Located in Taos County, New Mexico, Taos Ski Valley is an alpine ski resort village town offering access to peak slope elevations of 12,481 feet, along with a resort village and suite accommodations. The present-day site of Taos Ski Valley was once home to the copper mining town of Twining, which was abandoned in the late 1800s. In 1955, the Taos Ski Valley resort was opened by Ernie and Rhonda Blake of Santa Fe, the managers of the Santa Fe Ski Basin.

  • What is the history of Taos Ski Valley?

    • At its opening, the resort featured access to a single ski slope, named Snakedance, and had little access to modern buildings and amenities until the mid-1960s, when the village area was incorporated.

    • In 1956, a J-Bar ski lift was installed for the Snakedance slope, and the following year, a second chairlift was installed.

    • Throughout the second half of the 20th century, the resort continued to add slopes and amenities, including a resort village and condominium accommodations.

    • In 2013, the resort was purchased by American investor Louis Bacon, the founder and CEO of Moore Capital Management.

  • What are the permanent attractions at Taos Ski Valley?

    • Today, Taos Ski Valley is home to more than 55 independent businesses, including a variety of restaurants and overnight accommodations.

    • As the highest-elevated municipality in the United States, the 2.4-square-mile ski village sits at a maximum height of 12,581 feet, with average skiing elevations reaching 9,207 feet.

    • Tourism comprises the majority of the village’s industry, with more than $12 million spent annually on skiing operations.

  • What skiing terrain parks and trails are available?

    • Five distinct skiing terrain parks are offered, including the Lower and Upper Front Side areas, the Back Side, the Highline Ridge, and the West Ridge.

    • There are 110 skiing trails accommodating beginner, intermediate, and expert skill levels.

    • Beginner and intermediate areas encompass roughly one-half of ski terrain and include Bambi Glade, Strawberry Hill, Whitefeather, Mucho Gusto, and Powderhorn.

    • Higher-skill slopes include Edelweiss, Inferno, Longhorn, Thunderbird, and three Kachina slopes, reaching a peak elevation of 12,481 feet.

    • 15 chairlifts serve the slope areas, including the Kachina Lift, the highest triple chairlift in North America.

  • What accommodations are available at Taos Ski Valley?

    • Located adjacent to Lift 1, The Blake is an 80-room alpine lodging house offering one- and two-bedroom, deluxe, and king suites.

    • Guest room amenities include refrigerators, coffeemakers, and DirecTV services.

    • Suites also include a gas fireplace, full kitchenette, and laundry room area. Pet-friendly rooms are available upon request.

    • At the base of Lift 4 and Kachina Peak, the Bavarian Lodge and Restaurant offers four suites available for rental throughout the winter skiing and peak summertime seasons.

  • What dining options are available?

    • The resort’s 192 at the Blake restaurant blends alpine and New Mexican architecture, offering flatbreads, tapas, fine wine, and seasonal craft beer.

    • The Bavarian Lodge and Restaurant serves authentic German dishes like sauerbraten, wienerschnitzel, and käsespätzle, along with German beers.

    • Other dining options include:

      • Rhoda’s Restaurant – authentic New Mexican cuisine with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
      • Whistlestop Cafe – custom-made flatbreads and soups served in bread bowls.
      • Phoenix Grill – pulled pork dishes and craft beers.
      • Tenderfoot Katie’s Food Court – grab-and-go meal options.
      • Martini Tree Bar – after-ski cocktails.
  • What ongoing programs and events are held at Taos Ski Valley?

    • Annual skiing competitions include the Junior Taos Freeride Nationals, held the second week in February.

    • The Rio Hondo Rando Raid event hosts the US Ski Mountaineering Nationals Sprint and Team Races.

    • Public special events include:

      • Femme de Freeride women’s skiing festival
      • Brewmaster’s Festival
      • New Year’s Eve festivities with midnight skiing, a torchlight parade, and fireworks

    • Arts and culture events include:

      • Frank Morgan Jazz Festival
      • Film and lecture series hosted by the Taos Center for the Arts
      • First Friday gallery crawl events in the village’s arts district
  • Where is Taos Ski Valley located?

    • Taos Ski Valley, 116 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, Phone: 800-776-1111

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