Featured Article
[Sponsored by Taos Ski Valley]
Taos Ski Valley Resort Renaissance: Taos is in the midst of a $300 million renaissance to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the authenticity of this unique destination. Their aim is to grow the resort better, not bigger.
“Everything we do is about improving the guest experience while preserving the underlying spirit, soul, and history of the mountain.”
David Norden, Taos Ski Valley CEO
High-Speed Quad
With the recent addition of a high-speed quad, access to the steep and deep has never been better. This is the first high-speed quad to be erected at Taos, taking over the former spot of Lift #1.
Expanded Terrain
With a nod toward environmental responsibility, the crew at Taos has carefully been working on tree glading to expand access to more terrain. The glades of the Wild West Forest Area have been thinned, opening up more options to explore while simultaneously improving overall forest health. It’s a careful work in progress.
State-of-the-art Children’s Center
Taos has also paid mind to the beginners in the crowd, recently reshaping the beginner area, making it, even more, user- friendly. The Children’s Center has been completely refurbished with an $8 million investment. They’ve also added a ‘Gondolita’ to ease transportation between the base and the Children’s Center.
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley
A re-energized pedestrian village at the base includes new lodging, shopping, and dining options. The anchor is the new ski-in/ski-out accommodation where guests enjoy a resort experience unlike any other. The Blake, offering 65 rooms and 15 suites, is named after the resort’s co-founder, Ernie Blake. The decor weaves together the eclectic influences from the region of Native Americans, Hispanic, and European influences. The Blake boasts an environmentally friendly geothermal heating and cooling system. A nod to energy efficiency – nice!
“It is truly a celebration of the Taos melting pot and adheres to the area’s environmentally friendly mindset and that of conservationist owner Louis Bacon.”
Dining Renovations
192 at The Blake is an eclectic European restaurant centered around a communal fireplace. Enjoy tapas, pizza, and signature apres cocktails at this slopeside dining location. The emphasis here is on locally sourced and sustainable products whenever possible.
“I came in expecting typical ski town fare and was really surprised. Really great, fresh, food – probably the most sophisticated in town and reasonably priced …”
Also located at the bottom of Lift #4 is The Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant. As the name implies, the food here is of the German persuasion, hearty yet not heavy by design. Think Wienerschnitzel, beer, hot pretzels, and cheese fondue.
“One of the Most Fun Restaurants and Hang Outs in all of Skidom!”
With a steady eye on all that is environmentally friendly, Taos Ski Valley has also invested in a new food digester to reduce food waste and upgraded the recycling program.
Snowmaking Capacity
The goal was simple, advance the snowmaking technology to expand its reach and maximize efficiencies. With the addition of 30 new high-capacity tower guns along with 50 new hydrants, the snowmaking coverage has expanded to include 100% of all beginner and intermediate terrain. All this has transpired while simultaneously decreasing the overall energy consumption for snowmaking by 17%. More snow – less energy consumption!
Environmental Sustainability
In moving toward a sustainable environmentally-friendly business model, Taos has pinpointed five key areas of focus: energy, stewardship, water, waste, and engagement. They’ve made a commitment to reduce energy consumption by 20%. As stewards of the land, Taos has worked tirelessly to improve the health of the forest while protecting the associated watershed. They’ve also committed to reducing water consumption, reducing waste and encouraging other like-minded citizens to do the same.
Staff Philanthropy
While still on the clock, the staff at Taos work for local non-profits. That’s right, paid volunteer time. Employees give back to the community in which they live with up to 24 hours of paid volunteer time offered each year.
“I’ve been in other workplaces where I didn’t feel I had the freedom to be who I am. But I feel very happy to be at [Taos Ski Valley] where individualism is both celebrated and respected, and it is something that brings people in our workplace together.”
Taos Ski Valley employee
World’s First Certified B-Corp Ski Resort
Taos Ski Valley is the world’s first and only Certified B-Corp ski resort. They’ve committed to taking action by making changes that positively impact the mountain, the planet, and the unique community that is Taos. In other words, they’re using business as a source for good.
“B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.”
Taos Ski Valley
