5 Favorite Taos Holiday Musts
Who’s ready for a little sparkle and shine? ’Tis the season for a festive time in Taos. From torchlight parades to musical performances, fireworks and even the Procession of the Virgin, there’s a veritable feast of holiday activities. So hang up those skis (at least for a few hours) and see what Santa brought the (naughty and) nice boys and girls spending their holiday in Taos.
1. Home for the Holidays:
On Friday, Dec. 16, check out a free family concert featuring musicians Robert Mirabal, Max Gomez, Michael Hearne and Chris Arellano. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Taos Community Auditorium (ask the front desk about securing your tickets). BYO dancing shoes and holiday cheer!
2. Christmas Eve Torchlight Parades:
It’s a bright and shiny Christmas Eve at Taos Ski Valley, as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark of night as flares light their way. It’s a picture-perfect moment.
3. Christmas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo:
After the torchlight parades, head to Taos Pueblo for a one-of-a-kind, magical holiday event. You’ll witness massive bonfires and the Procession of the Virgin, complete with rifle salutes from the rooftops of the 1,000-year-old adobe pueblo buildings.
4. Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachinas Dance:
On Christmas Day at 2 p.m., witness a beautiful tradition at the Taos Pueblo Plaza. Ancient Native American ceremonial dances, honoring the depths of winter, will be danced and drummed by the people of Taos Pueblo. Take note: As these are sacred ceremonies, no cameras, cell phones or video cameras are allowed.
5. New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks:
Another extraordinary display of light, spend your New Year’s Eve viewing skiers, torches in hand, gliding down the famous Taos Ski Valley mountain. Plus, enjoy a kiss while firework displays light the winter sky in celebration of the new year. Hello, 2017!
It’s The Ultimate Snow Day
It’s time to break in those fancy new boots, wax your skis and tune up that board. Yes, November marks more than the start of the holiday season — Taos Ski Valley officially opens its 2016-2017 ski and ride season on Nov.24. (can we all give a collective “woot woot!”?)
But this area wasn’t always a mecca of pristine, powdery slopes. The Village of Taos Ski Valley, situated in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, was originally settled by a group of hearty and adventurous miners in the 1800s. Today, intrepid skiers and outdoor enthusiasts inhabit the community year-round.
In fact, the Taos Ski Valley is the brainchild of a Swiss-German named Ernie Blake and his wife Rhoda. A passionate skier, Blake dreamed for years of building a ski area, and launched Taos Ski Valley in 1955 on a shoestring budget. The European atmosphere and architecture of Taos Ski Valley is due to the ski area’s pioneers — a mix of German, French, Austrian and Swiss residents and employees — combined with the local Native American and Spanish cultures. The Village is surrounded by the Carson National Forest and offers activities, special events and fine dining all year long.
With an average annual snowfall of more than 300 inches, it’s easy to find prime powder all winter long. For a special treat, check out the Kachina lift — it serves the highest elevation of any triple chair on the North American continent. Talk about living the high life!
Summer Out Of The City
Here’s a a little guide to Taos. Temps are rising but so are the bevy of activities in Taos, New Mexico. Whether outdoor activities strike your fancy, historic sites or an artistic education, we’re gathered our tried and true favorites for a summer to-do list while you’re with us.
First on the list? Whitewater Kayaking the Rio Grande
Golfing, fishing, horseback riding, biking–you name it, the Rio has it. But the most iconic adventure is braving the whitecaps and shredding the Rio. Lucky for summer travelers, the river is like bath water in the summer months.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Don’t miss the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, known by the locals the High Bridge, it’s the seventh highest bridge in the United States, stretching 10 miles Northwest of Taos. Breathtaking views keep locals and visitors alike coming back to this perennial favorite.
Millicent Rogers Museum
When in New Mexico, do as the locals do. Southwest design is a large part of the culture in Taos. This museum is a collection of all things southwest from famed collector Millicent Rogers. The museum is home to large collections of Native American and Hispanic art. Don’t miss out on the museum store which sells local artisan jewelry, paintings and textiles.
Taos Pueblo
Step back in time at one of the most private and conservative pueblos in Taos belonging to a Tiwa-speaking Native American tribe of Puebloan people, still inhabited today. A vibrant and authentic community, residents sell handmade crafts and visitors can take tours of this historic landmark.
