Taos Ski Trips

Spring Means Abundant Sun and Awesome Events In Taos Ski Valley

2010-03-22T04:52:00.000-07:00

Wet and Wild
"A Long Cold Winter" usually has a negative connotation, but in the ski industry, it often means there has been lots of wintry weather and that's a good thing. Taos Ski Valley experience, what seems to be the new-norm in the Southwest, which is big snow storms all winter long. Now is the time to shed the down parka's and expose a bit of skin, skier-style. One of Taos' marque events is the Bud Light Pond Skimming Championship held at the base of Strawberry Hill. It seems competitors look for any reason to shed their clothes (and in some cases, almost all of their clothes!) during this event. This year's event will be held April 4, 2010 at 2:30 PM. Competitors must skim across an 80 foot pond of icy cold water for slush supremacy. Entry is $10 and will be held at the administrative offices.

The Record is 28
Fallen local, Ben Myers, was crazy about his home mountain and was known for "living on the ridge" during powder days. When he succumbed to cancer, his friends decided the best way to honor his life was to raise money for cancer research and ski the ridge. Out of those two thoughts came the Ben Myers Ridge-a-thon. The idea is to hike the Highline Ridge, West Basin Ridge and Kachina Peak as many times as humanly possible in one day. What is amazing is the record is 28 hikes in one day! Consider that at 11,000 feet, you receive less than 50% of the oxygen you get at sea level and that once you have made your hike up to Taos' famed steep terrain, you have to ski down it as fast as you can (if you are going for a record). Don't worry. If you aren't going out to impress everyone and just want to raise money for a good cause, you can go at your own pace. Everyone is welcome to participate, but if you hear heavy breathing and fast foot steps behind you, you may want to step aside. More information can be found at http://www.taoscf.org/about_us/news.php?ID=58

Don't miss our spring deals to see these great events with packages from $71/person/night.

More Snow At Taos Ski Valley, Ready for Extreme Competition

2010-03-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

The Storm
Whether it is global warming or El Nino or some other phenomena, Taos Ski Valley has benefited from it. Another 18 inches of snow fell yesterday in Taos and the conditions are epic. Everything is open and the ski area already recorded one of the snowiest February's on record. The big 40 inch storm that hit last week turned the mountain into a virtual powder playground. "Yahoooo's" and "Oh Yeah's" were heard all over the chutes and glades. And of course there were a bunch of snorkel sightings too. Kachina Peak, sitting at 12, 491 feet, was caked with snow and provided the perfect turns every skier remembers for the rest of their lives.

The Event
This storm comes at the perfect time as Taos Ski Valley is hosting the Salomon Extreme Freeride Championship March 11-13. Whenever there is this type of snow before the competition, spectators should keep an eyes out for the really big cliff jumps that the competitors seem to take on without a thought. The first day of the event takes place on the West Basin Ridge, home to 80 foot cliff drops and some of the steepest chutes in the country. Spectators should watch from the top of chair 8 in the viewing gallery. Day two is back at the West Basin Ridge where half of the competitors get cut. The final day of competition brings competitors to famed Kachina Peak where athletes must first make the hour-long trek to the peak before going all out for the glory of being crowned champion. The Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships at Taos has inked a partnership deal with the SCOTT Big Mountain Fieberbrunn / Pillerseetal event, Austria. As part of the relationship, the winners of the Fieberbrunn event will receive complimentary entry and accommodations to the Taos event, March 10 – 13. In addition, the event is a Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) event, allowing athletes to gain entry to the FWT's four showcase events: The Nissan Russian Adventure (Sochi, Russia), Nissan Tram Face (Squaw Valley, USA), Nissan Freeride de Chamonix (Chamonix, France) and Nissan Xtreme (Verbier, Switzerland). Taos also joins an elite group of venues, from Italy and Norway to Austria and Slovakia as a FWQ venue. The Taos event is one of the great spectator events in ski country and we've put some super discounted packages with $14 Off Lift Tickets and 30% Off Lodging to get you hear.

Big Winter Storm System Hits Taos Ski Valley

2010-02-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

A large storm system made its way into the Southern Rockies on Saturday, beginning one of the bigger storm systems to New Mexico for the 2009/10 ski season. So, far 18 inches has fallen as of 6 AM mountain standard time with no end in site. To add to that total, forecasters are calling for 16+ inches more before the storm is said and done.
The NOAA site said "...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST TUESDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11
AM MST TUESDAY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...NEW SNOWFALL THROUGH EARLY TUESDAY WILL
RANGE FROM 4 TO 8 INCHES BELOW 7500 FEET AND 8 TO 16 INCHES
ABOVE 7500 FEET. LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS WILL BE POSSIBLE OVER
THE HIGHEST PEAKS AND ALONG NORTH AND EAST FACING SLOPES."

