Taos, NM Conditions Report: 18″ Dry Pow Falls in 48hrs

Ian Chandler | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions ReportPost Tag for WeatherWeather
Photo: Ian Chandler. Skier: Danny Firer.

Report from January 1st, 2019.

Taos Ski Valley, NM has kicked off 2019 in style and the conditions on the mountain are awesome right now. The latest storm to hit New Mexico brought with it 18” of dry powder 12/31 – 2/31, bringing the 7 day accumulative total to 27” – over 2ft!

Photo: Taos FB.

New Years Day was our first time skiing Taos (utilizing the Ikon Pass we’re trying to ski as many new resorts as possible this season) and we were really impressed with the mountain and conditions. Mix fantastic snow and cold temps with fast lifts, short/no lines, steep, long vertical and glades top-to-bottom, and you’re going to have a lot of fun – and we did…

We had a great day, and took full advantage of the 51% advanced terrain, helped by the superb conditions. Taos is rightly up there with the best resorts in the US for expert skiers and snowboarders looking for steep, challenging terrain.

Photo: Ian Chandler. Skier: Danny Firer.

Visibility was excellent and fresh powder was on offer all day long. It never felt at all crowded and we found some of the best tree skiing I’ve ever experienced. Well-spaced trees, steep chutes, fun but not overly intimidating.

The expert terrain off West Basin Ridge, accessible with a short hike/traverse from the top of Lift 2, also opened for the first time this season.

Photo: Ian Chandler. Skier: Danny Firer.
Photo: Ian Chandler. Skier: Ali Orlandi Chandler.
Photo: Ian Chandler. Skier: Danny Firer.

Following this storm cycle, Taos is reporting a base of 43”, and with the forecast over the next 7 days suggesting cold temps and a potential dusting on 1/6, now is a great time to hit up the mountain.

Ikon Pass holders are entitled to 7 days at Taos, and Ikon Base Pass holders are entitled to 5 days. Blackout dates apply. See the Ikon Pass website for more details.


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5 thoughts on “Taos, NM Conditions Report: 18″ Dry Pow Falls in 48hrs

  1. hahah! Taos was known for their long powder runs and tree skiing long ago…. Arguable one of the best lift served big mountain experiences in North America when they have the goods. I’ve always heard it happens with early winter storms coming up from the south.

  2. “It never felt at all crowded and we found some of the best tree skiing I’ve ever experienced.” And now you’ve gone and ruined it by telling everyone our well-kept secrets!

    I’m afraid we’re going to have to kill you now, Ian….

    🙂

    — A local

    1. Such a welcoming resort too…

      Thanks for sharing the goods with us. Hope you have a great season!

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