Jenny's View

Spring into Adventure!

Dear Friends,

Late-February in Central and Northern New Mexico always presents a coin toss between crisp blue skies and large and looming moisture-filled clouds bursting at the seams with every ski buff’s delight: FRESH POWDER! I’ve been enjoying every chance I get to escape up the road to Ski Santa Fe to take it all in.  

Come ski and ride the slopes of our Land of Enchantment! Our eight alpine and three Nordic ski areas dotted throughout the state will provide you with the ultimate in sporting options paired with gorgeous scenery. And make sure to check out our friends at Ski Taos — they recently announced their Carbon Neutral Certification from Climate Impact Partners. Talk about setting the standard! Not only that, Taos Ski Valley is also the world’s first and only B Corp-certified ski resort and have been named on the prestigious annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2023 by Fast Company for their unparalleled environmental and social responsibility work.

Last month the New Mexico Tourism Commission held a special Tourism Day at the roundhouse at the New Mexico State Capitol. As chair of the Tourism Commission, it was such an honor to lead the tourism commission meeting in the company of so many of our diehard supporters!  During the event, proclamations were read on behalf of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham celebrating New Mexico Magazine’s 100 Year Anniversary and the 10 successful years of the New Mexico True campaign. Tourism Secretary, Jen Schroer and my fellow members of the Tourism Commission took the opportunity to highlight and present well-earned awards to community figures and staff that represent the very best of our Land of Enchantment. Among the many honorees was my dear friend, Dan Schlegel, Chief of Staff for the Governor, and our very own, Vice President and General Manager, Rik Blyth.  Awarded for his role in championing the successful work-based learning internship program, LevelUp!, now officially supported throughout the state.  We could not be more proud and what an accomplishment!  

For nearly a year now through LevelUP! our La Fonda team has offered mentorship and career guidance for over 15 interns. There’s nothing like watching these bright minds evolve professionally while forging friendships with our team and each other. During their onboarding process, we like to introduce each intern and team member to the Fred Harvey Business Fundamentals as a means to offer insight into how our culture of service has both evolved and stayed true throughout our century of service.

And of course, March is Women's History Month! From the talented architects, Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter and Barbara Felix, the famous Harvey Girls, Beverley Ireland and Bernette Jarvis, the lovely Ethel Ballen to La Plazuela stalwart, Carol Anglin – I'm in awe of the women of La Fonda—past and present—who have contributed to our success.  

Book an extended stay and pack your skis for a springtime New Mexico adventure!

See you on the slopes!
Jenny

Jennifer Lea Kimball
Ambassador & Board Chairman Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza