Take This Fall Foliage Chairlift Ride In New Mexico For An Unforgettable Autumn Adventure
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Brandie Erisman
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‘Tis the season to see the leaves! There are plenty of fall foliage road trips out there, but for a change, ride among the trees and get magnificent views of the leaves from above. To see this unique view, drive up to the Santa Fe ski basin and ride their Chief Quad chairlift. If the ride scenic ride through the aspens and pines isn’t enough catch some of the other autumn activities on the mountain too.
Ski Santa Fe is running their fall foliage chairlift during weekends in September and during Balloon Fiesta week, in October. Take the chair on a round-trip ride ($15), or disembark at the top, experience the trees up close, then hike back down. A one-way trip, either up or down, is $10. The ride is free for kids under 46-inches tall and for seniors 72 years and older.
The Chief Quad chair will run (assuming the weather is good) from 10 am to 3 pm, with the last ride down at 3:30 pm. The trip, each way, takes about 20 minutes. It might get chilly as the chair reaches elevation, so have a jacket handy and don't forget your sunglasses.
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Play 18 holes of disc golf at one of the highest courses in the world. Tee off at the top of the mountain and play your way down. You can even play when the chairlift isn't running but you will be hiking it to the top. Make sure you have sunscreen and water!
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Fall weekends also mean live music on the mountain. Ski Santa Fe has a lineup of favorite, local musicians who will play from 11 am to 3 pm.
Enjoy the autumn sights and mellow sounds as you relax with a cold one and a light lunch from the food court. (Find a link to the event schedule below).
If you want to see the leaves at their peak, see our article on the best times to view Fall foliage in New Mexico. As for the chair ride itself, word has it that the best views are seen on the way down.
If art is your thing, visit the ski basin on September 30 for the Plein Air Festival, a day when all artists are invited to the mountain to paint and enjoy the leaves at their golden peak. The festival coincides with pre-season ski activities so plan on a day of painting, live music, and festivity.
For 2017, the scenic chair ride will be open on weekends and holidays in September. Open dates during Balloon Fiesta are October 7 through October 15. See the Ski Santa Fe website for a schedule of their Fall activities.
Who’s planning on going on this Fall ride? What other ski basin activities do you enjoy? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below.
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