Taos Ski Valley has already experienced an epic ski season with numerous days of pure powder runs for skiers. All the terrain is open, including Taos' famed Kachina Peak, however some delays in certain area openings are expected as avalanche control will be extensive. Southern Rockies Reservations very own powderhound report has kept tabs on the storm. Check back with Tito often!

True Democracy Taos Ski Valley

2010-02-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

Come celebrate President's Day up at Taos Ski Valley with perfect ski conditions, plenty of snow, sun and beautifully groomed runs. Bask in the regal peaks, fit for kings and queens - like the view of Kachina here - but don't be fooled. This is true democracy here. Both beginners and experts share the glory of Taos Ski Valley. At TSV, you can be a happy beginner skier or boarder on your first day, or an expert traversing the thrill of our peak, open this weekend for the first time this winter.

If you need lessons, I personally vouch for the Ski School here. As a newbie skier and new employee to Southern Rockies Reservations this season, I recently completed my first "Ski Week". The patience, skill and good humor of the TSV Ernie Blake Ski instructors are unsurpassed. What seemed impossible became possible within a few short days. I hereby officially nominate the lovely lady in yellow, ski instructor Emily Watson, for sainthood. She only got kicked in the head a few times (working to get my skis back on!) to get me safely down the relative challenge of Honeysuckle to the leisurely Rubezahl runs along rolling Rio Hondo streams. The views from atop the mountain surpass your wildest dreams: a truly magical apex in the famed land of enchantment.

Beat the mid-winter blues and bring the whole family up soon to frolic beneath the New Mexico sunshine on the most awesome slopes in North America! Presidents Day, a February weekend, Spring Break, there's still plenty of time left this winter to ski or board the West. Check out skithewest.com for our specials.

- submitted by Laura Lynch

Snow Triple Plays Taos Ski Valley

2010-01-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

"The skiing's heavenly," grinned Taos Skier Services foreman Dave Norman. "An 'El Nino' dump."

Indeed, three storms of increasing power have socked it to Taos Ski Valley over just four days, in El Nino fashion. A fourth storm lurks around the corner in stormy California. Triple-play for sure, maybe a homerun? Snow is most welcome here, after a dry start to 2010.

Some 18 inches have piled up already. Snow's forecast for all day Friday into Saturday. Winter storm warnings are in effect until 6 am Saturday, 1/23. Taos Ski Valley may expect around two feet of new snow from this storm alone, atop the fresh foot accumulated earlier this week.

Schools and services close shop while die-hard skiers and snowboarders flock in droves to play in the mountain powder. Another snowball just smacked into the Welcome Booth window here! Come play!

- submitted by Laura Lynch

Back to School - Taos Ski Valley Style!

2010-01-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

New Year’s resolutions to ski more, improve your turns, try out snowboarding, master more of the mountain? Before many colleges and universities roll in the new semester later in January, check out Taos’ world famous Ernie Blake Ski School for the best ski instruction available anywhere.

A Taos Ski Week intensive will boost your skills, confidence, and fun on the mountain. For unbelievable value (just $99 or less during January!) you get up to six days of lessons with the same group of students and one teacher following your progress. It all adds up to real instruction, solid practice, measurable growth – at all levels: beginners, intermediate, and advanced.

No time is better than the post-holiday, January calm – to rise to challenge of skiing Taos. Now is when the real students return to the mountain and learn lessons here like no other. Be here, ski here now!

"Skip School" and "Ski School" are just a letter away!

Check out our packages here. http://taosskitrips.com/

- submitted by Laura Lynch

Hot Springs and Cooking Classes at Taos Ski Valley

2009-12-29T06:33:00.000-08:00

Hot Springs
Have you been to the Taos Ski Valley hot springs yet? No? Neither has anyone else. That is because there aren't any hot springs right in Taos Ski Valley, but the resort is located just a short distance from some of the best hot springs in the West in Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs. Every Tuesday during the ski season, there are day trips planned to bring guests for a day of relaxation and soaking.

