Taos
Taos Ski Valley
PO Box 90
Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
Reservations Number: (800)776-1111
Snow Report Number: (505)776-2916
Fax Number: (505)776-8596
Website: www.skitaos.org
Resort Overview: This resort is ranked as one of the best in the west year after year. The snow is light and dry, terrain is challenging, and it generally offers lots of sun. In addition, it also excels at programs and activities for families and kids.
Taos' 18,000 square foot Kinderkafig Children's Center opened last year to rave reviews. The Center houses all of Taos' highly acclaimed children's programs from Kinderkare daycare (ages 6 weeks to 2 years split by age) to Junior Elite ski classes (ages 3 to 12 split by age and ability) runs $66 per day. The Center's a one-stop shop for all kids programs, kids ski rentals, a kids cafeteria, and a shop with all those kids' accessories you may have forgotten for the slopes. Parents can purchase their lift tickets here as well as long as their children are present. For teens, Taos run special teen classes into their ski-week programs and whenever there are enough kids, they'll be divided by age and ability.
The resort's Ernie Blake Ski School has been ranked #1 by Snow Country magazine. This is an excellent resort for advanced skiers, as 51% of the mountain is rated expert. In addition, a trip into the town of Taos makes an excellent off-the-slopes activity. This can be the information that's listed in prose at the front of each of our current resort pieces.
Resort Statistics:
Base Elevation: 9,207'
Summit: 11,819'
Vertical Drop: 2,612'
Skiable Acres: 1,094
Average Annual Snowfall: 312"
Season: November 23, 2000 - April 8, 2001
Snowmaking: Over 98% of beginner and intermediate terrain
Night Skiing: No
Ski-Only Areas: Yes
Snowboarding Offered: No
Snowboarding Trails: No
Terrain Parks: 72
Cross Country Skiing Offered: No
Lifts: 12 - 4 quads, 1 triple, 5 doubles, 2 surface
Lift Capacity/Hr: 15,500 skiers per hour
Lift Hours: 9 am - 4 pm
Terrain: 72 - 17 beg. (24%), 18 inter. (25%), 37 expert (51%)
Longest Run: 5.25 miles
Lift Ticket Prices: Adult $45; Teen (13-17) $36; Child (12-under) $27; Senior (65-69) $31; Senior (70+) Free.
Passes/Discounts Available: Yes
Special Packages/Promotions: The Taos Pillow & Powder Sale - Special lodging and lift packages are offered by more than 30 Taos lodging properties through December 20th, the month of January and the last two weeks of the ski season. You can save up to 40% off of Regular Season packages during these periods. Call 800-776-1111 for reservations.
Day Care/Children's Lessons: Kinderkäfig Children's Center, (505) 776-2291, ext. 1331
Program: Kinderkare - Accepts children 6 weeks through 2 years old. Reservations are required. Cost: $57 per day, $32 per half day, $15 per hour.
