Skiing in Taos, New Mexico
HeyTaos · Skiing
Skiing in Taos, New Mexico
Taos Ski Valley is one of the best ski resorts in the United States and the reason thousands of people come to Taos every winter. What to know before you go, plus the other ski areas within a short drive.
Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley was founded in 1955 by Swiss skier Ernie Blake, who spent years searching North America by small plane for the right mountain. He found it here, 18 miles northeast of Taos at the end of NM-150 up the Arroyo Hondo canyon. The resort opened in December 1955 and has been a serious ski destination since the beginning.
TSV joined the Alterra Mountain Company portfolio in 2019, which means it is included on the Ikon Pass. It was late to join a major pass network and was proudly independent for most of its history, which partly explains its loyal following and its reputation as a genuine ski mountain rather than a resort experience.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525 |
| Phone | 575-776-2291 |
| Website | skitaos.com |
| Base elevation | 9,207 feet |
| Summit elevation | 12,481 feet |
| Vertical drop | 3,274 feet |
| Skiable acres | 1,294 acres |
| Annual snowfall | Average 305 inches |
| Lifts | 15 lifts including 4 high-speed quads |
| Pass | Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass |
| Typical season | Late November through early April, snow dependent |
Terrain
TSV has a reputation as an expert mountain, and that reputation is earned. The terrain breakdown is approximately 24% beginner, 25% intermediate, and 51% advanced and expert. The expert terrain is legitimately expert, not just labeled that way. Kachina Peak at 12,481 feet requires hiking from the top of the lift and offers some of the most consequential in-bounds terrain in the country.
The beginner and intermediate terrain is also genuine and well-served. The Strawberry Hill learning area is dedicated to beginners and is separated from the main mountain flow. The resort runs an excellent ski school and is known for having produced strong skiers from its children's programs for decades.
TSV is not the right mountain for someone who wants wide groomed cruisers and no challenge. It is an excellent mountain for someone who wants to improve, challenge themselves, or experience serious high-altitude New Mexico skiing.
Other Ski Areas Near Taos
| Resort | Distance from Taos | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Angel Fire Resort | ~25 miles east via Hwy 64 | Family-friendly, less steep than TSV. Good for beginners and intermediates. On the Enchanted Circle. |
| Red River Ski Area | ~40 miles northeast via Enchanted Circle | Small, community-oriented mountain in the mining town of Red River. Good for beginners and families. |
| Ski Santa Fe | ~90 miles south via Hwy 68 | High base elevation (10,350 ft). Intermediate-heavy terrain. Day trip from Taos is realistic. |
| Sipapu Ski Area | ~25 miles southeast via Hwy 518 | Small local mountain. Affordable. Good for beginners. New Mexico's oldest ski area. |
Planning a Ski Trip to Taos
The road to Taos Ski Valley is NM-150, which climbs through the Arroyo Hondo canyon. It is a paved road but steep and winding. Snow tires or all-wheel drive with chains available are strongly recommended. The resort does not always open on schedule. Check skitaos.com or call before making a long drive for specific lifts or terrain.
Lodging at the mountain fills first during peak ski season (Christmas through New Year, Presidents' Week, and spring break). If you want ski-in ski-out access, book early. Staying in Taos town and driving up is a reasonable alternative and gives you more lodging options and restaurant access at night.
Summer at Taos Ski Valley
TSV operates a summer program from mid-June through early October. Scenic chairlift rides, lift-served mountain biking on the Green Chile Flow Trail, the Via Ferrata climbing route (opens July 1, 2026), pickleball at altitude, and the Wheeler Peak trailhead all make TSV worth the drive in summer as well as winter.
Sources: Taos Ski Valley, Village of Taos Ski Valley. Conditions, hours, and terrain vary by season and year.