The TAOS gondola passes in front of a snow Kandahar Condos building.

What’s Old Is New

Settle into fresh updates with a soul at these iconic properties

- | 3 min read

Strong Foundations

Taos Ski Valley was founded on a dream and today you can sleep soundly knowing its foundations stand strong… in the walls in the historic hotels around you!

While the Village of Taos Ski Valley’s early beginnings in the 1600s stem from Spanish mining operations and later domestic companies, the special place we know today was founded in 1955 by the enterprising adventurer Ernie Blake and wife Rhoda. Like out of a storybook, the couple would flee post-World War II Germany to discover the American West. They charted the ski valley’s future by flight. They flew a small Cessna up the Sangre de Cristo mountain range from Santa Fe to scout this legendary terrain. The rest is history, and we still live it today.

First Runs, First Buildings

The Blakes roughed it in the early days in an eleven-foot camper. There were no buildings or utilities to speak of, except the almost-completed Hondo Lodge.

A photograph hangs on the wall of an old log cabin being built.

Hondo Lodge nears completion

Today the Hondo Lodge is known as the Snakedance Condominiums. The property sits slope side across from the first run ever opened, in 1957 — now the eponymous Snakedance ski trail! Even after moving into the lodge, the Blakes lived without power until 1963. Things have changed today – just enough! – for you to enjoy this storybook setting with a little more comfort and convenience.

Condominium lodging in a ski area on a sunny day.

Snakedance Condos today offer one, two, and three-bedroom units each with a full kitchen and a spacious living area. They are conveniently located twenty yards from the main chairlift with on-site ski storage! Whether you’re traveling with the family or just flying solo for a weekend getaway, you’ll find the right place to stay here.

A studio hotel room with a kitchenette and full stovetop.

We especially love their bright and cozy studios! There’s also the convenience of their on-site Hondo Restaurant decorated in historic photos of its groundbreaking and founding figures. The building also houses Bumps Market, complete with handy burrito bar when you’re on the go!

Decades of Hospitality

Down the road or a little Gondolita ride away stands The Kandahar, a rare find in Taos Ski Valley. It’s one of the only true Ski-In/Ski-Out properties with lift access out the door!

The TAOS gondola passes in front of a snow Kandahar Condos building.

Perched on the side of the mountain, another of Taos Ski Valley’s historic hotels dates back to 1967 and the early days of the ski valley’s founding. These newly updated, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom vacation condos available for rent overlook the Resort’s Children’s Ski Center. Village shops and restaurants are just a short walk or Gondolita ride away. Paper products, linens, towels and kitchen and bathroom soaps are supplied, as are firewood and firewood starter logs. Housekeeping service is available for an additional fee.

A vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden beams over an open living concept family room with a fireplace.

Don’t forget, if you are driving up in the winter you will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to negotiate the roads and park on the mountain. For those who opt for 2-wheel drive, the Kandahar offers a shuttle service from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the ski area parking lot. They will help you carry luggage and supplies from the shuttle van to your unit. The gym, steam room, hot tub and gas grill are also available to guests!

Classic Southwest Charm

In the Town of Taos, another Taos landmark and one of its’ historic hotels, Sagebrush Inn, opened in 1931 as a 13-room hotel. It catered to guests traveling by carriage along the trade route between New York and Arizona. Today, the newly restored Sagebrush Inn & Suites offers authentic Southwest charm amidst modern comforts and conveniences with 156 graciously appointed guest rooms and suites. Onsite dining is available at its Grill and Cantina with nightly live music. Period and contemporary southwestern art line the walls, taking you back to the earlier times with a reminder of its indelible presence today at every turn.

An oversized statement fireplace made from adobe.

If you’re planning a big event in Taos or the Ski Valley, this is an affordable unexpected option that can handle it all! Explore the outdoor-access guest rooms and the Inn’s scenic grounds offer graceful portals, patios, and traditional brick walkways.

Southwestern adobe walls surround a tree filled courtyard.

The connecting courtyards are ideal for open-air strolls with spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains especially as they Alpenglow pink at sunset in winter and light up with sun shower rainbows in summer. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the surroundings.

 

Drop in and find your line with The Highline Newsletter – your one-stop-shop for everything Taos Ski Valley!

You’ll find local stories, local characters and locals recommendations to help you plan your perfect trip.

Related Posts

Local Legends and Tall Tales…

Local Legends and Tall Tales…

When a place has rich history and deep oral traditions like Taos does, you know there are legendary tales. Stories passed through the generations and lurking in dark corners are just waiting to be stumbled upon as the spookier season approaches!

