THE MT. TAYLOR WINTER QUADRATHLON, in Grants, is more than an endurance race—it’s a heart-pounding, quad-burning celebration of winter. The 44-mile course, which gains 5,400 feet in elevation, combines biking, running, skiing, and snowshoeing. “It’s the ultimate challenge,” says Chad Gaines, a former race winner who helps organize the event and grooms the course on race day. Gaines, whose father served as a race conductor and competitor, grew up around the quadrathlon. “It’s something we’ve always done,” he says. The February 14 race annually draws more than 300 competitors, who compete as single athletes, pairs, or teams, and take anywhere between four and a half to 12 hours to finish. “My favorite thing is the camaraderie it brings each race day,” he says. “You get to hear stories from competitors and what inspires people to
do it.”
Four score. The event includes a 27-mile bike, 10-mile run, five-mile cross-country ski, and two-mile snowshoe. “It’s one of the only winter quadrathlons,” Gaines says. “They’re usually more of a summer thing.”
Little competitors. Kids ages three to 14 race in their own quadrathlon on a course through downtown Grants. “We hope it brings future contestants to the big course,” he says. “The kids’ event gets a big crowd.”
Full course. The field features a range of competitors, including professional triathlete Josiah Middaugh, who owns the course record and has won several times. “We also have a lot of eight- to 10-year competitors who just show up to challenge themselves and stay in shape throughout the winter,” Gaines says.
Make it a chill new year at Farmington’s annual polar plunge.
MAKE A SPLASH
January 1
In Farmington, the annual Dave and Friends Polar Bear Plunge is for the dogs—the 4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue team, to be exact. Bring a towel and water shoes, then run into the frigid waters of Lake Farmington with hundreds of others during this New Year’s Day fundraiser. Can’t make it to the Four Corners? Eagle Nest Lake and Storrie Lake state parks host polar plunges that day as well.
Comics, collectibles, and pop-culture fandom take center stage at Albuquerque Comic Con.
Photograph courtesy of Unsplash/Eric McClean.
Albuquerque Comic Con
1/16–1/18
Get your superhero costume and your autograph book ready for this three-day convention, featuring stars from sci-fi and fantasy genres.
Backcountry Film Festival, Los Alamos
1/22
Produced by the Winter Wildlands Alliance, the festival showcases backcountry winter sports at the Pajarito Environmental Education Center.
Red River Songwriters’ Festival
1/22–1/24
Blues, Americana, and folk performances by emerging artists and festival founders heat up Red River during this annual music festival in the mountains.
WinterBrew, Santa Fe
1/23
Enjoy craft beers from 16 of New Mexico’s best breweries at a party hosted by the New Mexico Brewers Guild at the Railyard Farmers’ Market Pavilion, in Santa Fe.
Taos Winter Wine Festival
2/5–2/7
This annual festival brings 28 vintners from across the country to share their sips at tasting events and wine dinners in Taos
Mardi Gras in the Mountains, Red River
2/12–2/17
A week of parties, a parade, and musical performances make Red River a great place to celebrate.
Gathering of Quilts, Truth or Consequences
2/27–2/28
A textile-lover’s dream, this art market features tons of locally made quilts.
Satisfy your sweet tooth during Chocolate Fantasia.
Photograph courtesy of Chocolate Fantasia.
Chocolate Fantasia, Silver City
2/13–2/15
This annual Silver City culinary fest serves up sweet snacks and artisanal confections; a Friday evening with live music, drinks, and dessert; and a new-this-year Sunday event.
That’s not all January and February have in store! Go to nmmag.us/events for more.
