available at the hotel or elsewhere in town. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind midweek dinner at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, complete with a demonstration by a professional chef. Other highlights of the week include

hospitality hours at the Georgia O’Keeffe Café (at the Georgia O’

Keeffe Museum) and El Farol, a Spanish restaurant featuring live music and, sometimes, flamenco dancing.

Our hotel for the week is the Native American-owned Hotel Santa Fe, a 4-star urban retreat featuring regional décor, native art and cozy fireplaces. It is just a short walk from the Plaza where we can discover Santa Fe’s Spanish, Native American and western traditions.

As we say goodbye at our farewell dinner, we’ll be able to look back on a week packed with great skiing, congenial companionship, excellent food, and warm memories of our fascinating 47th state.