Taos, New Mexico, is a booming ski town trying to hold on to its old ways

Taos, New Mexico, is a booming ski town trying to hold on to its old ways

In New Mexico’s high desert, Taos is a one-of-a-kind destination due to its majestic landscape, rich cultural heritage, and abundance of outdoor activities.

Skiing and snowboarding are major draws in winter, but there are many things to do in Taos itself if you are not into snow sports.

JSX offers direct flights from Dallas, Denver, Austin, San Diego, and Los Angeles to Taos Regional Airport, making it easy for visitors to reach the town from these common feeder markets. The airport also offers private jet charters to those who need them. 

However, that’s perhaps the most chi-chi aspect of the place.

John Rodriguez, tourism director for Visit Taos, said there’s a realness and rawness that sets it apart from other ski towns. As a result, he called it a wholly unique area that is very proud of its 1,000-year history as well as its role as an artists’ colony in the twentieth century.

If you arrive in town, it would be best to celebrate the area’s culture rather than live in the lap of luxury, including visiting the nearby Taos Pueblo, a Unesco world heritage site; visiting the museums and galleries that exhibit the work of area artists and dining with locals.

Rodrigo said, “We always say don’t change Taos.” He said, “We want Taos to change you.”

Joel Schantz, an agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate, said Taos house prices still offer buyers very good value for money after the pandemic.

“A lot of people find us to be a real bargain,” he said, noting that many buyers will use the funds for retirement home purchases here. 

A luxury single-family home in Taos can be purchased for about $2 million for an updated property with historical significance, according to Tara Chisum, of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate. For a ranch outside of town with sprawling acres and several buildings on site, it can cost up to $10 million.

Chisum attributes the area’s adobe construction to its thick walls, flat roofs, and rounded corners that make everything feel organic and soft. The area is also a popular spot for Earthship-style homes, off-grid structures made from natural or recycled materials.

There are some buyers who are interested in new construction, but primarily they are looking at historical homes that have been renovated. The area’s rich and unique history is reflected in even new construction, which often incorporates nods to traditional home styles.

Schantz said homes with good attributes, such as those with “Taos charm” and a view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, will sell quickly even with inventory beginning to recover from its pandemic lows.

There are higher-end condos in Taos Ski Valley, which is about 30 minutes from town, starting at $1.25 million for a 2,100-square-foot, two-bedroom chalet, while penthouse condos with four bedrooms with quick access to the mountain can cost up to $4.95 million. In the area, most high-end condos and townhouses are located in the ski valley rather than in the town itself, according to Chisum.

Most buyers from out of town come from the coasts, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Colorado, their agents reported. Colorado buyers are especially attracted to Taos’s laid-back vibe and lack of crowds compared to other popular mountain destinations in the Golden State.

Skiers and snowboarders have a wide range of options within an hour of town, including Taos Ski Valley, Red River Ski Area, Angel Fire Resort, and Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort.

In terms of challenging yet joyful skiing in the area, Taos Ski Valley stands out the most. In 2014, hedge-fund manager Louis Bacon acquired the 1,300-acre resort, which has since been updated with chairlifts, hotels, and mountain infrastructure.

In the past few years, they have worked hard to make the experience more inclusive. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and skiing, of course, are available when you’re up there,” Rodriguez said.

After skiing, stop at The Bavarian for a stein of German beer and goulash, or settle in for après ski at The Blonde Bear Tavern & Cafe.

It’s kind of like a little Switzerland up there. There is everything you need within walking distance,” Rodriguez said.

The Blake hotel, which opened in 2017, features 115 rooms with Alpine themes, as well as residences and penthouses (one of which was mentioned earlier). In the ski valley, it is the hotel of choice for high-end guests.

Schantz said they are increasing the clientele that comes to the restaurant. In 54 years of ski-ing Taos, the village has changed, but the mountain hasn’t. The perfect shot of powder is still available, if you know where to look.”

The mountain offers discounts if you purchase a day pass 72 hours in advance compared to the regular price of $195 for adults.

In terms of filling their days, nonskiers are spoiled for choice. It is a National Historic Landmark and a Unesco World Heritage Site that has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. Newcomers to Taos should prioritize visiting Taos Pueblo.

A $25 adult admission fee is charged for guided tours offered year-round and lasting about 30 minutes. A coffee, tea, or pastry can be enjoyed at the Dawn Butterfly Cafe, which is powered entirely by solar power like the rest of the structure.

In the cafe where you get your coffee, you are in a 1,000-year-old building, Rodriguez said. North America is not home to anything like that.”

A wide variety of indigenous art is displayed in the many museums and galleries in town, including jewelry, textiles, pottery and works on paper. According to Rodriguez, Parsons Fine Art is a must-see and “almost like one of the best free museums in the West” despite selling works.

The Millicent Rogers Museum and the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House are essential stops, as are Atcitty’s Gallery for pueblo artists’ work, Tres Estrellas Gallery for blankets and traditional art, and Jones Walker Gallery for more contemporary pieces. In fact, Rodriguez said, you can’t go wrong with any art stop on Plaza, Bent Street, and Kit Carson Road.

Ranchos Plaza Grill offers a delicious breakfast experience in Taos. It shines because of its location.

According to Rodriguez, you are under the shadow of San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, which has been painted and photographed many times over the years. Both Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams have produced works depicting the structure. You’re located in an area that has been at the heart of Taos’ cultural evolution over the past century or more.”

You can enjoy fine dining at Lambert’s, which sources its ingredients from local farms. In Taos, the Taos Inn is often called the town’s living room for a good reason.

Visit the town and experience it, but tread gently, Rodriguez said.

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