Taos Ski Valley Winter Travel Guide

Our Taos Ski Valley Winter Travel Guide will get you up to speed on the destination now. Taos Ski Valley is a unique blend of Old-World flavor, Native American culture, Spanish aura, memorable art and exciting skiing. The world-class ski resort has been one of New Mexico’s best ski destinations since it originally opened in the 1950s, and recent improvements ensure the ski area will be a popular spot for years to come. If you’ve never been to Taos for a ski trip (or are planning to go), here’s everything you need to know about Taos Ski Valley. Along the way, we’ll share Taos deals and discounts for savings on complete ski vacation packages, lodging, ski rentals, lift tickets, activities and après-ski.

There are sweet deals for savings on Taos ski packages, rentals and lodging at SkierDeals.com.
There are sweet deals for savings on Taos ski packages, rentals and lodging at SkierDeals.com.

Taos – Where Art Meets Skiing

Taos is an art colony in northern New Mexico that has been an adventurous getaway for more than a century. The town of 5,700 people has more than 30 galleries and three museums to go along with dozens of exhibits, presentations and special events throughout the year. Guests can visit the home Kit Carson, walk among 1,000-year-old Taos Pueblos or explore the 18th Century Hacienda de los Martinez.

Improvements Continue at Taos

Taos Ski Valley was purchased from its original owners in 2014 and almost immediately began a series of developments and improvements that continue today. First, a new triple-seater fixed-grip chair lift was built to improve access to Kachina Peak. The new chair lift can reach the top in about five minutes and grants access to some great bowls and chutes. (The resort gets about 300 inches of snow per year, so there’s plenty to explore and lots of fresh powder.)

Later, the Blake Hotel was opened on the slope side of the mountain. The hotel and spa is Tao’s first luxury hotel. It is reminiscent of a high-alpine European hotel and has 65 rooms and 15 suites for guests at the base of the ski area.

In 2017, the ski area unveiled a new children’s center and ski school as well as two new beginner lifts. The improved space provides a wide-open learning area for newbies. Other enhancements include new terrain openings, grooming fleet and snowmaking upgrades, and a few new retail shops and notable restaurants. The resort is also taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint through a variety of green initiatives and charitable donations.

New Direct Flights to Taos

In late 2019, Taos launched its own airline at Taos Regional Airport called Taos Air. Air service began in late 2019 and early 2020. Taos Air provides non-stop jet service to Taos Regional Airport from four destinations:

  • Austin – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
  • Dallas – Dallas Love Field Airport
  • Los Angeles/Hawthorne – Hawthorne Municipal Airport
  • San Diego/Carlsbad – McClellan-Palomar Airport

Taos Regional Airport is about 19 miles from the ski area and offers private and charter flights. There are no full commercial airlines currently.

The next closest airport is in Santa Fe about 1.5 hours’ drive from Taos. Santa Fe has direct flights from Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix while United Airline provides service to and from Denver International Airport.

The Albuquerque airport is a little less than three hours’ drive from Taos. Airlines servicing Albuquerque include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and United.

Taos Ski Vacation Packages

Get everything you need for a Tao ski vacation with Rocky Mountain Getaways. Browse hundreds of lodging options in the area and find the condo, townhouse or private home that best fits your group. Choices range from premier luxury homes to more affordable condominiums for one or two guests. Save on ski rentals and delivery. Parents and families will love the “Kids Stay, Rent and Ski for Free” promotion. Lots of deals include free days of skiing or free nights of lodging. There’s also savings on cross-country skiing, snowmobile tours, snowshoeing, tubing and mineral springs visits. Choosing a ski package vacation is a great way to save.

Lodging Deals in Taos

Finding a lodging deal in Taos is easy on our site here.  The Historic Taos Inn is located in the historic district of town and has been recognized as “One of America’s Great Inns.” Guests can pick from well-appointed guest rooms that are comfortable and conveniently located near lots of local sights and some great dining spots.

The El Pueblo Lodge in central Taos is a popular place for families and ski groups because it’s affordable, conveniently located, and has a relaxing hot tub and heated pool. Rooms are big yet cozy, and the complimentary breakfast served daily is a perfect way to get a quick bite before hitting the slopes.

For those seeking first tracks, the place to be is Taos Ski Valley. The hotel at the base of the resort is only steps from the lifts. The lodge has beautifully crafted guest rooms that are a relaxing retreat following a day of outdoor adventure. Guests who want to maximize their time on the hill often opt to stay and play at Taos Ski Valley.

Taos is a mix of memorable art, tasty dining, exquisite Southwestern culture and epic skiing.
Taos is a mix of memorable art, tasty dining, exquisite Southwestern culture and epic skiing.

Ski Rentals in Taos

Skiers and snowboarders who want to ski Taos will need to score a good deal on ski rentals from a local outfitter. Renting gear is a cheaper option than bringing your gear from home, and it allows you to try the newest and best gear. It’s also convenient to have a ski pro at your fingertips to repair or exchange your gear if anything malfunctions or you just don’t like it.

Hit the San de Cristo Mountains in style with a ski rental from Taos Ski Valley. Grab your gear at the base of the ski resort and save! There’s lots of choices and styles from which to choose. Ski techs are on hand to answer all your questions and to make sure you are comfortable and ready to rip.

Boot Doctors Ski Rentals is a local’s favorite ski rental shop in Taos that has excellent ski and snowboard gear you can rent. Visitors can browse options online and book in advance of your visit to save on rentals.

Cottam’s Ski Shops offers quality rentals through Christy Sports, one of the most respected names in ski rentals. Guests can pick from top-of-the-line gear and performance packages all the way down to basic packages for beginners and kids. Your comfort on the mountain is their No. 1 priority.

Deals on Taos Lift Tickets

To find the best deal on Taos lift tickets, check out the discounts at Taos Ski Valley. Purchasing your lift ticket a few days in advance of your arrival can mean huge savings! Save on adult lift tickets when you buy online with Taos Ski Valley.  Children age six and under ski for free with a paying adult.

Taos Bar and Après-Skier Deals

When you’re in Taos, you don’t want to miss the Adobe Bar. The popular local spot has free live music every night. Sit back, sip on of the best margaritas around and listen to live blues, jazz, Americana and Flamenco music. You’re bound to hear something that will catch your ear in this fun and entertaining atmosphere. The restaurant has street-side patio dining and a heaping plate of nachos that is highly recommended. And don’t miss Happy Hour during the week from 4-6 p.m. The best part is there is never a cover charge.

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