Like Jackson Hole, Taos is famous for being one of America's most challenging ski areas. It also bears the distinction of being one of the few areas that does not allow snowboarding. A world-renowned, high ranking ski school, add to its appeal, as well as its reputation of being a thriving artist's community. Aside from the great skiing, Taos represents an interesting blend of Spanish and Native American culture.
The Taos Ski Valley is nestled in a narrow, deep canyon. Located in the Sangre de Cristo range of northern New Mexico, Taos was founded by a Swiss-German, Ernie Blake, who was convinced that Taos reminded him of his the mountains of his European homeland. Blake then hired a group of Europeans to manage his first hotels, restaurants and ski school. Today, Taos retains echoes of its eclectic past. The Blake family still manages the resort.
There is a subtle difference between the average visitor to Jackson Hole and the average visitor to Taos. For the most part, skiers who visit Jackson are already proficient at extreme skiers. In contrast, many skiers who visit Taos realize that because of their ski school, if you are not already an expert, this is the place to become one. The famous Taos Ski Weeks are surprisingly affordable, ranging from as low as $60 to as high as $210. Call 866-968-7386 ext. 1355 to make your reservations.
Lodging
Taos is also a center for New Age philosophy and practices. As such, many of your lodging options feature spa treatments, yoga classes and various New Age and spiritual workshops. The Touchstone Inn is owned by artist/writer Bren Price. This adobe inn is decorated with her exquisite watercolor paintings. Breakfast choices include blueberry pancakes with lemon sauce, omelettes with sherry sauce and other unique creations. The treatments at the Riverbend Spa at the Touchstone Inn are as interesting as their breakfast choices. For example, the Chocolate Fondue Body Wrap is said to have ant-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. The Touchstone Foundation also sponsors various workshops and retreats throughout the season. For details, visit touchstoneinn.com.
Many of the hotels and bed and breakfasts in the Taos area offer the Taos Pillow and Powder package. They are featured on this web page: http://taospillowpackages.com/?src=taoswebb
For example, The American Artist and Gallery House Bed and Breakfast offers a three-day ski and stay package for $270 a person. This includes a two-day lift ticket for each person. The inn is decorated with the works of artists from the American Southwest.
Dining
For lunch, Michael's Kitchen, located at 304 C N Pueblo Rd., provides a taste of Americana. Entrees include turkey and avocado sandwiches, burgers and a variety of vegetarian sandwiches. For dinner, when you've had your fill of traditional Southwestern, Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants, check out Josephs Table. According to chef Joseph Wrede: "I do maintain the idea that if the products are grown or harvested locally (in New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas), then the cuisine is contemporary Southwestern even if the preparation is French, Italian, or Asian influenced. The air and soil impart a region's purest flavor. I now combine a culinary education in French techniques, my Italian-German family sensibility, and the exoticism of Japanese culinary stylization." Expect to find many entrees that feature locally grown fruits and nuts.
Off Slope
Taos New Mexico is synonymous with Southwestern art and Native American culture. Take a day off from skiing to visit the Taos Art Museum, or explore the art galleries and historic homes on Taos Plaza. At night, for live music, visit Eske's Brew Pub. Located at 106 Des Georges Lane, Eske's serves home-brewed beer, along with a variety of dinner options.
Summers
Taos and art are synonymous. Throughout the summer, you can find art shows and art workshops all over the town. You can also hike to Indian Rock Paintings, waterfalls and alpine lakes. Supposedly, people come all the way from Europe so that they can hunt mushrooms in Taos. Apparently, they have some rare delicacies growing in the area.
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