3-Day Winter Itinerary in Taos & Taos Ski Valley
(No Skis Required)
When you think of Taos Ski Valley, skiing and snowboarding are usually the first things that come to mind. But here’s the secret: you don’t need to clip into skis to have an unforgettable winter getaway. From art walks and cozy cafés to stargazing and hot-air balloons, here’s a three-day itinerary that proves Taos is just as magical off the slopes.
Day 1: Culture, Shopping & New Mexico Eats
Morning
Start your trip slow and cozy with a coffee at
Black Diamond Espresso, right on the Upper Plaza by the base of Lift 1. This little, beloved local spot has delicious specialty drinks and old standbys. If you’re looking to get into the southwestern spirit, try the Mayan Mocha that adds red chile to the chocolatey drink to help kick your day off right.
Walk over the pedestrian bridge to the Lower Plaza to the
Eis Haus. You can rent ice skates by the hour and enjoy the fresh morning mountain air. If a little ice skating doesn’t have you feeling like a kid again, wander over to the new this season toy store and play area, Taos Kids, in the Lower Plaza.
Afterwards, amble through the Village of Taos Ski Valley and peruse through some local shops. You’ll find upscale homewares and gifts at Confluence on the Lower Plaza, or on the Upper Plaza you can find one of a kind treasures at
Andean Software, an expertly curated apparel and gift store featuring luxurious goods from Peru and around the world.
Afternoon
Head down the mountain into Taos proper, where the art scene is always buzzing. Browse galleries, discover new artists, and let yourself get pulled into the vibrant creative energy that has made Taos famous. Start along Kit Carson Road in the center of town and cross into Taos Plaza. From there, follow the pedestrian mall on the north side of The Plaza into the John Dunn Shops, an outdoor shopping district.
Evening
Located in the center of old Taos is
Doc Martin’s Restaurant in the
Historic Taos Inn. It’s a classic Taos dining experience, serving New Mexican dishes that always hit the spot after a day of exploring. You might find yourself staying for a little while after dinner too! As you leave Doc Martin’s you’ll pass through
The Adobe Bar, long known as “The Living Room of Taos”, which has live music and a spirited crowd every night of the week.
Day 2: Tours, Tastes & Stargazing
Morning to Afternoon
Book a tour with
Heritage Inspirations Tours. They’re the local experts who can tailor a day to your personal vibe. The meeting spot for tours is always at El Monte Sagrado in the Town of Taos. A few great tour options:
- Wine Tasting (yes, Northern New Mexico makes amazing wines!)
- Snowshoeing through pristine forests
- Taos Cultural Walking Tour, where history and local stories bring the town to life
On your way back up the mountain, make a quick stop in the
Village of Arroyo Seco. Poke around the funky shops, antique stores and galleries before heading back up the road to the Ski Valley. On the way you’ll pass
Taos Canyon Cannabis Treeline – an offshoot of the popular shop in town, this high-elevation dispensary offers a drive-through window with cover for snowy days and a knowledgeable staff to help you find the right product to help with sleep, relaxation or creativity.
Dinner & Evening
For dinner, settle into the alpine elegance of
Blonde Bear Tavern in the Edelweiss Lodge, where European-inspired mountain cuisine meets cozy comfort. This is a great place to enjoy a cocktail around a communal fire and chat with locals before your meal. Reservations are recommended.
Afterward, if you’re feeling a little relaxed or creative, bundle up and head out for some stargazing. With the thin mountain air and low light pollution, the night skies here are nothing short of breathtaking. The firepit in the Upper Plaza stays blazing into the dark hours and can be a great spot to take in the open sky.
Day 3: Balloons, Bliss & Sunset Magic
Morning
Kick your last day off in unforgettable style: soar above the Rio Grande in a hot-air balloon with
Rio Grande Balloons. You may have to get up early to scratch this experience off your bucket list, but seeing the sunrise over the Sangre de Cristos as the ground falls away below you is worth it.
Afternoon
Evening
Close out your adventure with a little pure winter joy, sledding at sunset. You’ll need to bring your own sled for this one, or you can purchase one at
Alpine Xtreme, located just at the top of the sledding hill in the Edelweiss Lodge & Spa building. There’s no better way to cap off a Taos Ski Valley trip than flying down a hill, laughing, and watching the sky shift into deep pinks and purples over the mountains.
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