Taos Ski Valley is a world-class ski resort in northern New Mexico. With over 3,000 feet of vertical drop, it’s known for its steep terrain, powder stashes, and unpolished charm. The mountain offers a challenging mix of both beginner and expert terrain. It’s a great place for a family vacation or an adventure in the Rocky Mountains.
One of the most interesting aspects of this ski resort is that it’s owned by a family. Louis Bacon bought Taos in 2013. Before that, it was owned by the Blake family. While the Blakes were managing the Santa Fe Ski Basin, they lived in a small camper. They had no power until 1963.
Although Taos is high in elevation, it’s known for having hundreds of inches of dry powder in the winter months. This means cold temperatures that help maximize the amount of snowfall.
The main industry at Taos is skiing. But it’s also famous for spas, dining, and its unique culture. And it’s also one of the only resorts in the country to have an award-winning ski school.
Taos Ski Valley has a wide range of beginner terrain. During the winter, there are many runs designed for beginners, including Whitefeather Gully, Tell Glade, and Poco Gusto. There are also several other areas that are suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Some of the best terrain at Taos Ski Valley is located on the Back Side. It features a combination of east and west-facing terrain. It’s home to some of the most popular groomers at the resort and Maxie’s Terrain Park.
The Lower Front Side is another area of great terrain. It has some of the most spectacular terrain at Taos, allowing guests to enjoy some of the best skiing on the mountain without having to hike to the top of the lift.
Another area that boasts a lot of beginner terrain is the Backside. It’s home to the signature terrain park at the resort, Maxie’s, as well as the entry-level black terrain. You can even find a few short runs that are a little more intimidating than the typical beginner’s sloppiness.
If you’re looking for some adventure on the slopes, there’s also the Wild West Glades, a set of off-map trails. These runs are a bit off-piste, but they’re definitely worth the extra effort.
One of the biggest surprises at Taos is how steep it is. It’s one of the steepest ski resorts in the United States. Most people don’t think of it as a beginner’s place, but if you’re an experienced skier, you’ll likely love the challenge.
Taos Ski Valley is in the shadow of Wheeler Peak, which is 13,161 feet tall. If you want to explore the mountains a little further, you can take the chairlift up Kachina Peak, which is a quintendential mountain at 11,100 feet.
Depending on the time of year, Taos Ski Valley receives varying amounts of snow. Generally, it’s light dry powder. That’s why the ski area requires a significant base before opening. In addition, it’s important to know that some of the runs require hiking.