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Taos Lodging Map M
Taos Snow Totals ❄

Taos


Ikon Pass

Taos Ski Resort


Ikon Pass
Taos Lodging Map M
Taos Snow Totals
THE
LOW
DOWN
Taos Key Knowledge: Taos is a ski resort that most serious skiers know about without having gone there. It's New Mexico's only destination ski resort, and it's worth making it your destination at least once. The fall lines here run gloriously long and steep, with the upper reaches of the mountain comprising some of the best expert terrain anywhere. And the mild New Mexico winter days make this a great family pick. Town is a splendid gem, worth trekking to in the summer, as well.
Taos skiing by month:
Taos
By Month
Data show that March is the best month Taos for overall snow quality.
DEC
Taos
in December
JAN
Taos
in January
FEB
Taos
in February
MAR
Taos
in March
APR
Taos
in April

Core Strengths

Taos
Overall
79.9
Snow Quality
66.1
Expert
55.5
Overall
Overall PAF Score

Overall
Rank

27

Rank in
Region

20

Rank in
State

1

This resort is often compared with:

Jackson Hole
Sun Valley
Telluride
Taos Snow Quality Across Full Winter
Click ON/OFF:
Taos Snowfall Last 10 Days (inches)

Powder
Forecast

Powder Forecast
ZRANKINGS EXCLUSIVE
Saturday
Day
0"
Night
0"
Sunday
Day
0"
Night
0"
Monday
Day
0"
Night
0"
Tuesday
Day
0"
Night
0"
Wednesday
Day
0"
Night
0"

Snow

True*
Annual Snowfall

254"

True Snow: 254" per year
Snow Quality Rank

48

Accounts for resorts' snow quantity, moisture content, latitude, elevation, and slope aspects.

Dump Potential Rank

136

Taos Ski Resort is ranked No. 136 in North America for its total snowfall during an average season.

Historical Powder Odds
Daily Lottery

% of days with more than 6" of snow

9.5%

Extended Stay

% of months with more than 90" of snow

4.7%

Drought Threat

% of months with less than 30" of snow

31.9%

*Special thanks to Tony Crocker and Bestsnow.net.

Dump Potential Rank

136

Taos Ski Resort is ranked No. 136 in North America for its total snowfall during an average season.

Snow
Quality
Rank

48

Accounts for resorts' snow quantity, moisture content, latitude, elevation, and slope aspects.

Total Snow Score

This score accounts for total snow quantity, its moisture content, the resort's latitude, elevation, and its slope aspects, which affect total snow preservation.

Comparables

Taos Ski Resort

Trail Breakdown

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Vertical Drop

3243 ft

12450 ft
Base Elevation: 9207 ft

Slope Aspects

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A few words on the Snow at Taos Ski Resort

Taos' snow record is the best in New Mexico but would be below average in Colorado. 10.1% of winter days with 6 inches or more of snow is middle of the pack for western destinations, while 5% of months with 90 inches or more and 31% of months with 30 inches or less are worse than average. Snow density as in Colorado is as light as it gets. Powder skiing is best in the hike-to areas of West Basin and Highline Ridge. The former grueling hike to Kachina Peak will be lift served starting in 2014-15.

Accumulation and Preservation

Taos is a steep and rocky area that accumulates snow gradually. It averages 62% open at Christmas, and is less than half open by Christmas in about half of seasons. Even in January Taos averages about 80% open, so experts should favor February/March for maximum coverage. Taos is 60% north facing, high, shaded and steep, so snow preservation is excellent. Those north facing steeps often retain a packed powder surface up to the early April closing date.