Everything You Need to Plan a Trip to Taos Ski Valley & Town of Taos

Get Here

Driving From Albuquerque: Fastest Route

The quickest way to get from Albuquerque to Taos Ski Valley is a pretty easy cruise north through New Mexico’s high desert and river canyons.
Estimated drive time: 2.5–3 hours
Route:

• I-25 North toward Santa Fe
• NM-599 bypass around Santa Fe
• US-285 North to Española
• NM-68 North through the Rio Grande Gorge corridor
• US-64 through Taos
• NM-150 straight into Taos Ski Valley

This is the classic “get me to the mountains” route — fast, scenic enough to keep things interesting, and stocked with excellent roadside coffee, burrito, and gas-stop opportunities.

From Albuquerque: Most Scenic Route

If you’ve got an extra hour and are looking for Instagramm-able moments, take the legendary High Road to Taos.
Estimated drive time: 3.5–4.5 hours (depending on stops)
Route:

• I-25 North to Santa Fe
• NM-503 / NM-76 through Chimayó, Truchas, Peñasco, and Vadito
• Reconnect with NM-68 or head directly into Taos
• NM-150 to Taos Ski Valley

Think winding mountain villages, adobe churches, sweeping Sangre de Cristo views, and the kind of roadside art galleries that somehow appear in places with populations under 200. It’s less “road trip efficiency” and more “accidentally spent 45 minutes photographing aspens.”

From Denver: Fastest Route

The quickest drive from Denver to Taos Ski Valley is surprisingly straightforward and mostly interstate cruising.
Estimated drive time: 5–5.5 hours
Route:

• I-25 South through Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Walsenburg
• Take US-160 West toward Fort Garland from Walsenburg
• Make a left on CO-159 / NM-522 South from Ft. Garland
• Another left on NM-150 up to Taos Ski Valley

This is the move if your mission is simple: mountains ASAP. Wide-open views, huge skies, minimal traffic once you’re south of Pueblo, and a dramatic arrival into northern New Mexico.

From Denver: Most Scenic Route

For peak road-trip energy, take the mountain route through Colorado’s high country and the San Luis Valley.
Estimated drive time: 6.5–7.5 hours
Route:

• Take US-285 South from Denver through Fairplay and Buena Vista
• Continue through Poncha Pass and Alamosa
• Make a left on US-64 East from Tres Piedras, NM into Taos
• At the ‘old blinking light’ [which doesn’t blink anymore] continue straight up NM-150 to Taos Ski Valley

This route delivers a full Rocky Mountain sampler platter: alpine peaks, broad valleys, old mining towns, Great Sand Dunes detours, and huge cinematic New Mexico skies once you cross south. Bonus points if you time the sunset near the Rio Grande Gorge.

Flying into Taos Regional Airport

• Taos and Taos Ski Valley are easier to access than ever before. Contour Airlines will once again offer three weekly non-stop flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays. This flight gives visitors seamless access to Taos from more than 200 domestic and international destinations flying into Denver.
• Semi-private carrier, JSX, will also offer weekly summer flights from Texas (Dallas Love Field and Austin Executive Airport).
• Once guests arrive, The Blake Hotel extends its first hospitality touch with a complimentary shuttle from Taos Regional Airport (TSM) directly to the resort.

Stay Here

You can explore dozens of lodging options in Taos Ski Valley and Town of Taos by clicking here, and if you are looking for a specific type of lodging, just fill out the quick & free form on this page and a local concierge from Lodgers who fit the criteria you’ve specified will reach out to you shortly to help you book your trip!

Lodging in Taos Ski Valley

Booking your stay in Taos Ski Valley is easy! Hotels, condos and vacation rentals to fit every budget are dotted throughout our alpine village, close to shopping, dining, hiking trails and the ski lifts. Some of our favorites are:

The Blake Hotel
The Blake Hotel is an 80-room luxury alpine guesthouse adjacent to Lift 1 that’s designed to deliver mountainside adventures, whether you’re skiing, hiking, shopping or strolling. Guest-service hausmeisters are on call to attend to every detail, while well-appointed rooms and sophisticated suites lull the adventurous into welcomed relaxation. Bring your pup, they’re also dog-friendly!

Edelweiss Lodge & Spa
The Edelweiss Lodge & Spa offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom vacation condominiums as well a limited number of “lock-off” hotel rooms. Each condominium is uniquely furnished and has a fully equipped kitchen, living room, dining area, washer/dryer, gas fireplace, satellite television, and high-speed internet. On-site amenities include The Blonde Bear Tavern, an ideal place for après-ski drinks and tapas with daily happy hour specials and Italian inspired, locally crafted cuisine. The Blonde Bear Cafe offers great breakfast and snack items and sells package liquor.

Alpine Village Suites
Nestled in the heart of Taos Ski Valley and just steps away from the lifts, Alpine Village Suites offers the perfect location for an exceptional mountain vacation. Whether it is a romantic getaway or family vacation, there are a range of affordable suites, lofts and vacation homes to accommodate every request. Amenities include free wireless internet, Direct TV, kitchenettes, access to an outdoor grill, and many rooms have fireplaces and private balconies.

