Taos is a small, western-style town that sits at the base of the Sangre de Christo mountains in northern New Mexico. Fortunately for skiers, the fashionable mountain village, as well as the surrounding countryside, receives an ample winter covering of snow. For years, the Taos region has offered various skiing opportunities to many outdoor enthusiasts, but advertising and competition from nearby Colorado have often overshadowed the excellent winter recreational experience of northern New Mexico.
Advanced Downhill Runs
Of all the downhill skiing in the area, Taos Ski Valley, located just northeast of the village, offers the best selection of advanced downhill runs. This mountain also has the largest vertical drop at 2,612 feet and lifts that go to nearly 12,000 feet. Nearby Angel Fire Resort and Red River Ski Area offer some challenging downhill runs on a more limited basis. Both Angel Fire and Red River are located east of Taos in the general vicinity of a town called Eagles Nest.
Beginning and Intermediate Skiing
For beginning and intermediate skiing, the best places to visit in the Taos vicinity are Red River, Angel Fire and a small downhill resort called Sipapu, which is located 20 miles southeast of Taos in the Carson National Forest. All three resorts offer many beginning and intermediate trails, plus they allow snowboarding, which Taos Ski Valley does not. Sipapu, which has an elevation change of only 1,000 feet, can be found on Highway 518, which runs between Taos and Las Vegas (New Mexico).
Off the Trail
For advanced, off-the-trail downhill skiing the most popular place to go is Kachina Peak, which can be accessed from a Taos Ski Valley chairlift. Once off the chair, a 1,000-foot climb is undertaken before the downhill run can be made, but an enthralling powder run awaits those who make it to the top. Most make the climb in their ski boots, carrying skis across the shoulder. Other places around Taos offer wilderness skiing but it is best to consult a local guide before venturing too far out in the New Mexico wilderness.
Cross Country
Visitors to Taos should not forget about the wonderful aerobic exercise of cross-country skiing. No need for uphill chairlifts with this sport, for once the basics are learned, miles of wooded trails await your quiet exploration. Cross-country trails are available at Sipapu, Angel Fire and a cross-country resort called Enchanted Forest, which can be found just down Highway 38 from Red River. All places offer ski rentals and special trails. More cross-country trails are available in Carson National Forest, but these are best negotiated by more advanced Nordic skiers in groups, as these trails can sometimes encounter steep descents along narrowly wooded paths.
After the Slopes Close
Other big attractions of skiing at Taos Mountain are the accommodations, nightlife and things to do in the area when you are not skiing. In this category Taos is hard to beat, for the old, rustic village abounds with art galleries, Native American craft shops, fine restaurants and rustic inns. In fact, all throughout this part of the state winter visitors will find intriguing activities that range from visiting an Indian pueblo to sitting in front of a blazing, pinon pine fire at a popular drinking establishment.
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