Get a natural high on New Mexico’s peaks - Boston Globe Online

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RED RIVER SKI AREA

, 36 miles from Taos, is all about lifestyle. The 290-acre ski area climbs a steep green hill behind the town of Red River, population 400, doubled in summer by vacationers there to fish, ride horseback, and hike. When the snow flies and folks show up to ski, the preferred après-ski wear leans more toward cowboy boots than designer fashions.

Explored by trappers in the early 1800s and settled by miners in the 1860s, the town is tucked into a small valley, with the resort’s fixed-grip chairlifts - two triples and four doubles - climbing to the 10,353-foot summit on two long lifts that conveniently load right in town. Or you can park at the Ski Chalet base area and ride up from there.

Most of the front-slope trails are rated for intermediates. The expert runs - Cat Skinner, Chicken Run, and a couple of other challengers - drop off the front. The beginners get all the luck, with the bunny slopes on the back of the top, great views, and the easiest trail back to the base, Cowpoke Cruise. Red River has a Summit Café, ski school, rentals, and child care.

Half the fun is eating in town, where you’re sure to find fiery-hot peppers on the menu. Nibble them without blinking and your welcome rating rises significantly. Chew and swallow and they’ll think you’re a native.