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# 1Expert Terrain in New Mexico
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Overview

Taos Ski Valley Overview

Yes, you can ski in New Mexico! Taos Ski Valley is the largest ski resort in New Mexico, with almost 1,300 skiable acres. Located 20 miles north of Taos, 72 miles north of Santa Fe and 150 miles north of Albuquerque, this northern New Mexico ski area offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a great variety of runs, including two areas for only expert skiers. 

The Village of Taos Ski Valley sits at a base elevation of 9,200 feet and offers year-round activities including summer mountain biking, hiking and scenic lift rides for those in search of a view. Those traveling from out-of-town can enjoy the resort's slopeside Blake Hotel at Taos Ski Valley, which opened in 2017 with 80 rooms. It highlights an exquisite art collection and a great spa at reasonable prices and has fantastic customer reviews. 

Inside Scoop

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.

Restaurants

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. 

Best Time for Snow

Average Snowfall

55"
35"
23"
12"
8"
22"
Nov
38"
Dec
35"
Jan
46"
Feb
39"
Mar
8"
Apr
Beginners Runs
14%
Intermediate Runs
16%
Advanced Runs
30%
Expert Runs
40%
Runs in Total
110
Longest Run
5 mi
Skiable Terrain
1294 ac
Snow Making
647 ac
Snow Making
13 mi

Total Lifts: 13

Gondolas & Trams
1
High Speed Quads
1
Quad Chairs
3
Triple Chairs
4
Double Chairs
1
Surface Lifts
3

Elevation

Base
9200'
Summit
12481'
Vertical Drop
3281'

Important Dates

November 23, 20232023/11/23
Projected Opening
April 07, 20242024/04/07
Projected Closing
129
Projected Days Open
137
Days Open Last Year
69
Years Open
300"
Average Snowfall
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