Taos Ski Valley New Mexico (US)

Beginners and Intermediates:

This mountain has plenty of terrain for the beginners and intermediates. Beginner runs tend to be the connecting trails and cat walks. At the edge of the base (bottom right on the trail map), one will find the ski school and Rueggli lift. Here there are beginners only with no high speed advanced skiers whizzing by. It is an isolated run but beginners are sure to enjoy the isolation.

The top of lift 1 and 5 will take you to the top of "Al's Run", the signature bump run at Taos, or take "Porcupine", a gentle blue run.

Advanced Ski Terrain:

The entire Mountain has advanced terrain. Taos has advanced terrain in all varieties: moguls, steeps or trees and of course runs with all three (moguls, steeps and trees) all on the same run.

The first run you see from the base of the mountain is "Al's Run", a long, steep mogul run. It is often closed early in the season to allow snow accumulation. If Al's is not intimidating enough, try "Longhorn", a much longer and seemingly never ending mogul run with no exit trails. The entrance is steep and in the trees and probably the most challenging part of the run. "Longhorn" is a commitment.

Tree Runs:

Tree runs at Taos are often difficult and not always obvious. Some of the more obvious are well marked like "Pollux" and the upper part of "Lorelei". Others such as "North American" (accessible from the top of "Al's Run") just look like a dense forest with no obvious trail. This one is hard as it is steep, bumpy and without a lot of room between the trees. This run is often closed as it really is only navigable when snow conditions are ideal. Obey the "Closed" signs when present.

Hike-able Terrain:

This is where Taos excels. The top of lift 2 hosts the gate to upper hike-able terrain leading to Highline Ridge and West Basin Ridge. This is your best option for un-tracked snow. Since the installation of the Kachina lift, Kachina Peak is no longer in the hike-able category, but is now readily accessible by lift. This terrain is often closed to preserve snow until later in the season.

Also see Taos Hike-able Terrain and the Highline Ridge Hike

Out of Bounds Skiing:

There is none. The boundary is roped and closed. With so much in-bounds, hike-able terrain there is little need to go out-of-bounds.

This mountain has two terrain parks: Bambi and Maxie. As the name suggests, Bambi has smaller features on which to learn and develop one's expertise. One is limited to rails, table tops and jumps.

The town of Taos New Mexico is about a half hour drive from the Taos Ski Valley ski resort. The panoramic tour below shows the mountain base facilities which include a few places to eat, lodging, T-shirt shopping, ski equipment and clothing stores for both purchase and rental.

The base facilities are only open a few hours after the lifts close. In town, there are more places to eat, lodge and shop. Shopping is limited but some of the Southwestern cuisine is quite good.

When driving out of the resort beware of the setting sun which can set in your direct view as you are looking down the road. This is seasonal and time dependent: eg Feb 7 at 5:15pm you will be starring into the sun as you follow the road out of the resort. Be careful or choose your departure times carefully. Taos should consider re-routing the road or planting a few strategically located tall trees to offer a little protection from the glare.