Fees apply for the annual event, in addition to a regular trail fee. Ski Rio Forty-eight miles north of Taos, Ski Rio also maintains a variety of Nordic trails. Pass Most of the ski terrain in the mountainous north central region is unmaintained Forest Service land. Some trails are marked, but many others merely follow gravel roadbeds. Some of the best wilderness skiing lies in the spacious meadows along Cumbres Pass north of Chama.
Skiers can follow marked trails or blaze their own routes through the hilly landscape.
Two operators maintain overnight yurts for rent. Day weekend, skiers participate in the Chama Chile Classic, New Mexico's largest citizen's 5k or 10k ski race. The Jemez Mountains offer a network of gently rolling Forest Service roads and trails. This popular, heavily used area ensures that tracks are blazed, even though none are maintained. Skiers are usually out early.