Taos 2024-25, Conditions, News, Comments about TSV

[TNtoTaos]

UH OH! Bad News re: BootDoctors

I just got the "Annual Gear Preview Issue" newsletter from Taos Ski Valley Chamber, announcing
Big Kahuna's Bootdoctors.
Unfortunately, it appears that this is strictly a rental shop -- their website only mentions rentals, nothing about boot sales or bootfitting. I just sent them an email asking for more info, but I'm not optimistic.

Big Kahuna seems to be owned by Base Mountain Sports, which bought Cottam's, and also all of the other ski equipment shops in TSV, (except for Le Ski Mastery and Taos Sports), as well as the Cottam's in Taos and in Santa Fe. It's not clear whether any of these locations sell or fit boots.

I'll post an update when I know more.

 

[cosmicplanks]

UH OH! Bad News re: BootDoctors

I just got the "Annual Gear Preview Issue" newsletter from Taos Ski Valley Chamber, announcing
Big Kahuna's Bootdoctors.
Unfortunately, it appears that this is strictly a rental shop -- their website only mentions rentals, nothing about boot sales or bootfitting. I just sent them an email asking for more info, but I'm not optimistic.

Big Kahuna seems to be owned by Base Mountain Sports, which bought Cottam's, and also all of the other ski equipment shops in TSV, (except for Le Ski Mastery and Taos Sports), as well as the Cottam's in Taos and in Santa Fe. It's not clear whether any of these locations sell or fit boots.

I'll post an update when I know more.

My friend went there this last weekend and got fitted for new boots. She realized she needed new boots after I sent her the current TSD thread about boot fit.

 

[TNtoTaos]

My friend went there this last weekend and got fitted for new boots. She realized she needed new boots after I sent her the current TSD thread about boot fit.

So they are selling and fitting boots? Wow -- they need to update their website, then! But that's great to hear. I'm looking forward to their response to my email.

 

[cosmicplanks]

She did buy her boots there. They were open 10-4:30, shelves not fully stocked yet but she had different boots to try on.

 

[TNtoTaos]

She did buy her boots there. They were open 10-4:30, shelves not fully stocked yet but she had different boots to try on.

I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks for posting!

 

[bsskier]

I see that Alpine Extreme redirects to Big Kahuna via TSV Chamber site. As a relative newcomer to TSV, I've enjoyed the the number of quality gear shops and gearheads at the base.

 

[TNtoTaos]

I see that Alpine Extreme redirects to Big Kahuna via TSV Chamber site. As a relative newcomer to TSV, I've enjoyed the the number of quality gear shops and gearheads at the base.

Yes, as I noted, the company that owns Big Kahuna seems to have purchased all of the gear shops at TSV except Le Ski Mastery and Taos Sports. While I didn't get a response to my "Contact Us" email I sent yesterday, they did respond to the comment I made in Google Reviews, where I expressed concern that they seemed to now be strictly a rental shop:

"Response from the owner:
Lorraine, we appreciate your concern! Big Kahuna Bootdoctors remains the same great staff with unparalleled service and knowledge. Thank you for your patience as we get our web presence to where it needs to be! Swing by and we would be glad to help you with any questions or concerns moving forward. Thank you!"

It also seems that they are working on their website, although their boot sales and fitting services still seem to be a secret.

 

[marzNC]

TSV is open! Here's the announcement that was sent to the e-list on Nov. 28.

"The Winter 25 season has officially begun. Opening day conditions are excellent, with more lifts spinning and terrain available than we've had in the last 10 years. Take advantage of the early season snow and get up to 45% off lift tickets when you buy at least 72 hours in advance."

 

[marzNC]

Taos Ski Valley (TSV) has several lifts open, including Lift 4, but the snow coverage is pretty thin.

Last week when @TNtoTaos and I were there with Rita, our instructor said as we started a morning lesson that there were only "6 bumps" anywhere on the mountain. When we got to them (on the right side of Porcupine) there were actually about a dozen bumps but most were long and nasty so not that good for teaching. Lifts 1, 2, 7/7A were open. Stopping in for a few days after skiing Wolf Creek for a week was worth it because the three of us have Taos Value Passes.

According to the TSV website, all lifts except Kachina will be open by Dec. 26. Skiing will be on groomers this week for the most part, unless someone wants to hike the Ridge. Might be a little snow in the next week, but no more than a few inches.

Lower frontside, December 18, 2024


View from Lift 7A, December 18, 2024

 

[TNtoTaos]

I spent the past two days at TSV -- I wanted to check out the Demo Day offerings yesterday (only ended up trying out 2 skis, as few were available in my size ), and I left after about two hrs -- I had forgotten how much I hate skiing on Saturdays, LOL.

