Review Date
January 7, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Once

Reviewed by: momark, Advanced, from Springfield, MO

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:
Took family in late March. Snow was sparse but man-made helped keep it skiable. Got 8" one day which really helped conditions. The minute you walk into the lift and towering landing areas you are greeted by a big sign in that says, in effect, "Don't freak...there is plenty of less steep terrain too!" My 9-14 yr. olds loved it and skied blacks all day. Wife and I stuck with blues and occasional black (the Taos blues are Summit CO blacks). No boarders makes it sweet. Skied Angel Fire one day and enjoyed the morning but sun and the few AM skiers ate up the sparse snow quickly. We enjoyed the change of pace though.
Stayed in Taos where it was in 60's and dined on good - not great - SW cuisine, took in a flick, etc. Enjoyed the transition from cold to warm. Best deal around. Had 1BR suite with king + sofa bed, FP, microwave, fridge, indoor pool, and hot tub at name-brand hotel including breakfast, all ski rentals, and lift tickets for 5 for 5 nights lodging/4 days skiing for $1200 total. Can't beat the beauty, skiing, or value for that buck! Call Holiday Inn Don Fernando for their package.

Review Date
October 15, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
6-16

Reviewed by: RichardG, Double Diamond, from Dallas, Texas USA

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:
A special place for skiing. Great steeps (and hiking to get there keeps them uncrowded), and the best ski school program (the Ski Better Week) anywhere. The place has a family-run feel that's great. Wonderful alpine scenery.

Review Date
April 17, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Once

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: jasonian, Double Diamond, from Washington DC

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:
I had planned to visit this resort for two years and finally after receiving the big payoff I can say that it was well worth the wait. Taos has some sick terrain for New Mexico and it just kept getting better and better as the days went on.
Hike the ridge!!! It's where you will find the best snow and the most challenging terrain. The hike is only about 15-30 minutes depending on what shape you are in and exactly which chute you want to drop into but whatever work you put in to get to the top, you will be rewarded with an awesome run.
It can get very icy at the bottom of the mountain. I spent all of my time at the top but coming down to the base at the end of the day just was not fun at all. Groomed trails had turned bullet-proof by noon and it seemed better to simply take a cat trail down to the base than to brave the ice. This probably is not normal for Taos as they were really hurting for snow during the 2001-2002 season. Watch out for ski school crowds on narrow trails.
WATCH THE WEATHER!!! More importantly, watch the weather trends. The best terrain opens when the snow gods deliver the goods. If you plan correctly you can find yourself skiing the ridge and Kachina Peak on the same day.
The answer to all problems at Taos is the Ridge. Too icy at the bottom for you? Hike the ridge for deeper, softer snow. Want to get away from Texans that can't ski? Hike the ridge. You'll be lucky to see one. Terrain not challanging enough for you? Hike the ridge and drop into the West Basin. There are some runs that will make you want to soil yourself.
Taos is a small little peice of Heaven. If you get a chance, grab a chep flight and make that 2.5 hour drive. You'll be glad you did.

Review Date
February 4, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
2-5

Reviewed by: Manuel Mignatti, Intermediate, from Orlando,Florida,FL.

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:
The ever burning question is will they ever let them in, snowboarders that is, it does not look that way, GOOD!!!!. Before coming to Taos I had been out of skiing for years and only skied in icy Italy.
Never had skied on shaped skies or the north american western powder and my wife had never skied at all.
The terrain is challenging and steep, but it offers a good veriety of terrain for what ever rocks your boat. From greens that are blue to blue that are closer to black they are still manageble even for a beginner skier. The black and the double blacks, well.... are out my league, but look like a load of fun.
The ski school is top notch, they got my wife going in just two days, but offer even greater instruction to improve more advenced skiers. Pricing is reasonable for the quality of intruction.
Lines, non-existant not even on a Saturday where at the most I waited two minutes for a chair, it is just not crowded. If you rather pay $50 for a lift ticket and wait 30 minutes in line to fight the crowds down the slopes again, well, there are planty resort for you just north on NM.
People are nice and as you ski you will notice very few beginner and a lot of internidiate to advanced skiers.
It's nice not to have to worry about others running into you.
And balieve me, you can literally put in as many runs as your legs and knees will let you in a day.

Review Date
January 16, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
6-16

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Collink, Advanced, from Plano

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:
Taos is a skiers paradise. Great variety of runs, friendly staff, and great local cusine. Eske's brew pub in town (and some places on the mountain) is a great local microbrew. To those who would diss., TAOS IS FREE- free from mountain ruining snowboarders. By their very nature, snowboards push too much snow down hill with each run and eventually destroy the quality of the mountain for everybody. Not all Texans can't ski, some of us are all mountain shreders that can do more than keep up, we set the pace. Lets let the current atmosphere of togetherness and national pride put to rest the rift between Texans and Coloradans. Ski Taos if you love to ski.