If you’re a newbie to skiing, Taos might not be the place to start. The mountain has plenty of advanced terrain with steeps, moguls, and trees. Try Al’s Run for a long, steep mogul run. Then there’s Longhorn, a long, steep mogul run with no exit trails. You’ll have to commit to the whole run.
Tree and glade skiing
Beginner skiers who don’t have the confidence to attempt black runs should choose the moderately pitched glades. Try to avoid trees with icy conditions and pick soft snow. Once they have mastered the basics, they can try steeper runs or tighter trees. Beginner skiers should take their time and don’t try to rip down steep and narrow runs before they feel confident.
For advanced skiers and snowboarders, Taos offers plenty of steeps and moguls. The Back Side has long, steep runs and an entry-level terrain park called Maxie’s. For hikers, double-black terrain is available on Highline Ridge. Its steeps are famous for being big-mountain steeps. On the west side, there are some of the longest trees in the world, as well as some of the most technical terrain.
Those with a background in freeride or other freestyle skiing may enjoy the tree and glade skiing in Taos. Many of the larger resorts don’t offer such diverse terrain. The older resorts don’t have the old world charm of the original ski areas. They also lack the ambiance of a smaller ski town. Beginners should choose tree and glade skiing in Taos if they want to get the most out of their skiing vacation.
For intermediate skiers, Tree and glade skiing in Taos offer a variety of challenges. On Andesite Mountain, beginners should check out Porcupine and Freemont’s Forest. On Lone Mountain, they should try White Magic and Short Stack. They also offer the popular Soul Hole. If you want to be more adventurous, head to the Wild West, where you’ll find 35 acres of often virgin glades.
High altitude
In addition to great powder snow, Taos boasts several world-class ski resorts, including the legendary Taos Ski Valley. This ski resort ranks among the top ten best in the country, and offers a wide variety of terrain for beginner and advanced skiers alike. High altitude, abundant sunshine and dry Southwestern air help keep conditions comfortable for skiers of all levels. Beginners will enjoy the slopes here because of their low-lift-lift-lift access.
Located in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, Taos is a great place to learn how to ski. This ski resort features challenging slopes that are good for beginners and advanced skiers alike. While the slopes at Taos are fairly accessible for novice skiers, advanced skiers will find that the terrain is surrounded by steep, rocky hills. The area’s high altitude is also conducive to learning new tricks and perfecting your technique.
There are several ski areas with steep terrain. The Lower Front Side offers excellent terrain that’s usually bypassed first thing in the morning, leaving time to work on avalanche mitigation higher up. Powderhorn, Porcupine and Rhoda’s are all excellent for fresh corduroy. The Whitefeather runs are excellent for leg-fired riding, while the Taos Ski App has plenty of information for beginners.
Beginners may want to try horseback riding. Taos’ mountain trails offer an off-the-beaten-path experience that will leave them wanting more. The trails wind through canyons, across mountain ranges, and along the banks of the Rio Grande. Beginners can even try their luck with mountain bikes on the trails. The Taos Ski Valley is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which is home to Wheeler Peak (12,481 feet).
Challenging terrain
There are steep slopes and tree runs for experienced skiers and snowboarders, as well as family friendly terrain. While the slopes are not the most accessible, the Taos Ski Patrol makes every effort to offer a wide variety of challenging terrain. Many double-black runs are off limits to the public, and the ski patrol opens the mountain in staggered fashion, allowing for fresh tracks days after a storm.
The ski valley offers a UNESCO World Heritage site and features eleven lifts and 72 trails across 1,094 acres. The cost for an all-day lift ticket is $35 during the regular season, and $20 for children under 12 and seniors 65 and older. Children can attend half-day or full-day lessons and learn the basics. Teens can attend a Snowsports Week, which includes six morning lessons for $50.
Taos’ Kachina Peak is a highlight of the ski resort. Standing atop the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, Kachina Peak is the crown jewel of Taos Ski Valley. A five-minute ski lift delivers you to the summit. During your trip, don’t miss the Dahl-Bredines’ face, which features big drops and billy-goat lines. The peak is also home to Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.
The mountain is north-facing and the resort covers the intermediate and beginner runs with artificial snow for extra skiing fun. Because of the snow quality, the resort is also able to cover beginner and intermediate slopes with artificial snow. While there isn’t a lot of snow in Taos in January, the resort offers several limited and unlimited ski passes for the winter season. If you’re looking for a challenging ski area with lots of steep slopes, Taos is the right choice for you.
Discounted multi-day rates
Beginners can take advantage of discounts at the Ski Valley of Taos. These discounted rates cover more than just lift tickets. Beginner skiers can stay in hotels and save on lodging, as well. Taos Ski Valley has one of the most comprehensive beginner ski schools in the country. Ski instructors specialize in helping beginners navigate the steep, challenging slopes. Children can enjoy babysitting services during their stay.
Weekend packages include three nights’ lodging, one full day of skiing, a group lesson, and a coupon book for activities and dining throughout the resort. A three-day weekend package includes lodging, lift tickets, and lessons for adults, and juniors can enjoy half-day skiing for $20. During the week, twilight and night ski packages are $20 and $18, respectively. Cross-country skiers can get a day pass for $20, while a four-day weekend pass is $116 per person.
For beginners, Taos has a package that includes lift tickets, rentals, and a group lesson. This package costs $12 for children and adults ages 12 and younger, and $15 for seniors. There are several beginner packages available to suit your needs, from a family ski vacation to a solo trip. Regardless of the level of your skiing ability, these discounts can help you make the most of your ski vacation.
Depending on the season, you can get discounted multi-day tickets from Taos. If you’re new to skiing, consider purchasing the Mountain Collective, a pass that covers five ski areas in one place. The benefits of the pass can make it worth your while to pay $489 for it, and you’ll be skiing in an affordable way for the whole week. These ski passes are often cheaper than the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass, and the prices can easily be recovered.
Children’s center
Beginner skiing and riding in Taos is made easier with the addition of a state-of-the-art Children’s Center. The facility, which is also home to the world-renowned Ernie Blake Snowsports School, includes a regraded beginner area and two magic carpets. The facility is easily accessible by pedestrian gondola from the resort plaza. The Children’s Center makes skiing and riding more enjoyable for young skiers and snowboarders, and helps families get on the mountain faster.
For children ages one to twelve, the Taos Ski Area offers a winter camp. The program, which started on Jan. 4, provides lessons that last half a day, including lift tickets, rental equipment and special on-mountain education. This program costs $165 for students living in Taos County and $185 for out-of-county students. Scholarships are available for qualified students.
If you’re looking for an exciting winter destination for your family, Taos is the perfect place to go skiing. With over 1,300 acres of skiable terrain and 13 lifts, Taos is an easy drive from Denver. Taos Ski Valley is a private resort 18 miles outside of Taos, and there are fewer crowds. The resort is a family-friendly winter playground and the kids will love it.
The Children’s Center is located in the Children’s Center, which has excellent snowmaking facilities. The resort also has a great ski school for beginners. Beaver Creek has two high-speed quad lifts and three double-lifts. There’s also a snowboard park. Beaver Creek also has cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowbiking trails. The resort opens from mid-December to about March 28, and runs daily from 9am to 4pm.
