Ruidoso, New Mexico, is located in the southern part of the state, about 120 miles north of El Paso, Texas. Ruidoso is a resort community of approximately 8,000 people that can grow to over 30,000 during the winter peak of our ski season and in the summer for horse racing. When the snow falls, thousands head to the slopes at Ski Apache, owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Nation. In the summer, the focus is on Ruidoso Downs Race Track, home to the richest Quarter Horse event in the world!

If you don’t like skiing or horse racing, you may want to consider a stay in Ruidoso during our “off season”. There are some standout values ​​from the last week of March through mid-May or from the last week of September through Thanksgiving. Area guests have special offers during these periods and low-cost accommodations abound in Ruidoso. Local restaurants, galleries and attractions are less crowded and you can enjoy the “Mountain Cool” of the area.

Notorious Wild West outlaw Billy The Kid hung out in Lincoln County and there are plenty of museums and exhibits depicting the era. Smokey Bear Park in Capitan is perfect for the young and the young at heart. Particularly emotional, Smokey’s final resting place is on the park grounds. Did you know that old man Smokey is the only celebrity with his own zip code in the US? Several staff members respond to thousands of letters each year as the Wild Fire Safety message continues.

Ruidoso is truly a community of artists. Almost everyone, the guy at the convenience store, the waitress, or the people next door are aspiring artists. Ruidoso is full of galleries containing every imaginable form of expression. At the very least plan on one of the rather unique carved bears…a Ruidoso signature!

Three casinos add the element of luck throughout the year. Billy the Kid casino and two Mescalero Apache casinos will give you a great chance to try your luck in the hunt for the elusive “jackpot”.

If you like the excitement of a bustling resort community, come in season! Ski Apache, at 12,000 feet, has the highest lift capacity in the state. More skiing… less waiting! Horse season has its own magic…with summer residents from all over the country. Naturally, Ruidoso lodging books solidly for many prime weekends. Due to the laws of supply and demand, room rates increase during “high season.” During many periods, Ruidoso is fully occupied, with many quite content to stay in adjacent communities up to an hour away.

One of the cheapest accommodation alternatives are vacation rentals in the area. Private landlords put their cabins, condos, and houses on the rental market when they are not occupied. The units offer amenities not available in commercial accommodations…private hot tubs and pool tables are just beginning to scratch the surface. Due to the fluctuation of lodging rates, they can be an economical and charming alternative for your stay. The key to staying in Ruidoso is…BOOK EARLY! It is NEVER too early to plan that trip.

Ruidoso has a wide variety of accommodations. The big chains are here…Motel 6, Hawthorn Suites, Comfort Inn and many more. Having traveled more than a few times on business, I’ve seen enough of the chain formula. It’s clean, comfortable and predictable, but that’s what they want! For my money, locally owned and operated hotels, cabins and lodges add charm and intrigue to your stay. No two are alike and each has its own brand of amenities and ambience. Let’s meet some of Ruidoso’s best!

The Village Lodge in an all-suite facility. The entire hostel is non-smoking with one and two bedroom suites. Each suite has a kitchenette and fireplace with a shared hot tub and picnic area on the grounds. The Village Lodge is owned and operated by Charles and Jane who have a flair for making each and every stay an enjoyable one. The hostel is located at 1000 Mechem (Hwy 48) in Ruidoso.

Farther north on Highway 48 is the Casa del Cocinero Bed and Breakfast. Translated from Spanish it would be “House of the Chef”. The inn is run by Hal, who happens to be quite the chef and one of the most accommodating men I’ve ever met. Breakfast is the event, but other amenities, like an in-room Jacuzzi, make Casa del Cocinero one of the most rewarding “finds” in the area.

The Sitzmark Chalet is a touch of old world Europe in the heart of the New Mexico mountains. Your hosts, Todd and Lori, run a small but extremely comfortable hotel. Located near the heart of Ruidoso on Sudderth Drive, the Sitzmark has reasonably priced rooms, a hot tub, and a picnic area. Stop and say Hello! Todd and Lori will be bringing a generous dose of hospitality to the area.

Located in the heart of Ruidoso is the West Winds Lodge. Bob and Kristine will welcome you to a warm and welcoming getaway with a hot tub and indoor pool. The hostel is just a short walk from the restaurants, galleries, and shops that dot downtown Ruidoso. A walk through the porticos of West Winds Lodge will create memories to last a lifetime.

We have barely scratched the surface in planning your visit to Ruidoso. For more information on vacations in Ruidoso, visit the official Ruidoso tourism website http://www.goruidoso.com