Taos Ski Valley: What to do During your Visit

We love to visit Taos Ski Valley in the winter!

Our family spends the holidays in Taos each year and it’s a quick 30 minute drive to this world class ski resort! Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, Taos Ski Valley has plenty of other offerings to enjoy. From ice skating, spa services, shopping, to sipping on a hot cocoa or toddy taking in the scenery, there’s something for everyone! (Focusing on winter in this post but summertime at Taos Ski Valley is also wonderful, for hiking, mountain biking, and more in the cool mountain air!)

What’s the best way to get to Taos Ski Valley?

Depending on where you’re traveling from driving can be a great option. We often do this during longer stays so we have our own vehicle to use. Or fly into the Albuquerque International Airport or Santa Fe Regional Airport, rent a car, and drive to Taos. Or, my personal favorite- fly directly into Taos on JSX/Taos Air from select locations. (Complimentary ground transfers between the Taos Regional Airport and the Resort when flying JSX are available. The shuttle can be reserved during the booking process by adding “Taos Ski Shuttle” during the customization step.)

Where to Stay

Important to know: As mentioned, the town of Taos is about 30 minutes from Taos Ski Valley. Staying in Taos Ski Valley is super convenient if you plan to do multiple days of snow sports. The base area is compact and easy to navigate and you can always make the short drive into town for dinners or sightseeing. But staying in town and driving up to the ski valley in the morning is also a wonderful option, to enjoy both places during your visit! Just really depends on how much you plan to ski and what else you plan to do during your stay.

Our favorite place to stay in Taos Ski Valley is The Blake!

It’s at the base of the mountain and offers a luxe yet welcoming atmosphere and ski in / ski out convenience. The rooms are cozy and spacious, with everything you need during your high altitude stay (including extra storage for your gear and humidifiers). Some rooms have great views of the mountain! They also have an amazing spa and fitness center, a restaurant, a heated outdoor pool, and two wonderful outdoor hot tubs for a heavenly soak at the end of the day!

There are other hotels at the base that are also highly recommended: Edelweiss Lodge, Snakedance Inn, and the Hotel St. Bernard(currently under construction/reinvention coming soon)! Or you can go the AirBnB route and rent a home or condo for your stay. See more options for accommodations in Taos Ski Valley here.

Another option is to stay in the Town of Taos and drive up to the valley on the days you plan to be on the mountain. A perk to this is there are more options in town for other activities, dining, shopping, and sightseeing. See my recent post on Where to Stay in Taos for more.

Skiing and Snowboarding

While Taos is known for steep terrain and expert level skiing, they also have a fantastic beginners area/runs and snow sports school for children and adults! After a long hiatus from skiing I jumped back into it a few years ago and the adult group lessons were a key part of that. Personally I love private or group lessons because they help me improve my form and build my confidence on the slopes. Whether you’re a first timer or advanced and want to further your skills with a professional instructor I highly recommend!

Ryan and I both grew up skiing at Taos and our kids also have learned at Taos Snowsports. Marisa has become a strong skier and Andrew has really enjoyed snowboard lessons. Both kids have raved about the Children’s Ski programs, for having fun instructors and feeling more comfortable and confident in their skills on the mountain each year. Childcare for babies and young children is also available in the Children’s Center.

Eis Haus Skating Rink

Centrally located with beautiful views of the base and mountain! Skaters can enjoy ice skating and many other activities on the ice! Large built-in fireplaces with seating adjacent to the ice offer a terrific place for family and friends to watch and socialize after a day on the mountain. In the summertime yoga classes and art festivals take place here…

My Favorite Spots in Taos Ski Valley

Food/Drinks-

Rolling Still Distillery- The best spot to enjoy a hot or cold cocktail (or cocktail!) made with locally distilled vodka! The Macho Mule (made with red or green chile vodka or “christmas”), Hot Rosemary Toddy, or New Mexican Mocha (espresso, red chile vodka, and spiced cocoa) are my personal favorites. There’s also The Lounge in town, near the plaza.

Black Diamond Espresso- Best coffee on the mountain at this popular walk up spot! Love their americanos as well as their specialty espresso drinks and cocoas. Try one of the red chile infused cocoas for an extra kick! They also have baked goods and hand held breakfast burritos to go.

Cid’s Mountain Market- The locally owned sister store to the larger Cid’s Food Store and The Cellar in town has a great selection of fresh and organic foods, plus hot food/meals to go, local goods, toiletries, and liquor/beer/wine. We love to stop here for a hot beverage or quick and delicious lunch if we’re in a hurry to get back on the mountain!

Taos Ale House- Fantastic pizza, salads, and green chile cheeseburgers are a favorite at this cozy spot for lunch or dinner. Also love dining here in the summer on their deck that looks out to the river!

192 at The Blake- Love this chic restaurant on the second floor of The Blake for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks! Don’t miss the brussels, pizzas, and delicious salads and sandwiches. Enjoy a drink by the beautiful fireplace to warm up before heading back out!

The Bavarian- Offers guests the comfort and charm of an authentic alpine lodge amidst the majesty of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo mountains. Serving tall steins of Bavarian beer and chef’s German specialties, the Bavarian’s sunny outdoor deck and cozy dining rooms are the perfect on mountain experience! You can even book a private sleigh ride to dinner, for an unforgettable evening!

There are of course some spots I haven’t tried yet that are on my list for our next visit! See more Taos Ski Valley Dining options here…

Shopping-

Confluence- Love this store for unique gifts, clothing, and locally crafted goods. They carry my favorite Taos made candles from Taos Light Goods Candle Company. We bought adorable matching southwest beaded dog collars for Duke and Louis here! Confluence focuses on women’s fashion, fine art, pottery, home decor and more.

Taos Sports- A one stop shop for ski gear to rent or purchase, snow sports accessories, Ski Taos apparel and gifts, and more! Located on the plaza level of The Blake.