Angel Fire Honored with Multiple Top Hat Awards for Tourism Excellence
The Village of Angel Fire is proud to share exciting news from the New Mexico Hospitality Association: Angel Fire has been recognized with multiple Top Hat Awards, honoring outstanding contributions to tourism, lodging, and visitor experience across the state.
This year, Angel Fire was named a finalist in nine categories and received two top honors, reinforcing the Village’s commitment to creating meaningful, high-quality experiences for visitors and residents alike.
Best New Experience: Mountain View Events Center
The Mountain View Events Center was named Best New Experience in New Mexico, recognizing its successful debut season and immediate impact on Angel Fire’s summer offerings.
Opened in June, the venue hosted more than 20 events during its first season and welcomed over 12,000 attendees. Judges highlighted several standout features, including:
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Panoramic views of the Moreno Valley
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Ample parking and accessibility
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A diverse lineup of live entertainment and community events
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A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere
The Events Center has quickly become a gathering place for locals and visitors, supporting local businesses and strengthening Angel Fire’s reputation as a vibrant mountain destination.
Best Broadcast Campaign: “Take Off to Angel Fire”
Angel Fire also received the Best Broadcast Campaign award for Visit Angel Fire’s “Take Off to Angel Fire” advertising spot promoting Advanced Air’s daily flights to Angel Fire.
The campaign was recognized for its ability to raise awareness of air service to the Village through:
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Striking visual storytelling
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Clear messaging about accessibility
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Strong integration with social media and digital platforms
By highlighting the ease of travel and the beauty of the destination, the campaign helped introduce Angel Fire to new audiences while reinforcing its appeal to returning visitors.
Additional Top Hat Award Finalists
In addition to the two top honors, Visit Angel Fire was named a finalist in six additional Top Hat Award categories, including:
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Best Digital Campaigns (Reconnect in Angel Fire & Take off to Angel Fire)
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Outstanding Event
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Public Relations – Best Earned Media
These recognitions reflect a consistent, strategic approach to marketing, storytelling, and event development that supports year-round tourism.
Tourism Professional of the Year Finalist
Angel Fire’s Tourism Director, Greg Ralph, was named a finalist for Tourism Professional of the Year, recognizing his leadership and dedication to advancing tourism in the Village. This honor highlights the behind-the-scenes work that supports Angel Fire’s continued growth, collaboration with partners, and positive visitor experiences.
Looking Ahead to Summer 2026
Momentum continues into the upcoming season. The Mountain View Events Center will open for its second season on Friday, June 19, 2026, with live music, a beer garden, and food trucks in conjunction with Balloons Over Angel Fire.
On Saturday, June 20, the Angel Fire Music Series—formerly Cool Summer Nights—will kick off. The series is moving to Saturday evenings to allow more visitors and residents to attend and enjoy live music throughout the summer.
A complete schedule of summer concerts, farmers markets, and additional community events will be finalized and posted on visitangelfirenm.com in the coming weeks.
A Community Effort
These awards reflect the collective effort of the Village, local partners, event organizers, business owners, and residents who help make Angel Fire a welcoming and memorable place to visit. Together, they highlight a shared commitment to quality experiences, thoughtful growth, and a strong sense of community.
Angel Fire is honored to be recognized among New Mexico’s top destinations—and even more excited about what’s ahead.