Oktoberfest has wrapped, and Red River is catching its breath after the 21st Annual Oktoberfest at Brandenburg Park. From stein-holding showdowns and the bratwurst-eating contest to oompah sets from the Lederhosen Junkies, the strongman competition, and the beard and mustache championship, the weekend was a full-throated toast to autumn in a mountain town. The crews are packing up the festival grounds, the fall colors that framed the weekend are still hanging on, and a fresh week is unfolding across the Sangre de Cristos.
The week's biggest regional news comes with a heavy heart: the beloved Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area will sit out the 2026-27 season. After more than four decades of groomed trails beneath the aspens on Sangre de Cristo Drive, the owners have called off the season following a string of difficult winters and snow conditions, while the property remains for sale with hope for new stewardship. Generations of skiers found their glide on those quiet trails, and the town will feel their absence when the snow flies.
For downhill fans, a date to circle: tomorrow, Tuesday October 13, is the last day to grab Red River Ski & Summer Area season passes at the lowest pricing tier before rates step up on October 14. The increase touches both Platinum and Weekender passes, so if a winter of laps at the resort is in your plans, now is the moment. The mountain is quiet for now, but the savings window is closing fast.
October keeps its crisp reputation this week. Monday brings partly cloudy skies near 60 degrees, and Tuesday looks mostly sunny around 58 -- a fine pair of days for a golden lap around the Enchanted Circle or a riverside stroll on the nature trail. Wednesday is the one to watch: afternoon showers are possible, with a chance of rain or snow overnight as temperatures plunge into the mid-20s. Thursday clears back to mostly sunny near 54, Friday dips to 48, and the weekend rebounds into the mid-50s. Pack layers, especially if you are out late midweek.
Regional travelers have options this week. Today brings the Honoring Native Nations Powwow to the Plaza in Santa Fe for Indigenous Peoples' Day, with traditional dances, drumming, and vendors. If the High Road to Taos is on your route, give the crews a wide berth: forest teams are doing prescribed pile burning off Highway 76 near Ojo Sarco and Trampas, and smoke may be visible along the road. Back in town, the Red River Community House holds its standing rhythm with morning fitness classes and the midweek Ladies Coffee at Bearly Awake. Check the events calendar at redriver.org for the latest listings as the town settles into the quiet, golden weeks between festival season and ski season.