29 minute drive from Taos Regional Airport

More than one hundred years ago, there was a small copper mining town, first called Amizette and, later, Twining, high in the mountains just northeast of the town of Taos, New Mexico. The town was abandoned in 1910, and no trace remains of the ghost town today. That’s because in the early 1950s, Swiss-German ski pioneer Ernie Blake spied the area as he was flying his Cessna 170 between Santa Fe and Colorado. He’d long desired to start his own ski resort, and when he saw the big basin of snow in the shadow of Wheeler Peak, he knew he’d found his spot.

Today, the location of that old mining town houses Taos Ski Valley, a world-class ski and snowboard destination only a 20-mile drive from downtown Taos. Taos Ski Valley is an unlikely collision of rustic charm and Alpine opulence, with accommodations and dining options ranging from homey old-world to five-star luxury. It’s also the first ski resort in the world to become a certified B Corp, meaning that Taos Ski Valley prioritizes the well-being of its workers, guests, business partners, community, and environment. In a world that seems to get smaller by the day, these changes can have an outsized impact.

Three hundred is a magic number at Taos Ski Valley. With an average of more than 300 inches of chalky, dry powder every year and an average 300 days of sunshine, you’re bound to find ideal conditions on the slopes. Whether you’re cruising the groomers under bluebird skies, catching some air in one of the terrain parks, or finding hidden stashes of powder in the trees, Taos is a treasure trove of terrain. 

There are more than 110 runs at Taos Ski Valley, and although just over half of them are considered advanced/expert terrain, the iconic sign at the base says it all: “Don’t Panic! You’re looking at only 1/30^thof Taos Ski Valley. We have many easy runs, too.” While the view from the village may be vertiginous, the resort houses one of the highest rated ski schools in the world—named after Ernie Blake, the resort’s founder. There’s also a dedicated children’s area and plenty of approachable terrain for beginner adults as well.

But back to that expert terrain….Some of it can be reached by lift—including the Kachina Peak lift that transports skiers literally to the top of the mountain at 12,481 feet—but some is accessible only to those willing to throw their skis over their shoulder and hike. The rewards repay the effort in spades.

Taos Ski Valley isn’t just about the mountain, though. At the foot of the slopes, visitors find a welcoming village with shops, sports outfitters, restaurants, and ample opportunities for a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. 

The fun at Taos Ski Valley continues after the snow melts, with hiking, mountain biking, and a Via Ferrata for beginning and experienced climbers alike. Live music, festivals, trail runs, and more round out the year’s events, making Taos Ski Valley the perfect destination for those looking for a cool mountain retreat and some summer adventure. 

But when winter rolls around again, Taos Ski Valley should always be top of your list for the ultimate ski and snowboard experience.