Our Location

We are located an easy drive from the Town of Taos, which sits at the base of the mountains. It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Taos Plaza to the Ski Valley, passing through historic villages and mountain canyons. The area’s early ski pioneers, residents, and employees blended their love of skiing with the local Native American and Spanish cultures to craft a mountain retreat out of an old mining town. Over the years, Taos has become world-renowned for steep runs of powdery, dry snow in the winter and stunning forest surroundings in the spring and summer.

Strong Foundations

While the Village of Taos Ski Valley’s early beginnings in the 1600s stem from Spanish mining operations and later domestic companies, the special place we know today was founded in 1955 by the enterprising adventurer Ernie Blake and wife Rhoda. Like out of a storybook, the couple would flee post-World War II Germany to discover the American West. They charted the ski valley’s future by flight. They flew a small Cessna up the Sangre de Cristo mountain range from Santa Fe to scout this legendary terrain. The rest is history, and we still live it today.

The Blakes roughed it in the early days in an eleven-foot camper. There were no buildings or utilities to speak of, except the almost-completed Hondo Lodge.

Today the Hondo Lodge is known as the Snakedance Condominiums. The property sits slope side across from the first run ever opened, in 1957 — now the eponymous Snakedance ski trail! Even after moving into the lodge, the Blakes lived without power until 1963. Things have changed today – just enough! – for you to enjoy this storybook setting with a little more comfort and convenience.

There’s also the convenience of their on-site Hondo Restaurant decorated in historic photos of its groundbreaking and founding figures. The building also houses Bumps Market, complete with handy burrito bar when you’re on the go!

Taos Winter Activities That Don’t Include Skiing

Ok, we know Taos is known for some of the best skiing in the country but that’s not all there is to do in Taos during the winter. For those who need a break from the slopes or prefer activities that don’t require a helmet, check out these six Taos winter activities that don’t include skiing.

1. Snowshoeing the canyons

Snowshoeing is a great alternative to explore the winter wilderness that surrounds Taos. The area boasts numerous hiking trails ideal for winter outings, all waiting to be explored. Experience the silence of winter meadows, whistling pines, and ice-framed creeks sifting through a winter wonderland.

The Taos ski valley offers ample snowshoe trails, including Williams Lake, Columbine Canyon trails, and Gavilan Trail, Yerba Canyon Trail, and Italianos Canyon Trail.

2. Historic walking tour

Learning about the rich history of Taos is one not-to-miss activity during your vacation. Almost every corner you turn, you are bound to discover a piece of narrative highlighting the town’s vivid past. Discover Taos’ past by taking the self-guided walking tour through the Taos Historic District.

3. Hot-air balloon ride

The International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque has made New Mexico the hot-air balloon capital of the world. Our own balloon festival, the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally is another fine example of our love for this colorful activity. There really isn’t a bad season to take a hot-air balloon ride, so why not hop aboard and enjoy the sites of winter from above? Reliable morning wind patterns make for a calm and gentle ride as you soar above the ancient volcanic formations that make up the surrounding landscape. Gain new perspectives of the Taos Gorge and the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument as you look down upon these incredible landmarks.

4. Hot springs

Hidden amongst the deep canyons and valleys, Taos is home to a multitude of hot springs. The Rio Grande rift, a powerful geological feature that is responsible for creating landmarks like the Rio Grande Gorge, is also responsible for Taos’ the abundance of natural hot springs. Some of the more notable hot springs near Hotel La Fonda de Taos are the Mamby Hot Springs and Black Rock Hot Springs. Getting to these hot springs requires a bit of a hike so come prepared with hiking boots and a trusty map.

5. Ice Skating

The Taos Youth and Family Center houses an ice-rink each winter season that is open to the public offering a wide range of open skate times. This affordable activity can be enjoyed by the entire family is one of our favorite Taos winter activities.

6. Visit an art gallery

Taos is known for its creative artists and creators and whose artful expressions can be found in many local art galleries. Stop in one of the many galleries in town for a perfect afternoon outing when it’s just too cold outside.