Beat the Heat at 9300 feet!

Looking for a break from the heat and humidity? A place far away from the hustle and bustle of the urban world? The Village of Taos Ski Valley is that place.

Come enjoy a relaxing summer vacation in our quaint mountain village. If adventure is your preference, our surrounding National Forest and rivers offer hiking, rafting, horseback riding, and fishing.

Entertainment and recreation options include Taos School of Music, TOI - Taos Opera Institute, Summer Music in the Mountains regular weekend events and concerts, scenic chairlift rides,  disc golf, trail runs and mountain bike races.

Our summer temperatures average 70 degrees during the day and low 40's at night. Perfect weather for being outdoors during the day and getting a good night's sleep in one of our stunning Alpine lodges. Lodging specials and packages are available throughout the summer and fall.

Hiking  Pristine, undeveloped and crowd free, the mountains surrounding Taos Ski Valley are a hikers dream! Numerous trails lead you to crystal clear lakes, mountain streams and breathtaking scenery. Experience abundant alpine wildflowers, birds and plants along the way to some of New Mexico?s highest peaks. The trailhead to Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico at 13,161 feet, is located in the center of the village. Many of our lodges are pet friendly, so feel free to bring the dog along for some great exercise. National Forest hiking maps are available at the Taos Ski Valley Visitor Center and local outdoor shops. Hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains surrounding Taos Ski Valley will invigorate your body, rejuvenate your mind and reconnect you to nature.Guided hikes are available through local outfitters.Carson National Forest Trails http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/carson

Name of Trail	Distance										Degree of Difficulty
Gavilan Trail	3.3miles one way	X	X				X			X	Expert
Italianos Canyon Trail 59	3.7 miles one way	X	X				X			X	Expert
Long Canyon/Bull-Of-The-Woods	3 miles one way	X	X			X	X			X	Expert
Manzanita Canyon Trail 58	4.2 miles one way	X	X				X				Expert
Wheeler Peak Trail 90	8 miles one way	X	X			X	X			X	Expert
Williams Lake Trail 62	2 miles one way	X	X			X	X			X	Novice/Intermediate
Yerba Canyon Trail 61	3.9 miles one way	X	X							X	Expert

Mountain Biking Self guided, fee-based, mountain biking and hiking on beautiful private wilderness right here in Taos Ski Valley. Awesome single-track and double-track through pines, aspens and meadows with amazing views. Biking terrain for intermediate to expert level riders with Frazer Mountain as the highest point on the property at 12,163 ft.. Host of the 2-day Frazer Mountain Madness Mountain Bike races and festival in July. Open from June through October, weather permitting. Access permits available at the Taos Ski Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, Trail head hut or on-line through Northside at Taos Ski Valley. Rent Mountain Bikes through Alpine Village Suites in Taos Ski Valley.

Fishing Many lakes and streams including the magnificent Rio Grande Gorge, provide you with ample opportunities to catch wild trout. Purchase your fishing licence, rent your equipment or book a guided trip from Alpine Village Suites in Taos Ski Valley. For the ultimate fishing experience Solitary Angler will take you far away from the crowds to seven miles of a blue ribbon trout streambrimming with a healthy population of rainbows and browns averaging 16 to 20 inches.

Stargazing

Geoff Goins, Astronomer  from Night Sky Adventures is a fascinating presenter and educator and takes you on an interactive adventure of the night skies of Taos Ski Valley. In many parts of the world, the night sky is disappearing. In New Mexico however the dark sky is one of the state's biggest attractions for tourists and residents.

Your evening will start with a dining experience from the renowned Bavarian Lodge and Restaurant, located 2 miles above the village of Taos Ski Valley offering a pristine wilderness experience. The warm, cozy restaurant features a genuine Bavarian tile oven to warm guests' backs while dining. Original Bavarian-Austrian cuisine and only the most traditional Ski Alm gourmet dishes are served, staff are dressed in traditional Bavarian attire.  Enjoy a Stein of Bavarian beer or one of the many fine wines from their extensive wine list.