The excursions are designed so you can still get a morning of skiing and be back in time for an evening meal with the family. Shuttles depart from the Taos Ski Valley Guard Gate at 1 PM and return around 6 PM. On your way to Ojo Caliente, you will take a one hour scenic ride over the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the country, and through the mesa for a spectacular Southwest tour.

Indulge yourself with the Ojo Experience package which includes transportation, pool pass (mineral springs), robe/locker and a treatment of choice (custom massage, Radiant Sea Salt Glow or Sundari Custom face treatment). The Ojo Experience costs $155. The other option is the Soak Away which includes transportation and pool pass for $67. A robe and locker are not included in this price, but are available for rental for $15.

Cooking Classes
Every Wednesday, throughout the ski season, cooking classes will be offered with nationally acclaimed and award winning Chef, Chris Maher. Chris heads Cooking Studio TAOS - a teaching and food consortium - where people are encouraged to play with their food! Cuisines taught will vary from New Mexican to Italian, Moroccan to East Indian and everything in between. Classes are 100% hands on participation and learning, lasting approximately three hours and ending with a beautiful, seated meal of the recipes you have all created together. Students have fun and walk away having learned recipes, technique and theory. Fees include recipes, food and beverages.

Some of the recent class topics include "Mediterranean Flavors", "Hearty Winter Soups" and "Elegant Food to serve on the Eve of the New Year". The cost of the cooking class is $115 per person.

United Airlines 4 Day Huge Sale to Albuquerque - Taos Ski Valley

2009-12-16T10:11:00.000-08:00

United Airlines just launched a huge sale for reduced airfares on flights going into Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque is where skiers and boarders fly into for their Taos vacation. With Taos already being one of the biggest values in ski country, these reduced fares will complete the perfect vacation. The sale ends this Friday, December 19, 2009, so make your plans now. Check out these sample airfare deals -

Chicago-Albuquerque	$190
Cincinnati-Albuquerque	$216
Philadelphia-Albuquerque	$220
Pittsburgh-Albuquerque	$236

There are restrictions and terms and conditions for this promotion. Call (866) 250-7313 today and take advantage of these discount airfares. The fresh powder and outstanding ski vacation savings are waiting for you.

Winter Storm Socks Valley!

2009-12-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

Storm socks the Taos Ski Valley! "It's a dump!" is the word around the village. Eighteen inches had fallen by Tuesday morning and continues to pound the mountain. White-out conditions and high gusts of wind have made this one a real blow-out. Conditions are ideal now for exciting early season skiing. More snow is expected today and throughout the week.

submitted by Laura Lynch

Snow Blasts Taos Ski Valley

2009-12-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

"Snow is blasting Taos Ski Valley," reported KTAO's Nancy Stapp this morning. "Look at that powder!" Five inches in a couple hours fell and continues to pile up. More is predicted Friday and Monday, getting things up to speed for great early skiing.

Last week's predicted storm bypassed Northern New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains, blanketing instead the Southern reaches of the state. But this one hit!

Taos Ski Valley opened on Thanksgiving with a couple of runs and one lift. As of today, December 3rd, five lifts are open, allowing skiing from the top of the mountain. More snow is expected to kiss the valley with virgin powder. Check out our hot deals page for some great early season specials.

- submitted by Laura Lynch

Yet Another Storm on the Horizon for Taos Ski Valley!!

2009-11-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

Opening day for Taos Ski Valley is just a couple weeks away and the forecasters are calling for another storm to come barreling through New Mexico this weekend. After a short, but enjoyable week of sun, the Southwest gets right back into a pattern of unsettled weather. "ANOTHER PACIFIC SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO PUSH THROUGH...ON THE HEALS OF THE UPCOMING ONE." reads the NOAA weather discussion for New Mexico this weekend. Early season is a great time to get some cheap ski packages like this one: $213 per person for 3 Nights/2 Days (includes 3rd night free).

This just in... the 2010 Salomon Extreme Freeride Championship at Taos Ski Valley has opened registration for this year's event. This is a great spectator event and if you have the stuff to prove you can conquer the mountain, sign up! But you better bring your "A" game! Because if the other competitors don't get you, the mountain will!

Big Snow in October for Taos Ski Valley

2009-10-30T16:09:00.001-07:00

It seems that the 2009-10 ski season is going to get off to a great start. The latest storm at Taos Ski Valley dumped 14 inches of fresh powder. Even in the Town of Taos, 2,000 feet below, huge quarter sized flakes were spotted. In December and January, that has been known to happen, but not in October. On top of this storm, Taos Ski Valley is reporting 2 Feet of fresh snow in the last five days and even more on famed Kachina Peak.

