Taos

How to get to Taos Ski Valley

To reach Taos Ski Valley, you have multiple convenient options. The resort is located just 19 miles north of the town of Taos, New Mexico. For those flying in, the closest airport is Albuquerque International Sunport, about 135 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car, use shuttle services, or opt for private transportation to get to the resort. Additionally, the resort offers various transport options to ensure a hassle-free journey for visitors​.

The resort provides complimentary shuttle services to help guests move easily between key areas, including lodging, dining, and skiing spots. These shuttles are designed to ensure that everyone, from families to solo travelers, can access the different amenities and attractions without hassle. Additionally, there are parking facilities available for those who prefer driving, making it easy to explore the surrounding scenic areas and nearby towns.

Skiing in Taos Ski Valley

Taos' 12,481-foot Kachina Peak is now lift accessible. A new lift has been installed to the formerly hike-to peak. Kachina Peak area is a playground for experts looking for face shots, moguls, chutes, cornices, and steep glades. And if challenging skiing isn't your thing, that’s OK, Taos has miles of groomed slopes. Beginners will be delighted to discover that they can experience all the iconic views of Taos, since the green runs aren't relegated to the bottom of the mountain. First timers also have ample facilities and “learn to ski” zones located at the base of the mountain, ensuring they can learn in a comfortable manner.

Beginner Skiing in Taos

Beginner skiers can enjoy 15 percent of Taos 1,200-plus skiable acres. Beginners will especially appreciate Taos high alpine views, since there are a handful of green runs higher up on the mountain. Lift 1 from the main base area provides access to several ideal green runs, like White Feather. Beginners can also jump Lift 2 or 6, which provides access to Honeysuckle, a long green run that abuts a popular chute zone. Beginners can take Honeysuckle to Lift 4, which brings them to the base of the ruggedly famous Kachina Peak, providing unique access and chance to see extreme skiers in action—all while safely enjoying the gentle slopes of Easy Trip.

Intermediates—and especially advanced intermediates—can explore 47 percent of Taos’ terrain. The best blue Taos terrain can be found off of the Lift 8 chairlift. Intermediates will want to head up Lift 1 or 5, and make their way down Porcupine or Powderhorn Bowl—two ideal intermediate runs—to the bottom of Lift 8. At the top of the lift head skier’s right and enjoy the long, well-groomed descent down Lower Stauffenberg or Firlefanz. Intermediates also have a couple of notable terrin options off of Lift 4 and 7. More-seasoned intermediates will find that Taos is an ideal ski resort to challenge their skills, since the terrain offers a nice intermingling of black diamond and blue runs, providing the opportunity to bail out, if necessary.

Expert Skiing in Taos

Family vacations in Taos Ski Valley

With a plethora of off-mountain activities, affordable dining and lodging options and of course Taos amazing skiing—305 inches of snow annually and 300-plus days of sunshine annually—a Taos family ski vacation should rank high when planning your next mountain escape. This New Mexico resort offers miles of pristine groomers and challenging steeps for expert families, including 12,841-foot Kachina Peak. Taos is home to some of the coolest art museums you’ll ever see, and also has an interesting mix of rich Spanish mission influence and Native American heritage, making it an incredible place for families to go sight-seeing at.

In addition to skiing, Taos Ski Valley offers a variety of family-friendly activities. For those seeking a unique adventure, the Via Ferrata climbing tours offer an exciting alpine climbing experience with no prior experience necessary. Situated at 11,500 feet, the guided tours provide spectacular views and challenging routes for climbers of all levels.