Known for its gnarly terrain and rich ski history, Taos Ski Valley is nestled in the shadow of New Mexico’s tallest point: Wheeler Peak. With a past dating back to the 1950s , Taos has been a world-class ski destination for many. But, it’s so much more than just a ski resort. Taos Ski Valley is a community, centered around the “pure mountain experience, where local culture and traditional European hospitality form a welcoming spirit rooted in the natural environment.” This spirit of community, hospitality, and adventure, cultivated by founder Ernie Blake, is every bit as true in the summer as it is in the winter. On a recent trip, I was lucky enough to experience the spirit of Taos in the summertime.
Up Lift 4; Taos’ Bike Park below. | Image: SnowBrains
Taos’ bike park is situated below the resort’s infamous Kachina Peak. This is the bike park’s fourth operating year after missing last season because of the upgrade and replacement of Lift 4. The new highspeed Lift 4 was an exciting upgrade for skiers this past season. Now the downhill bikers enjoy the same benefits of a faster chair with quicker laps.
The bike park features a variety of 13, lift-accessed, trails stretched across the back side of the resort. The trails range from tight smooth berms and fun rollers, to steeper technical trails that will test your skills and get your adrenaline pumping. In classic Taos fashion, even the bike park green, “Green Chile,” is a little spicy. Green Chile, the main green from top to bottom, is flowy and fun. It’s the perfect warm-up run to find your groove, but still technical enough to ride over and over without getting bored. The more difficult trails have features like drops, jumps, and berms with rocks and roots to navigate around.Taos Bike Park map. | Image: skitaos.com
Downhill biking can be intimidating but unlike other major resort bike parks, the Taos Bike Park is extremely welcoming. Staying true to Ernie Blake’s vision of hospitality and welcoming spirit, anyone can find a trail for their level at the Taos Bike Park. If it’s your first time biking at Taos, there’s no downside to having an instructor guide you through the trails. They know the mountain like the back of their hand and offer advice on form and style—it’s a game changer. For novices, try taking a Mountain Bike 101 class. The instructors are knowledgeable and encouraging. Not only will you feel confident while descending, but you’ll finish the day feeling like you have expanded your skill set and knowledge of the mountain and sport. Elisa, our Mountain Bike 101 instructor on ‘Rip it’. | Image: SnowBrains
At the base of Lift 4 is the Kachina Sports Shop which is stocked with everything you’ll need for a day of ripping on the mountain. It’s here where you’ll find the lift ticket office and rentals offered through the resort. They have it all, from full-suspension rental bikes, protective full-face and regular bike helmets, shin and elbow pads, and even sternum protectors and GoPro mounts. There’s even a tech shop if you need to catch up on regular maintenance or have a gear malfunction while out on the trails. Kachina Sports Shop at the base of Lift 4 where you’ll find rentals, lessons, and lift tickets. | Image: SnowBrains
Aprés shredding the mountain, take a pit stop at the Bavarian, a picturesque European restaurant located at the base of Lift 4. The Bavarian embodies the essence of Ernie Blake’s vision of bringing European culture to Taos Ski Valley. Here you can enjoy a German beer and pretzel with your riding pals while soaking in the rays with a view of Kachina Peak. With plans to build bocce ball and volleyball courts out front, the Bavarian is the ultimate hang-out spot.
