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.

 

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