What’s Hot?

• Taos Winter Wine Festival: Jan. 23 - Feb. 2, marks the event’s 21st anniversary. Enjoy spectacular wine and food events throughout Taos Ski Valley and the Town of Taos, plus two Grand Tastings featuring the best wines from around the world and seminars to boost your knowledge of nature’s gift from the vine.

• Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships at Taos: March 6 - 8. Riders from all over the world are expected to descend on Taos for this 4-day freeride ski competition featuring a cash purse of $10,000, equipment and product prizes for the top finisher in each of three divisions (male, female and junior skier). Event venues – the famous cliffs on Kachina Peak and the notorious West Basin Ridge – showcase Taos’ toughest terrain.

What’s New?

• Taos Ski Valley has continued to expand its snowmaking capabilities and make other improvements but the biggest changes can be seen around this Alpine village, from luxury condominium developments to new businesses like a shopping service courtesy of sisters Hilary and Melissa Ames, owners of Box Canyon, TSV’s contract post office. Speaking of shopping, the valley is an oasis for unique ski shops, Andean imports, chocolate confections and much more!

• Visitors to Taos Ski Valley can get to the high country courtesy of AA Taos Ski Valley Wilderness Adventures. Big Al will be your guide to 12,000 foot peaks and incredible views. The 2-hour tour includes riding time on the snowmobiles, helmets and warm clothing. Don’t forget to bring your camera along — it’s not unusual to spot bighorn sheep and other wildlife.

Don't Miss...

• Brew Master’s Festival, Dec. 16, Bring your friends and sample beers from 25 breweries from across the southwest region. Located in Tenderfoot Katie’s and the Martini Tree Bar.

• Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, Dec. 24 and 31.

• Ernie Blake Birthday Celebration, March 22, Come celebrate the birthday of TSV founder, Ernie Blake. A fireworks display and torchlight parade begins at 7pm and can be seen from anywhere in the base area followed by festivities in the Martini Tree Bar.

• Pond Skimming Championship,
March 30, Come watch people use any means necessary to skim across an 80-foot-long pool of ice cold water.

Party Time …

• Martini Tree Bar, TSV, Brews and cocktails right off the slopes.

• Thunderbird Bar, TSV

• Tim’s Stray Dog Cantina, TSV. Classic locals hangout, don’t miss the margaritas.

• Bavarian, TSV. Enjoy lunch and après-ski on the sundeck. Free dinner shuttle from TSV base area.

Hillary and Melissa Ames

Sisters Hillary and Melissa Ames were recent college graduates in the mid-1970s when they first came to Taos Ski Valley for a family ski vacation and, says Hillary, “We decided to move here the following season.” They own and operate Box Canyon, Taos Ski Valley’s contract post office, which also features fun gifts and a new shopping and errand service for TSV residents and guests.

Hillary: “We came in the mid ’70s when (Taos Ski Valley founder) Ernie Blake was still alive. Ernie was always making everybody feel they were a part of the ski world. Even if you were on vacation for a week you were treated as if you belonged here, like a local. Even today, everybody’s hearts are in it. They smile and greet you as you pass. It’s just cool.”
Melissa: “It’s warm and sunny. We grew up
skiing in Michigan where it was always bitter cold. I love Taos because it’s a ski area that has such great heart. It’s pretty cool that people who loved the sport designed the ski area. It’s a very special place.”