TAOS New Mexico....BETA.....?

[shera]

Is this the official Taos conditions thread?

[smartyiak]

Dunno...I didn't see another thread, so I posted here. I'll be up there today and tomorrow.

[Nevada29er]

Skied Taos last week. Coverage off-piste is pretty thin, but the snow was in good condition (what was left). For me, most fun was skiing the trees skiers right off 2 (Chicken Blitz gate). You had to make precise calculated turns on good steeps to not hit the numerous exposed obstacles.

West Basin was effectively closed. Highline was skiing well with the best coverage, especially Ninos. Katchina Peak is closed (both hike and lift). Looked to me like there was enough coverage to open, but maybe avi was high?

From what I read, they are going to keep some of the terrain off Katchina Peak lift as "hike only" access, to preserve the character of Taos. Not sure how they will enforce this, perhaps a rope line down one of the ridges? Also, they plan to restrict lift operation to "keep the experience special".

Right now, its all just for looks and marketing, as they can tout the top elevation as 12,400'.

One thing I don't understand at Taos is the judicious use of ropes off groomed trails. They have very little terrain open off -piste of the groomers, even where it appears there is coverage.

[ill-advised strategy]

One thing I don't understand at Taos is the judicious use of ropes off groomed trails. They have very little terrain open off -piste of the groomers, even where it appears there is coverage.

I think you're looking for a different word here.

ju·di·cious
adjective
having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense.

I suggest copious.

co·pi·ous
adjective: copious
abundant in supply or quantity.

As in: One thing I don't understand at Taos is the copious use of ropes off groomed trails. They have very little terrain open off -piste of the groomers, even where it appears there is coverage.

[Meadow Skipper]

^That.

[shera]

Also, they plan to restrict lift operation to "keep the experience special".

Thanks for responding. What does this mean?

Would you guys say that a 50" base would get the mountain open? Or more like 60"?

[ill-advised strategy]

I considered 60 a minimum for the good terrain at Taos. You can't start unpuckering and ski flowy and fast in that stuff until 80" or 90" imho.

re: "keeping the experience special"...I think that means they have to take you out for dinner and drinks before they let Kachina Peak date-rape the bottoms of your skis.

[strawjack]

re: "keeping the experience special"...I think that means they have to take you out for dinner and drinks before they let Kachina Peak date-rape the bottoms of your skis.

Skied it on a full moon and just as we take off some clouds come in and then the sweet spark show ensued!

Ropes along the side are so that people don't wander off into a zone that can get them into trouble. They are funneled to an entrance with signs stating where they are going. If its open you can go under the rope...imo.

[whyturn]

So a 40" base, but maybe 1-2 feet FRI-SUN. Locals how is it? CA is dying and can get there, thoughts?

[Name Redacted]

BUmping to ask the same. Might be headed down in a few weeks. How's the snow? Anything new in the forecast?

[grskier]

I'd say NM is one of the places to be in the 48 this weekend. Forecast looks good, and the steeps always ski better than you'd think.

[Buster Highmen]

I'll be there Feb 10 solo, then again on Feb. 12 with the family in tow.

[oftpiste]

Bummer. we'll miss you guys by a week.....

I'll be there Feb 10 solo, then again on Feb. 12 with the family in tow.

[Coño Frío]

Any updates on the conditions in NM? How's TSV skiing these days?

[Meadow Skipper]

I'm waiting for the next storm cycle.

[jerlane]

I'm thinking of heading to NM in two weeks, but I'm concerned about the weather. Forecast shows temps in the high 50's next week in Taos. Is that for lower elevation? Any concern that the snowpack will take a big hit?

[cptpowder]

^^ Its been thin all year.... but definitely skiable. Ridge is open but most other steeps still closed.

[WestCoastPDR]

I've searched but didn't come up with anything recent. I'm headed towards Taos on Friday from Tahoe. I've got a few questions

1. Anyone provide Avy reports / snowpack conditions for that area?

2. Local hot spring recommendations? Preferably free

3. Top places to eat in town?

[Meadow Skipper]

I've searched but didn't come up with anything recent. I'm headed towards Taos on Friday from Tahoe. I've got a few questions

1. Anyone provide Avy reports / snowpack conditions for that area?

http://www.nnmae.org/phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=18

[MakersTeleMark]

I've searched but didn't come up with anything recent. I'm headed towards Taos on Friday from Tahoe. I've got a few questions

1. Anyone provide Avy reports / snowpack conditions for that area?

2. Local hot spring recommendations? Preferably free

3. Top places to eat in town?

Eske's brewpub and Pizza Out Back are my favorites.

As for free hotsprings:

Stagecoach (Manby) Hot Springs
Located north of Taos, west of the town of Arroyo Hondo about a 15-20 minute walk down a dirt and rock path at the end of Tune Road, which is a bumpy residential dirt road on the way out to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Two sand-bottomed and rock pools are located in the ruins of an old stagecoach stop on the east bank of the Rio Grande. Pool temperatures are usually about 97 F, depending on how high the river is. Clothing optional. Easy hike.

Directions: From Taos, go north on RT 64 and continue on RT 64 toward the Taos Airport. Turn right on Tune Road, roughly across from the airport. Travel about 4.2 miles to where the road forks, keep left. Continue about .5 miles more to the parking area at edge of canyon and walk about .5 miles down the old wagon road at the left side of the parking area.

[WestCoastPDR]

Thanks MT and MS I'll browse that site throughly. I'll be there sat-tues.

[Nevada29er]

I've searched but didn't come up with anything recent. I'm headed towards Taos on Friday from Tahoe. I've got a few questions

3. Top places to eat in town?

Just look for any one of the small houses or mobile homes that have been converted into a pizza, burger, or mexican food joint. No, I'm serious, NM doesn't believe in any of that zoning or building permit crap.

[TBS]

For Breakfast
Michaels serves up a ginormous pile of hash browns smothered in chiles and cheese
Taos inn has blueberry blue corn pancakes
Both are outrageously good

Dinner
What MtM said
Lamberts for an excellent upscale place to make up to your SO for spending so much time skiing

Agree with Nevada29r - building codes are for pussies in N New Mexico. You can also tell ascertain the wealth of Taosenos by the number, make and vintage of the abandoned cars in their yard

[smartyiak]

Eske's brewpub.

THIS! A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to find myself in Taos for business. We stepped into Taos Mesa Brewery and sat down at a table...after sitting there for 20-30min, with waiters walking by and a cook at a table next to us bs'ing...no one said shit to us. I did get my own water and was looking at that fancy Taos magazine. Since no one was serving us, we decided to move on....that fancy magazine had an ad for Eskes.

Dammit I am glad that Taos Mesa service sucks balls! The food at Eskes was so effin good, I could eat there everyday. The owners were super cool, beer was good, and vibe was great! Highly recommend! Note: there's a green chili beer that is absolutely HORRIBLE. Ask for a sample...so you get a taste of a brewery mistake.


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[strawjack]

The owners were super cool, beer was good, and vibe was great!

Eske is a long time patroller at tsv.

Green chili beer is not exactly good imo either...they've been making it for years, so somebody likes it.