Big Ideas Start Outside in New Mexico � from the Slopes to the Capitol

Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division

ORD Newsletter | January 21, 2026

Dispatches from New Mexico's

Outdoor Recreation Division

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Letter from the Director

Only in New Mexico do business pitches happen on a chairlift. This February, Ski Lift Pitch returns to Taos Ski Valley , where entrepreneurs trade boardrooms for ski boots and pitch their ideas while riding the lift. It’s a high-altitude take on economic development — turning creative concepts into real businesses, jobs and long-term growth.

New this year, five New Mexico-based startups and five from outside the state will pitch between runs, with finalists advancing to showcase their innovations in front of investors, economic developers and industry leaders from across the country for $10,000 prizes.

ORD , alongside the Technology and Innovation Office , within the New Mexico Economic Development Department, is proud to support this event hosted by ActivateNM . In New Mexico, the outdoors doesn’t just shape how we play, it shapes how we build our economy. And sometimes, the best business ideas really do start on a chairlift.

See you on the slopes,

Karina Armijo

In Other News

History and recreation converge at Lobatos Bridge Outdoor Classroom in San Luis Valley

Public lands become synonymous with public health

Senate advances bill to finally complete the Continental Divide Trail

Wildfire preparedness is year round

Red River businesses adapt to warm winter with snowmaking efforts

Get Involved

Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Day at the Capitol

Join the ORD team and NM Tourism Department team at the state capitol Monday, Jan. 26 from 10:30am-1:00pm and celebrate the intersection of New Mexico's great outdoors and tourism industry. Come out to network and show your support for these key industries. Hear from NM outdoor industry leaders in the Rotunda from 11:00-11:45am.

Community Events

Jan 22: Backcountry Film Festival , Los Alamos

Jan 24: Trout Rock at Tumbleroot Brewery , Santa Fe

Jan 26: Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Day at the Capitol , Santa Fe

Jan 28: Journey Down the Gila Film Screening , Taos

Feb 2-3: Ski Lift Pitch , Taos Ski Valley

Feb 6: Public Lands Rally at the Roundhouse , Santa Fe

April 23-26: Continental Divide Trail Days , Silver City

Ongoing: NM State Parks Events , statewide

City of Albuquerque Seeks Outdoor Businesses for Survey

The City of Albuquerque’s Economic Development Department is exploring the creation of an Outdoor Recreation Accelerator and Community Space that would offer affordable, reduced-rent workspace for outdoor recreation businesses and nonprofit organizations. Your responses will help inform future planning and decision-making for this proposed facility. Take the survey at: https://lnkd.in/gdj2y2jk .

Upcoming Webinars, Workshops, and Conferences

Jan 22: Choosing the Right Aggregate: Matching Material to Trail Use and Terrain , virtual

Jan 27: EXPLORE Act: One-Year Anniversary Webinar , virtual

Jan 29: Pressure Treated Wood for Trail Structures , virtual

Feb 9-11: Hike the Hill , Virtual

Feb 10-11: Visitor Use Management Training , Golden, CO

Feb 17-18: Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp , virtual

Feb 27-Mar 1: Wilderness First Aid Classes , Silver City

Mar 1-5: In-Person Hike the Hill , Washington DC

Mar 4-6: Land and Water Summit , Albuquerque

April 14-16: Sustainable Trails Conference , Boise, ID

May 19-21: Mountain West Trails Conference , Rock Springs, WY

New Mexico Fish Art Contest for Students

Students in grades K-12 are invited to submit artwork highlighting fish species found in New Mexico. Contest closes on Jan. 31 .

The Trek Podcast Seeks Applicants for Trail Correspondents

If you have plans to hike the Continental Divide Trail and want to share your story, apply by Feb. 5 .

Race Events

Jan 24: Sandia Snowshoe Classic , Albuquerque

Jan 31: Santa Fe Snowshoe Classic , Santa Fe

Feb 14: Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathlon , Grants

May 2: Turquoise Trail Pack Burro Race , Cerrillos

May 16: Magdalena Burro Stampede , Magdalena

Volunteer Opportunities

Visit nmoutside.com/volunteer for a list of NM organizations seeking volunteers.

Jan 31: Santa Fe Watershed Arroyo Cleanup , Santa Fe

Feb 14: Bear Canyon Open Space Tumbleweed Cleanup , Albuquerque

Feb 28: NeighborWoods Tree Planting Event , Las Cruces

Featured State Park

With 35 state parks to discover, there’s no shortage of adventure in New Mexico! From scenic lakes and rugged mountains to historic sites and hidden gems, each park offers something unique.

Living Desert Zoo State Park

Lipan and Mescalero Apache lands

Perched above the Pecos River Valley, Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park offers a 1.3-mile self-guided trail through Chihuahuan Desert landscapes, where visitors can spot native wildlife like pronghorn, bison, bobcats and mule deer. The park also features a botanical gardens and an aviary featuring eagles, owls and other desert birds. No charge for children 6 and under.

Always practice leave no trace principles and plan ahead for your adventure. Familiarize yourself with the 10 essentials and check the State Parks website for important updates and details.

Industry Careers

Outdoor Recreation Positions Throughout New Mexico

Visit www.spo.state.nm.us for updates on state employment opportunitie s.

Visit conservationjobboard.com and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's Workforce Hub for more career resources.

Latino Outdoors, Strategic Communications Lead , remote

Outward Bound USA, Executive Assistant , remote

International Mountain Biking Association, numerous career opportunities , remote

City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation, Deputy Director , Albuquerque

Environment for the Americas, Internships , nationwide

Village of Los Lunas, Summer Recreation College Aide and Summer…