Hummm…

The Taos Hum’s reputation may precede it, but…

Fall Festivals Here to Stay

Fall Festivals Here to Stay

Our northern New Mexico home today is a rich and diverse confluence of old and new. The diverse peoples and ways of life meet in Taos; it’s an inextricable part of the culture here. We revel in keeping tradition alive not only because it is important to understand where you…

Live Music in Taos Abounds

Live Music in Taos Abounds

Most people know Taos for its reputation in the visual arts, but it’s not only visual artists who flock to this area, but musicians too. The local live music scene in Taos is thriving. Collaboration among peers, varied venues and multiple local music series makes this summer look like a…

Riding the Bootfitting Wave

Riding the Bootfitting Wave

Never Summer

“Summer?” For freeskier Robbie Forbes, a Taos local born and raised, it’s “Non-existent!”

In 2023, Forbes went down to Australia to spend his second summer there. One of his boot fitting mentors Charlie Bradley was like, “If you’re sick of landscaping, this might be something you want to…

2023 Winter Gear Preview

2023 Winter Gear Preview

BOOT UP!

Have you made the rounds at local outfitters to see what’s new and where the early season deals are? We did! Here’s our winter gear preview for 2023-24’s hardware and softwear highlights.

 

Cottam’s Ski Shop

All season rentals. These are the key words at

Embrace Nature’s Flavors Al Fresco

Embrace Nature’s Flavors Al Fresco

Imagine…

Picture this. You’re sitting outside under the shade of a cottonwood tree. The air is warm, an agreeable 83 degrees. Above you the sky is a deep cobalt blue and an armada of puffy white clouds sail overhead. A double peaked mountain looks down on you from the horizon.…

Cutthroat but Not Ruthless

Cutthroat but Not Ruthless

Go Fish

We learned on a recent outing that when it comes to fly fishing, the skill lies in taking your time and letting the fish come to you.

It was a gorgeous blue sky late spring morning as Steve Morris of Cutthroat Fly Fishing and his two pals…

What’s New Is Old for Taos Architecture

What’s New Is Old for Taos Architecture

Henry Architects Find A Sense of Place

When it comes to what makes a place, history is important.  One must always look deeper to the layers underneath that form the foundation to see clearly. Here in Northern New Mexico, the ground literally unearths itself. Tectonics, geology and time work passively…

A Bird for All Seasons

A Bird for All Seasons

Arriving by air, you may be surprised to know that New Mexico isn’t a dry barren desert!  All across our state and especially here in the north in Taos and Taos Ski Valley, we are a confluence of activity for wildlife. Birds especially love it here thanks to the

Heritage Inspirations Tours

Heritage Inspirations Tours

“All we cared about as kids were grandma’s tortillas and red chile,” shares Angelisa Murray, owner/operator of Heritage Inspirations (est. 2014), of her formative summers with family in Colorado, making the drive from Arizona through Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Española, all the way up 285 past San…

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Sometimes the holidays seem to rush in so quickly that we feel behind before we even get started. Well, don’t they always? At Taos Ski Valley we always expect the unexpected and the same goes for finding great gifts in a pinch! Procrastinators need look no further…

Le Ski Mastery’s Alain Veth

Le Ski Mastery’s Alain Veth

Not Your Ordinary Ski Shop Owner

Alain Veth brings a world of experience and knowledge to his family-owned and run shop Le Ski Mastery in Taos Ski Valley. Veth is a veteran of the World Cup race circuit, a winner of hundreds of ski races…

New Mexico vs. Colorado

New Mexico vs. Colorado

Look, we love our neighbors to the north. In comparing our states, both at the southern end of the Rocky Mountains, you’re right if you think of beautiful mountain views, but a bit of a similar climate is about all that we share. Taoseños believe that we have the perfect…

In the Plaza You’re World’s Away

In the Plaza You’re World’s Away

When the snow is long gone and warm days stretch gloriously until sundown, Taos Ski Valley transforms into a summer adventure paradise. Take a couple days off at 9,321 feet. You’ll find the heart of the Valley in our Village at the base area of the mountain.

After the lovely…

Trail Running

Trail Running

What is the intersection of long distance running and high-speed hiking? Trail running.

Straddling the running and mountain recreation sectors, trail running has never been more popular. The Outdoor Foundation reports that trail running now draws more participants than hiking, with an 8 percent growth spurt in a mere three years. Luckily…