Winter
Thrills on our Hills
Not so very long ago, miners, trappers, cattlemen and sheepherders circled Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico at 13,161, following the faint lines of ancient foot paths to remote villages. The same mountains that used to divide now provide a winter playground called 'The Enchanted Circle.' Snowshoe and cross country ski enthusiasts enjoy the back country trails and meadows in Carson National Forest and the groomed trails at the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area. 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.
Whether you are a beginning or expert skier, the four resorts of Taos, Red River, Sipapu and Angel Fire offer everything from delightful cruising runs to demanding thrills down the hills. Combine an altitude of 8,000-plus feet, an arid climate and New Mexico sunshine and you have Champagne Powder! With the lightest, driest, fluffiest powder possible and the lowest water content of any snow, this makes for skiing and snowboarding ecstasy.
Taos Ski Valley - A Skier's World
The moment Swiss-born Ernie Blake laid eyes on the mountains surrounding Taos Ski Valley, he was convinced it was the ideal site for the world-class ski resort he had envisioned. He knew the combination of high altitude, sunny southern latitude, and magnificent terrain would make an extraordinary ski resort.
Today, nearly 50 years later, Taos Ski Valley still rewards skiers with a spirit of classic alpine skiing that has been passed from one generation to the next. Taos' strengths are its uncrowded skiing on wonderfully diverse terrain, abundant feather-light powder and an intimate alpine village where you are never far from the ski lifts.
Ernie believed that everyone who came to Taos should be in ski school. This led to the creation of the Learn-to-ski-better Weeks and a ski school that is consistently rated among the top ski schools in North America. The Ernie Blake Ski School believes that great ski lessons not only teach sound technique, they also instill a passion for skiing that comes from the heart. So, if you want to become a better skier - Taos is the best place to be. Some things should never change - the spirit of skiing is one of them.