High Road to Taos
A scenic route with winding roads, the High Road to Taos is hailed as a “must do.” 56-miles of desert, mountains, forests and small farms, this scenic byway is the perfect afternoon activity. Stop in Ranchos De Taos and snap a pic of the most painted and photographed churches in the nation– San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, and count yourself among the likes of Georgia O’Keeffe, Paul Strand and Ansel Adams.
Shape Up For Summer
Come summertime, many of the premiere Taos attractions are a result of hiking in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains. With hiking season right around the corner, it’s time to book a room and start getting yourself into hiking shape. With countless easy and moderate trails so close to El Pueblo Lodge, we are proud to serve as your local lodge and hiking headquarters. Check out the few hikes, perfect for early season training and rewarding all the same!
Take a Leisurely Stroll
It’s important to not overdo it in the early season when your legs aren’t quite in hiking shape yet. The Rift Valley Trail, down the road from us, is the perfect place to start. This one-mile trail will take you to a beautiful vista overlooking the Rio Grande. The view of the river, Taos Mountain, and desert mesa are certainly a top Taos attraction, and one you won’t have to work too hard for!
Another Easy Hike with a Beautiful Ending
The West Rim Trail is another great option for the early season and happens to be very near the lodge. Similar to the Rift Valley Trail, the West Rim Trail has very little elevation gain over its short one-mile course. The end point is a beautiful shot of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and sweeping views of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Kick it up a Notch with Some Elevation Gain
Of course, some of the most spectacular Taos attractions require a bit of elevation gain. While you may not be in shape for major hikes yet, the Williams Lake Trail provides a great opportunity for you to get your feet wet. This 2-mile hike takes you up to a beautiful alpine lake and provides excellent views of the surrounding peaks in Sangre de Cristo Range. In contrast to the first to hikes on this list, the Williams Lake Trail does require 850 feet of upward travel to earn your views at the top. The length of the hike, in conjunction with relatively gradual elevation gain, makes for the perfect jaunt into the high country for your early season endeavors.
So tie up your hiking boots – it’s time to hit the trails.
Hit The Slopes This Spring
And just like that, another season is on its way out in Northern New Mexico. It’s hard to believe that only a few months ago we were looking forward to the upcoming El Nino winter and here we are with the excitement and celebrations of March just around the corner. Of the many Taos attractions, the area’s ski resorts are always the place to be as the temperatures warm and the snow softens. El Pueblo Lodge is here to serve as your spring skiing headquarters.
All of the area resorts showcase hilariously fun beach weeks, Hawaii themed days and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations through the month of March. Read on to learn more about four of our favorite early spring mountain traditions.
4 Star Freeride World Qualifying Event
One of the most exciting events of the entire winter is back this March and we couldn’t be more excited. On the weekend of March 4th, watch professional and semi-professional skiers and snowboarders compete on the most legendary terrain that Taos Ski Valley has to offer. This jaw-dropping event will showcase incredible skiers doing unbelievable things with the ultimate goal of making the final cut for the Freeride World Tour.
Head to the Ski Bum Ball
This annual event has been providing locals and visitors alike a chance to celebrate ski bum culture in all of its glory. Hosted by Angel Fire Resort, the Ski Bum Ball on March 5th is the perfect way to begin Spring Break with live music, dancing, and drinks. Arrive by 6pm to watch the annual crowning of the Ski Bum King and Queen!
Countless Laughs at Cardboard Derby
Each year Sipapu Ski Resort hosts the Cardboard Derby – arguably the most entertaining event all spring. With divisions for all ages, this family friendly event asks competitors to build sleds using only cardboard, duct tape, and string and rewards the best finishes with many amazing prizes. Join in on the fun or just enjoy the laughs that come naturally as a casual observer!
An Unforgettable Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate spring by making the short trip over to Taos Ski Valley to take part in the mountain-wide New Belgium Scavenger Hunt. Complete with crazy competitions, goofy costumes, prize giveaways, and games all day, March 12th will surely go down as one of the year’s best days on the mountain!
If you find yourself wondering what to do in Taos, visiting us in March is an easy way to put your concerns to rest. The region’s many ski resorts are always top Taos attractions, but in early springtime their celebrations are unrivaled. Check out the above events during your visit with us or head to one of the area’s many resorts to join in on a seemingly endless string of spring festivities!
