Other activities

The added activities in the Ruidoso area make this far more than simply a ski vacation. Ruidoso has Western history, a fine museum, an extraordinary center for the performing arts and plenty of special events.

The Hubbard Museum of the American West (378-4142) encompasses the Museum of the Horse with horse art and thousands of artifacts from old carriages to wagons.

Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts (336-0010; 888-818-7872; photo above) is stunning, rising dramatically from the plain. Examples of the ambitious world-class programs are singer Jack Jones, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, and the Russian Ballet.

In nearby Capitan, visit the Smokey Bear Historical State Park, where you'll see a display about forest fire prevention and pay a visit to Smokey Bear's grave. The entire region is dotted with sites linked with Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett.