Travel Tips, News, and Conditions for Taos Ski Valley (TSV) 2026-27

[marzNC]

Taos Pueblo is open year round. But there are times when it's closed for special reasons, so no guarantees for a given day. There is an admission fee. Note that the guides are volunteers, so tips are very appreciated. There are people who live in Taos Pueblo who had some shops selling food, jewelry, other handmade crafts.

Deep snow is very unlikely in the town of Taos or at Taos Pueblo. It's 2000 ft lower than the base of the ski resort up in the mountains. The average annual snowfall is 35 inches. The sun melts the snow in town between snowstorms. The average temperature in February is in the low 40s and mid-40s in March, with an average of 3 days of rain. The area below the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is high desert sage plain. However, after rain or snow, not surprising to be walking in mud at Taos Pueblo. My friends and I visited in late January . . . and it was quite muddy.

Taos Pueblo is not a "living museum." Rather it's an ancient town where people choose to continue to live based on traditional ways.

A car makes it much easier to get to Taos Pueblo whether staying in town or at TSV. Note that Uber/Lyft don't exist around Taos. There is a bus stop at Taos Pueblo, which is 20 minutes from the center of town.

From Taos Pueblo website

 

[marzNC]

Taos Ski Valley has assorted programs for locals. The weekly lesson program for locals is the one that fairly obvious on Saturdays.

Last season, a press release in November outlined offerings for 2025-26. My impression is that the school program has been going on for a while. The half-price Local's Ski Weeks in early season were new.



[continued]

 

[Pamtryingagain]

I think I'll opt for the Ojo Caliente hot springs next time and take the day off from the ski week lessons. I was under the impression that Taos Pueblo was closed to visitors during the winter (and certainly the road might be deep in snow) but if it's open and accessible, I'd love to go.

Taos the town overflows with charm, culture, good food, fun shops, and beautiful art galleries. IMHO.

When i called in February to see why the road was closed, all they said was there was a death in the community so they close it to anyone but their community. They didn't mention being closed in winter.

 

[Pamtryingagain]

Hi, I am planning the upcoming winter and was wondering if anyone has booked lodging yet for Taos Women's ski week in February.

I think it would be fun to stay slopeside so I called Edelweiss lodge and they are not opening up reservations for winter until mid July.

If anyone is interested in sharing a condo slopeside or something in Arroyo Seco, I am starting to look at options. For instance, at first look, I found a place in Arroyo Seco, fully refundable till December, with 5 bedrooms and bathrooms, shared pool. It is $5400 for 7 nights. With 5 people that isn't too bad for a huge place witha kitchen.

I don't have a lot of experience planning condo and airbnb stays so any ideas are welcome.

 

[VickiK]

When i called in February to see why the road was closed, all they said was there was a death in the community so they close it to anyone but their community. They didn't mention being closed in winter.

Re: Taos Pueblo--I might not be remembering it clearly.

I am planning to go next winter!

 

[HappyPlace]

I would like to go and stay slope side.

 

[marzNC]

The official info thread and Roll Call threads for Diva West at Taos in late February 2027 are available in Divas Only.

That section is where discussion of sharing lodging should happen. It's okay to start new threads related to Diva West.

For those who have relatively inactive accounts and can't see Divas Only yet, the requirement is 15 posts. Those posts can be about anything, even just agreement about what someone else posted recently. Starting a self-introduction thread in Getting To Know You can be a good way to start adding posts.

 

[marzNC]

I would like to go and stay slope side.

Have you skied at Taos before?

You only need a few most posts to see all sections of Divas Only.

 

[HappyPlace]

Have you skied at Taos before?

Never. But it has been on my bucket list for a while now.

 

[RobinRumpus]

Another great advantage to taking a Ski Week for those who have never been to TSV is that your instructor will take you to terrain that is suited to your level, so that when you have time to ski in the afternoons you won't have to wonder where you can ski that will be best for your level. This applies to those seeking Intermediate terrain as well as those seeking Advanced terrain. This yr, a couple of new Divas (new to TSV, as well) were invited by their instructor to hike the Ridge after class, which they never would have attempted, or even really known about, otherwise. They had such a great time that they went up to Kachina peak several more times that week!

Do they help you sort into the right level? I was taking advanced at Sugarbush in Vermont but I think imposter syndrome and self doubt are real. Definitely seems valuable to get the inside track on where to go and be pushed to try stuff.

 

[marzNC]

Do they help you sort into the right level? I was taking advanced at Sugarbush in Vermont but I think imposter syndrome and self doubt are real. Definitely seems valuable to get the inside track on where to go and be pushed to try stuff.

Yes. The short answer is that there is a "ski-off" first thing Sunday morning to create the initial groups. The ski school wants to not only group skiers by ability level, but also "chemistry." Getting the group dynamic right as well as individual interests means someone might change groups on Monday morning. Could be at the suggestion of an instructor or at the request of a student.

Fair to say that if you join in for Diva West in late Feb 2027 and choose to do a Women's Ski Week, you'll probably have at least one other Diva in your group. The Classic Ski Week is offered every week of the season from December through late March. Classic Ski Weeks are co-ed but there are times when a group ends up all women.

