Filed under: Family Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation & Hiking

Another Winter Family Adventure

February 10, 2013 by Diane Berry · Leave a Comment

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In my last post, I wrote about an opportunity for winter family fun, cross country skiing at the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area near Red River, NM. Another ideal outdoor family fun opportunity takes place in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado each year over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

This year, the 40^th Annual Chama Chili Ski Classic and Winter Fiesta was held from January 19th-21^st . My husband and son spend early winter preparing for the 52K American Birkebeiner Ski Race in Hayward, Wisconsin held the last Saturday of February. Ryan will be completing his 2^nd Birkie and Terry, his 32^nd in 2013.

The support crew and food wagon

As part of their training schedule every year, they like to combine regular weekend ski workouts with at least one additional ski race to achieve the optimum training effect. Therefore, it was with great delight that we learned of the Chama Chili Ski Races happening just north of Chama, NM in southern Colorado. However, it was not just a workout weekend, but a party for the entire family, skier or not.

Presented by the Rotary Club of the Chama Valley, every year the event includes a multitude of activities, designed to appeal to family members of all ages. Races this year included both Freestyle & Classic Style Races a Snowshoe Race and a Combined Ski/Snowshoe Events. New this year was that the Chili Ski Classic is part of the first ever 2013 New Mexico Cup Race Series.

The family events were as appealing as the races for the non-racers among us! They held Yurt, ski and snowshoe tours around the trail area. There was also a chili contest going on and food available at the snack wagon at the trail site which provided hot and cold foods for hungry skiers and fans. They also held a Telemark Skiing Clinic and, in the morning before each ski or snowshoe race, one of the skiers associated with the race held yoga classes for all interested parties.

Volunteers relaxing at the Finish Line

Also offered were ski waxing clinics and beginner to advanced cross country ski techniques classes. Dog sled races and workshops on dog harness training and canine ski joring were on the agenda as well. Finally, as a part of the Sunday Classic Style Ski Race, a 1970’s costume contest was held. Finally, at the end of each race day, the High Country Restaurant and Saloon in nearby Chama, merely 12 miles from the ski site, held awards ceremonies, beer tasting and live music.

Coming Next: Part 2–Racing the Chama Chili Ski Classic

Read more about New Mexico camping and things to do in New Mexico.