Taos Ski Valley is unlike anywhere else in the world. Set high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it blends Southwestern soul with European-style terrain and high-alpine drama. The air is thin, the snow is dry, and the mountains feel sacred—because to the local Taos Pueblo, they are. This isn’t just a ski trip; it’s an experience that blends art, culture, and adventure into something uniquely unforgettable.

Quick Stats

• Location: Taos, New Mexico (near Arroyo Seco)
• Elevation: 9,207 ft base / 12,481 ft summit
• Vertical Drop: 3,274 ft
• Skiable Terrain: 1,294 acres
• Annual Snowfall: ~300 inches
• Number of Runs: 110
• Lifts: 14 (including the Kachina Peak Chairlift to 12,481 ft)
• Vibe Check: Spiritual, steep, and beautifully strange

The Vibe

Taos is the kind of place that stays with you. It’s got grit, elegance, and a pulse that runs deeper than most ski towns. The village blends adobe architecture and European alpine style, and the people—locals, artists, and ski bums alike—give it soul. The mountain itself is fierce: steep chutes, technical moguls, and big alpine bowls that demand your respect. Yet somehow, Taos feels warm and welcoming, like it knows you came for something more than just snow.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Porcupine – smooth and scenic beginner run near the base.
• White Feather – long, rolling green that offers perfect warm-up laps.

🟦 Blues

• Bambi – classic intermediate run with consistent pitch and great grooming.
• Powderhorn – mellow, wide trail that delivers great snow and big views.
• Lower Stauffenberg – ideal for strong intermediates looking to test their edge.

♦︎ Blacks

• Al’s Run – the iconic mogul masterpiece that defines Taos.
• Longhorn – steep, exposed, and pure New Mexico adrenaline.
• Kachina Peak – 12,481 feet high and as breathtaking as it gets—literally and figuratively.

Après + Town Stays

Après at Taos is as distinctive as the mountain itself—think live flamenco music, craft cocktails with chile salt rims, and starlit nights that stretch forever.

• The Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant – European-style lodge at the base with hearty alpine fare and steins of beer.
• 192 at The Blake – modern, upscale bar and restaurant with local ingredients and elegant cocktails.
• The St. Bernard – historic après bar for classic ski-town vibes and mountain stories.
• Hotel St. Bernard (Legacy Lounge) – cozy fireside drinks with vintage charm.
• Taos Mesa Brewing – award-winning craft beer and live music just outside town.
• The Blake at Taos Ski Valley – ski-in luxury hotel with spa, art, and mountain views.
• Abe’s Cantina y Cocina (Arroyo Seco) – down-to-earth local spot for green chile burritos and cold beers.

Travel Tips

Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and drive 2.5 hours north through high desert and mountain passes—it’s one of the most scenic approaches in the country. For closer access, fly into Taos Regional Airport (TSM) (seasonal). Pack layers—the altitude and desert climate mean sunny mornings and frigid nights. Taos has fewer crowds than most major resorts, and lift lines are nearly nonexistent. February and March bring the best snow and light.

Fun Facts

• Taos was founded in 1955 by Ernie Blake, who ran it by radio from a trailer plane.
• The mountain’s terrain was once so steep that it had a “No Beginners Allowed” reputation.
• It’s one of the few major ski areas with certified B-Corp status—sustainability is core to its mission.
• The nearby Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inhabited for over 1,000 years.
• Kachina Peak was once hike-only before the lift opened in 2015.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Taos made the list because it’s not just a mountain—it’s an experience. It challenges your legs and fills your spirit, blending world-class skiing with one of the most vibrant cultures in the American West. From moguls on Al’s Run to margaritas at The Blake, Taos is where art and adrenaline meet.