Taos Ski Valley started as a timber and mining operation
before Swiss-German ski pioneer Ernie Blake began developing the area for ski tourism in the 1950s. His vision brought a demand for homes, lodging and commercial outlets. In the ensuing decades, Taos Ski Valley has become synonymous with steep-and-deep skiing including face shots, moguls, cliffs chutes and cornices, along with miles of groomed slopes. The ski haven, with it’s Swiss alpine vibe, is often described by guests as “downto-earth” and “welcoming.” There are typically more skiers than snowboarders. And the snow? The high elevation (9,200 feet at the base), combined with New Mexico’s arid climate, yields bone-dry champagne power.
Ski Strong gold medalist experience
Exclusive to Taos, Olympic Gold Medalist Deb Armstrong will host three-day Ski Strong sessions that offer skiers of all levels a transformative and thrilling experience. This once-in-alifetime package includes a welcome reception and three full days of personal ski coaching directly by Armstrong, along with daily lift tickets and equipment rentals.
An affordable top resort
This winter, Taos Ski Valley will offer impressive discounts when day tickets are purchased 72 hours or more in advance. Advance purchase tickets will start at just $95 on weekdays (a more than 50 percent discount) and $135 on weekends for adults, and $65 on weekdays and $95 on weekends for youth. As always, seniors and children under 6 are free, and Taos offers discounts for first responders and active military.
For the kids
Childcare for ages 0-3 has returned this season, as well as Pre-K lessons, which are now available for even younger aspiring athletes — just 3-6 years old.
Taos’ famous ski weeks
Beloved since the resort’s founding in 1955, ski weeks at Taos Ski Valley are the only full-week program in North America and include Children’s Weeks, Private Ski Weeks, and one-time sessions like Race Week and Women’s Week.
The Eis Haus ice-skating rink
Located at the base of the mountain, skate rentals are included, and skating for all levels starts at just $20 for the afternoons, and $25 for evenings.
Dinner sleigh ride
Taking place on Friday and Saturday nights, this unique and fun experience gives family and friends a spectacular way to access the award-winning Bavarian restaurant. Guests relax in a sleigh while they are snow-catted to the mid-mountain restaurant from the main plaza for a three-course prix-fixe dinner, complete with wine. Thick cozy blankets keep the chill at bay, while guests receive an exhilarating and memorable round trip ride under the stars.
The Spa and Wellness Center
According to a TSV press release, the Spa and Wellness Center at The Blake provides the “perfect relaxation destination for a luxurious escape or a post-skiing recovery, featuring: a heated saltwater pool, multiple outdoor hot tubs with stunning views of the mountain, an oxygen bar, treatment rooms for individuals or couples, a fitness center, a yoga room, a private locker room and steam room for spa guests, a separate locker room and steam room for fitness center guests, and more.”
Edelweiss Lodge and Spa
Located at the base of Taos Ski area, this full service lodge offers visitors upscale ski-in/ski-out vacation rentals, a wellness center and options for dining and Apres-ski, including The Blonde Bear Tavern’s world-class cocktails and award-winning food.
Andean Software
Now celebrating forty years in Taos Ski Valley, this charming shop on the resort plaza sells alpaca sweaters, capes, jewelry and gift items from the Andes Mountains. Owner Andrea Heckman said, “It’s always been about mountains and a love of high places, the remarkable people who live there and create beautiful expressions of their lives in those high mountains.”
MOUNTAIN STATS
Average annual snowfall: 300 inches Average days of sunshine: 300+ Base elevation: 9,200 feet Summit elevation: 12,481 feet Vertical drop: 3,281 feet