Deep and Dry !
Drier Powder in the country, there is not. There is a reason Taos is legendary for the "face-shots" you get on powder days, even on small storms. Because of its desert location and high elevation, Taos changes storms and makes the snow that falls light as a feather. Many people think that because Taos is south of the border (the Colorado border), it does not get big storms or have as much snow as its compadres to the north. On the contrary! Big storms happen all the time. It is not unlikely to see the Denver crowd migrate south for the great South Pacific storms that build up strength as they cross Baja California and engulf the Southwest with mother natures equivalent of "White Gold".
Oxygen? We don't need no stinkin' oxygen! You may need a little help when you first get to Taos due to the high elevation. 9,200' at the base is up there and Kachina Peak at 12,481' is no slouch either. This may mean a little more work on the lungs, but it also keeps the snow fresh and dry, even days after a storm. Taos is legendary for its "hike-to" terrain, but if you aren't up to the task, there is always plenty of lift served terrain that has great powder stashes.
Snowboarders Invade Taos
March 19, 2008 was a momentus day at Taos Ski Valley. That was the day Taos lifted the ban on snowboarding. For years, boarders have been itching to take on Taos' famed steep terrain and 2008-09 will be the first full season they will be on the mountain. For beginner boarders, Taos is also adding a snowboard school to the already famous Ernie Blake Ski School.
New Terrain Announced
Beginners and experts alike will be pleased to hear Taos is adding more terrain. For beginners, a new beginner area has been cut this summer right next to the main base area which means easy access for first timers and a nice gentle slope to build confidence. There are more plans to add to the beginner area in the near future. For experts, the area known as "North America" will be explored. Two new runs will be cut to the skiers right of Al's Run including one of the trails being named after Taos' founder, Ernie Blake. This area has always been caked with powder and filled with steep treed terrain.
Getting Here:
You'll find plenty of daily flights into Albuquerque International
Airport. The town of Taos, New Mexico is a scenic 72 miles from Santa
Fe, through the Carson National Forest and 135 miles from the city of
Albuquerque.