What Is the "Just Desserts" Eat & Ski Event at Enchanted Forest?
Updated
"Just Desserts" Eat & Ski is a winter event at Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area in Red River, New Mexico, that combines skiing or snowshoeing with tastings of local dessert favorites. However, as of the 2026-27 season, the ski area will not open, so the event will not be held this winter unless a new owner reopens the area.
What the Event Involves
According to the ski area's website, "Just Desserts" Eat & Ski invites visitors to "Ski or Snowshoe and indulge on local dessert favorites at the same time." In practice, that means:
- Activity: Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the area's trails
- Food: Desserts sourced from local bakers or businesses
- Format: A self-paced outing that pairs trail time with sweet stops
The event is described as a winter-season experience, which fits the area's broader identity as a year-round destination for biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing across 600 acres of Carson National Forest above Red River.
Current Status: Not Running for 2026-27
The event's availability depends entirely on whether the ski area is operating. The site states plainly:
"This season, 2026-27, the Enchanted Forest will not open."
Owners Geoff Goins and Ellen Miller Goins announced they will not operate the ski area this winter after years of grooming trails, maintaining equipment, and keeping the yurts and lodge running. The ski area remains for sale, and the site notes "real hope that a new owner will step in and reopen it, maybe even this year."
What this means for "Just Desserts":
| Question | Answer based on site information |
|---|---|
| Is the event happening in 2026-27? | No — the area is closed for the season |
| Could it return? | Possibly, if a new owner reopens the ski area |
| How to check for updates | Watch the Enchanted Forest website for reopening news |
How to Get Details If It Returns
The event page includes a "Learn More" link for full details. If the area reopens under new ownership, that page would be the place to confirm:
- Exact dates and times
- Whether reservations or tickets are required
- Pricing and any purchase options
- Whether the event runs alongside regular trail access or as a separate ticket
The site's pricing signals reference a "purchase" option, but no specific prices, payment platforms, or booking links are listed in the available information — so treat cost and registration details as unconfirmed until the area publishes them.
Practical Considerations
- Location: Red River, New Mexico, in the Carson National Forest
- Season: Winter only, tied to snow conditions
- Trail grooming: The area grooms for both classic and skate skiing when snow allows, packing first after heavy snowfall
- Alternative: If you're planning a winter trip to Red River for 2026-27, check whether any other local operators offer similar food-and-trail events, since Enchanted Forest itself will be closed
Bottom Line
"Just Desserts" Eat & Ski is a ski-or-snowshoe outing paired with local desserts at Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area. It is a winter event, and because the ski area is closed for the 2026-27 season, it will not take place this year. The area is for sale, so a reopening — and the event's return — remains possible but unconfirmed. Check the official website for any change in status before planning a trip around it.