But, it's that kind of spirited congeniality that gives Red River its personality. Nearly everybody who skis here, for example, gets to know Wally, an infectiously good natured, slightly gristled looking west Texan who functions as a ski instructor, part time barkeep and one-man public relations army. Wally took us first to Moon Star Mining Camp— a maze of narrow, easy delights for kids, embellished with ersatz mining artifacts— because, after all, this is a family resort, family-owned and operated and aimed to please families. Then we scooted along some short, intermediate runs under the Green Acres chair. Trouble was, Wally stopped every fifteen yards to caterwaul a hearty hello to people on the chairlift.

"These folks come out here every year," he intimated in his drawl. "We get to know 'em pretty good."

It was like skiing with Gabby Hayes. But, just when we thought we'd be limited to amiable cruising at a southern-fried pace, we came to the top of something called Tightrope, which led to something else called Catskinner. Steep, yes; and bumpy. We had to change gears, and it kept us honest.

Some folks might find Red River, and Taos-style die-hards sure won't find the same challenge. But, a lot of folks enjoy it fully, thanks to its reasonable family pricing and small area ease of use. And, Nordic skiers think they've died and gone to heaven when they venture into the nearby Enchanted Forest cross country area, the state's largest.

Red River Phone Number: 505-754-2223 Accomodations: 800-331-7669 Web Site: www.taosweb.com/nmusa/redriver