Taos Ski Valley is a small alpine village and renowned ski resort nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico, offering steep powder skiing in winter and high-elevation trails in summer.
Taos Ski Valley is a village and alpine ski resort in Taos County, New Mexico. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 77. Founded in 1955 by Ernie and Rhoda Blake as a ski mountain, it features a top elevation of 12,481 feet and 3,281 feet of vertical drop.
Winter brings world-class skiing and snowboarding on challenging terrain. In warmer months, explore hiking trails including those leading toward Wheeler Peak, mountain biking in high-alpine areas, fishing in spots like Gavilan Canyon and South Fork Rio Hondo, and camping at La Bobita or Junebug Campgrounds. Scenic drives along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway and visits to nearby Taos Pueblo offer additional options. The 2026 Up & Over 10K Trail Run highlights local trail running.
Dining options emphasize hearty mountain fare with New Mexican influences such as red or green chile dishes. Local spots serve classics alongside fresh ingredients suited to the high-desert and alpine setting.
Taos Ski Valley lies about 20 miles north of Taos via winding mountain roads. Travelers often fly into Albuquerque or Santa Fe then drive north, or use regional shuttles and the North Central Regional Transit District services connecting to Taos.
Accommodations range from ski-in lodges and inns in the village to nearby options in Taos. The Taos Ski Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center provides guidance on lodging suited to seasonal visits.
Taos Ski Valley sits near Taos Pueblo lands. Visitors should respect Pueblo protocols: photography and drones are often restricted or prohibited, access may be limited during feast days or ceremonies, and guided tours or permits are sometimes required. Always follow posted rules and contact the Pueblo in advance to confirm visiting guidelines. This is ancestral and living community land; approach with respect for residents and traditions.
The area shines year-round. Winter delivers reliable powder averaging 300 inches annually for skiing. Summer and fall provide cooler high-elevation escapes with temperatures in the low 80s daytime and excellent hiking and biking conditions amid alpine forests.
The top elevation reaches 12,481 feet with 3,281 feet of vertical drop.
It was founded in 1955 by Ernie and Rhoda Blake.
As of the 2020 census, the population was 77.
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From NM Highway 150 crossing upstream to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
From confluence with Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
From NM Highway 150 crossing upstream to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
Goose Lake is accessible from Highway 38 at Red River, south on Highway 578 to the Goose Lake turnoff; Goose Lake road is four-wheel-drive.
From NM Highway 150 crossing upstream to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
From NM Highway 38 upstream to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
From the confluence of Goose Creek for 1 miles upstream as posted Special Trout Water designation: Green chile. Regulations: 2 trout any length, artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
Recently refurbished roadside campground near the historic Red River mining area and ski resort; busy on summer weekends.
An 84-mile alpine loop from Taos through Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire, circling Wheeler Peak — New Mexico's highest summit. Aspen gold in late September; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial above Angel Fire is a quietly moving stop.
From Cabresto Canyon upstream to headwaters. C-and-R for cutthroat trout and unlimited take for all other trout. Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
A living Native community inhabited for over 1,000 years — multi-storied adobe dwellings at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Every fact below was independently verified against the cited source.