Biking is a great way to experience the mountain, but downhill biking may not be for everyone. Taos Sports Shop rents E-bikes and is a fun alternative to downhill biking. It’s a great way to zip around the base area and enjoy the mountain. Taos Sports Shop is conveniently located on the front side of the resort, on the plaza level of The Blake Hotel.The Bavarian at the base of Lift 4 is a picture of quintessential European alpine dining, and the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a German beer and pretzel after your ride | Image: SnowBrains
Back on the front side of the mountain, at the base of Taos Ski Resort, you’ll find a variety of accommodations, including The Blake hotel. When staying at The Blake – named after founder Ernie Blake and the Blake family – you’re right in the heart of it all. Everything you’ll need is conveniently within walking distance, which means you won’t need your car. The Blake offers complimentary valet parking for its guests. Restaurants like the Taos Ale House, The Blonde Bear, 192 at the Blake, and Rhoda’s, are just steps from the hotel. The Black Diamond Coffee Cart offers a quick breakfast option with burritos, quiches, yogurt with granola, and an assortment of coffees. It’s easy to grab and go before you head out on your next adventure.The Blake Hotel and Taos Sport Shop at the base of the front side of the mountain. It’s located right in the heart of it all| Image: SnowBrains
The beauty of Taos Ski Valley is there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re an avid outdoor adventurist, or just looking for a peaceful escape in the beautiful Rocky Mountains it can be found here. In addition to the endless outdoor activities, Taos Ski Valley puts on a variety of weekend events throughout the summer. Events range from local art markets, yoga classes, fly fishing gear demos, outdoor movies, and even games for the kiddos on the Eis Haus lawn. There’s even a pickleball court where you can challenge your friends and family. There is always something going on at the base of Taos Ski Valley | Image: SnowBrains
Taos is a B-certified corporation and has the well-being of the environment at the forefront of everything they do – including the Chili Cook-off. Taos is committed to using eco-friendly and sustainable materials for its events, such as the recyclable paper cups used throughout the Chili Cook-off. This was a welcome change as opposed to single-use styrofoam cups that were previously used.The first Chili Cook-off at Taos Ski Valley was a success! | Image: SnowBrains
After exploring the mountain, chasing adrenaline, and enjoying the festivities around the base, the perfect way to unwind is at the Spa and Wellness Center at The Blake. It’s the best way to relax and recover after an adventure. There’s a variety of treatments to choose from: massages, facials, and aromatherapy. Before, (and even after) your treatments consider relaxing in the steam room, hot tub, or by the pool. Surrounded by historical paraphernalia from local tribes as well as the rich history of Ernie Blake’s past with the mountain, the Spa at The Blake is a great way to embrace the culture and relaxation as your trip begins to wind down.
Taos Ski Valley offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re navigating the exhilarating trails, indulging in local cuisine, or relaxing at The Blake Spa, the spirit of Taos—rooted in hospitality and natural beauty—shines through. Give yourself the chance to reconnect with the mountains and even your own spirit. Pack your bags and experience the magic of Taos, where every moment promises discovery and delight.
The Blake Hotel, named after the founder of Taos Ski Valley, Ernie Blake, sits next to the Lake Fork River; Setting the atmosphere for a peaceful getaway| Image: SnowBrains
Photos
Taos welcome sign at the base | Image: SnowBrainsDemo bike from Kachina Sport Shop at the base of Lift 4 | Image: SnowBrainsThe instructor Elisa’s Ski Patrol Pup, Finn, hanging out at the top of Lift 4 | Image: SnowBrainsDemo and rental bikes at Kachina Sports Shop | Image: SnowBrainsProtective gear for rent at Kachina Sports Shop | Image: SnowBrainsRelax by the pool at The Blake | Image: SnowBrains
Tin art has been a long tradition throughout New Mexico. In fact, it’s existed since the 15th century when the Spanish brought it over.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Tin art has been a long tradition throughout New Mexico. In fact, it’s existed since the 15th century when the Spanish brought it over.
KOB 4 introduces you to an artist who wants to make sure that tradition carries on for generations to come.
“You can make anything out of it, just a piece of metal, bend it and put it together,” said Tom Lujan, a tin artist.
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For many families, the beloved tradition has been passed down from parents to children and beyond.
“I’m second generation, and my grandson is learning it now, and he’s third generation,” said Lujan.
Lujan has been creating tin art his whole life, but for the past 15 years, he’s dedicated his retirement to his hobby.
Lujan came out to Albuquerque’s third annual Ageless Artisan Craft Fair to sell his work, but he doesn’t necessarily keep the profit.
“Really, the only thing I use the money for, to buy more supplies,” Lujan said.
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He also shared the event gives him a space to meet new people. Something, Esperanza Molina with the city strives for.
“The reason we created it is so that all of our seniors had a place for them to sell their artwork that they make at our centers,” said Esperanza Molina, a center supervisor for the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center. “And it’s a great opportunity for them to be able to share their stories or share their talents that they have.”
