Mountain Collective
Pro tip: 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. MORE
Core Strenghts
Taos Ski ResortOverall
Snow Quality
Expert
Overall
Rank
26
Rank in
Region
19
Rank in
State
1
Powder
Forecast
Powder Forecast
45
Accounts for resorts' snow quantity, moisture content, latitude, elevation, and slope aspects.
129
Taos Ski Resort is ranked No. 129 in North America for its total snowfall during an average season.
Daily Lottery
% of days with more than 6" of snow
10.2%Extended Stay
% of months with more than 90" of snow
5.0%Drought Threat
% of months with less than 30" of snow
31.0%Dump Potential Rank
129Taos Ski Resort is ranked No. 129 in North America for its total snowfall during an average season.
Snow
Quality
Rank
45
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
Acreage
1,294 acresTotal Runs
110Longest Run
30,360 ftLifts
13Uphill Max
15,000 ppl/hrTerrain Parks
1Snowboard?
YesHalfpipes
0Drive Time
140 minAirport
Albequerque
Trail Breakdown
Vertical Drop
3243 ft
Base Elevation: 9207 ft
Slope Aspects
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.