Open from Thanksgiving to mid-April depending on snow cover, Taos Ski Area possesses 110 ski trails encompassing 1,294 acres. The mountain possesses 13 lifts, including four quad lifts. The ski area has a base elevation of 9,207 feet with a top elevation of 11,819 feet on lift-serviced terrain. The area averages 305 inches of snowfall a season and possesses snow-making capabilities.
Beginner Trails
Taos Ski Area has trails suited for novice skiers and snowboarders. Twenty-four percent of the terrain is designated as green. These green-circle-marked trails are the preferred trails used by the ski and snowboard school for newer skiers and boarders. Many green trails interconnect with the majority of the trails starting mid mountain. Whitefeather is the easiest front side green with a short run that is wide open for learning. Bonanza & Jesses, accessible from Lift 8, are a bit longer and quicker for when beginners get more comfortable with speed. Round the World is a long green run that should be skied by those who have the stamina to ski or board for at least 30 minutes at a time.
Intermediate Trails
Twenty-five percent of the trails at Taos are rated intermediate. Just like with the beginner trails, the intermediate trails are used for lessons and there are snow making capabilities on these trails. These trails are marked with a blue square and are located all over the mountain. Bambi's Trail starts just below the ski patrol's headquarters and is the highest blue trail on the mountain. Bambi's connects to a series of blue (Upper Powderhorn to Powderhorn, Upper Powderhorn to High Five and White Feather to Porcupine) to make one long, wide-open run all the way to the base. The run takes stamina, but it provides plenty of practice time. Lower Stauffenberg is a lone blue trail accessible from Lift 8.
Expert
Taos is a expert skiers paradise with over half the mountain (51 percent) rated as such. Designated with the single or double black diamond symbols, most of these extremely difficult and expert only trails start at the top of the mountain at the highest elevations and connect to other double diamond trails for longer runs. Lorelei starts high on the mountain and provides some tight twists and turns. For true speed, Al's Run heads straight down from Lift 1. Chutes like Werner's Chute test to true ski level and can make for a long run if you connect to Longhorn toward the base. Off the blue run Porcupine, you can access a bunch of tight tree-lined black and double black diamond runs as well.
Terrain Park
The Out to Launch Terrain Park is groomed nightly and typically opens in January. The park, located under Lift 7, offers rollers for beginners or those who don't need large air. Multiple rails including a 40-foot rail are in the park. Two huge airs, table tops, a step-up jump and a quarter pipe are some of the terrain visitors can play on. Skiers can enjoy music and take a break or eat a sack lunch on the picnic tables.
Hike to Terrain
Taos also has hike to terrain for those confident with their skills AT and Telemark skiers. Taos recommends skiers contact the ski patrol for current conditions before skiing or boarding any of the hike to terrain at Taos.
The West Basin Ridge is a 10- to 15-minute hike from Lift 2 or you can save the hike and access the ridge via High Traverse. Steep terrain, chutes and rocks are a part of the West Basin.
Getting to the steep terrain of Highline Ridge requires a trek from either Lift 7A or Lift 2, both about a 15 minutes. Skiers should be confident on bumps and skiing through tree chutes.
Kachina Peak rises to 12,481 feet and is accessible from Lift 2. Hikers should be prepared for at least a 45-minute hike to reach the double black-diamond terrain. Multiple lines offer open views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. A gate to the peak closes at 1 p.m. for safety.
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