Taos Ski Valley Ski Resort

Taos Ski Valley Ski Area

► Alpine ski area

Taos Ski Valley is a strong intermediate and advanced mountain with over half of marked runs being advanced or expert. The mountain towers over the resort at 12,481 feet and offers some of the finest advanced to expert terrain in North America. For those looking to make some untouched powder turns, head to the top of Kachina Peak. 

Taos Ski Valley has a nice variety of beginner runs off of lifts 4 and 7. Honeysuckle is Taos' longest run off of lift 7 and goes all the way down to lift 4 through WInkelreid. White Feather is another longer beginner run with a very gentle grade right off of lift 1, but there's not much variety on the north side of the mountain. 

For intermediate skiing you will want to stay on the north side of the mountain and use lift 8 for a variety of intermediate options. 

While there are runs for all levels of skiers, Taos is definitely known best for the expert runs. One of the best runs is the easiest to get to: Longhorn. You just take lift 1 from the village and then you have the long mogule track directly to your left. While that is the best mogul run on the mountain, if you love steep, challenging runs, Taos is the place for you. Expert skiers must get to either Highline Ridge or West Basin Ridge and try one of the many steep double-black diamonds that await you there. 

Taos Ski Valley Information

► Getting To Taos Ski Valley

Getting to Taos can be a little difficult, but well worth the trek. Visitors can book private flights into Taos Regional Airport or take commercial flights into surrounding cities like Santa Fe or Albuquerque. There is non-stop service between Taos, NM and Austin, Dallas, San Diego and Los Angeles.

There is only one road that you can take to get to Taos Ski Valley: NM-150 N. If coming from the south, you'll take NM-150 all the way from US-64 W. If coming from the north, you'll take NM-522 to NM-230. 

► Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing

There are seven trails ranging from novice to expert degree of difficulty in the Taos Valley. All trails are accessible from Road 150, the Taos Ski Valley road. If you need to rent equipment you can find what you need at Cottam's Ski Shop.

► Non-skiing Activites

Snowmobiling tours through the Taos Ski Valley wilderness are a popular family activity for those not wanting to ski. These tours are guided up to 12,000 feet and start near Lift 1 at the base of the mountain.

► Ski School

Taos has invested recently in the Rio Hondo Children's Learning Center, making it a great place for kids to learn in a safe, terrain-based learning program. For adults, Taos has a unique offering where you receive an immersive week-long learning experience designed to improve your skills.

Best restaurants and bars at Taos Ski Valley

► For Breakfast

• While 192 at The Blake is a great place to eat at any time of the day, their breakfast buffet is amazing. Inspired by seasonal and locally sourced ingredients the menu offers fresh New Mexican cuisine. Located on the second floor of The Blake Lodge at the Base Area of Taos Ski Valley, visitors can ski in/out or get room service. 

• The Black Diamond Espresso has two locations at Taos Ski Valley, one on the mountain and one at the base. It’s a great place for a quick cup of joe or tasty nibble. 

► For Lunch and Dinner

• Tim’s Stray Dog Cantina is a perfect representation of Northern New Mexican cuisine. Serving the Taos area for over 30 years, they are known for their green and red chili. Having won multiple awards, this local treasure is a must stop.

• The Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant offers a gourmet menu with hearty dishes like Sauerbraten Wienerschnitzel, and Käsespätzle. Located at the base of Lift 4, the Bavarian Restaurant is the perfect place to grab a specialty beer or glass of wine after a long day on the mountain. 

• I know we already mentioned 192 at The Blake for breakfast, but it is a fantastic place for a dinner date as well with an extensive wine menu to pair with a great menu of small plates and entrees. Save room for the big skillet chocolate chip cookie!

► Apres/Nightlife

• The Blonde Bear Tavern is a popular ski-in, ski-out destination for apres-ski. Order a pomegranate martini or a hot toddy and sit by the fireplace to warm up from the cold.