Ernie Blake & Taos Ski Valley
Hailing from Germany and Switzerland, ski legend Ernie Blake first moved to New Mexico with his wife, Rhoda, in 1941. By the early 1950’s, the ski enthusiast was managing both the Santa Fe Ski Basin and its sister ski area, Glenwood Springs. It was during the commute between the two ski areas in his Cessna 170 that Blake would search for the “perfect spot” to start a new ski area. He eventually found it when he spotted the big snow basin north of Wheeler Peak. He moved his wife and children to the valley where he created what would become a world-class ski area.
Taos Air
If you’re looking for an effortless journey to the Taos Ski Valley, consider flying Taos Air – the easiest route to the Rockies! Operating from private terminals, Taos Air makes your airport experience faster, easier, and simpler. After your direct flight, complete with complimentary checked bags and in-flight snacks, you can then enjoy free ground transportation between the Taos Regional Airport and Taos Ski Valley.
Ski New Mexico
New Mexico is an incredible destination for your dream ski vacation! Our eight alpine and three Nordic ski areas throughout the state will provide you with extraordinary sporting options, stunning scenery, and unbelievable food.
History of the Taos Landscape
People have been using and moving through the Taos Valley for at least 9,000 years, with the ancestral Taos Puebloans being the first permanent inhabitants of this land. While the Taos Pueblo structure that stands today is believed to have been constructed between 1000 and 1450 AD, other archeological evidence testifies to their presence here since at least 900 AD.
While modern-day ancestors of the Taos people still live in the Taos Pueblo today, it is important to recognize and acknowledge that the entirety of the Taos Valley is the ancestral home of the Taos people.
Taos Pueblo, Taos Ski Valley, or Town of Taos?
When most people think of “Taos,” they may think of the entire area as one entity. However, Taos Pueblo, Taos Ski Valley, and the Town of Taos are each their own individual locales — here’s a quick guide to the three:
Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is the home of the modern-day descendants of the ancestral Taos Puebloans, who were the first to inhabit the entirety of the Taos Valley. Located 3 miles northeast of the Town of Taos, the Pueblo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America and is both a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taos Pueblo is a living Native American community and welcomes visitors to come, enjoy, and experience their history, triumph, and tradition.
*Please note: due to COVID-19, Taos Pueblo remains closed to visitors at this time. Please check their website for more information.
The Town of Taos
The Town of Taos is located approximately 30 minutes south of Taos Ski Valley. The town is known for its collection of art galleries and museums, the historic Taos Plaza, and an abundance of great scenic views and outdoor adventures.
Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley is the small village and alpine ski resort located within the Taos Valley. A world-class ski destination, Taos Ski is a haven for 300+ inches of bone-dry powder stashes and is known for its rugged terrain, unpolished charm, and challenging trails.
Other Things to do in the Area
Taos Pueblo
One of the longest continuously inhabited communities in North America, Taos Pueblo is home to more than 1,000 years of history. It is also the only living Native American community designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. Located at the base of the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountain range, visitors are welcome to come, enjoy, and experience Taos Pueblo.
*Please note: due to COVID-19, Taos Pueblo remains closed to visitors at this time. Please check their website for more information.
Historic Taos Plaza
Located in the heart of the Taos Historic District, the Taos Plaza is home to many shops, restaurants, and galleries and serves as a natural gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
At 650 feet above the Rio Grande, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the fifth-highest bridge in the United States and the second highest bridge in the U.S. Highway System. Stand overhead to capture magnificent photos of the Rio Grande, or raft through it for even more adventure.
San Francisco de Asis Church
Located in Ranchos de Taos, the historic San Francisco de Asis Church was built in the early 1800’s and is the only original church that remains intact win the Taos area. The church continues to serve as an integral part of the spiritual community and has been artistically recorded by many artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams.
Enchanted Circle Byway
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway has a taste of everything. This picturesque 83-mile loop takes you to charming mountain towns and historic places, through stunning scenery, and features wonderful hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing.