Travel to Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico is a popular destination known for its rich culture, arts scene, and winter sports, especially skiing. If you’re considering winter travel options to Taos, here are some of the best ways to get there:
By Air: Taos Regional Airport (TSM): This airport is conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Taos. It has expanded its services over the years, and although flights might be limited compared to larger airports, Taos Air offers direct to/from Burbank (BUR), San Diego (SAN), Dallas (DAL) and Austin (AUS).
Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF): Located about 1.5 hours from Taos, American and United Airlines both offer limited commercial flights and can be a convenient option if the routes align with your travel plans.
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): This is New Mexico’s largest airport and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Taos. In addition to the major airlines that fly out of Albuquerque, jetBlue, Spirit, Advanced Air, Boutique Air and Southwest Airlines all offer flights.
By Car: From Albuquerque or Santa Fe, you can rent a car and drive to Taos. Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready before you start driving to hit the ski slopes. Highway US-64 and State Highway NM-68 are the main routes into Taos.
Winter Sports Shuttle: The Taos Ski Valley is happy to offer complimentary transportation between the Taos Regional Airport to The Blake (slopeside lodging), ensuring guests can reach the slopes without the need to drive.
By Train: While there’s no direct train service to Taos, you can take Amtrak to Albuquerque or Santa Fe and then proceed by car, bus, or shuttle.
Taos Mountain Info
Kachina Peak: 12,481′
Base Elevation: 9,350′
Vertical Drop: 3,131′
High Speed Detachable 8 Person Gondola: 1
High Speed Detachable Quad Ski Lifts: 1
Fixed Quad Ski Lifts: 3
Fixed Triple Ski Lifts: 4
People Mover or Surface Lifts: 3
Number of Trails: 110 | 24% Beginner, 25% Intermediate, 51% Expert
Total Acreage: 1,294 Acres
Lift capacity: 15,000 skiers per hour
Average Annual Snowfall: 300 inches
Average Days of Sunshine: 300 plus days
2024: Once again, I got lucky and enjoyed excellent weather and skiing conditions when I visited Taos last winter. The drive to the resort from Taos was memorable for me because of the way the mountain is revealed as you get closer, it was an absolutely beautiful, inspiring experience to witness, one that I will never forget.
Also, I loved the friendly laid-back attitude of the locals. And the skiing at Taos is awesome! No crowds, long runs that feel like they will never end, just what I like. I love Taos. I can’t wait to go back next year – Yeehaw!
SkiTaos.com says: Welcome to Taos Ski Valley, an independent ski resort located in the Sangre De Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains. You found us! Here, you can enjoy true bluebird days, hidden powder stashes all winter, and amazing terrain filled with chutes, trees, hikes, and more!
With 300 inches of snow and 300 plus days of sunshine annually it looks like Taos Ski Valley is a Resort not to be missed – count me in!
SkiTaos.com says: Located on your way to Lift #2, the Whistlestop Cafe is the best place on the west mountain to refresh. Enjoy a mountain break with drinks, snacks, and restrooms. Full menu service is available.
Located at the base of Lift 4 and perfect for a mid-day hot chocolate while soaking in the views of Kachina Peak on the outdoor deck. Indoor & outdoor dining is available. Check out their Menu here.
Also located at the base of Lift 4, enjoy casual German lunch fare and German beers on tap while soaking up the sun on the Bavarian deck!
Taos Lodging
SkiTaos.com says: The Blake is an 80-room alpine guesthouse adjacent to Lift 1 that’s designed to deliver mountainside adventures, whether you’re skiing, hiking, shopping or strolling. Guest-service Hausmeisters are on call to attend to every detail, while well-appointed rooms and sophisticated suites lull the adventurous into welcomed relaxation.
The Blake Penthouses offer exclusive access to the fifth floor of The Blake via three or four bedroom suites. Located just steps from Lift 1 and our lively base area, you’ll enjoy access to all the hotel amenities along with close proximity to shopping and entertainment.