Program: Junior Elite - A skiing program for children ages 3-12. Includes an all-day lesson, lift ticket, lunch and rentals. Reservations required for children ages 5 and under. Children must be potty trained. Cost: $73 per day or $71 per day for 3 or more days. Reservations are recommended for all children 5 and under! Please call (505) 776-2291, ext. 1331
Lodging: Alpine Village Suites (24 units)
The most luxurious year-round accommodations in the Taos Ski Valley offer elegant one-bedroom suites that sleep two or four in privacy. Each suite has its own private balcony with spectacular mountain views, fireplace, kitchenette, TV with VCR and telephone. Guests enjoy our outdoor hot tub, sauna, massage facilities and covered valet parking. Conference facility provides a wonderful environment for executive retreats, recognition and team building events. Special summer rates include continental breakfasts. Summer $50-$85, Winter $124-$325. PO Box 98, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, 800-576-2666, 505-776-8540, fax 505-776-8542, cottams@taosskivalley.com
Austing Haus (44 units) -A quaint mountain inn offering full-service accommodations in winter and romantic bed & breakfast in the summer. Enjoy Old World charm while relishing the peace and quiet of the surrounding mountains. Meeting facilities and special package discounts are available. Summer $49-$85, winter $95-$165. Box 8, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, 505-776-2649, fax 505-776-8751, austing@newmex.com
Hotel Edelweiss - SKI IN and SKI OUT of 8 cozy, sunny rooms with views. For our cuisine, location, and service, Travel & Leisure calls us A venerable Taos institution. Wake to a cappuccino and famous gingersnap pancakes, and ski in for homemade, healthy lunches. Relax apres ski on our skating rink, or at our bar, hot tub with slope views, or with an in-room massage. Enjoy camaraderie and exquisite French dinners. Gourmet: Breakfast of gargantuan legend. Local Flavor: An Alpine fantasy instead of just another winter vacation. From $118 to $250. Call 1-800-458-8754 (I-LUV-SKI), edelweiss@newmex.com
Inn at Snakedance (60 units)- Fodor's 5-Star Favorite. 10 yards from lift. Classic lodge with modern amenities. Warm hospitality year-round. Cool in summer; cozy in winter. Comfortable new rooms. Stone fireplaces, guest library. Village center, surrounded by summer activities. Great winter ski packages. Brochure. Summer $75, winter $145-$225. PO Box 89, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, 800-322-9815, 505-776-2277, fax 505-776-1410 or email them at: snakedance@newmex.com
Thunderbird Lodge (32 units) - This esbablishment has a 34-year reputation for superb dining, extensive wine cellar and outstanding musical entertainment, all just steps from the main lifts. We offer wine tastings, special vegetarian and children's menus, Jacuzzi, saunas and on-site masseuse. Be enchanted by our hospitality in our family-run lodge. Call for details, rates and reservations. PO Box 87, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, 800-776-2279, 505-776-2280, fax 505-776-2238, or email: tbird@newmex.com.
Twining Condos (18 units)- Our beautiful condominiums are located a short 3-minute walk from Taos Ski Valley Resort Center's lifts, restaurants, entertainment and shopping. We offer both studio and two-bedroom-with-loft accommodations. Hiking trails leading to William's Lake, Wheeler Peak or Bull of the Woods are practically at your door. Summer $55-$115, winter $145-$375. 33 Twining Road, PO Box 696, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, 800-828-2472, 505-776-8873, fax 505-776-8873, email: twining@newmex.com.
Amenities: Bus, Shuttle, Car Rentals, Ski Check, Business Center, 12 Restaurants & Cafes, 3 Nightclubs & Bars, 3 Coffee Shops, Whirlpool, Sauna, Massage. There are 5 ski shops and 11 retail shops within 10 miles of the resort.
Ski Lessons: The Yellowbird Program: For first-time skiers. Program includes morning and afternoon lessons, rental equipment and a FREE novice lift ticket. Cost is $55 per person for one day or $100 for two days.
Ski Better Week: a week-long program that includes a two-hour morning lesson each day. Lessons begin each day at 9:45 am. Program utilizes video analysis and includes a NASTAR Race. Six day program begins every Sunday, five day program begins every Monday. Cost: 6-day = $426, 5-day = $355
Group Lessons: Available mornings (9:45) and afternoons (1:45). Classes are small, maximum of 8, and geared to all levels. Cost: 2 hours = $35, three 2-hour classes = $90. Does not include lift ticket
Private Lessons: Privates are available for those wishing one on one attention to improve their skiing. Cost: $85 for 1 hour, and $50 for each additional hour.
Transportation Available: Nearest Major Airport: Albuquerque, NM 150 miles away Rio Grande Air offers commuter air service between Albuquerque and Taos. Call 800-IFLYRGA.
Awards: The Ski School has been ranked #1 by Snow Country Magazine. Skiing's Adventure Guide ranked Taos Ski Valley in the top ten ski resorts in North America. Taos was also rated one of the top resorts in North America by Ski Magazine.
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