#redrivernm

[madhumandesigns]

Took a 16 mile hike with my mom yesterday to #horseshoelake. Such a great day with her! #redrivernm #nmtrue (at Horseshoe Lake)

[redrivernewmexico]

Red River’s Annual Pond Skim Returns for 2026 Season Send-Off

Red River, New Mexico – The days are getting longer, the temperatures are creeping up, and the slush is starting to build. This only means one thing: it’s time to say goodbye to another winter.

What better way to send off the ski and snowboard season than the annual Red River Pond Skim? It’s a classic mountain pastime, where skill meets hilarity and a cold plunge into an icy pool is always just a slight edge-catch away.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 pond skim event, from the history of the sport to this year’s schedule.

📅 When and Where

Mark your calendar for the main event!

Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026

Time: 3:30 PM (Event Start)

Location: The Lift House Patio

🏖️ Event Details: Watch the Action and Join the Party

The legendary Lift House Patio is, without a doubt, the place to be. With the pond constructed right at the base of the mountain and perfect sightlines from the deck, it offers the ultimate viewing party atmosphere.

Spectators are encouraged to head to The Lift House to grab a spot, a cold drink, and enjoy the show. Watch as participants don their wildest costumes and push the limits of physics as they speed toward a massive (and icy) custom-built pond skim track.

The event will kick off at 3:30 PM sharp, celebrating the close of another wonderful winter in Red River. Make sure to stick around after the skim for a post-season celebration with friends, old and new.

👉 To register for the competition or learn more, visit the event page at: https://heyor.ca/9VLWMr

🕰️ From Practical Origins to Pure Fun: A History of the Pond Skim

The pond skim is a global phenomenon today, but it hasn’t always been just about wacky costumes and splashdowns.

Historians believe the event has its roots in early-season pragmatism, perhaps with original ski patrol teams. In the early days of resort skiing, during the springtime thaw, patrollers and mountain staff needed to find ways to cross meltwater streams and slush pools that began to form. Over time, these necessary maneuvers became challenges of skill and bravado, eventually morphing into a public competition for pure entertainment.

Today, pond skims are a symbol of spring skiing across North America, serving as the quintessential end-of-season ritual. They represent the joyful, community-driven spirit of mountain life—a chance to have one last laugh together before trading skis for fishing poles.

[redrivernewmexico]

Race the Face 2026

🏔️ Race the Face – January 17, 2026

❄️ Red River, New Mexico • 4:00 PM

Get ready for one of Red River’s most intense winter competitions — Race the Face returns on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 at 4PM. This adrenaline‑charged event pits snowmobiles and snow bikes against the steep climb of The Face, with racers battling the clock for the fastest ascent and a shot at cash payouts.

This is pure horsepower, skill, and mountain grit — Red River style. 🔥❄️

🏁 Event Overview

Race the Face is a timed uphill race, with each rider completing two runs. The best time counts toward final standings and cash prizes.

🚀 Snowmobiles & Timbersled snow bikes

⏱️ Timed single‑machine format

🏆 Cash payouts based on class size

🏔️ A steep, iconic climb up The Face

📜 Official Rules

To keep the competition fair and fast, all racers must follow these guidelines:

🛑 One machine on course at a time (no side‑by‑side racing)

🏷️ One class per machine — no double‑classing

👤 One rider per machine — no shared machines

🏍️ One rider per class — riders cannot compete on multiple machines

⬆️ Machines may class up (e.g., Stock → Open), but not down

🪖 Helmets required for all riders

🏎️ Race Classes

Each class is defined by machine specifications and allowed modifications:

🔧 Stock

No turbo from factory

No modifications except aftermarket muffler

⚡ Boost

Factory or aftermarket turbo

No other modifications except aftermarket muffler

🔩 Modified

Any exhaust, intake, or engine modifications

Turbo allowed

❌ No nitrous

🔥 Open

Any modifications allowed

Nitrous permitted

🏍️ Timbersled Snow Bike

Dedicated class for snow bike competitors

📝 Registration

🎟️ First come, first served

🚨 Maximum: 40 machines

💵 Entry fee: $50 per rider/machine

🖥️ Online registration closes: Friday, Jan 16 at 11:59 PM

🏢 Day‑of registration (if space allows):

Guest Services, Main Chalet

7:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Payment due at registration (no checks)

Each rider/machine/class combination requires its own registration.

🚚 Staging Information

🕑 Staging begins: 2:00 PM, Saturday, Jan 18

📍 Location: Near the Copper Chair at the end of Independence Trail

🛻 Unload machines by: 3:30 PM

🚫 Machines may only be moved with staff approval

🧭 Machines will be escorted to The Face in race order

🔍 Machines are subject to class‑compliance inspection

💰 Payout Structure

All payouts are issued by Red River Ski & Summer Area.

If a class has 5 or fewer machines:

🥇 100% of class pot → 1st place

If a class has 6–9 machines:

🥇 80% → 1st place

🥈 20% → 2nd place

If a class has 10+ machines:

🥇 70% → 1st place

🥈 20% → 2nd place

🥉 10% → 3rd place

❄️ Be Part of the Action

Whether you’re racing for glory or cheering from the base, Race the Face 2026 delivers high‑octane excitement and a true Red River winter experience.

🏔️ See you at The Face.

[redrivernewmexico]

🎆 Red River NM Rings In 2026 🎆 ❄️ Fresh Snow And Bright Winter Energy 🎿 Slopes Alive With Adventure 🎶 Music, Bonfires, And Local Community Spirit 🌄 Sunsets And Stargazing Over The Valley 🏡 A Town That Welcomes Every Season With Heart

✨ Wild Heart, Red River Start ✨

[redrivernewmexico]

As the snow settles on our mountains and the lights glow across our little town, may the peace of Christ fill your homes, your hearts, and your holidays. Red River shines brightest when we come together, celebrating faith, community, and the beauty God has placed all around us. May the Star of Bethlehem guide your steps, may the warmth of this season lift your spirit, and may the love of Jesus be the greatest gift you receive this year. Wishing you a blessed, joyful, and truly magical Christmas from our Red River community to yours. Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to all. 

[dreamketchers]

We enjoyed our time exploring Red River New Mexico. We stayed 3 nights at 4K Ranch RV and 4 nights at Junebug Campground in the National Forest. So much fun riding the trails, playing in town and meeting new friends. . #redrivernm #4kredriver #junebugcampground #campgrounds  #outdoorlife #fulltimerv  #redriver #homeiswhereyouparkit#landscapes #greatoutdoors #enchantedcircle #outdoorphotography #landofenchantment #travelnm #nmtrue #purenm #newmexicotrue (at Red River, New Mexico) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRwdmXih6NX/?utm_medium=tumblr

[dreamketchers]

Another day, another bumpy forest road and beautiful lake destination. This is Cabresto Lake #cabrestolake . #carsonnationalforest #redrivernm #landofenchantment #travelnm #nmtrue #newmexicotrue #lake #mountains #dirteveryday #wheretoride #jeepandrvlife #trailsoffroad (at Cabresto Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRrpB8HBbe1/?utm_medium=tumblr

[dreamketchers]

View this post on Instagram

The only challenge on this trail is passing ongoing traffic. The river is currentlyabout 24 inches deep on the east side. That's my trail cam hiegt and it submerged at the end. Goose Lake is very cool to hang out around for lunch and a hike. . . #gooselaketrail #redrivernm #rivercrossung #jeep #wrangler #rubicon #jeeplife #offroad #4x4 #overlanding #whertoride #trailpics #trailsoffroad (at Goose Lake Trail) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRhmB24nlIK/?utm_medium=tumblr