Explore Pajarito Mountain
Read "Blazing New Trails"
Ice Skating
www.losalamosnm.us/rec/rink/
Los Alamos Ice Rink offers public skating, lessons, skate and equipment rentals, warming hut and snack bar. Families and groups welcome. Call ahead for time/rate info.
505-662-4500
Aquatic Center
www.losalamosnm.us/rec/aquatic/
Larry Walkup Aquatic Center, a world-class swim facility.
505-662-8170
History Museum
www.losalamoshistory.org
The Los Alamos Historical Museum features exhibits in Natural History, Geology, Native American history, early homesteading, and the Manhattan Project. Free admission.
505-662-4493
Science Museum
www.lanl.gov/museum/
The Bradbury Science Museum is home to many science exhibits related to LANL’s involvement in atomic, space, environmental, computing, genetics, and laser research. Free admission.
505-667-4444
Discovery Center
A place of ancient village sites, spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, and uncommon high-altitude recreational opportunities.
Just a 20-minute drive down the hill from Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, Los Alamos sits at more than 7,200 feet above sea level, spans four mesas and five canyons, and offers visitors a host of both outdoor and indoor activities throughout the winter months.
In addition to the vertical trails offered at the “Ski Hill” (as locals call it), Los Alamos offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. For family-friendly fun, the county’s outdoor ice skating rink — the state’s only refrigerated, uncovered outdoor ice rink — stays open to the public (weather permitting) November through February. Los Alamos’ Creative District provides a unique fine and performing arts experience, plus museums featuring exhibits that bring the county’s rich history — and scientific innovations spanning 60-plus years — to life.
To the east, Bandelier National Monument has ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and two perfect trails carved out for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing during daylight hours. Visitors are invited to camp overnight at Bandelier. To the west is Valles Caldera National Preserve, one of the world’s most significant “super volcanoes” that blew its top about 50,000 years ago, creating an 89,000-acre volcanic caldera that becomes a snow-covered playground for all.
Los Alamos offers something for winter vacationers of all ages. First-time visitors might want to tour with Buffalo City Tours (
home.covad.net/buffalotours/). Los Alamos is the site for the development of the world’s first atomic bombs and the history surrounding the top secret “Manhattan Project” comes to life at both the Los Alamos Historical Museum and the Bradbury Science Museum. And for the ultimate shopping experience, visit the Black Hole (
www.blackholesurplus.com) — a massive warehouse of science and defense-related stuff, mostly from the Los Alamos National Laboratory — it’s one of Los Alamos’ hidden treasures!
To learn more about Los Alamos’ winter adventure possibilities, go to
visit.losalamos.com and
www.lahighaltitudesports.com.