Lujan has made it his goal to teach not only his grandson, but his community how to create tin art with weekly classes at the Barelas Senior Center and South Valley Multigenerational Center.
“Really the only thing you need right to start off with, is a nail, a hammer, shears,” said Lujan. “I really enjoy helping people learn it. And I like to make big pieces. I usually make big crosses or big mirrors.”
He especially loves teaching younger generations to make sure the tradition carries on.
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“They can keep up the tradition, I don’t want it fading away. Just like a lot of things that do fade away as you get older,” Lujan said.
According to Lujan, tin art can come from anywhere.
“After you finish your soup, you can cut it up and make something out of an ornament or whatever,” said Lujan. “Make it into a piece of art.”
Moments after New Mexico’s football team surprised the sporting world with a 38-35 win over No. 19 Washington State (hailing from the Apple State) Saturday night, Albuquerque’s Jon Jones assured the sporting world he’s still the cage master with a dominating UFC performance in the Big Apple.
The Associated Press national player of the week in college football for Week 12 of the season:
Devon Dampier, New Mexico
Dampier ran for three touchdowns, including the game-winner with 23 seconds left, and threw for another score in the Lobos’ 38-35 home win over then-No. 19 Washington State.
Dampier finished with 193 yards rushing and 174 yards passing as the Lobos beat a ranked team for the first time in 27 games since 2003.
Dampier, who had 143 of his rushing yards in the second half, went 33 yards to begin the Lobos’ comeback from a 28-14 halftime deficit. His 1-yard run for the go-ahead score ended an 11-play, 75-yard drive.
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Dampier’s performance helped the Lobos improve to 5-6, their most wins since 2016.
Runner-up
South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers’ 15-yard touchdown pass with 15 seconds left gave the Gamecocks a 34-30 win over Missouri and punctuated a day when he threw for career highs of 353 yards and five TDs.
Sellers has 10 TD passes against just one interception over the last five games, and he became the first South Carolina quarterback to throw for five TDs in a game since Jake Bentley did it against Clemson in 2018.
Honorable mention
Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson caught a career-high 12 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-14 win at Kansas State. It was the most receiving yards by an ASU player since 2015. … Stanford WR Emmett Mosley caught 13 passes for 168 yards in a 38-35 win over Louisville. Mosley’s TD catches of 4 and 25 yards tied the game before the Cardinal won on Emmet Kenney’s 52-yard field goal as time expired. … Clemson DE T.J. Parker recorded a career-high and school-record-tying four of the Tigers’ eight sacks in a 24-20 win over Pittsburgh. … Clemson QB Cade Klubnik threw for 288 yards and two TDs, and his 50-yard touchdown run with 1:16 left gave the Tigers the go-ahead score. … Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty rushed for 159 yards and three touchdowns and broke the program’s single-season rushing record in a 42-21 win at San Jose State. Jeanty has 1,893 rushing yards for the season.
Six stats
— Kansas’ 17-13 win at BYU gave the Jayhawks back-to-back victories over ranked opponents in consecutive weeks for the first time. KU beat Iowa State the week before.
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— Georgia has won eight straight over Tennessee, all by double digits. It’s the longest winning streak for the Bulldogs in a series dating to 1899.
— Tulane won 21 American Athletic Conference games in its first eight years in the league; it has 22 wins in AAC play the last three seasons.
— Memphis’ Seth Henigan threw for four touchdowns against UAB to become the only active FBS player with four seasons with at least 20 TD passes at the same school.
— Illinois’s 38-16 victory over Michigan State gave the Illini a sixth home win for the first time since 2001.
— Nebraska is 0-8 in two years under Matt Rhule in games where a win would have made the Cornhuskers bowl-eligible. The Huskers haven’t been to a bowl since 2016, the longest drought in the Power Four.
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AP voters: Aaron Beard, Pat Graham, Gary B. Graves, Stephen Hawkins, Pete Iacobelli, Mark Long, John Marshall, Eric Olson, John Zenor.
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Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
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