The Village of Taos Ski Valley is located at the southern end of the Rocky Mountains in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, 18 miles northeast of the Town of Taos. Originally settled by a group of hearty and adventurous miners in the 1800’s, the community is now inhabited year-round by intrepid skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The ski area exists because of the imagination and hard work of a remarkable Swiss-German named Ernie Blake, his wife Rhoda and friends. A passionate skier, Blake dreamed for years of building a ski area, and launched Taos Ski Valley in 1955 on a shoestring budget. The European atmosphere and architecture of Taos Ski Valley is due to the ski area’s pioneers—a mix of German, French, Austrian and Swiss residents and employees—combined with the local Native American and Spanish cultures. With new ownership in 2014, the Taos Ski Valley Resort embarked on an exciting phase of development. This included building a chair lift up Kachina Peak that tops out at 12,450 feet, the opening of the Blake Hotel in February 2017, plus new runs, glades, restaurants and shops!
Old World ambiance seasoned with Native American and Spanish spice gives our valley its unique flavor. We resemble a European ski village but our core is pure New Mexican—all smiles and sunshine. Be prepared to be welcomed warmly and treated royally. From unique dining and shopping experiences, to novel adventures and uncommon culture, absorb the connection to the mountains and join our family in Taos Ski Valley. You'll feel like family in this wonderful village of outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers!
