Wind Rider blasts off at Ski Apache Memorial Day weekend
Families can camp out on the mountain, hike, bike, eat and enjoy the music
- More than 30 musical acts and bands will perform
The Wind Rider Mountain Festival is set to be an unforgettable experience when it takes over Ski Apache Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-28. For three days the resort will transform into an outdoor mecca of music, food, culture and recreation.
Between 33 acts, two stages, 10 bounce houses, a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event, a beer gelande quaffing competition, and a slew of exciting outdoor activities including camping, mountain biking, zip lining, and hiking, the festival offers something exciting for anyone at any age.
Camp Under the Stars
Festival-goers are encouraged to take advantage of the camping options available at Ski Apache. Camping gives festival-goers the opportunity to sleep under the stars and then jump right into the festival experience without having to deal with a commute or waiting in line. Tent camping and RV camping is available for $25 and $35, respectively. For the diehard, a secret campground can be found just above the festival grounds at the top of the Easy Street ski run. With several great locations to pitch a tent or float a hammock, the music junkie can get their fix without ever having to leave their campsite.
Pack and dress right
Ski Apache is situated between 9,400 and 11,500 feet in the Sierra Blanca Mountains, which means temperatures often swing from toasty to chilly in the same day. Layers, rain gear and high-quality shoes are recommended, as well as plenty of sunscreen to protect against high elevation UV rays. Load up on lots of water. Hydration prevents altitude sickness. Also, be sure to carry plenty of bills to enjoy the vendors, because many only accept cash.
Soak in the spectacular views
Attendees who make it to the summit of the resort will be treated to some of the most spectacular views in the country. To the East is Lincoln County, home of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County Wars. To the West reveals White Sands National Park, a breathtaking collection of pure white gypsum sand dunes. To the North you can see the Valley of the Fires, a lava flow that once ran through the area. And to the South you can see the sacred peak of the Mescalero Apaches, Sierra Blanca. For those looking to exert some energy and get away from the crowds to take advantage of an incredible vista of the stage and surrounding area, a hike up Captain offers attendees all natural VIP seating, with great sound and a bird’s eye view of the action.
Get active
Complete the great outdoor experience by taking advantage of the many recreational activities available at Ski Apache, including hiking and observing the local wildlife. Guests can ride the zip line, take a cruise in the gondola or hop on a mountain bike trail to get their adrenaline fix. Special guest yoga instructor Jacob Daffner of Floo-id Yoga will be offering yoga every morning. Start off mornings by aligning mind, body and spirit in the great outdoors.
Occupy the kiddos
More than enough is going on at the festival to wear out even the most hyperactive child. "Our music selections are suitable for all ages," Ski Apache marketing director Justin Hoffman said. "We strongly encourage families to bring their kiddos up to the mountain to enjoy a great weekend of solid tunes and outdoor recreation." Multiple bounce houses will wear out the kids while giving them the time of their lives. Children will be able to see the bands playing from the bounce houses, which means parents will not need to make a choice between a great view of the stage or a good view of their kids.
Stay nourished
An array of delicious food, drink and treat vendors will be present at the festival. They include Native-owned Albuquerque-based brewery Bow & Arrow Brewing Co., serving up some of their popular craft beers; Kombucha brewery New Mexico Ferments featuring their kombucha; Just Dunn Poppin serving up delicious kettle corn; and Shaved Ice of Vermont, cooling off palates with refreshing snow cones. A Kansas City Barbeque-Sanctioned competition will lure some of best in barbeque from across the nation. Sampling of some of the best barbeque in the nation will be taking place Saturday near the beer garden. Attendees don’t want to miss out.
General admission tickets are $85. To complete the festival experience, Wind Rider Mountain Festival will feature camping on Lower Moonshine Trail and Bunny Hill for $25 and RV camping for $35.
For more information on the Wind Rider Mountain Festival or to purchase tickets visit www.WindRiderMusicFest.com.