But today it was beautiful, over 40° at the base, no wind, sunny -- almost Spring skiing in December! And the crowds had cleared out, so I skied until the sun was behind the mountain. I was fascinated by how different the terrain looks without its covering of snow -- it's so interesting to see what we're skiing over and never knowing it!

Lift 4 was open, and the back side snow was great; bumps have now appeared on the right side of Shalako (near the Kachina lift, below Hunziker Bowl), so I got to lap them a few times, too! (I forgot to take any photos of them, though -- was too excited when I saw them!).

Here are a few shots I did take:


Kachina Peak


Looking down over Honeysuckle


Hunziker Bowl

 

[TNtoTaos]

Lodging in Taos: For the past 2 days when I was at TSV I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Taos -- it's gotten to be quite popular with the younger ski crowd and those with families, much more so than I've noticed in the past. It's been renovated at least twice in that past few yrs, so rooms are pretty modern, and have microwaves and frig's in them. A pretty nice breakfast is included in the price, and I noticed a heated indoor pool, workout rm, and guest laundry (didn't see a hot tub, tho).
The only drawback is that it's on the south side of the Plaza, so requires a drive through town to get to the mountain (unless you know the back roads - check out Blueberry Hill Rd on Google maps). But for the price, it's a great deal.

 

[TNtoTaos]

Bus Service to Taos Ski Valley: Well, it seems the bus is running again this season, for those without a rental car who are staying in the town of Taos .
Click the link above for more info and a route timetable. There are also several park and ride parking locations noted.

Taos County:​

The Blue Bus will start service from the town of Taos to Taos Ski Valley during the winter ski season. Winter service for the 2024-2025 season begins Saturday, Dec. 20, 2024. Call us to confirm service.

Routes:​

The 341 TSV Green route (provided by "The Blue Bus" -- I know, confusing) operates seasonal winter service, typically running from December to March. The 341 TSV Green route provides fare-free service Thursday through Sunday.through the Town of Taos, El Prado, Arroyo Seco, Valdez to the Village of Taos Ski Valley.

 

[Susan L]

It’s snowing in the ski valley! It was coming down pretty hard when I was skiing the backside. What a nice Christmas surprise

 

[BReeves215]

Bus Service to Taos Ski Valley: Well, it seems the bus is running again this season, for those without a rental car who are staying in the town of Taos .
Click the link above for more info and a route timetable. There are also several park and ride parking locations noted.

Taos County:​

The Blue Bus will start service from the town of Taos to Taos Ski Valley during the winter ski season. Winter service for the 2024-2025 season begins Saturday, Dec. 20, 2024. Call us to confirm service.

Routes:​

The 341 TSV Green route (provided by "The Blue Bus" -- I know, confusing) operates seasonal winter service, typically running from December to March. The 341 TSV Green route provides fare-free service Thursday through Sunday.through the Town of Taos, El Prado, Arroyo Seco, Valdez to the Village of Taos Ski Valley.

I’m heading to Taos for the ski week Feb. 16-21. Any Divas interest in sharing a car rental for the week? I’m arriving early afternoon on the 15th, plan to stay in town that night, then head to TSV for the ski-off on Sunday.

 

[TNtoTaos]

I’m heading to Taos for the ski week Feb. 16-21. Any Divas interest in sharing a car rental for the week? I’m arriving early afternoon on the 15th, plan to stay in town that night, then head to TSV for the ski-off on Sunday.

BTW, did I mention that the Blue Bus is free?

 

[TNtoTaos]

TSV 'No. 2 cheapest' ski resort in US, research group says​

Spoiler: Purgatory is the #1 cheapest.

 

[TNtoTaos]

Well, the storm predicted by OpenSnow is delivering, so far. We got some bonus freshies this morning, from around 9:30 - Noon, and then it started snowing in earnest around 4 PM. Even the town of Taos has gotten around 3" so far this evening. OpenSnow is predicting 8-12" from this storm, through tomorrow (Thursday), so can't wait to see what it's like in the AM.

 

[cosmicplanks]

There is at least 6” at my house at 7400 ft this morning, 10” reported at the resort with potentially more to come!

 

[marzNC]

Sounds like Taos was lucky for the last storm cycle. Santa Fe and Sipapu really won out.

From OpenSnow on Feb. 1, 2025

 

[TNtoTaos]

Here are a few photos from Thursday AM:

They had to make breaks in the "snow wall" to get to the lift...

This was on Honeysuckle -- it was just over my knees!


This was looking down on Maxie's.