Taos Advice

[Angus]

Will be heading out for a couple of days in February and looking for any/all information. Lodging, terrain, food, etc. Many thanks.

 

[billski]

No offense, but I'm sure you know this is a northeast forum. You'll find limited knowledge here.. U might be better off asking the question at Epic or First Tracks....

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

If you're flying into ABQ, also take a day to ski Ski Santa Fe and Pajarito (In Los Alamos.)
Angel Fire is OK, but not really worth the effort.

The times I've been out, we just stayed at chain motels down in Taos and Santa Fe, it helps keep the cost down. If you like Southwestern food, you have to eat at Sadie's on 4th in Albuquerque. THere was a good brew pub in Taos, but I can;t remember the name.

THe Ridges are the berries at Taos, but skins aren't really necessary. CHeck wih the patrol for conditions as the ridges have different aspects and can vary greatly in conditions.

Also: Beware! Carrying skis inside a car is illegal in NM. Bring a rack or rent a pick-up to avoid being held hostage by the rental car company.

Enjoy. It a great place.

 

[MonkeyBrook]

If you ski Santa Fe, stay on the trails...see story about two snowboarders who were rescued after 2 days of being lost. They were experienced in outdoors, might have saved their lives.

 

[Angus]

Thanks guys, I'll be at Ski Santa Fe maybe a 1/2 day and then Taos for 2. I skied Santa Fe probably 15 years ago for 1/2 day - it was a blizzard. Interestingly, I have not been able to find a lot about Taos from the western bbs and websites I'm familiar with - thanks.

 

[snoseek]

I agree with above post about santa fe/pajarito. Micheals in taos is also good food, I also like pizza emergency for pizza. Don't drink too much booze as taos sits pretty high and demands a lot of physical effort. Good stuff in the trees on the front face and of course the ridge. Trees and bumps are as good and steep as i've ever been on.

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

I agree with above post about santa fe/pajarito. Micheals in taos is also good food, I also like pizza emergency for pizza. Don't drink too much booze as taos sits pretty high and demands a lot of physical effort. Good stuff in the trees on the front face and of course the ridge. Trees and bumps are as good and steep as i've ever been on.

Actually, that's a good point and also reinforces the idea of staying down in Taos, as opposed to up in the Ski Valley. Because of the Southern Lattitude, the bases of most of the NM ski resorts are close to 10,000. Can be tough when you live at sea level. The air is bone dry and the sun is uber bright. (My first day at Taos, I sunburned the inside of my nostrils. Sunblock, hydrate, fat skis and have fun!

 

[MarkC]

If you ski Santa Fe, stay on the trails...see story about two snowboarders who were rescued after 2 days of being lost. They were experienced in outdoors, might have saved their lives.

I would have to completely disagree. The trees at Santa Fe are epic. If you do not know where you are going hook up with a local that does. They are friendly and willing to show you the goods. And like always when venturing in to the backcountry use your head. Also I would consider getting a full day in at Santa Fe it is worth it.

 

[SkiingInABlueDream]

Also: Beware! Carrying skis inside a car is illegal in NM. Bring a rack or rent a pick-up to avoid being held hostage by the rental car company.

Say what?? That sounds like a stupid law. And does it mean that if you walk up to the rental car counter with your ski luggage, theyll tell you can't have the car you reserved because youre going to carry skis in it? If thats true then rental agences are retarded for not informing customers about that upfront when they reserve cars at NM airports.