The first storms started rolling in during the month of September and after a short warm spell in early October, it just turned on again. Could this be the influence of El Nino? The NOAA thinks so. In this article, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officially announced this winter as an El Nino winter. If you aren't familiar with the effects it has on the Southwest, I can personally tell you it means pack your gear and head to Taos! El Nino winters have been known to produce some of the biggest snowstorms the area has seen. I personally remember an El Nino storm where we received 50 inches in a 24 hour period and 75 inches over a four day period.

All I know is it could be one of those years and it is already starting out pretty good. Check back often to get the scoop on what's going on.

Snow In Taos Ski Valley, Already!

2009-09-25T01:45:00.001-07:00

Well it wasn't a huge early snowfall, but the clouds rolled into the southern Rocky Mountains and snow actually fell at Taos Ski Valley this week. It was a sight to see, and I'm pretty sure I heard the sound of powder-hounds barking during this first light storm.

A common misconception is that the southwest Rocky Mountains don't get as much snow as Colorado, but here is proof that the snow starts flying just as early (as Colorado recently reported their first snow too). Taos Ski Valley is known for some of the lightest powder in snow country and it looks like this year is getting an early start.

We found some great deals for this season, including 4th Night Stay Free Ski Packages. Everyone is gearing up for another great season (last year was fairly epic!) Check back with us. We'll be sure to let you know what's going on in Taos Ski Valley!

Bud Light Southwest Pond Skimming Championship Hits Taos...

2009-03-31T06:19:00.001-07:00

What a long great season it has been! Lots of snow, lots of events and lots of fun. Closing weekend is upon us at Taos Ski Valley and that means the grand-daddy of all the crazy events is set to take place; The Bud Light Southwest Pond Skimming Championship. The party/event splashes down on Strawberry Hill in the base area in Taos and is a can't miss, especially when the "freaks" come out.

What is a Pond Skimming event you ask? Imagine a man-made lake (also known as "Lake Blake") that is approximately 80 feet long filled with icy blue water. The object is to gain enough speed make it across the pond and stay dry. Of course, as this event is meant to entertain, not everyone makes it across and they end up a soggy mess! See exhibit A to the right!

Judges will be giving extra points for costumes, style and distance. Style usually plays a big part in the crowds minds with past years favorites being "Darth Vador", a nearly naked boy, a nearly naked girl and of course there are always the cross-dressers!

The event runs from 2:30 - 5:00 PM and registration ($10 entry fee) will be at the TSV administrative offices.

So summon your inner "Aqua Man" and break out your best Halloween costume and get to Taos this weekend. We still have some great deals to get you there. Check out our hot deals section!

Red Bull 1976 Olympics Qualifier Coming to Taos Ski Valley

2009-03-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

TAOS, NM – March 3, 2009 – On March 15th Taos Ski Valley and Red Bull will team up to host one of the seven throwback qualifying events for the upcoming Red Bull 1976 Olympics.

The Red Bull 1976 Olympics will pay homage to the 1976 Winter Games that were awarded to Colorado. Voters in Colorado later voted against hosting the games, even though the state had initially fought hard to be the host. Red Bull 1976 Games brings the games back to Colorado to finally "give the year 1976 its day". The culmination of the qualifiers will be in the main event April 17-18 in Copper Mountain, Colorado.

The Olympics and the qualifying events at Taos and elsewhere include a range of vintage-themed competitions including Snowbladecross and the Old School Air competition and an award for most outrageous costume and team mojo. There will be no snowboarding allowed in these events, as it was not yet an Olympic sport in 1976.

"We are excited to work with Red Bull to bring this throwback inspired event to Taos Ski Valley," said Alejandro Blake, Taos Ski Valley Special Events Director. "Red Bull consistently sponsors fun and innovative events and we know this retro qualifier will draw a great group of contestants to Taos."

Teams for the ‘76 games will be made up of five competitors donning their best ‘70s-style skills, clothing and gear. The winning team from the Taos qualifier will be awarded a free trip to the finals at Copper Mountain. The second and third place teams from Taos will also be invited to the finals.

To sign your team up for the Red Bull 1976 Olympics or learn more about the event go to www.redbullusa.com/1976games. Or contact Hendrick Onderdonk at 505.730.9486 or hendrickonderdonk@redbullu.com

Salomon New Mexico Extreme Freeride Championships...

