As I sit in my snug home on this amazing snow day in December, I got to thinking about just how incredibly cool it is to live in Los Alamos. Snow days mean getting closer to the Pajarito Ski Mountain’s opening day, which has been moved up to Friday December 15. It means ice skating and sledding and all of the cool things to do and see in Los Alamos County through the winter.

With that in mind, I wanted to give you a few tips regarding winter activities you won’t want to miss!

First of all, it’s a snow day. If you haven’t discovered the amazing sledding options just off the Bayo Canyon trailhead as of yet, I encourage you to check it out!

Parking at the Bayo Canyon trailhead is tricky in the best of weather. Just past the roundabout at the end of Diamond Drive, you head up the steeper road toward North Mesa and the Stables. There is a small parking area off to the left as you go up. Very few cars can fit in there and the snow makes it trickier. Some folks opt to park on the right side of the road on the wide shoulder, but with snow that’s not as easy as it sounds! There is a park at the top of the hill on the right side with several parking areas. This is likely a safer option for parking and once you cross the street, there’s a pedestrian path that goes down to the trailhead. Once there, some of the geography of the canyon makes for a snow tube like sledding experience!

Ice Skating is ALWAYS a hit! But this year, the LA Ice Skating Rink has taken it up a notch with two amazing events.

December 23 is Skate with Santa from 3:30 to 5:00PM

From the Winterfest website: Santa always takes time during his busy holiday schedule to visit the ice rink. He is bringing his elves to greet boys and girls, and hand out candy canes! Santa and his elves will pose for pictures on and off the ice.

$2.50 for ages 5 & under
$6.50 for ages 6+
Includes skate rental and admission.

On December 24, the rink is doing it’s annual Luminaria Skate on Christmas Eve from 5-7 PM. How crazy cool is that? Get the kids and get out for a fun holiday tradition. Check out the County webpage HERE for more information.

Of course, no Holiday would be complete without a concert or two. This weekend on December 16, the Los Alamos Community Winds is presenting their holiday concert at 7 PM at the Crossroads Bible Church. Please visit their website for more information. Honestly, does anyone else love listening to live instrumental music this time of year? The especially unique thing about the LA Community Winds Holiday Concert is that they invite anyone in the community to contribute. Student groups, amateurs, professionals and all with a holiday theme of some sort. It’s an opportunity to see just how talented our community is!

Whether or not you generally attend a Christmas Eve service or not, our Ashley Pond light display is something to behold. Please get out and enjoy the beautiful lights paired with this gorgeous snow!

If you are interested in attending a Christmas Eve service, you might try the outdoor service held at Ashley Pond on December 24 from 4:45-5:30PM. Freedom Church sponsors the event complete with candles, music, and the magic of the season! Get more information at www.ChristmasinLosAlamos.com.

If you’ve got any great memories of sledding, skating, and enjoying winter in Los Alamos, leave them in the comments or post them on my Facebook Page! I’d love to hear from you! And when you’re ready to buy or sell your dream home in Los Alamos, give me a call! I’d love to chat with you!