Taos Ski Valley Review: Skiing, Food, Parking, and What to Know Before You Go

I had written off Taos Ski Valley because of where it was located. Considering how far south it is, I was skeptical of the terrain, snow conditions, and overall skiing experience in New Mexico.

Let me tell you how completely wrong I was about this resort.

Taos Ski Valley quickly became one of the most unique ski resorts I have visited in the West. Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico, this resort feels completely different from the large corporate ski destinations you find throughout Colorado and Utah.

From challenging terrain to a charming ski village, Taos Ski Valley surprised me in the best way possible.

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Skiing and Snowboarding at Taos Ski Valley

Taos is one of the western ski resorts that reminded me the most of skiing on the East Coast. The terrain is variable, technical, and natural, which can create challenges for beginner skiers and snowboarders.

Now, keep in mind, we were told the conditions were some of the best they had ever seen, and there were still quite a few exposed obstacles. This mountain is not the perfectly groomed, predictable experience you might find at some larger resorts.

And honestly? That is part of what makes Taos special.

The advanced terrain at Taos Ski Valley is some of the steepest and most challenging skiing I have experienced.

I was primarily at Taos to participate in a PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) Tricks in the Trees clinic. There was no easy introduction to this training. The trees were steep, technical, and required confidence, especially on the upper mountain.

If you are looking for challenging terrain, Taos absolutely delivers.

Kachina Peak at Taos Ski Valley

One of the highlights of skiing Taos is visiting Kachina Peak.

The peak is only accessible from the Kachina chairlift and features advanced terrain only. Once you reach the top, take the short hike up to the summit for incredible views of the surrounding New Mexico mountains.

You may even spot Big Horn Sheep thriving in their natural mountain habitat. The views alone make this area worth visiting, even if you need to take a moment at the top to appreciate where you are.

Taos Ski Valley Lift System

One current downside of Taos Ski Valley is the base area lift setup.

The base area currently has one primary lift that takes you up and over to access other parts of the mountain. If Lift 1 closes because of weather while other lifts remain open, getting around can become inconvenient.

You either need to drive around to the back of the mountain or already be skiing higher on the mountain.

Taos has plans to add a gondola on the back side of the base area, which should help improve this bottleneck. However, during our visit, getting up first thing in the morning was definitely something to plan around.

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Village and Food at Taos Ski Valley

The village at Taos Ski Valley is quaint, cute, and has everything you need for a ski trip. It has restaurants, shops, ice skating, and plenty of places to relax after a long day on the mountain.

The après scene was actually really fun. They had fire pits, music, a bubble machine, and a lively crowd hanging out after skiing. It was a great place to unwind and enjoy the evening.

One thing that really surprised me about Taos Ski Valley was the food pricing.

Ski resorts are known for having expensive food, but Taos had some of the best prices I have seen at a ski resort. It was nice being able to grab food without feeling like you were spending a fortune.

Tenderfoot Katie's Food Court

Tenderfoot Katie's Food Court was one of the biggest surprises at Taos Ski Valley.

They had some of the most affordable ski resort food I have come across. A hot dog with fries was only $8, which honestly feels unheard of at a ski resort these days.

After skiing all day, it was nice to have an easy and affordable option right at the base area.

Whistlestop Cafe

The Whistlestop Cafe was the perfect mid-mountain stop for a quick snack or drink.

The best part was that they had a DJ outside, so you could start your après experience while still taking a break from skiing. It was such a fun atmosphere and definitely not something I expected to find halfway up the mountain.

Black Diamond Espresso

Black Diamond Espresso was easily one of my favorite spots at Taos Ski Valley.

Located right near Lift 1, it was the perfect place to grab breakfast before the lifts opened. Their mocha was seriously one of the best I have ever had.

Being able to sit by the fire with a warm drink while waiting for first chair was such an amazing way to start the ski day.

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Parking at Taos Ski Valley

Parking at Taos Ski Valley is limited, so getting there early is important.

And when I say early, I mean before the lifts open.

The good news is that there is a lot of free parking available. The parking attendants guide you where to go, and shuttles pick you up right next to your car and bring you directly to the base area.

Honestly, this was one of the easiest ski resort parking experiences I have had. Being able to get dressed in your car, grab your gear, and hop on a shuttle was incredibly convenient.

There is also paid parking available, which was around $40 for the day when we visited. We were not able to use it, so I cannot speak to whether it is worth the extra cost.

Personally, with how easy the free parking was, I would save the money.

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Where to Stay Near Taos Ski Valley

Lodging near Taos Ski Valley can get expensive quickly.

When I am only staying somewhere for a couple of nights, I personally try to keep lodging around $300 total. Staying directly at the resort can make that difficult.

We found an adorable Airbnb nearby that completely captured the New Mexico vibe. From the archways to the color scheme, it felt like the perfect southwestern mountain getaway.

Having a full kitchen was a huge bonus because it allowed us to save money by cooking dinner instead of eating out every night.

The hosts were amazing and even went out of their way to give us recommendations for exploring the surrounding area.

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Is Taos Ski Valley Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

Taos Ski Valley is not the easiest ski resort, and that is part of what makes it so unique. This mountain is best suited for skiers and snowboarders who enjoy challenging terrain, natural conditions, and a more traditional ski experience.

Between the steep advanced terrain, unique New Mexico location, affordable food, and incredible mountain views, Taos quickly became one of the most memorable ski resorts I have visited.

If you are planning a New Mexico ski trip, I would absolutely recommend adding Taos Ski Valley to your list.

Helpful Links:

To Ski Taos, New Mexico: Best Skiing and Snowboarding in New Mexico - Taos Ski Valley, SkiTaos.com

To our Airbnb