While Taos is often thought of as a summer getaway, winters here bring plenty of snow: enough to make three different ski resorts within a 45-minute drive of Taos! Taos Ski Valley, the closest, is just a half hour’s drive from town. If it’s your first time visiting, here are a few tips and things to remember for an epic day on the mountain.
Know the Mountain
Taos Ski Valley is tucked away on the outskirts of the historic town of Taos. For those staying in town, the mountain resort is a fun day trip to experience the outdoors and local mountains. The mountain features 14 lifts and offers access to over a thousand acres of terrain, including a hike up Kachina Peak of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
For those visiting for the first time, here are a few stats about the mountain that will help you better plan visit:
- Vertical Drop: 3281 ft
- Base Elevation: 9200 ft
- Summit Elevation: 12481 ft
- Skiable Area: 1,294 acres
- Average Snowfall: 300 in /year
- Total lifts: 14 with 1 being a gondola
- Total trails: 110
- 50% is considered beginner to intermediate terrain
- Ski & Snowboard School
- Rentals and repairs available
- Parking is Free
- Retail shops available
- Terrain park features rails, boxes, and jumps
Enjoy skiing and riding of all levels
Don’t worry about too-difficult slopes, as the Valley is notable for providing ample beginner to expert snowboarding and skiing trails. With 24% beginner, 25% intermediate, 23% advanced, and 28% expert, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
For those starting out or wanting to perfect their skills, the resort offers lessons at The Ernie Blake Snowsports School. From true beginners to those who want to challenge themselves with our world-famous steeps, there is a program to meet your needs. These programs are the best way for skiers and riders to reach the next level.
Lift tickets
If you plan to visit frequently, then a season pass would be your best option. There are a variety of passes including mid-week passes, value passes, and the Kachina Pass for unlimited days and no black-out dates. Or if you are just looking to ski for a day or two, visitors can also buy individual day passes. We recommend buying in advance online as it is more expensive the day of. Mid-week prices are more affordable with the weekend being the most expensive.
Other winter activities
You don’t have to downhill ski to enjoy the beauty of the Taos Ski Valley. You can snowshoe or cross-country ski, which are both very approachable activities if you are new to winter sports. The two most popular trails for snowshoeing are Williams Lake and Bull of The Woods. Popular cross-country ski trails are also located in Carson National Forest.
Other options include Gavilan Trail (6.5 miles RT), Italianos Canyon Trail (7.2 miles RT), Bull of the Woods Trail (6 miles RT), Manzanita Canyon Trail (4.2 miles one way), and Yerba Canyon Trail (8 miles RT). All of these trails are accessible from NM Road 150, which is the Taos Ski Valley road.
Stay at the Hotel La Fonda in Taos
Complete your visit to the Taos Ski Valley by booking your stay at the Hotel la Fonda de Taos. As the only lodging with a premier spot on the Taos Plaza, you are staying in one of the best locations in town. Enjoy walking distance to restaurants, shops, and some of the area’s top attractions, plus you are only 35 minutes from the Valley.
Our accommodations feature exceptional amenities such as a fireplace or Kiva, pillow-top mattresses, southwest decor, and comfortable bedding. As a historic hotel, each room is configured differently with its own charm and character.