TAOS, NEW MEXICO, USA -- Surrounded by majestic peaks, its trails snaking through unspoiled National Forest, a first glance up the mountain from the base of Taos Ski Valley is breathtaking yet intimidating, to all but experienced skiers. The mountain looks so steep! And in fact this fabulous winter resort has more than its fair share of black diamond runs (51% expert runs), but don't shy away too soon. Taos Ski Valley also has plenty of runs to keep intermediate and beginner skiers having fun. Even the kids will thrive here (they look at the steep mountain as fun rather than intimidating), as the resort's kid's programs teach tots to ski with a fun curriculum that incorporates games, small challenges and other techniques that put young students at ease - to the point where they don't even realize they're learning.

Known for deep, light dry powder, skiers will find more than 1,290 acres of terrain here. Skiing at Taos Ski Valley is made possible through a unique public-private partnership with the USDA Forest Service who manages those portions of the federal land utilized for skiing. The partnership affords skiers the chance to drown their senses in unparalleled pristine beauty -- the smells of the forests, the awe inspiring mountain vistas, the sounds of silence, interrupted only by the shush of skis slicing through dry power during some of the longest runs you'll find anywhere. This is one resort where you'll spend much more time on the slopes than the lifts, not only because it lacks enormous lines, but also because it takes so long to get down the mountain.

More Winter Activities at Taos Ski Valley

If downhill skiing is not to your liking, don't worry, there's more to do here. Try a snow shoe hike - an incredible relaxing, yet exhilarating way to take in the natural beauty of the forest lands that surround the ski resort. If you want to take it easier, try a guided snowmobile tour to the majestic peaks and ridges above Taos Ski Valley. The memory of these views will last a lifetime, and you'll get great photographs to prove you were there. Kids of all ages will have a ball tubing down the mountain on the beginner hill of the ski area. As of this writing hours for tubing are Wednesday through Saturday from 5-7 PM (subject to change, so always check ahead).

This is a casual destination without pretense or hype. It offers great skiing, comfortable on site lodging options and quality restaurants from casual to fine cuisine, friendly bars and lounges and interesting shops - in short everything a ski enthusiast and their entire family could want.

Important Tip
Get a trail map and familiarize yourself with it. Over half the trails at this resort are expert runs and you don't want to inadvertently end up on a trail that's beyond your ability.

Practicalities & Stats

Taos Ski Valley is usually open late November through early April. For more information call 800-347-7414 or visit www.skitaos.org.

Hours of Lift Operation -- 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Average Annual Snowfall -- 305 inches
Average Days of Sunshine -- 300+ days
Total Acreage -- 1,294 Acres
Number of Trails -- 110 total: 24% beginner, 25% intermediate, 51% expert
Number of Lifts -- 12 total: 4 quad chair lifts; 1 triple chair lift; 5 double chair lifts; 2 surface lifts
Uphill Capacity -- More than 15,000 skiers per hour
Snowmaking Capabilities -- 100% of beginner and intermediate slopes.
No Snowboards Allowed.

For more information about planning a visit to Taos, New Mexico in general contact the Taos Chamber of Commerce at 877-587-8915 or visit www.exploretaos.com.

Photos this page courtesy of Taos Ski Valley, photographers: Chris Dahl Bredine and Michael Holmquist.

Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day and The Low Carb Restaurant Guide, and the co-author of US Citizenship for Dummies. To learn more about Cheri, click here.