Taos Ski Valley: Winter Sports and Mountain Tours

Taos Ski Valley is a year-round mountain destination. In winter, skiing and snowboarding take center stage; other options include hiking trails, guided mountain tours, and summer activities. What’s right for your trip therefore also depends on the season and operating hours.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

In winter, the free Blue Bus runs seasonally between the Town of Taos and Taos Ski Valley on Route 341 TSV Green. Schedules and operating dates can change from year to year; check these details before you travel. By car, Taos Ski Valley is about 18 miles from the Town of Taos. The drive through the canyon on NM-150 takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Travel times and winter driving requirements can vary depending on conditions.

For trips to Williams Lake, the trailhead’s location is also a planning detail: the parking lot is two miles uphill from the ski area’s base area. In winter, road conditions can affect access; suitable vehicle preparation is required to reach the trailhead.

Winter Sports and Tours

The ski area offers ski runs and snowboarding terrain for all ability levels. Check the current status of trails and lifts before your trip. Another winter option is the four-mile round trip from The Bavarian to Williams Lake by snowshoe or touring ski.

For a different tour plan, the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail #67 has specific route details: the round trip is 2.2 miles long and has 1,910 feet of elevation gain. It leads into the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. The two routes mentioned therefore differ both in length and in the available elevation details. Trail conditions can change; check current conditions before your trip.

Summer Trails and Views

The signed Base Area Loop is one mile long and follows the stream along the Rio Hondo as a nature trail. It is a loop in the resort’s base area. Kachina Vista Park offers views of Kachina Peak and the Village. In summer, you can also take chairlift rides to experience the mountain scenery; operating hours may vary.

The Taos Ski Valley Via Ferrata is a guided high-alpine climbing experience that includes climbing equipment. It is located at an elevation of 11,500 feet in the subalpine ecosystem of Kachina Peak. Route challenges range from beginner to advanced level. The facility includes a 100-foot suspension bridge and a walkway with two safety cables. The Via Ferrata operates seasonally; check reservation and weather conditions, as well as current route availability.

Mountain Biking and Guided Rides

Taos Bike Park offers lift-served downhill mountain biking flow trails served by Lift 4. Lift service and operating hours are seasonal. The Kachina Basin also has a Skills Park designed to build confidence and develop basic mountain biking skills. Current operating details may change here, too.

On seasonal UTV tours, a guided ride takes you along mountain roads within the ski area, with information about the history of Taos Ski Valley. Check reservation options and weather conditions in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Taos, El Prado, Arroyo Hondo, Ranchos De Taos, Valdez, Red River, Questa, Costilla.

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