The Blake Residences, comprised of 24 private residences, is located in the heart of the village, steps away from The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, and Lift 1, with convenient access to local artisan shopping, Cid’s Mountain Market, and our new ice-skating rink. With Hausmeisters on call to attend to every request, fully appointed residences, and comfortable accommodations, The Blake Residences, and stunning views, will quickly become your home away from home.
WyndhamHotels.com says: When traveling through the southwest, there is no better place for value and convenience than our Super 8 Taos hotel. Located on Highway 68, our location near Rio Grande Gorge provides friendly service and easy access to area attractions.
The Town of Taos is a cultural melting pot that has existed as the home of the Tiwa people for thousands of years, and home to Spanish settlers beginning in 1615. Walk the narrow adobe lined streets of the historic district, peruse countless art galleries, museums, shops and chose from cuisine from around the world.
Taos Food & Drink
SkiTaos.com says: Centered around a communal fireplace, this inviting, intimate dining room radiates international flare & rustic European alpine architecture folded into colorful New Mexican design. 192 offers Northern Italian cuisine with options for all to enjoy.
Watch sports at the bar or soak in the sun on the patio while enjoying delicious tacos and margaritas. Check out the Food Menu and Drink Menu!
Located in the resort center at the base of Lift 1, The Tenderfoot Katie marketplace offers easy grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches.
For a tiny town tucked in the mountains, Taos has an outsized and well-deserved reputation for being a food & drink enthusiast’s dream come true. From downtown food trucks to alpine fine dining, from mouthwatering chili to wood-fired pizza, Taos serves up deliciousness every day of the year. Find more info here!
Taos Tickets & Passes
Check out all the options and find the offering that works best for you and your family!
Great news – Taos is an Ikon Pass member for the 2024-2025 season! No Reservations needed!
Taos is once again a Mountain Collective Pass member for the 2024-2025 ski season. No Reservations needed.
Taos Other Info & Stuff to Do!
Certainly, Taos, New Mexico is renowned for its skiing opportunities, but it also offers a plethora of other unique winter activities and experiences. Here’s a list of things you can do in Taos during the winter, aside from skiing:
Taos Pueblo Tour: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited dwelling in the U.S. In winter, the adobe buildings blanketed with snow offer a unique sight.
Taos Art Museum: Delve into the world of the Taos Society of Artists and explore local history and culture.
Visit the Millicent Rogers Museum: Explore the Southwest’s rich art and history, from Native American artifacts to local modern-day artistry.
Snowmobiling: Big Al’s Snowmobile Tours provide guided tours to the peaks and ridges above Taos Ski Valley. Experience some of the most beautiful spots and spectacular views on the planet! An adventure the entire family will enjoy and treasure. Make no mistake, this tour will lift your spirit – we’re sure of that.
Ice Skating: Skaters of all abilities and ages will enjoy ice skating in the afternoons and evenings all season long! 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.
Taos Plaza: Browse the local shops, enjoy the winter decor, and partake in any ongoing winter festivities.
Adobe Architecture Tour: Explore the town’s historic adobe landmarks and learn about their construction and significance.
Hot Springs: Seek out local hot springs, like Ojo Caliente, Black Rock or Manby, where you can relax in warm waters surrounded by the winter landscape.
Cross Country Skiing: Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area offers 33km of 12 – 16 ft wide groomed trails for both classic and freestyle skiing and 15km devoted to snowshoes, as well as 5km of trails to ski with your dog, and access to miles and miles of backcountry trails.
Snowshoeing: Discover the quiet winter beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on snowshoes.
Sleigh Rides: Experience a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride amidst the snow-covered plains.
Attend a Bonfire or Winter Festival: Participate in local events and celebrations, which might include traditional dances, bonfires, or processions.
When planning your activities, always consider checking local event calendars, as Taos often has special events, festivals, or gatherings that might be of interest. Also, remember to always check the safety and accessibility of outdoor activities, especially in winter conditions.