The Snakedance Condominiums
The Snakedance Condominiums are slope-side condos blending old world Alpine tradition with modern convenience. They offer one, two, and three-bedroom condominiums each with a full kitchen and a spacious living area, conveniently located twenty yards from the main chairlift with onsite ski storage.

The Kandahar
Kandahar Condominiums, on the mountainside overlooking Taos Ski Valley, offers the best in year-round Taos Ski Valley lodging and amenities. Avid skiers and snowboarders, fishermen, hikers and bikers alike find this the perfect refuge. Each of Kandahar’s condominium units features 2 bedrooms and 2 baths with a fully equipped, full-size kitchen and spacious living rooms and balconies. The wood-burning fireplaces can be used year-round.

Lodging in Town of Taos

Located just 18 miles from Taos Ski Valley is a diverse range of fine hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, rental homes and vacation casitas. Museums and art galleries dot the streets throughout town. Catch a show at one of the intimate live music venues and explore the many one-of-a-kind shops that Taos is known for. Great options in town are:

Hotel Willa
Recently named to Travel + Leisure’s “Best New Hotels” list, Hotel Willa is a 51-room boutique hotel in Taos’ historic district, offers a unique blend of Southwestern charm and modern comfort. Originally a 1940s motel, it has been thoughtfully reimagined by the Casetta Group to honor its architectural heritage with authenticity while embracing contemporary design. Hotel Willa’s location provides easy access to Taos’ vibrant arts scene, historic sites, and outdoor adventures. Whether exploring local galleries, savoring New Mexican cuisine, or relaxing by the pool with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, guests experience the essence of Taos’ culture and landscape.

Hotel Don Fernando de Taos
The Hotel Don Fernando de Taos, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton, provides a cultural getaway with authentic New Mexico charm. Enjoy locally made décor and mountain views from their six-acre property which is located just four miles away from the historic Taos Pueblo. The property features an array of onsite amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, tennis court and the largest indoor pool in Northern New Mexico. Enjoy little luxuries and conveniences, ranging from free Wi-Fi and free parking to ski storage in all rooms and suites.

The Historic Taos Inn
Set in the town’s charming historic district and steps away from Taos Plaza, the Taos Inn captures the spirit and mystique of the wilderness lands that surround it. In 1982, the Inn was placed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Set across several original adobe houses dating from the 1800s, Taos Inn offers a relaxed place to stay. Charming details line every guest-room, from antique furniture and hand-carved doors, to wood-burning fireplaces. The Adobe Bar and Doc Martin’s Restaurant are located on-site. The Adobe Bar is lovingly known as “The Living Room of Taos,” with live music every night.

El Pueblo Lodge
Built long before WiFi was even an acronym, El Pueblo Lodge offers guests all the modern-day amenities you desire while traveling. Gorgeous park-like grounds, spacious outdoor swimming pool and freshly baked cookies all await your enjoyment. Conveniently located within walking distance of the historic Taos Plaza with an array of restaurants, shops, art galleries and nightlife. Many rooms have fireplaces and kitchenettes.

Play Here

Taos Ski Valley is home to Wheeler Peak – the highest mountain in the state – stunning art galleries, fabulous shopping, and exceptional outdoor recreation high up in the Carson National Forest. Spring, summer, fall, and winter, our mountains are host to a wide range of fun-filled activities any time you visit our high altitude home, both indoors and outside.

Summer Activities

Guided UTV Mountain Tours – Guided rides among the distinct alpine terrain, with panoramic views and expert commentary on the area’s ecosystem and history.

Scenic Lift Rides – With a lift ticket, discover unlimited rides for a full day, which provide breathtaking vistas of the Sangre de Cristos and its surrounding wilderness.

Fly Fishing – Both the experienced angler and the novice will find success in the rivers and streams surrounding Taos Ski Valley. Fly Fishing the Rio Hondo that winds along NM-150 into Taos Ski Valley will net you native cutthroat, brown and rainbow trout, or throw a fly into many of the ‘holes’ that dot the Rio Grande near Pillar and further downstream. Hire a local guide from these outfitters or head out on your own for mountain lakes and streams a hour’s drive from Taos Ski Valley, such as the Chama River, Red River, Eagle Nest Lake or the Cimarron River.

Lift-served Downhill Mountain Biking – Access premier mountain biking terrain for all ability levels. Visitors can bring their own bikes or choose from a range of rental equipment, including demo, regular, and e-bikes, as well as full protective gear.

Mountain Biking Lessons – Beginners can enjoy “Mountain Biking 101” lessons – 3 hours of private instruction that include a lift ticket, rentals, and protective gear. Three-hour intermediate-to-advanced private lessons are also available.

Mountain Biking Skills Park – The free skills park is great for kids or beginners, allowing them to get comfortable before trying lift-served downhill trails.

Via Ferrata – Taos Ski Valley’s Via Ferrata combines the thrill of rock climbing with the security of a cabled, protected route – accessible to all levels. Half-day guided experiences include all necessary equipment and a UTV mountain tour.

