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Family Fun in Taos Ski Valley

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A few years ago my older and I took a mother-daughter trip to Hilton Head. Since that time, my younger has been awaiting anxiously her turn for a trip. She and I recently had the opportunity to visit Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico. I’ll have to admit, I was hesitant about a ski trip because I didn’t fare so well on my last ski adventure (as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more fearful of heights), but my younger loves to ski and it’s for the kids, right? Well, I needn’t have worried; I found plenty for this mama to enjoy while Ally was hitting the slopes!

This was my first visit to New Mexico, and if you haven’t been, you are missing out. The scenery is beautiful, and the people are so welcoming. We flew into Albuquerque and took a shuttle to our hotel, the Blake. Taos Ski Valley is currently undergoing a renovation to make it a premier vacation destination. As a member of the marketing team commented, they are three years into a 10-year plan. The Blake opened last winter and is the perfect spot for a family get-away.

Our room was spacious with a spectacular view. With equipment rental at the hotel, a valet to hold your equipment and a gondolita (a small gondola, unique to Taos Ski Valley) ride to the Children’s Center, the Blake has everything you need to hit the slopes right there, just steps from your room. The Children’s Center, which just opened in December 2017, is perfect for kids ages 3-15 to take lessons and build confidence as skiers. In addition, it offers childcare for the smallest family members, ages 2 months through 3 years. Mom and Dad can hit the slopes while the kids are enjoying ski school or in childcare, a win-win!

You may be wondering what I did you while Ally skied. Was I bored? Hardly. The area offers so much for non-skiers like me to enjoy. The Blake has a spa—need I say more? My morning spent at the spa, with lunch at the Hotel St. Bernard (right across from the Blake), followed by a leisurely walk around Ski Valley and a nice sit by the fire pit watching the skiers made one of the most relaxing days I’ve had in a long time.

Ally was scheduled to ski for just one day but loved it so much she went back for day two. On her second day of skiing, I went into the town of Taos (about a 30-minute drive from Ski Valley, shuttle service provided by the Blake) and so enjoyed wandering around the Plaza area visiting local shops. Later in the day, Ally and I enjoyed a hike together to Williams Lake. Not gonna lie: The hiking was tough thanks to the altitude, but I did it! The view was breathtakingly beautiful and so serene, an outdoor adventure to be enjoyed by all.

I didn’t know much about Taos Ski Valley before my visit but left convinced it’s the perfect destination for a family vacation. What makes it stand out from other ski towns I’ve visited is its intimate feel. It’s big enough to have 30 ski runs for all levels, beginner to expert, yet compact enough for me to feel comfortable allowing Ally to walk around on her own (she’s 13). I didn’t worry about letting her stroll around the hotel by herself and was confident she was in good hands while at ski school. The mountains are dotted with yellow jackets, ski patrol to help anyone on the slopes in need. Taos Ski Valley truly offers something for everyone, and being tucked away in the mountains for several days gives moms and dads the chance to step back from the rush of everyday life and spend quality family time together.

 

 

Taos Ski Valley Fun Facts

                Margaret Sarver loves raising her family in Lenexa but is so appreciative of being able to take trips to beautiful parts of our country.

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