An easy five-hour drive south of Denver is Angel Fire Resort, New Mexico. In summer, it offers the largest mountain bike resort complex in the Rocky Mountains that draws bikers from all over the world. Winter transforms Angel Fire into a full-service ski resort. Modest by Colorado standards, Angel Fire Resort is down-to-earth and small-town-friendly. Bonus: Get a recipe for a delicious, spiced cookie, traditional to New Mexico, Biscochitos, courtesy of Chef Paul Voboril Angel Fire Resort’s Executive Chef.
Angel Fire Resort sprawls at the base of the chairlift to the mountain, so it makes an excellent base for on-mountain activities. The rooms are spacious and top floor units have vaulted ceilings and terrific views from terraces.
On-site amenities include indoor pool, work out facility, several chef-driven restaurants from casual to fancier. Laid back and calm, the nights here are quiet, the skies full of stars – making for a peaceful escape and a restful spot to enjoy nearby sights, including artsy Taos. A scenic 40 minute drive over a mountain pass and through a winding canyon, Taos makes for a great day trip or “next stop” from Angel Fire.
Hiking trailheads abound, with some right in the center of the town of Angel Fire, as well as the Resort. The trail I enjoyed (Oesta Vista) started right across from the entrance to Angel Fire Country Club. A nice loop trail, with some rigorous sections, it meanders through dense pine forests, aspen groves and flowery meadows with views to the surrounding valley and mountain ranges including New Mexico’s tallest peak, Wheeler Peak.
A truly unique lodging option is the 5 star Angel Fire RV Resort. For those who travel by RV, it is hard to imagine a more perfect spot to stay. Located in the flowery meadows of the valley floor, with mountain views in every direction, this is a resort campus filled with amenities like an on-site walking trail, fenced off-leash dog park and pickle ball courts. RV pads are landscaped with full hook-ups including dual power, and excellent WiFi service.
A beautiful clubhouse lodge with game room, fireplace, and lounging patio also hosts community events often catered by the excellent chef-driven food service from Angel Fire Resort. In fact, RV Resort guests are welcome to use all amenities at the main resort! Rates vary by season – it is open year ’round – and discounts are offered for longer stays. The community manager strives to create a warm, welcoming home for guests – not just a stop on the road.
For families, couples or solo adventurers, Angel Fire Resort offers a pocketbook-friendly, relaxing mountain escape with a dose of unique local culture.
To learn more about Angel Fire Resort, visit their website, here.
Angel Fire Resort Biscochitos Cookies
Recipe graciously provided by: Chef Paul Voboril Angel Fire Resort’s Executive Chef.
The cookie is served during special occasions and especially during the Christmas season. It was developed by the residents of New Mexico over the course of centuries, from the Spanish colonists of what was then known as Santa Fe de Nuevo México.
Ingredients
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 TBS baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups lard
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 tsp anise seed
2 eggs
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl, and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the lard and 1 1/2 cups sugar until smooth. Mix in the anise seed, and beat until fluffy. Stir in the eggs one at a time. Add the sifted ingredients and brandy, and stir until well blended.
On a floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/2 or 1/4 inch thickness, and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. The traditional is fleur-de-lis. Place cookies onto baking sheets. Mix together the 1/4 cup of sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the tops of the cookies.
Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
Comments are closed.