FOUR-SEASON ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
Locals head to the hills for cool summer
by Lauren Seale
On top of the world is putting it mildly when you reach Wheeler Peak, accessed by the Williams Lake Trail in Taos Ski Valley. Photo by Jim O’Donnell
WITH TAOS SKI VALLEY SHIFTING its winter resort into a four-season destination, now more than ever there is an abundance of activities for the entire family year-round – except for this year, 2020 (and maybe some of 2021), due to the coronavirus pandemic.
There’s still plenty to keep us all busy in the outdoors and eating establishments.
What’s new
With Northern New Mexico’s diverse climate, Taos Ski Valley is the perfect spot for year-round activities. Jake Wilkes, of Taos Ski Valley Inc., offers insight to the newest developments shifting the mountain from a snow-day location to a year-round destination.
“I believe existing tourism guests traveling to the town of Taos will have more reason than ever to visit the ski resort as part of their summer trip,” said Wilkes, noting new outdoor activities and programs complementing the existing summer events and outdoor recreation.
A via ferrata is essentially a combination of a steel cable attached to a rock face, along with iron rungs, pegs, ladders, bridges and aerial walkways, which make terrain usually reserved for mountain climbers more accessible. TSV is proposing to build three via ferrata areas. Courtesy Jackson Hole
Included are a lift-service mountain bike trail and a protected climbing route, also known as the “Via Ferrata” or “Iron Road.”
The lift-service mountain bike trail will consist of six new trails to explore. With the shortest trail being roughly a half-mile long, and the longest trail about 3 miles long, this is a great way for visitors to explore the mountains in a new and exciting way.
According to skitaos.com, the “Via Ferrata” is “a protected climbing route consisting of metal rungs, ladders, cables and bridges. This system has been popular in Europe for decades because it allows novices to explore rock climbing in a safe and controlled environment. Climbers are continuously secured to cable throughout the course. This one- to two-hour course includes relatively easy, moderate and hard routes, and will be located in the upper bowl near Lift 4.”
Tried and true
Locals and visitors argee there is nothing better than summertime in the Rocky Mountains. With an abundance of sunshine, fresh air and tried-and-true activities to explore the mountainside, there’s no end to the enjoyment of field and streams in the high country of the Ski Valley.
Spectacular sunsets are a hallmark of summer in the Rockies, drawing locals and visitors to tarry in the golden light. Courtesy Taos Ski Valley
Camping
Visiting Taos via RV? With a free first-come, first-served RV parking lot at Taos Ski Valley, you can enjoy staying directly at the base of the mountain for a glorious price tag of $0 dollars. Prefer something a little more rustic? Twining Campground in Taos Ski Valley offers plenty of space for tents or trailers. For a little lower altitude, Carson National Forest offers several campgrounds right below Taos Ski Valley. For the most recently opened camping spots, see fs.usda.gov/recmain/carson/recreation.
Fishing
Dozens of rivers, streams and lakes within an hour of Taos Ski Valley provide hot spots for you to create your New Mexican fish tale. Hire a guide or venture out on your own to find the spot that’s right for you.
Hiking rocky outcrops above the verdent summer forest of Taos Ski Valley is a favorite pasttime of locals and visitors. Courtesy Taos Ski Valley
Climbing
In Taos Ski Valley there are rocks aplenty to explore. Whether you hope to go climbing or bouldering, there are several routes for veterans and newbies alike.
Hiking and trail running
With trails such as Williams Lake Trail, Bull-of-the-Woods and Wheeler Peak Trail, there are an array of mountainside trails that are ready and waiting to be traversed.
Starry, starry nights are a special offering at Taos Ski Valley. Courtesy Taos Ski Valley
Chair lift rides
Take in the scenic views without gearing up in hiking boots and climbing gloves. Hop on a chair lift ride to the top of the mountain for stunning views of Kachina and Wheeler peaks.
Disc Golf
Enjoy a leisurely game of disc golf while soaking in beautiful views of Taos Ski Valley – free of charge.
What’s happening and not happening
At press time, Taos Ski Valley said some summer events might be scheduled after all, depending upon changes in coronavirus precautions. Call or check the website for the “Phased approach to opening” that the Village of Taos Ski Valley and TSV resort are allowing for events and businesses during this year of heightened security for locals and visitor safety.
Be sure to check out skitaos.com and taosskivalley.com for the latest offerings and more information, or call (575) 776-2291.
The Río Hondo traverses hiking trails in Taos Ski Valley. Photo by Scott Gerdes