2009-02-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

It's coming soon! The Salomon New Mexico Freeride Championships are slated to hit Taos Ski Valley March 4-7, 2009. This blog isn't really to tell you what it is as much as it is meant to give you a recount of some of my memories of years past. If you want to know more about the competition, click here.

My most vivid memory of the competition was in the first year back in 2005. I was volunteering to help with the event and pretty much did whatever was needed from set up, to break down to clearing the shoots after a competitor took a digger. It was a great start to the event. Day one had to be pushed back a day because Ernie (TSV founder) sent us a storm from the heavens that dumped two feet of fresh snow for the competitors. That only meant one thing; skiers were going to go huge!! The next day, I saw competitors dropping some sick rocks that I have never seen launched at TSV. The biggest was one a skier from Carbondale, CO hit that was about an 80 foot drop (and he landed it).

The biggest was done, but not the sickest! There were three competitors from Japan that came in and they were dubbed "The Japanese Air force". These guys must have had a screw loose because they were all about the big air. So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when one of them (who later won the "Sick Bird" award) did a front flip off of a 40 foot cliff and landed it with ease. The crowd grew louder as he approached the sheer face and realized what he was going to do. An eruption of epic proportions let out when he tumbled through the air. When he came into the coral at the finish, he was mobbed like the final out of the World Series.

This event never seems to disappoint, so make sure you have plans to get to Taos for the Extreme Freeride!

Photos by Seth Bullington

Bret

Snowboarding Opens Taos to New Events....

2009-02-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

Since Taos allowed snowboarding on March 19, 2008, the events staff have been busy filling the calendar with new events and promotion that were always restricted from the slopes of one of the last few resorts that remained snowboard-free. This weekend saw the USASA Skier and Snowboarder Cross hit the slopes just below Kachina Peak on the back side of the mountain. This was the first skier/boarder cross event held at Taos Ski Valley and was not short of thrilling spills and great competition.

The skier/boarder cross course is a hybrid of downhill racing and slopestyle type terrain. Banked turns, table top jumps and rollers lined the course as six athletes compete on each run in a modern day "Chinese Downhill". It may be more like moto-cross on skis or boards!

Taos has always been known as a "no frills" mountain and this type of event definitely goes in a different direction that the traditional roots of Ernie Blake's early beginnings. The question reagarding these types of events is are these events a good thing for Taos or does it shy away from what Taos does best (hardcore skiing and now riding). There will always be doubters and cynic's, but one thing is for certain and that is that this type of event is a lot of fun to watch. (photos by Seth Bullington)

Bret

Over 110 Inches in the Last 4 Weeks and Still Snowing...

2009-01-05T09:24:00.001-08:00

I can honestly say I have never seen this much snow at my house, which sits on the "mesa" (the flatlands off the mountains) since I moved to Taos in 1999. The beginning of the season has been pretty epic and shows no sign of stopping. In the last four weeks, we have received over 110 inches of snow and it is still snowing in Taos Ski Valley as I write. The most recent storm has left 20 inches in a 24-hour period, adding to the ridiculous powder stashes that are already in place on the mountain.

At my house, which is located at 7,000 feet surrounded by sagebrush, we usually see an average of 12 inches a year (and it usually melts within a day or two). We have already had about 3 feet of snow here and almost all of it is still here (I took these pictures this morning). My wife and I have now resorted to taking our dogs on their daily walks in snowshoes because we couldn't without them! Tito, the Powderhound, is loving life.

January happens to be a great time (especially with all this snow!) to take advantage of one of Taos Ski Valley's great deals. The world famous Ernie Blake Ski School is offering a $90 Ski Better Week during the month of January. This is normally $234 per person for 6 mornings of this great program. Check it out.

Bret

Oh My Gosh! Ridiculous! Bottomless!

2009-01-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

Just spend a minute in any Taos Ski Valley lift line (not that you’re ever likely to spend more time than that!) and that’s just some of the exclamations you’ll hear over and over again. It’s just the most perfect ski conditions you could imagine. The soft dry southwest snow that Taos Ski Valley is known for, in an abundance that’s heading straight for the record books. From fresh tracks to soft cruisers, ski Taos and everyone you see has something to smile about!

There are still some amazing lodging and lift ticket package deals out there. We’d love to help you plan the perfect Taos ski vacation and experience this unique and special place.

I hope to see you smiling on the slopes of Taos soon! If you don’t have plans yet, that’s a New Year’s resolution worth keeping.

Ski Taos!

Kathy

Town of Taos Closed due to Blizzard!?!?!?!

