Winter

Thrills on our Hills

Taos loves winter! The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are a winter wonderland... sacred mountains to the Pueblo Indians and skiers alike. Wheeler Peak is the jewel of the peaks - at 13,161 feet, it's the highest peak in New Mexico. The Taos area is blessed with four ski areas - Taos, Red River, Sipapu and Angel Fire - offering everything from delightful cruising runs to demanding downhill thrills. All these resorts offer uncrowded skiing on wonderfully diverse terrain, abundant feather-light powder and intimate alpine villages where you are never far from the ski lifts.

Taos Ski Valley, just 17 miles from the center of Taos, is a skier’s paradise... runs from beginner to extreme… the lightest, driest, fluffiest powder possible… no crazy crowds… no need for trendy fashion. Now a mountain that was for alpine and telemark skiers only is open for snowboarders as well. After years of controversy, the shift has happened – and now skiers and snowboarders enjoy the mountain together. Taos Ski Valley has easy-to-learn runs and a nationally acclaimed ski school to learn the right way to ride and ski. It also has numerous intermediate runs and delicious, extreme Black Diamond runs for those that seek intense excitement.

Red River, just 36 miles northeast from Taos Plaza, is an old mining town turned ski town. The attitude is laid back and family friendly. Red River Ski and Snowboard Area gets an average of 18 feet of snow each year, has mixed terrain, a ski-through replica of a mining camp, and a terrain park. They have ski and snowboard lessons for all levels of enthusiasts. Located in the middle of Red River, the ski area is within walking distance of the town’s stores and many lodging facilities. The ski area also offers snowmobiling. Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area has miles of groomed trails, including kids trails, dog trails, and lessons.

Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort is tucked away in the Carson National Forest, just 22 miles southeast of Taos. Guests of all skill levels enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ski biking, snow blading and sledding on their 41 named trails and two terrain parks. On-site lodging offers ski-in, ski-out accommodations. Sipapu prides itself on its amenities for families and children of all ages.

Angel Fire Resort, due east of Taos, offers skiing and snowboarding, of course – but also snowmobiling, tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides, and ice fishing, to name a few. Their terrain park is ranked #1 in America!

Snowshoe and cross country ski enthusiasts enjoy the back country trails and meadows in Carson National Forest. Anglers explore the frozen surface of Eagle Nest Lake and try their hand at landing Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. For fast and furious fun in the snow, take a guided snowmobile trip through the valleys and mountains, available throughout the Taos area. Or grab your sled or innertube and head for U.S. Hill, southeast of Taos in the Carson National Forest.

The Taos area offers winter recreation opportunities for all – from nationally acclaimed ski resorts to exploring the nearby forests by snowshoe or flying down the hill on your grandpa’s sled. After a day’s fun in the snow, enjoy dinner at one of our many restaurants, perhaps in a hundred-year-old adobe dining on a bowl of green chili and a draft from the bar. Then slip into bed and dream of tomorrow’s adventures that await you back on the slopes.