Taos Ski Resort Profile
Summary: Most people don’t think of New Mexico when they think skiing, but Taos has established itself as one
of the great ski destinations in the country. It is great for families, too, considering its variety of terrain and
well-regarded ski school.
Taos is an anomaly in ski country. Instead of being surrounded by the ranchers and cowboys of Montana and Colorado, you will find a heavy southwestern influence with adobe architecture and an art colony feel. It is worth a visit just to see that part of the country, especially if your ski travels have limited you to one area to-date, such as the I-70 corridor in Colorado (a common “rut” to be stuck in, albeit a fun one).
Taos is one of four (that is the current figure based on our research) US ski resorts that currently ban snowboarding, but all of that changes on March 19, 2008. For the first time in its history, skiers will share the mountain with snowboarders. With many skiing families having at least one boarder in the pack, this was a move that they said they needed to make. We commend Taos for sticking to their guns for as long as they did, but think this move will make Taos a more accepting family environment.
Lodging Choices: Taos has a wide variety of on and off-slope lodging, combinations of condos, hotels, B&B’s, and single family villas. Lodging can be booked directly through the resort and from other sources, and prices are reasonable considered with other popular western resorts. The town of Taos also has discount hotels for the budget-minded.
Terrain / Highest Elevation / Vertical Drop: 1,300 acres / 11,800 feet / 2,610 feet
Activities for Non-Skiers: Taos is a treat for the non-skier in the family. The area boasts a rich art, cultural, and historic scene, and if you have a vehicle you’ll be able to explore this mecca of southwestern life easily. Santa Fe is an art colony and spa destination, and is 50 miles as the crow flies or about 75 minutes driving.
Ski School: Ages 3 to 15 can participate in Taos’ esteemed ski school, where they will be taught according to skill level. Rates are $105 per day, with 2 or more days costing $100 per day.
Day Care: Child care is available for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years old, at a cost of $75 per day. Standard activities are provided. The young infant age and low cost are among the best we’ve seen in the west.
Getting there: Santa Fe, 75 minutes away, is serviced by Great Lakes airlines. With recent expansion, more major carriers will soon follow. The better alternative for most travelers is Albuquerque, 2 hours and 15 minutes away.
Insider Tip: A scenic loop drive, the Enchanted Circle, will take you to the Red River and back and is worth an afternoon even for the skiers.
Taos is an anomaly in ski country. Instead of being surrounded by the ranchers and cowboys of Montana and Colorado, you will find a heavy southwestern influence with adobe architecture and an art colony feel. It is worth a visit just to see that part of the country, especially if your ski travels have limited you to one area to-date, such as the I-70 corridor in Colorado (a common “rut” to be stuck in, albeit a fun one).
Taos is one of four (that is the current figure based on our research) US ski resorts that currently ban snowboarding, but all of that changes on March 19, 2008. For the first time in its history, skiers will share the mountain with snowboarders. With many skiing families having at least one boarder in the pack, this was a move that they said they needed to make. We commend Taos for sticking to their guns for as long as they did, but think this move will make Taos a more accepting family environment.
Lodging Choices: Taos has a wide variety of on and off-slope lodging, combinations of condos, hotels, B&B’s, and single family villas. Lodging can be booked directly through the resort and from other sources, and prices are reasonable considered with other popular western resorts. The town of Taos also has discount hotels for the budget-minded.
Terrain / Highest Elevation / Vertical Drop: 1,300 acres / 11,800 feet / 2,610 feet
Activities for Non-Skiers: Taos is a treat for the non-skier in the family. The area boasts a rich art, cultural, and historic scene, and if you have a vehicle you’ll be able to explore this mecca of southwestern life easily. Santa Fe is an art colony and spa destination, and is 50 miles as the crow flies or about 75 minutes driving.
Ski School: Ages 3 to 15 can participate in Taos’ esteemed ski school, where they will be taught according to skill level. Rates are $105 per day, with 2 or more days costing $100 per day.
Day Care: Child care is available for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years old, at a cost of $75 per day. Standard activities are provided. The young infant age and low cost are among the best we’ve seen in the west.
Getting there: Santa Fe, 75 minutes away, is serviced by Great Lakes airlines. With recent expansion, more major carriers will soon follow. The better alternative for most travelers is Albuquerque, 2 hours and 15 minutes away.
Insider Tip: A scenic loop drive, the Enchanted Circle, will take you to the Red River and back and is worth an afternoon even for the skiers.