Taos is known for it’s steep, hike-to terrain. The narrow shoots of the West Basin and pristine trails of the Highline Ridge are a right of passage for locals and guests alike. OnTheSnow Editor Donny O’Neill shares a little about his recent trip and about the Taos Mountain at large in this recent article.
Be sure to Book Your 2014 Ski Vacation early – Taos Property Rentals offers the largest selection of Vacation Rentals in the Taos Ski Valley.
Join us at our Taos Ski Valley Spa this October for a Transcendental Meditation Retreat.
On the weekend of October 11-13, 2013, Lori Bortner will be offering an intermediate level TM workshop at the Edelweiss Lodge and Spa. The retreat is geared towards those who have learned the TM technique.
*Beginners – it could be possible to learn it a week prior to this retreat and then attend.
Advanced registration is highly recommended. For more information or to register contact, Lorrie Bortner, (575) 751-0493, lbortner@tm.org.
Check out Go Girlfriend’s write-up on some of the best reasons to Ski Taos and the best accommodations in the Taos Ski Valley.
The skiing in Taos was once again some of the finest in the nation during the 2012/2013 ski season! Our ski lodges and vacation condos were full of avid outdoor enthusiasts looking to ski the steeps. We were graced with feet of fresh powder during the Christmas Holiday as well as during spring break.
As a special treat we would like to share some footage of of favorite trails. Enjoy – and book your 2014 ski vacation early.
Staffenberg:
Twin Trees:
West Blitz:
The Blonde Bear Tavern at the Edelweiss Lodge will be hosting a very special wine dinner as part of the 27th Annual Taos Winter Wine Festival. We invite you to join Mr. Jon Mudder, the Blonde Bear’s Food and Beverage manager, on Friday, February 1st, in welcoming Mr. René Schlatter, president and operations manager of Merryvale Vineyards for a one of a kind wine dinner experience.
The dinner will feature six of Merryvale’s most notable wins combined with a menu Jon and his staff have developed to highlight the wines in a way that will engage the palate of both wine connoisseurs and novice wine lovers alike. More details can be found on the attached flyer. Reservations required. Contact the Blonde Bear Tavern at 575-737-6900 ext. 6996 for more details or to make a reservation.
At some point every skier runs across an icy patch. The loss of control caused by not being able to grip the ice is both unnerving and dangerous. Thankfully there are few things you can do to maintain control during these situations and limit the risk to you and other skiers.
Perhaps the most important tip is keeping your skis tuned. If you edges are dull you stand little chance of making controlled turns on ice (or anywhere else). All skis should be tuned once or twice a season. If your skis don’t need a full tune and you know you will be skiing on ice you can use an edge sharpener to touch up your edges.
Once you encounter ice the first thing to remember is to stay focused and forward. Acknowledging the situation without panicking is vital to successfully managing and controlling your outcome.
Keep a generally wider stance. This allows for a more stable platform and makes it easier to achieve greater edge angles.
Balance on your outside ski early in the turn – this countering will keep your hips facing downhill and help you maintain an aggressive stance. Stay balanced on that ski. You should expect that some slipping will occur. When it does stay forward and use rounded turns whether skidded or carved. Think of your skis as a knife sheering the snow the natural sidecut of the ski should be used to assist with the turn shape.
Do not rush! Skiing ice takes patience as well as skill.
Taos Property Rentals Concierge Service will gladly book individual or group lessons for you and party during your stay at our vacation rental properties.
The Edelweiss will be hosting a Level 2 AIARE Avalanche Course in the Taos Ski Valley from March 1-4, 2013. Special room rates are offered for stays at the Edelweiss Lodge and Spa as well as the Powderhorn. Please help us spread the word of this great opportunity.
More information and registration details for the course can be found at http://www.beverlymountainguides.com/AIARE-avalanche-courses/33/level-2-aiare-avalanche-course.
Questions about lodging options and specials should be directed to kforte@taospropertyrentals.com.
Even at peak season Taos Ski Valley is rated in the top 3 most affordable places in the US to ski…and the skiing is incredible!
View our Taos Ski Valley Vacation Rentals
Almost every skier has experienced a moment of panic due to loss of speed control. Thankfully, there are exercises that will help you maintain control on the steepest of slopes. One good source of helpful speed control techniques is Martin Heckelman’s The New Guide to Skiing.
Heckelman relies on timed, alternating foot pressure to the downhill ski in order to control the distance between turns and thus, control your speed.
Some of Heckman’s methods of applying and releasing foot pressure to control speed include:
Looking for a Taos Ski Valley vacation rental? We manage a large selection of some of the best lodging in the Taos Ski Valley plus a full concierge service that provides ski rentals, lift tickets, lessons, lodging and other recreational options. Check out our Taos Ski Specials.
