Location: Taos Ski Valley
Top Things to do in Taos Ski Valley
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Taos Ski Valley, United States
Taos Ski Valley is a village and alpine ski resort in Taos County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 69 at the 2010 census. Until March 19, 2008, it was one of four ski resorts in America to prohibit snowboarding. The Kachina lift, constructed in 2014, serves the highest elevation of any triple chair in the North American Continent, to a peak elevation of 12,481 feet (3,804 m).
Restaurants in Taos Ski Valley
1. Taos Ski Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 393 reviews
TEMPORARILY CLOSED until next winter ski season Located at the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains in Northern New Mexico, Taos Ski Valley is a world famous destination for riders and skiers of all ability levels. Taos is primarily know for its steeps but offers beginner & intermediate trails off the top of every single chair lift. For the advanced to expert skier/rider Taos offers some of the most challenging and varied terrain in the country, especially off its hike to ridges. The family vibe is also embodied in the quaint village of Taos Ski Valley. Not overdeveloped the resort offers a simple night life, lots of dining options, with everything in close proximity. If you are looking for more than skiing/riding check out the historic town of Taos just 18 miles down the road for a true vacation destination.
Reviewed By Andy F - Monroe, Georgia
We visited Albuquerque and planned to take our kids snowboarding at Sandia Peak, but they had very little snow there. So, we decided to drive a couple hours north to Taos and enrolled our kids in snowboarding school. They loved it! Alastair was their instructor and she did a great job. There were only 4 kids in their group and they learned everything needed to be successful. The kids said it was pretty hard to get the hang of, but they did well. The resort is very nice and many the facilities at the resort are brand new. We highly recommend Taos for anyone wanting challenging trails and a fun time.
2. Goose Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Moderate to difficult hike, six miles one way.
Reviewed By Walker M - Tulsa, OK
If nature is your thing then you will love the Goose Lake trail. On the way up you can catch old miner cabins, blasting holes, relics from the past and of course beautiful scenery, I went in September, the temperature at the bottom of the trail was 81 and it was sleeting at the top. Just be prepared for a change of weather. Love it!
3. Taos Ski School
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By Elizabeth L - baltimore
Our grand daughter just spent a whole day at the ski school and she loved it. She will be back for a second day. We were impressed with the low child to instructor ratio. Two three year olds had one instructor. That’s amazing! It was also so exciting to see her go up the magic carpet and ski down the little hill. I am giving the ski school a rating of 4 and not 5 because the receptionist downstairs was not very pleasant when we arrived. We are happy everything went so well afterwards. The instructor was Amelia. She was very sweet and patient with her two very young skiers.
4. A.A. Taos Ski Valley Wilderness Adventures
Overall Ratings
4 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By William T - Plano, United States
This snowmobile trip has become a family legend for how awful it was. First, Big Al was very specific about being on time, and he only accepts cash. However, he greedily waited over 2 hours for a family that was late, and then had to go find cash. That, would have been a mild annoyance except we were SUNSET tour; missed the sunset, and rode in the dark. The transport up the mountain consisted of being packed into a shell on the back of a pickup....if you're one of the lucky ones. Some people had to stand on an exposed rack hanging off the back. The ride itself was a boring, slow, mule train. Big Al yelled at someone for getting 2 feet off the worn track. My kids were cold and crying by the time we got to our one stop. The truck dumped us back in a dark parking lot, where we had a hard time finding our vehicle. Big Al had no concern for his shivering patrons as he dumped them in a dark, empty parking lot, after resort shuttle service had ended for the day. But that didn't prevent the operator from expecting a fat tip. It sounds like they do nice horseback riding in the summer. But, skip this snowmobile tour. It's expensive and boring, and the operator is rude and inconsiderate.
5. Williams Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By Ralf K - San Francisco, California
Nice 2mi (one way) hike with a 1000ft elevation change (Williams Lake is at about 11,000ft asl). The trail is challenging over the first mile (lots of rubble and rocks) and does not give any view (all within the forest), but as closer you get to the lake, the trail and the vistas improve.
Ideal hike if you only half a day for hiking.
6. Hunziger Bowl
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Ski trail in Taos.
Reviewed By rockystuff - Indianapolis, IN
Getting to Hunziger requires a short hike, but it has improved since they changed the access point. It is now groomed periodically, so unlike years past, there are parts that are steep but not bumpy. If you are looking for ungroomed terrain, stay far to the right (going down) and take Totally Waird instead, if the snow conditions are good.
7. Al's Run
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Challenging downhill ski trail in Taos.
Reviewed By Jack W - Skokie, Illinois
If you like moguls you will love this run! You better be ready because you will be watched by the people on the chairs goin up. Very steady and steep. It used to have a J bar lift when I was young and by the time you got to the top your legs were shot.
8. Wheeler Peak
Overall Ratings
5 based on 55 reviews
An extremely challenging, eight to ten mile hike (one way).
Reviewed By doctormay - Purcell, Oklahoma
One of the most amazing views when you get to the lake.
If you plan on going past the lake, then you need to have "real hiking gear and equipment." Otherwise just straight up to the lake is a fairly easy climb if you are in shape. Kid friendly.
9. Cottam's Ski Shop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Matt1217 - Denton, Texas
I have rented ski equipment from them on multiple occasions and they have never disappointed. Always good equipment, great service, fair pricing, great location. They have staff members who have worked there for years, which says a lot about them. I highly recommend this place.
10. Bootdoctors Taos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Award-winning specialty ski shop featuring America's Best Bootfitters custom bootfitting services and the widest selection of ski boots, this season's best skis to demo or buy, great variety of ski wear & accessories. Best ski tuners in the area. Summer hiking and travel clothing and gear. Most knowledgeable and friendly staff excited to help you to enjoy the outdoors we love!
Reviewed By Nancy H - White Rock, New Mexico
I love this place, I have used them for 10+ years and always come back, even though I now live in Durango, CO. I have a bone spur on the top of each foot and need special fittings to make sure my ski boots are...MoreHope we see you again this year...in Taos Ski valley or in Telluride. We have the same great service and products in both areas!
