Taos Ski Valley 2023-24 Ski Season: A New Era of Skiing and Sustainability

by Doug Flatt on September 25, 2023 in Travels,
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Taos Ski Valley is gearing up for the 2023-2024 ski season. The resort is investing heavily in new infrastructure and amenities, with a goal of creating a more sustainable and enjoyable experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Here are some of the biggest changes coming to Taos Ski Valley in the 2023-2024 ski season: 

On the Mountain

Skiers will see new lifts and trails at Taos Ski Valley this winter. Courtesy photo.

Two ski lifts were replaced this past summer. Lift 4 was replaced with a high-speed detachable quad and the Pioneers Lift was replaced with a fixed-grip triple chair.  

Three new trails are being introduced for the 2023-24 season – Ponsse Scheme and Cache Stash, both single black diamonds, and Dadou’s, a double black diamond. The trails are the result of forest cleanup after the 2021 wind event and the ongoing forest health initiatives undertaken by the resort over the last several years.

Building on a Model of Sustainability

This hybrid groomer is part of Taos’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Photo courtesy Taos Ski Valley.

For the first time this winter, Taos Ski Valley will deploy full-time a Pistenbully 600 E+hybrid snowcat, a fully electric Prinoth HUSKY eMOTION snow groomer, nine electric snowmobiles, and three electric snowblowers. These additions are part of the resort’s ongoing efforts to electrify its fleet and reduce carbon emissions.

Taos Ski Valley is the world’s first and only certified B Corporation® ski resort and has been a certified CarbonNeutral® company since 2021. 

Enhancing Taos Ski Valley Experience

Taos Ski Valley offers something for everyone to enjoy. Courtesy photo.

The resort is bringing back the Martini Tree Bar. It was named after a cheeky tradition of Taos Ski Valley’s founder, Ernie Blake. As the legend goes, Ernie would stash glass porrons filled with gin martinis in the trees throughout the mountain, for visitors who needed a quick swig of liquid courage before attempting Taos’ more daring trails. 

Another Taos tradition coming back this season is the European-inspired Ski Week which provides a full week of instruction to inspire and improve visitors’ skiing, and build amazing friendships. Taos offers the only full-week ski program in North America. 

Skiers can also book a Ski Week package through The Blake, which includes lodging, demo skis and breakfast each morning.

The Bavarian is an alpine lodge offering German food and beer. Photo courtesy Taos Ski Valley.

Taos Ski Valley is offering a magical sleigh ride dinner to the famed Bavarian. Guests can relax in comfort as they are snow-catted to the mid-mountain restaurant from the main plaza. Blanketed by cozy wraps, guests will enjoy a roundtrip journey under the stars, and a prix-fixe menu at the Bavarian.

 Affordable First-Timer Package

Taos Ski Valley will offer new skiers and riders a deeply discounted rate to try out the sports for the first time. The package includes instruction, a novice lift ticket, and equipment rental from Taos Sports. Additional packages include the Weekday Getaway and the Ski and Stay, which offer special rates for those who visit on weekdays or bundle lodging with other purchases.

Embracing the Taos Community

Free lessons for first-timers are offered during Community Weekend. Photo courtesy Taos Ski Valley.

Returning for the second year, Community Weekend exemplifies the resort’s dedication to getting local New Mexicans up to Taos Ski Valley to experience all the spectacular thrills of the mountain. On December 9 and 10, 2023, locals are invited to free base-area activities including sledding, ice skating, and free snowsports lessons for first-timers.

 In addition to Community Weekend, the resort will offer free family activities including yoga, live music, and trivia throughout the winter, both during and after the lifts stop spinning. Guests will also see some of their favorite events return this season including Freeride, Ridge-A-Thon, New Year’s Eve Celebration & Fireworks, and the Not Forgotten Outreach Ski Week.

These are just a few of the changes coming to Taos Ski Valley in the 23-24 ski season. The resort is committed to providing skiers and snowboarders with the best possible experience, and these new investments will help to ensure that Taos remains a world-class ski destination for years to come.

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Cover photo Raychel Sanner on Unsplash

Doug Flatt is the publisher of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. When not running small businesses, you can find him on a mountain bike or a body of water with a fly rod in hand.