Taos Ski Valley

About Taos, New Mexico

If you’re looking for a ski vacation steeped in history, art and culture—a place where ancestry comes alive, then Taos New Mexico should be top of mind. As a cultural center comprised of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo traditions, a ski trip to Taos is like going to a faraway land. Taos Ski Valley spans over 1,294 acres, offering a diverse range of terrain, including 110 trails and renowned steep chutes and glades, catering to experts, but with intermediate and beginner terrain easily accessible. Taos resides in the famed Sangre de Cristo mountain range at an altitude of 8,000-plus feet. The high elevation, combined with New Mexico’s arid climate yields bone-dry champagne powder. Taos Ski Valley is also known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation, enhancing its appeal to nature enthusiasts.

When driving into Taos, you’ll notice adobe buildings, art galleries and an authentic Native American Pueblo. The resort matches what the town’s culture has to offer with every kind of terrain imaginable at Taos Ski Valley, from steep bumps and ridgeline chutes to open bowls and long groomers. The resort's architecture and ambiance reflect its rich cultural heritage, blending Southwestern and European influences. Guests can explore a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, all offering delicious local and international cuisine. The resort also features a vibrant après-ski scene, with lively bars and entertainment options. The nearby historic town of Taos adds to the allure, offering art galleries, shops, and cultural attractions that celebrate the area's Native American and Hispanic roots.

How to get to Taos Ski Valley

To reach Taos Ski Valley, you have multiple convenient options. The resort is located just 19 miles north of the town of Taos, New Mexico. For those flying in, the closest airport is Albuquerque International Sunport, about 135 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car, use shuttle services, or opt for private transportation to get to the resort. Additionally, the resort offers various transport options to ensure a hassle-free journey for visitors​.

The resort provides complimentary shuttle services to help guests move easily between key areas, including lodging, dining, and skiing spots. These shuttles are designed to ensure that everyone, from families to solo travelers, can access the different amenities and attractions without hassle. Additionally, there are parking facilities available for those who prefer driving, making it easy to explore the surrounding scenic areas and nearby towns.

Skiing in Taos Ski Valley

Taos' 12,481-foot Kachina Peak is now lift accessible. A new lift has been installed to the formerly hike-to peak. Kachina Peak area is a playground for experts looking for face shots, moguls, chutes, cornices, and steep glades. And if challenging skiing isn't your thing, that’s OK, Taos has miles of groomed slopes. Beginners will be delighted to discover that they can experience all the iconic views of Taos, since the green runs aren't relegated to the bottom of the mountain. First timers also have ample facilities and “learn to ski” zones located at the base of the mountain, ensuring they can learn in a comfortable manner.

Beginner Skiing in Taos

Beginner skiers can enjoy 15 percent of Taos 1,200-plus skiable acres. Beginners will especially appreciate Taos high alpine views, since there are a handful of green runs higher up on the mountain. Lift 1 from the main base area provides access to several ideal green runs, like White Feather. Beginners can also jump Lift 2 or 6, which provides access to Honeysuckle, a long green run that abuts a popular chute zone. Beginners can take Honeysuckle to Lift 4, which brings them to the base of the ruggedly famous Kachina Peak, providing unique access and chance to see extreme skiers in action—all while safely enjoying the gentle slopes of Easy Trip.

Intermediates—and especially advanced intermediates—can explore 47 percent of Taos’ terrain. The best blue Taos terrain can be found off of the Lift 8 chairlift. Intermediates will want to head up Lift 1 or 5, and make their way down Porcupine or Powderhorn Bowl—two ideal intermediate runs—to the bottom of Lift 8. At the top of the lift head skier’s right and enjoy the long, well-groomed descent down Lower Stauffenberg or Firlefanz. Intermediates also have a couple of notable terrin options off of Lift 4 and 7. More-seasoned intermediates will find that Taos is an ideal ski resort to challenge their skills, since the terrain offers a nice intermingling of black diamond and blue runs, providing the opportunity to bail out, if necessary.

Expert Skiing in Taos

As host of the Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships, you can bet that Taos has more than enough terrain to occupy skiers who like to defy gravity or dare their legs to top to bottom mogul runs. Kachina Peak is the centerpiece of Taos expert skiing, and it becomes very apparent when you first see the 12,481-plus foot peak, that this is a zone for serious skiers and snowboarders.
Kachina Peak isn’t the be all and end all though; experienced skiers and snowboarders can access the entire upper ridge, aka Highline Ridge, of the resort—dropping in wherever they please—via an access gate above Lift 2 and 6. Corner Chute and Twin Trees Chute are two popular zones and lead out to much easier trails—providing your legs with a welcomed break. Highline Ridge terrain offers an off-piste, rugged experience, but if you’re looking for some more manicured challenges, Taos offers steep black diamonds at every turn.

Bambi Glade is perfect for those looking to improve their skills with slightly steeper terrain and open glades, and Maxie's and White Feather are known for their consistent pitch and great grooming, ideal for solidifying intermediate skills. Snakedance provides a good mix of tree skiing and open runs, while Reform constitutes a great run for intermediates looking for some gentle moguls and varied terrain.

Ski schools and tours

Ernie Blake Snowsports School provides a fun and exciting learning environment for kids of all ages and abilities so that parents can have a day of their own. Taos Ski Valley's multiweek camps are designed to provide skiers and snowboarders with an immersive and progressive learning experience. The Shredders Program focuses on turning young skiers and riders into proficient athletes through a series of lessons that build on each other over several weeks. For adults, the Local's Program helps skiers enhance their skills and techniques with structured, multiweek sessions. Both programs are crafted to ensure participants gain confidence and improve their abilities in a supportive environment.

Family vacations in Taos Ski Valley

With a plethora of off-mountain activities, affordable dining and lodging options and of course Taos amazing skiing—305 inches of snow annually and 300-plus days of sunshine annually—a Taos family ski vacation should rank high when planning your next mountain escape. This New Mexico resort offers miles of pristine groomers and challenging steeps for expert families, including 12,841-foot Kachina Peak. Taos is home to some of the coolest art museums you’ll ever see, and also has an interesting mix of rich Spanish mission influence and Native American heritage, making it an incredible place for families to go sight-seeing at.

In addition to skiing, Taos Ski Valley offers a variety of family-friendly activities. For those seeking a unique adventure, the Via Ferrata climbing tours offer an exciting alpine climbing experience with no prior experience necessary. Situated at 11,500 feet, the guided tours provide spectacular views and challenging routes for climbers of all levels.