Once the sun has set and the dark skies set in around this magical spot Geoff will take you on a night skies adventure. Depending on the time of the year, you will see the rings around Saturn or Jupiter's great red spot and moons, polar ice caps or the beautiful cloud tops of Venus. Viewing stars against a jet black sky is like diamonds on velvet, and star clusters with points of light too numerous to count fill the eyepiece like fireworks.

Throughout the Summer months Stargazing evenings are offered, don't miss out on these memorable nights.Please visit our Calendar of events for dates.

TOI, TOI Taos Operatic Institute

TOI has been established as a four- week intensive program designed to "Bridge the gap" between academia and apprenticeships for the emerging young artist. May 30th - June 30th Toi, Taos Opera Institute will be based in Taos Ski Valley and offering performances throughout the month which will be open to the public.

Mary Jane Johnson, Director and founder of the program and International Opera diva will be herself performing alongside Eric Barry tenor and her past student of 5 years. Don't miss this spectacular evening at Tenderfoot Katies, Taos Ski Valley, May 30th.

Then, throughout the month you will get a chance to see the students perform at selected locations in Taos town and Taos Ski Valley. These performances are free and open to the public. The final Gala evening will be a celebration for these students and your opportunity to see and hear the young performers of tomorrow.Please visit our Calendar of events for performance details.

Taos School of Music            

FOUNDED IN 1963, and the subject of many feature stories including those on NBC’s “Today Show” and National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition,” the Taos School of Music is one of the oldest and most respected summer chamber music programs in the country.

 This is an intensive eight-week program devoted solely to the study and performance of chamber music in which students receive daily coaching and have extensive performing opportunities. A student to faculty ratio of less than 4 to 1 allows for close personal attention rarely found among music schools.Please visit our Calendar of events for performance details.

Jillana Ballet School 

The Jillana School is an intensive summer program, directed by Jillana, authorized teacher of the Balanchine Technique® & Balanchine Style®, and is fashioned for the young pre-professional.Balanchine Technique® will be stressed in all technique, pointe, variation, and repertory classes. There will also be instruction in modern, choreography, pilates and dance studies. Excerpts and variations from Balanchine Ballets will be taught and some performed at the student performance (the last Friday of the session).Please visit our Calendar of events for performance details.

Frazer Mountain Madness

"If you haven't experienced the "madness", it's time you signed up! We have something for everyone...from the pros to the kiddos. Again we are part of the New Mexico Off-Road Series as an Omnium, AND we are also part of the Alison Dunlap Junior Olympic Mountain Bike Series, so come join us for a bigger and better event! More info about the omnium and the ADJOMTB on the General Info page"

New this year is the Friday night, all you can eat, Eat Pasta Pedal Fasta Pasta Party at Crossroads with live music with "Controlled Burn". Please visit our Calendar of events for performance details.

Fall Arts Workshop Series       

Taos Ski Valley - the home of the Fall Arts Workshop series is the ultimate location for these creative weekends. This year we have an exciting series of workshops from learning the skills of Navajo Weaving to creating beautiful pieces of jewellery.

From August to October workshops will be held over weekends at selected locations in the beautiful Taos Ski Valley. The course fee will cover tuition and lodging will be available at a special "workshop" rate at selected Lodges throughout the Valley. 

2008 Tutors

Marilyn Noble              "The Fine Art of Storytelling" August 29-31

Kimberly Hammill      "Weaving with Sticks" September 6-8

Sherri Haab                 "Mixed Media Metal Clay Class" September 20-21

Scott David                  "Handcrafting Chain and Bead Jewellery" Sept 26-28

Stephanie Lee           "Totally Plastered" October 18

Susan Dilger             "PMC Pendant and Earrings" October 25-26

Reserve your workshop of choice by June 30th and receive 10% off class price

Visit the Fall Arts Workshop Series for more information on these workshops and how  to register.

A must do in Taos Ski Valley! A small town fall celebration complete with 13 Piece Oompah Band, German food, beer, German dancers, Best Costume, Yodeling and Brat eating contests! Great prizes. Bouncy Castle for the kids and face painting. Annual Sidewalk Sale and Market stalls. Fun for the entire family! See Lodging specials to make a weekend of it. Camping available at campsite. The fun will take place between 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

For the full 2008 Summer Events Calander click here