Hiking Trails – Taos is the gateway to all types of trails, from peaceful nature walks to challenging summit treks – including Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s tallest peak (13,167′). Check out this comprehensive trail guide and our list of the Top 9 hikes in Taos Ski Valley.

Culinary Pursuits – The resort features unique dining options, including 192 at The Blake and The Bavarian, Taos’ famed on-mountain restaurant, serving up German food and beer on an idyllic patio. Looking for a beer & a burger? Hit Daleee TSV at the entrance to the village core. Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the great restaurants in TSV and town of Taos.

Local Culture – The Taos Pueblo UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Historic Town of Taos are just a short drive away, and The Blake offers complimentary transportation to both.

Local Adventures – The region surrounding Taos is home to unforgettable outdoor experiences including hot air ballooning, flyfishing, whitewater rafting, llama trekking, rock climbing, and more to make the most of your summer vacation.

Summer Events

Community Weekend, June 27-28: Taos Ski Valley is chock full of summer events that kick off with the semi-annual Community Weekend in late June. This family-friendly event is a celebration of the people who make our community so special. For event details, lodging offers, and to pre-register for lift tickets, visit skitaos.com/taoscounty

July 4th Celebration: Join us as we celebrate our Nation’s 250th Birthday in Taos Ski Valley. Early July presents beautiful weather in the mountains, and there’s no shortage of things to do, including the famous “Duck Races” in the Rio Hondo river. Hundreds of rubber ducks race down the Rio Hondo at the base area, with proceeds funding nature-based education and outdoor programs for kids. It all kicks off around Noon MT.

The Up & Over Trail Run Weekend, Aug 1-2nd: Spanning the first weekend of August in Taos Ski Valley, the Up & Over Trail Runs challenge runners with a demanding 10K and 20K course on Saturday, August 1st. On Sunday, August 2nd runners can take on the daunting VerticAL’s VertK, quickly becoming a classic as well as a 1k Kids run. The Up & Over Trail Run Weekend is gaining attention as a premiere New Mexico trail running event – but don’t take our word for it, check out this great piece from RunOutside on why this race is worth the trip.

Taos Mountain Wellness Festival, Aug. 14-16: This newly reimagined experience embraces wellness in its fullest form! Join us for a three-day journey into self-care, mindfulness, and inner exploration. The festival weaves together the richness of yoga, the power of holistic wellness, and the enchanting spirit of the Southwest. Unique in it’s approach and setting, you can learn more and purchase tickets here.

Bull of the Woods Trail Races, Sept. 5th: 2026 marks the 10th year of Bull of the Woods Trail Races in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico! This year the event will host two different half marathons and one full marathon distance. These races mark the highest trail races in the state of New Mexico with the trail marathon and the TSV half marathon distance will take you to Kachina Peak at 12,481ft then you will continue on to the Northside half marathon course where you will climb Fraser Peak at 12,168ft!

Oktoberfest, Sept. 26-27th: Dust off those lederhosen and dirndls folks, because Oktoberfest at Taos Ski Valley is a serious tradition here. Reflecting the European [and mostly Austrian roots] of TSV, this weekend-long event features Live Music, German beer and food, stein holding contests, pretzel eating contests, the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest, crafts for kids and general revelry. You can get your tickets here.

Winter Activities

Some ski resorts offer a mountain. Taos Ski Valley offers a world. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Range at over 9,200 feet, this legendary New Mexico destination averages more than 250 inches of light, dry powder each season, and is the kind of snow that skiers and riders travel across the country to chase. But what sets Taos apart isn’t just the terrain. It’s the feel. No mega-resort crowds, no endless lift lines, no anonymous hotel towers – just a tight-knit alpine village where world-class skiing meets genuine mountain soul. From the steep, technical chutes that built Taos’s reputation to groomed cruisers, tree runs, snowshoeing trails, and cozy après-ski spots steps from the lifts, winter in Taos Ski Valley is the full experience. Intimate by design, extraordinary by nature. Click here for the latest Trail Map.

Snowsports School: Voted as the #1 Ski School in North America by USA Today, expert coaches are here to ignite your passion for Snowsports and inspire a deep, lasting connection with our breathtaking mountains.Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, the ski school instructors will make your experience nothing short of extraordinary. Reserve your lessons here.

The Legendary Taos Ski Valley Ski Week: A Taos tradition since the 1950s, Ski Weeks are immersive, six-day programs designed to transform your skiing. With expert instruction, small groups, and a supportive atmosphere, you’ll build confidence, refine technique, and explore more of the mountain.

Kids Ski School & Activities: Kids can have a blast participating in Children’s Snowsports programs for young skiers and snowboarders. Reservations are required.

Off the Ski Slopes: Visitors who’d rather not ski can enjoy other winter activities, such as a guided snowshoe hike, snowmobile tour the high country above Taos, or kick back in a hot tub under the stars. Other activities include sledding under the Gondolita and ice skating at the Ice Haus in the lower plaza.

For more information on the full scope of everything Taos Ski Valley has to offer, check out this comprehensive guide to winter on the mountain.