2008-12-16T10:40:00.000-08:00

"Town of Taos Closed due to Blizzard..." - That was the headline this morning from the municipal offices in Taos. If you don't know already, Taos Ski Valley has received 37 inches of snow in the last 3 days!! Weather watchers are expecting another 1-2 feet between now and Thursday. That would put the storm total somewhere in the neighborhood of 4-5 feet of fresh powder by the time everything is said and done! Needless to say, the skiing is pretty epic in Taos right now. The best source for finding out the real "poop" when it comes to new snow is Tito, the Powder Hound Investigator.

I've got to let you know about a great new restaurant that opened up in Taos recently. It's called the Love Apple, which is named after the French saying for tomato. It is located on the north side of town next to the Blake's Lotaburger and is hosted in a great old Spanish mission church. The food there was amazing (been there twice now) and it is getting rave reviews from the locals. I had brazed lamb chops on a bed of baby spinach and blue cheese with a polenta cake. All I can say is it was delectable. My wife had a homemade chicken pot-pie, which was delicious. It is a little tough to find, even though it is on the main drag, but worth it.

Powder On Opening Weekend In Taos Ski Valley...

2008-12-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

Well opening weekend at Taos Ski Valley proved to be pretty nice for the powder-hounds! While everyone was at home stuffing them self with turkey and stuffing, mother nature was cooking up her own recipe. One part cold, one part water, two parts high elevation. The end result... a foot of fresh snow for all that ventured out to Taos Ski Valley for opening weekend.

Quickly those extra lb's that were packed on the day before were burned away as skiers ripped up the new stashes. Plenty of snowboarders also poured off the shuttles too now that Taos is allowing snowboarding on the slopes. Amazingly enough, there was no tackling of the illegal trespassers as there may have been in the past. They just went about their business and no one seemed to care. The more the merrier!!

Got a great event coming up in Taos if you are coming in the next coming weeks... the Lighting of Ledoux Street. It's a great Taos event and a "Can't Miss". If you are thinking of coming out at the last minute to see it, check out this great deal at the Historic Taos Inn, which is walking distance to the event.

Blizzard Conditions in Taos - Mother Nature Gets Taos Ready for the 08-09 Season

2008-11-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

You would have thought it was mid winter in Taos Ski Valley judging by the pictures in this story, but it isn't. In fact, these pictures were taken this week by Seth Bullington. A foot of snow fell this week and the slopes look like they are filling in nicely. Even Tito, the Powder Hound found his share of powder stashes in the Twining Valley.

More snow is forecast for Monday as another front is set to come through New Mexico ski country and I couldn't be more jazzed.

On a side note, there are a couple exciting things going on at Taos which you may not have heard about. They are clearing an area called "North American" which is to the skiers left of the famed Al's Run. There will be a ton of new extreme terrain options available as soon as the snow gets deep enough. They are also building a new beginner area just to the left of lift one in the main base area. This is a huge improvement for new skiers and is nice gentle terrain just steps from the main lodge. There are also some great 4th night free deals for the winter. Wax up the boards!

The First Big Storm Of The Season Hits Taos

2008-10-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

If anyone had any doubt that winter was on its way to New Mexico, those doubts have been covered up by the heavy early season snow that was deposited over the Sangre de Cristo's on Tuesday, October 14. Up to a foot of snow has been reported on the high terrain near Taos Ski Valley. This is good news for powder hounds everywhere with the season only six weeks away.

The snow that fell was very wet and heavy and that is the kind of stuff you need early in the season to create a good stable base. The more water content the snow has, the better it will bond to layers that fall on top of it and that means less avalanches. Less avalanches means the base builds quicker. Keep the storms coming!

The Snow is Falling! The Snow is Falling!

2008-10-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

You heard it kid's! The snow is falling in beautiful New Mexico and its only the beginning of October. I woke up on Monday morning (Oct 6) and saw Taos Mountain and Truchas Peak caked with the white stuff. The snow line was about 10,000 feet, but that's fine with me. Just means all the chutes and expert terrain is getting an early start. The temps are dipping into the 20's at night up on the high peaks and that is music to my ears!

The weather mafia are calling for more snow this weekend and considering they have been remotely right lately, I am actually thinking it will happen again (no disrespect guys!). It's not the first time Taos has received snow this early. I have actually seen snow fall in June with the right combination of cold, moisture and naked snow dances! Still, skiers are psyched up for another great season in Taos Ski Valley.