World Class and Wonderful

“Legendary” and “epic.” These two words are fitting descriptions of Taos Ski Valley, located at 9,200 feet above sea level in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico—a three-hour drive from Albuquerque and only two hours from Santa Fe. Taos’ claim to fame: an abundance of fabulous terrain, perfect blue skies day in and day out, and deep, fluffy powder.

That powder and terrain were exactly what attracted Ernie Blake to Taos. On May 15, 1954, Blake and a friend hiked to the top of what is now Taos Ski Valley. There he found skiing nirvana: feet of deep powder and challenging slopes. Blake and his wife Rhoda officially founded Taos Ski Valley the following year.

Today, the resort is still a family-owned business. Known for its abundance of steep terrain, Taos rates 51 percent of runs expert level and above, 25 percent are considered “intermediate,” and 24 percent are rated “beginner.”

Taos Ski Valley is known today as a world-class winter sports destination.

But newcomers and less aggressive riders fear not, especially when staring up at the mammoth-sized moguls on Al’s Run. Taos offers one of the top-rated ski schools in the country. In fact, the valley’s wildly popular Ski Weeks bring regulars and newbies together for six days of instruction. Ski Weeks are designed to buff up technique, but an added benefit is the spontaneous friendships that develop.

Taos is known for its steeps, glades and bump runs: Hardcores can hike The Ridge to Kachina Peak (one of the highest points in New Mexico with an elevation of 12,481 feet above sea level) to find those cherished stashes of powder.

In March 2008, Taos welcomed snowboarders to its slopes for the first time. From lessons to rental gear, snowboarders of any level will find everything they need at Taos.

And Taos Ski Valley is not just about skiing and snowboarding. One of the highlights of the season is the annual Taos Winter Wine Festival.

The event showcases wines from around the world, and includes wine tastings, seminars, and winemaker dinners among the activities.

In addition, the resort hosts beer festivals, numerous ski competitions, snowboarding races and clinics, as well as ongoing workshops and camps for all levels.

Lodging on the mountain is a blend of rustic ski lodge elegance with a Swiss-chalet style charm, reminiscent of the Blake family roots. There are also a variety of ski-in, ski-out condominiums, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, luxury hotels and individual cabin rentals in the valley.

If you need a break from the slopes, visit the historic town of Taos, with its mixture of Native American culture, historic adobe buildings,  Spanish-style plaza, art galleries, boutiques and world-class dining.

From Blake’s beginnings, when he and Rhoda lived in a camper at the base and skiers had only one run to choose from, Taos Ski Valley is known today as a world-class winter sports destination.

Follow us on Twitter @SkiTaos or visit us online at www.skitaos.org.

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