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 – check out these gift ideas for each unique snowflake on your list.
Make Shopping… an Event!
Holiday Bazaar at The Lounge at Rolling Still Distillery
Pop into The Lounge in the Town of Taos (110 Paseo del Pueblo Norte) on Saturday December 10, 2022 from 3-8p, for our award-winning local distillery’s annual festive Sip + Shop experience! Meander amongst local artists and makers with a craft cocktail in one hand while you use the other to pluck perfect gifts for you and yours! Special holiday cocktails, warm bites, custom poetry, photography, tarot readings and more. Mark your calendars – The Lounge is opening a satellite bar in Taos Ski Valley next week!
Wear a Piece of History
Jewelry at the Millicent Rogers Museum Gift Shop
A visit to a museum isn’t complete without an exit through a gift shop! The Millicent Rogers Museum (1504 Millicent Rogers Rd.) was established and curated in her memory in the mid-20th century by her youngest son. The museum is an homage to the celebrated southwestern socialite, jeweler and fashion icon. She became an activist championing the cause of Native American civil rights later in life. From vintage and contemporary turquoise and other bejeweled wearables from local artists, to katsinas, fetishes and folk art, this extensive celebration of the arts and cultures of the Southwest are for sale in the gift shop.
Gift & Give Together!
ClaireWorks ‘Good Wishes’ Jewelry Collection
You’ll find ClaireWorks’ shop (482A NM-150) nestled in the center of the Village of Aroryo Seco, at the base of the mountain. Owner, designer and artist Claire Haye, showcases her jewelry and art pieces here. During this holiday season 50% of the sale of any of the sterling silver jewelry in the Good Wishes line go directly to Habitat for Humanity Taos. Give a handmade gift to a loved one while also donating to a worthy cause!
Woven Stories
Alpaca Rugs at Andean Software
A trip to our mountain invites you to experience a wide variety of cultures. Take a step into the Southern Hemisphere at Andean Software (on the Upper Resort Plaza in TSV). These exquisite alpaca rugs from Ayacucho, Peru are hand-sourced by longtime TSV resident and cultural anthropologist Andrea Heckman, recently back from her annual fall pilgrimage. She explains that Master Weaver, Edmundo H Gutierrez, continues the family tradecraft begun by his father and passed onto his son and nephews in stunning intricate detail. He uses a European style floor loom and incorporates traditional iconography like fish, birds and geometric forms resulting in three dimensional designs. Pick up a copy of Heckman’s latest aptly named book, Woven Stories, to peel back one more layer.
Feast Your Eyes
St. Bernard Cookbook at Confluence
Smells can hold powerful memories especially when it comes to food! Enjoy a bubbling delicious pot of Eau de Ski Valley by cooking your way through the Hotel St. Bernard Cookbook. It’s as gorgeous to look at as its food is to taste. Authored by the late Ski Valley iconoclast and technical director emeritus of the ski school, Jean Mayer, the book not only shares the original recipes with introductions in his own words, but will transport you to the resort’s early days through its day-in-the-life organizational structure. Follow along with a characteristic “ski week” with the typical dishes served each day during a week-long stay at the original hotel. Fun! Bold flavors only grow more powerful with age! Find the cookbook at Confluence (on the Lower Resort Plaza in TSV).
Three Times the Charm
Spa Time in Taos Ski Valley
Where better to indulge the senses than up in our clean alpine air! After you rock the slopes you’re going to want to treat yourself or give the gift of Spahhhhh, as we prefer to call it. In the village you have several convenient options. The Spa & Wellness Center at The Blake (116 Sutton Place) focuses on bringing the outside in. Whether a massage, facial, body treatment or aromatherapy, it’s all inspired by the elements of earth, fire and water, drawing from the energy of the mountain and connecting to nature and Taos’ sacred culture. Day passes for non-hotel guests are available. Includes access to heated saltwater pool, hot tubs, fitness center, yoga classes, steam rooms, and showers!
The Edelweiss Spa (106 Sutton Place) is the perfect retreat for athletes and vacationers alike, with professional therapists to help soothe sore muscles and sensitive skin after a long day of high alpine conditions! Relax in a warm, welcoming and luxurious setting and soak in the all natural goodness from a menu tailored to suit every need. Options include custom deep tissue massage, warming hot stones, rehydrating facials and deep, cleansing body scrubs.
After you drop your gear for a tune or return rentals Cottam’s Ski Shop, you’ll just head upstairs to your mountain village retreat Alpine Village Suites (100 Thunderbird Rd.). The outdoor hot tub is an excellent way to relax in the evening with views of the slopes, an outdoor fireplace, sauna, and massages available at the Massage Center. Pet friendly and smoke free accommodations on premise, too!
Does a Body Good Inside and Out
Los Poblanos at Cid’s Mountain Market
Cid’s Mountain Market (on the Lower Plaza in TSV) is our favorite slopeside market for gourmet goodies and they don’t stop at stuffing your stocking with mere food and drink! Hands that go hard need the real deal! Lavish your skin in healing lavender with a sense of place. Crafted with care in small batches, directly from the land of New Mexico, Los Poblanos artisan lavender products carry the story of its family-run organic lavender farm.
The Los Poblanos Historic Inn sits in majestic lavender fields, just an hour’s drive from Taos. Soothing and healing products like their signature Lavender Salve are made with the highest quality essential oil. The lavender is tended by hand and harvested at the optimal time each year. Lavender’s soothing medicinal and aromatic properties have made it a versatile and popular herb for centuries. Set among 25 acres of lavender fields, enormous cottonwood trees and lush formal gardens, Los Poblanos is one of the most magnificent historic properties in the Southwest. The land was originally inhabited by the Ancient Pueblo Indians in the 14th century. Many of the original settlers in this area were thought to have come from Puebla, Mexico, a citizen of which is called a “Poblano.”
Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams
“Fishmas” Specials from Solitary Angler
We’ve Got a Live One! Solitary Angler river outfitter just released new gift certificates for Solitary Angling Club Memberships and Guided Fly Fishing Trips in various packages! Whether for a fisherman you know and love or a newbie you want to bait, choose from three packages including 20% off memberships through December 24, 2022 available on their website. It’s definitely the gift that keeps on giving as they’re headed out year-round, snow and shine. Only 5 of each type of membership will be sold at this price so don’t dilly-dally!