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
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Accounts for resorts' snow quantity, moisture content, latitude, elevation, and slope aspects.
Taos Ski Resort is ranked No. 136 in North America for its total snowfall during an average season.
% of days with more than 6" of snow
9.5%% of months with more than 90" of snow
4.7%% of months with less than 30" of snow
31.9%Taos Ski Resort is ranked No. 136 in North America for its total snowfall during an average season.
Accounts for resorts' snow quantity, moisture content, latitude, elevation, and slope aspects.
This score accounts for total snow quantity, its moisture content, the resort's latitude, elevation, and its slope aspects, which affect total snow preservation.
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.
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.
Ikon Pass
