Perched 10,000 feet above sea level and nestled within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico is the fascinating village of Taos. Mysterious and spiritual, dramatic yet peaceful, the scenery in this distant setting is simply breathtaking. Taos is full of juxtapositions that give one pause. Known for its dramatic peaks, black steeps and deeps, this is a place where extreme skiers, hardy mountaineers, nature lovers, creative artists, haute cuisine, and native peoples live in harmony.
1. THE ARCHITECTURE
Continuously inhabited for over a 1,000 years, Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The Pueblo is made entirely of adobe—earth mixed with water and straw, then either poured into forms or made into sun-dried bricks. The main part of the present buildings were most likely constructed between 1000 and 1450 A.D.
2. THE HIKING
Devisadero means a “lookout” point or place. The peak had once been used by the Taos Pueblo Indians to stand guard against the Apaches who would come down Taos Canyon to raid the pueblo. The 5-mile Devisadero Loop Trail is located in the Carson National Forest and affords breathtaking views atop its 7,000 foot summit.
Located within Edelweiss Lodge & Spa—The Blonde Bear Tavernpersonifies the unique personality of Taos Ski Valley like no other. Chef Jon Mudder has transformed this once-sleepy restaurant into a world-class destination that is now known throughout the Rocky Mountains for its critically-acclaimed food. Deemed “Alpine comfort food,” French Boeuf Bourguignon (country French stew) and Italian Trota con Sugo d’Uva Fresche e Aceto Balsamico (rainbow trout with fresh red grape balsamic gastrique) steal the show. Chef Mudder's desserts effortlessly blend modern molecular gastronomy with classic sensibilities.
Après-Ski at The Blonde Bear Tavern features over 40 specialty cocktails. On the menu: spectacular scenery, captivating people, serious skiers, and rich cultural heritage. Add to the mix remarkable food, wine, and cocktails and you get, well, Taos Chic.
In the Ledoux Street neighborhood, explore the twelve unique galleries at the Harwood Museum of Art, where you'll experience a comprehensive story of art in Taos. Art ranges from the Taos Society of Artists to the Taos Moderns, from Pueblo to Hispano, from traditional to cutting edge, The Harwood not only represents these diverse artistic and cultural traditions, but shows you how they have influenced one another.
5. THE SKIING
Flanked by sacred wilderness, rugged peaks and multicultural vibes, there’s a reason Taos Ski Valley sits in the center of New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. Taos Ski Valley is a mystical haven for 300+ inches of bone-dry powder stashes and some of the most untamed chutes, bowls and glades in North America. And with nearly half of all trails rated for beginners and intermediates, its unpolished charm and cheeky mountain rituals welcome anyone with a spirit of adventure.
