It's the time of year for outdoors stories

Bring out the winter gear.

Wax the skies and snowboards.

Or enjoy warm, sunny afternoons in the Sandia foothills.

It's that time of year again.

Our cover stories this week were outdoors-related stories that are unique to New Mexico.

We have an update on the Albuquerque Rail Trail, which is getting underway with construction, though officials predict it will be years before it's a full, seven-mile loop throughout Downtown and Old Town areas.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis issued a report last week that found in 2023, outdoor recreation was a $1.2 trillion industry in 2023, and the industry is gaining momentum. It's grown 36% since 2012.

Speaking during a webinar about the report, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., said he's hopeful that legislation that supports outdoor recreation could be a ripe area for bipartisan compromises in the next four year, with Republican controlling the House, Senate and presidency.

"Outdoor recreation is for everybody," he said. "We don't care about your political stripes when you're out enjoying the land."

Meanwhile, the state Outdoor Recreation Division announced $4.3 million in investments to 16 entities in 10 counties for outdoor recreation access and trail restoration.

Outdoor recreation was one of the things that drew me to New Mexico in 2010.

I grew up in Nebraska and had never learned how to ski. The prospect of being close to mountains and ski resorts was a big factor in me starting my career at The Daily Times in Farmington.

Durango Mountain Resort, now Purgatory, was a little more than an hour away. I splurged on skis, gear and a season pass. I went every weekend and occasionally moved my schedules around to ski on some mornings before work. During my first three winters in New Mexico I averaged close to 40 days of skiing per year.

The ski areas throughout the state are either open or will be opening soon.

If you're not into snow sports, our foothills and desert trails are well suited for winter afternoons. Hunters and anglers also have plenty to do throughout the state.

Cheers to a great winter. Let's stay warm and safe.