The Perfect Powder Day at TAOS Ski Valley

Sponsored by TAOS Ski Valley

It’s snowed more than three feet at TAOS Ski Valley in the last week, and there’s more on the way, making it the perfect time for that TAOS Ski Valley ski trip. This is how to experience the perfect powder day at TAOS Ski Valley.

Picture that you’re driving through a snow-covered national forest, up a small box canyon at the edge of the Rocky Mountains to TAOS Ski Valley. You’re greeted with the lightest, fluffiest snow you’ve ever seen, which continues to fall as you walk up to TAOS’ base area. You follow your nose to Tenderfoot Katie’s, where other powder hounds are buzzing with anticipation, waiting for their pocket breakfast burrito with bacon and green chiles.

Surrounding you, other skiers and riders excitedly talk about where they want to hit first. The front side steeps? Perhaps the ridge? Or maybe cruise the blues and just float on freshies?  Finally, it’s 9 a.m., and Lift 1 starts spinning to bring you up to a place where there’s no wrong turn (except in closed areas, of course).

After a lap or two on the lower steeps, you head over to Lift 2, where you’re welcomed by local New Mexican passholders with snow-covered beards. They tell you that they’ve heard that Ski Patrol is about to drop the rope on the ridge hikes and invite you to join.

At the top of Lift 2, there’s already a small group gathered, bubbling with palpable energy, at the entrance of the hikes. Patroller Jake stands at the front of the pack, giving his speech about skiing in pairs and being safe on the ridgeline. The rope drops, and the group races up the hill with skis over their shoulders. You follow the friends you made in the lift line over to Wild West, clip in, and then fly down, discovering endless powder turns amongst the trees for a run you’ll never forget.

You then head back up and find this pure powder bliss over and over again. Once you’re finally tired after an amazing day, you head down to find live music playing at the legendary Martini Tree Bar, where you grab a drink and snack. It’s a blissful end to a blissful day. However, the best part about it is that there’s more to come—this was just the first day. There are new lines to discover tomorrow. New friends to make who take you to their favorite ski runs. And more aprés-ski moments to savor.

Interested? See you in TAOS. Purchase your lift tickets here.

TAOS Powder Day Pro Tips

• Powder skiing is a completely different ball game – your equipment should change with it. Demo powder skis from Taos Sports.
• Want to have someone show you the best stashes and skip the line? Book a TAOS Pro Guide from the Ernie Blake Snowsports School.
• Powder skiing is exhausting. Upgrade your aprés-ski experience when you stay at The Blake by soaking in their hot tubs or heated saltwater pool.