Last February there were quite a few Divas who did Women's Ski Week. Take a look at the trip report to get a sense of why people get hooked on doing a Ski Week annually.

February 2026

Taos Ski Valley (TSV) in late February 2026, photos and notes

As those who have been following the MOTH for Taos Ski Valley (TSV) in late February know, traveling Divas started skiing on Feb. 20. Most will start skiing on Sunday, Feb. 22, which is when the Women’s Ski Week starts. Some people are doing a Classic Ski Week. This thread is for photos and...

www.theskidiva.com

 

[DebbieSue]

Do they help you sort into the right level? I was taking advanced at Sugarbush in Vermont but I think imposter syndrome and self doubt are real. Definitely seems valuable to get the inside track on where to go and be pushed to try stuff.

I cannot say enough good things about Taos ski week. The instructors know exactly how to step skiers up through terrain, building confidence and competence along the way. They teach tactics as well as technique…like approach to bumps, cornice entry, etc etc. My first ski week was 2022, as a cautious advanced New England skier, age 62. I’ve done a week each of the subsequent 4 years and I am feeling good skiing places I never would have imagined. I give full credit to Taos ski weeks. I have done a mix of private weeks and skioff weeks. If your class chemistry (which IS key) after first day doesn’t feel right, speak up and they will do some shuffling.

 

[santacruz skier]

I remember a few years ago while skiing Taos @marzNC said to me, " You have to meet @DebbieSue ! You will really like skiing with her. " And I did ! We skied one afternoon together and had a great time!

 

[marzNC]

I would like to go and stay slope side.

Check out the thread in the Divas Only section for Diva West 2027 for people interested specific suggestions about TSV lodging or looking for a roommate.

Late February is a popular week so booking early is important. There have been years when I've booked TSV lodging as early as April, although usually still rooms of interest in June where I like to stay slopeside.

 

[VickiK]

I need to start looking into flights going into Albuquerque (ABQ). I think most airlines still count a ski bag + ski boot bag as 1 checked item. Southwest charges $35 for that, with a limit of 50 lbs. over overweight charges apply.

Burbank is my local airport and is super convenient. LAX flights are much less $ and even have non-stop to ABQ. But LAX is a nightmare and I read somewhere that Burbank baggage handling is less stringent than LAX when it comes to non-ski gear packed into the ski bag/boot bag.

 

[santacruz skier]

I was actually looking this morning at flights from either San Jose or SFO to ABQ.. Agree w @VickiK that the larger airports can be a zoo, but I'd rather fly non stop than risk having luggage not make it or delays. I looked at both Southwest from San Jose and United from SFO. They are the same price but the United flight is non stop and gets to ABQ around noon so a better chance for ride sharing or shuttle to TSV. Also, I have United Mileage account so one checked bag is free. Uber or transportation is super expensive in my area (about $140 to San Jose or $180 to SFO. That's one way!)

 

[marzNC]

I need to start looking into flights going into Albuquerque (ABQ). I think most airlines still count a ski bag + ski boot bag as 1 checked item. Southwest charges $35 for that, with a limit of 50 lbs. over overweight charges apply.

A few airlines are charging $45 for the first checked bag, assuming the traveler doesn't have a relevant credit card. For sure, the weight limit of 50 lbs applies for luggage in general. I find that's only an issue if I fly with two pairs of skis, which happens rarely.

As Southwest evolved their seating approach in 2026, having a SW credit card has proven to be worth the annual fee. I've had one for about a decade. The perks I used included:

* one free checked bag, which is my ski bag
* choosing a standard seat when buying a ticket, even when choosing Basic
* getting a free seat upgrade within 48 hours of departure, also changes Boarding Group
* boarding no later than Group 5 (of 8), even when in a standard seat

Note that I use a ski bag that can hold two pairs of skis. I usually one bring one pair of skis, so there is plenty of room for other items.

When checking bags for Southwest, can't do the process online beforehand. I always allow plenty of time at the airport, so that's not a big deal. A ski bag is a "special" item. No extra charge but need to select the option. Same process for a golf bag or baby stroller.

I found a few sale fares on Southwest last week for cities in the east. But not for my home airport, which is priced slightly lower than the other airports I checked out. In the past, Southwest has had an annual sale in the fall that I've taken advantage of for ski trips. But seats at sale prices go fast so sometimes I go ahead and book earlier based on finding a good fare. Helps to have notes about fares from recent years.

 

[VickiK]

Ya, my ski bag is a double Dakine brand with wheels. It's held up well over the years. I must be getting old and lazy, and am thinking about renting skis at Taos to avoid dealing with them flying. Speaking of, this might be of interest to seniors, Free Perks for 50+ When Flying:

 

[marzNC]

Ya, my ski bag is a double Dakine brand with wheels. It's held up well over the years. I must be getting old and lazy, and am thinking about renting skis at Taos to avoid dealing with them flying.

I've considered trying ShipSkis for a trip to Alta Lodge at some point. Last winter there were discount codes floating around. Not having a ski bag could make it easier to share a rental car with more than just one other person.

 

[santacruz skier]

I use my Dakine low roller bag and wrap the skis with ski clothing etc but ship skis is a good idea. One year my BF shipped all his ski stuff to Snowmass for a trip we took. Worked out great.