TAOS – Crawling Land

For years, I have heard of Taos. Having skied at a variety of resorts both in and out of the United States, I couldn’t wait to get there and was more than pleased to see for myself that Taos lived up to its reputation as one of the world’s top ski resorts. most unique and picturesque in the world. Resorts Taos Ski Valley is one of North America’s ski gems, with a stunning mountainous setting in northern New Mexico. Taos Ski Valley blends the warm atmosphere of a European-style small town with the traditions and customs of the local Hispanic and Pueblo Indian cultures.
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Although it has a reputation of being an expert only destination, Taos is an ideal choice for any skier, it has many slopes for beginners and intermediates and the best ski school in the country with the best ski instructors in the world: I wish I had known this. before, just one day skiing with Doug DeCoursey brought me back more than years of skiing. I couldn’t believe that just after an hour of instruction I skied down the mounds like an expert! One thing it doesn’t offer is snowboards: Taos remains one of the few ski-only resorts in North America. While many resorts have had their personalities changed by large-scale development, Taos has retained its soul. What sets this charming community apart from all others is that it is and will continue to be family owned. Ernie and Rhoda Blake Taos founded Ski Valley in 1955. Ernie Blake had a dream of building an alpine ski resort and was looking for the right place to do it and found it in New Mexico. They lived in an eleven foot trailer as there were no buildings in the area except for a nearly completed Hondo Lodge (now the Inn at Snakedance). From this mobile home, the Blakes began to build what is now a world-class ski resort. To this day, the Blake family is committed to maintaining the character of Taos. So are the employees, ski instructors, hotel owners, who I spoke with have been working or living in Taos for at least 10+ years. Almost everyone told me the same story; They arrived in Taos and didn’t want to leave.

Taos Ski Valley is home to some magnificent accommodations, The Snakedance Inn is Taos history itself as it is the very first building that stood in Taos Ski Valley when Ernie Blake was looking for his place to build his own alpine ski paradise. This former Hondo Lodge has been converted into a luxurious Ski-in Ski-out Skiers Dream. It has the best place to be right next to the ski resort. The Snakedance Inn offers 21 luxurious suites; each suite is individually decorated with designer furniture, fireplaces, huge kitchen, satellite television, cd player, high speed internet access and many other extras.

Another Lodge that really sets itself apart is the “Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant”. Thomas and Jamie Schulze created a storybook European-style mansion in the Taos ski area. I forgot that I was still in New Mexico when I got to The Bavarian. The Lodge is designed to resemble a typical Bavarian residence, cozy, romantic and luxurious. The “oohs” and “aaahs” begin as you enter the grand restaurant where no detail has been missed, the Bavarian-style log dining room features antique 17th-century Bavarian panelling. It is clear that no historical detail is overlooked as you enter the warmth of the restaurant which features an authentic Bavarian tiled oven, wooden chairs, original antique wall paneling and ceilings, nothing has been left out to recreate the true ambience of old Europe. The rooms are like mini-residences and have names like King Ludwig Suite, Neuschwanstein Lodge. Each room has been designed according to its name. The King Ludwig Suite is named after King Ludwig I and King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who were passionate builders and lovers of romance, art and luxury. Named after king and queen, this luxurious suite features a palatial four-poster king bed in the master bedroom, two single beds in the spacious loft bedroom, and a spacious living room with vaulted ceiling, a kitchen/study, and an oversized bath. marble with whirlpool tub. The large sunny balcony with stunning views of the Katchina Bowl.

I could easily make this place my permanent address and now you can! You can own your own 2-3 bedroom chalet. The Bavarian Chalets have been designed by acclaimed international hotel design firm, Alexandra Champalimaud, in conjunction with respected Albuquerque architects, featured in Ski Magazine, House and Garden, and Architectural Digest Germany.

There are several options on how to get to Taos Ski Valley, there are many direct flights from Los Angeles to Albuquerque from there it’s a scenic 2 1/2 hour drive up the mountain, other options are to fly into Taos airport which is just 18 miles outside of historic Taos and only 20 miles from Taos Ski Village.