The Blake Residences at Taos Ski Valley

Taos Ski Valley is here today due to the imagination and hard work of a remarkable Swiss-German man named Ernie Blake. A passionate skier, Blake always dreamed of building a ski area for his family. The European atmosphere and architecture of Taos Ski Valley is due to the ski area’s pioneers, an amalgamation of German, French, Austrian and Swiss residents and employees combined with the local Native American and Spanish cultures.   This family-owned ski area rarely has lift lines and boasts the top-rated ski school in North America. With 110 trails, 305 average annual snowfall and 300+ days of sunshine, Taos Ski Valley is a true skier’s and snowboarder’s paradise.   Looking for additional adventures? Embrace the chill on Taos Ski Valley’s family-friendly tubing hill or roar through acres of forested wilderness on an exhilarating snowmobile ride, Snowshoe 2 miles to William’s Lake or Après ski at one of the many restaurants and bars in the village. Warm your bones in an outdoor hot tub, relax by a crackling fire, or treat yourself to a therapeutic massage. German lodges, Swiss-style chalets and a cozy French-owned hotel all reflect the extensive European influence on Taos Ski Valley.   Summertime in Taos Ski Valley mixes the cool of the forest with the warmth of the New Mexican sun. Numerous hiking trails wind through the surrounding Ponderosa and Aspen forests, many following frigid mountain streams. Hike to the highest point in New Mexico, ride the ski lift or mountain bike on this challenging terrain. For the adventurous soul, there’s high-alpine horseback riding, fly-fishing and rock climbing. For the sports enthusiast, there’s a scenic disc golf course and volleyball court at the base area. Interpretive stargazing events and live music every weekend.