Taos — Lodging
Taos’ Ski-Better-Week packages include up to seven nights lodging (Saturday to Saturday), six lift tickets and six morning lessons. In some cases, meals are included, too. Prices range from about $586 to about $1,600 per person, double occupancy. If price or specific amenities are concerns, call Southern Rockies Reservations (866-250-7313), Ski Central Reservations (800-238-2829 or 575-776-9555) or Stay Taos Rentals (800-480-7150 or 575-758-7150) to book lodging or ski-stay-air packages. Taos has lodging ski & stay specials throughout the season that are worth checking out too.
Hotel Edelweiss (800-458-8754; 575-776-230l; $$–$$$$, left) is right at the base of the village. The spanking new charming hotel has spacious condos, an outdoor hot tub and large sundeck. It offers the Ski Week package, including meals.
Snakedance Condominium and Spa (800-322-9815; 575-776-2277; $$$$; above) has 60 ski-in/ski-out rooms. Amenities include a spa with hot tub, sauna, exercise and massage facility; a glass-walled bar; and a restaurant serving continental cuisine with a Southwest flair. The Inn offers the Ski-Better-Week packages with an optional meal plan.
The Bavarian Lodge (770-0450; $$$$, above) is about as good as it gets on the mountain when it comes to the German/Austrian good life. The interior art was created by Swiss artist Reto Messmer and the building features Bavarian antiques.
Hotel St. Bernard (575-776-2251; $$$, left) managed by Taos ski school technical director Jean Mayer, offers the flavor of a European retreat. The cuisine and ambiance are both legendary and French. This hotel also offers the Ski-Better-Week packages with meals.
The Powderhorn (800-776-2346; 575-776-2341 $$$, left) has bright, clean and spacious rooms only steps from the lifts. Sierra del Sol (776-2981; $$) has a series of studio, 1BR and 2BR condos.
The Alpine Village Suites (800-576-2666; $$–$$$$) is one of the newest accommodations available on the mountain. Most suites have private balconies with streamside or mountainside views.
Austing Haus (800-748-2932; 575-776-2649; $$; left) is 1.5 miles from the base of Taos Ski Valley and is an unusual structure. It is the tallest timber frame building in the United States and owner Paul Austing is justifiably proud of the 24-unit lodge he helped build himself. The food in the glass dining room is very good. Next door, The Columbine (888-884-5723; 575-776-5723; $$) is a twin of the Austing Haus with 20 rooms. Both have regular shuttle service to the lifts.
Between the ski area and town is a bed-and-breakfast inn, the Salsa del Salto (776-2422; $$–$$$). Formerly the residence of Hotel St. Bernard owner Jean Mayer, it’s now run by Jean’s brother, Dadou, a French-trained chef who cooks Salsa del Salto’s gourmet breakfasts.
The town of Taos offers a wide range of accommodations. Prices are generally less expensive than staying at Taos Ski Valley.
El Monte Sagrado (800-828-TAOS; 575-758-3502; $$$$) is the luxury king of the area. It is one of the Leading Small Hotels of the World and is at the top of the best travel magazine resort lists.
The Fechin Inn (800-911-2937; 575-751-1000; $$–$$$$) is the next most luxurious place to stay. The Historic Taos Inn (800-826-7466; $–$$$$) is the cultural center of Taos. The lobby, built around the old town well, is a gathering place for artists. Rooms feature adobe fireplaces, antiques and Taos-style furniture built by local artisans. The Sagebrush Inn (800-428-3626; 575-58-2254; $$$–$$$$) is an historic inn with a priceless collection of Southwestern art in the lobby and some of the best nightlife in town.
At the lower end of the price range are El Pueblo Lodge (800-433-9612; $–$$$), Indian Hills Inn (800-444-2346; $), and often, rooms in the chain hotels, such as Holiday Inn or Ramada. The least expensive is the skiers’ hostel, The Abominable Snowmansion (776-8298; $) in Arroyo Seco, 9 miles from the Village, where the rates are about $25–$60.
We also enjoyed four other B&Bs in Taos, which seems to have an unusual number of fine choices: Hacienda del Sol (575-758-0287; $$) owned by John and Marcine Landon; the Old Taos Guesthouse (575-758-5448; $–$$), owned by Tim and Leslie Reeves (who are fun to ski with); and Inn on La Loma Plaza (575-758-1717; $$–$$$$), owned by Peggy Davis and her husband, Jerry (both former mayors in Vail and Avon, CO). Alma del Monte (575-776-2721; $$), halfway between the hubbub of the plaza and Taos Ski Valley, is managed by Suzanne Head. B&Bs can be booked through the Taos B&B Association, (800) 876-7857.
The Inger Jirby Guest Houses (575-758-7333; $$$$), a creation of an artist from Sweden, are eclectically decorated, luxurious and only two blocks from the plaza.
Accommodations Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less