New Mexico
Taos, NM, Bike Park Report: Spice Up Your Summer With a Visit to New Mexico – SnowBrains
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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Local children at the Albuquerque Museum got cameras to keep and used them to capture their hopes and dreams.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Local children at the Albuquerque Museum got cameras to keep and used them to capture their hopes and dreams.
Saranam teamed up with Pictures of Hope for the event at the Albuquerque Museum. KOB 4 was there as children shared what they want in life and got a surprise.
“My dream is to be a farmer, go to college, a crazy cat lady, a crazy dog lady,” Janise said.
Linda Solomon said the children focused on goals like college and having a home.
“I don’t think there could be anything more special than having children share their dreams,” Linda Solomon said. “Their dreams are so unselfish, they’re not hoping for iPads or things like that, they’re hoping to go to college, to have a home.”
Janise said dreaming helps children plan for the future.
“You can’t really know what you’re going to do if you don’t have like a dream to do it,” Janise said.
“We surprise them with cameras they get to keep,” Solomon said.
Solomon said parents sometimes learn something new when children describe their goals.
“So often parents say to me, ‘I didn’t know my child was dreaming for this in life, I had no idea,’” Solomon said. “We care about their dreams, we care they can achieve these dreams.”
The children will return to the Albuquerque Museum on May 29 for an exhibition. Their pictures will be printed on greeting cards and proceeds will go back to Saranam.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Thousands of people will be making their annual pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayo in northern New Mexico and Tomé Hill near Los Lunas Friday morning. The walks are in honor of Good Friday, with many people walking dozens of miles to complete their journey.
Each year many make the trek to the northern New Mexico church or Tomé Hill on Good Friday. Some start their journey in Santa Fe, others walk from as far as Albuquerque. The church in northern New Mexico has been a place of worship since the early 1800’s, bringing thousands from across the state for the chapel, shrine and grounds healing powers. The church is considered to be a sacred site and many believe it holds healing properties. Walkers also take the pilgrimage to Tomé Hill. At the top of the hill are three crosses and a shrine where people pray after making the journey.
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On average, more than once a week, there is a shooting near a school in New Mexico, and nearly half the time, someone is killed.According to data obtained by the Get the Facts Data Team, there have been 833 shootings adjacent to New Mexico’s schools in the past ten years, resulting in 526 people killed.”When you first told me the numbers, I thought I heard you wrong,” said Darren White, former Bernalillo County sheriff and public safety director. “I was shocked that there are so many shootings close proximity to our schools,” White said that numerous state laws make penalties harsher for crimes occurring near schools, including firearm possession and drug dealing. “We put laws in place years ago because we recognize that schools should be sanctuaries, right?” White said.La Mesa Elementary in Albuquerque’s International District leads the list. In the past ten years, there have been 24 shootings within 500 yards of this school, resulting in 20 deaths. However, this school is not alone in being close to gunfire.A map from the data team shows that statewide, Missouri Avenue and Valley View Elementary Schools in Roswell had 11 and 8 shootings, respectively, while Las Montanas Charter and Lynn Middle Schools in Las Cruces both had 8 and 8 respectively.”If it’s being reported that it’s over 800 in this period of time, how many more are taking place that haven’t been reported that we didn’t know about?” White asked. “And so I would argue, like in many of our crime stats, that number is even higher. And, uh … It’s chilling, it really is.”These shooting have either occurred at or close to the shools.For instance, 16-year-old Andrew Burson was killed right next to the football field at West Mesa High School. Another incident involved a shooting right outside Sandia High School and Christ Lutheran School, which led to both institutions being locked down in the middle of the day.
On average, more than once a week, there is a shooting near a school in New Mexico, and nearly half the time, someone is killed.
According to data obtained by the Get the Facts Data Team, there have been 833 shootings adjacent to New Mexico’s schools in the past ten years, resulting in 526 people killed.
“When you first told me the numbers, I thought I heard you wrong,” said Darren White, former Bernalillo County sheriff and public safety director. “I was shocked that there are so many shootings close proximity to our schools,”
White said that numerous state laws make penalties harsher for crimes occurring near schools, including firearm possession and drug dealing.
“We put laws in place years ago because we recognize that schools should be sanctuaries, right?” White said.
La Mesa Elementary in Albuquerque’s International District leads the list. In the past ten years, there have been 24 shootings within 500 yards of this school, resulting in 20 deaths. However, this school is not alone in being close to gunfire.
A map from the data team shows that statewide, Missouri Avenue and Valley View Elementary Schools in Roswell had 11 and 8 shootings, respectively, while Las Montanas Charter and Lynn Middle Schools in Las Cruces both had 8 and 8 respectively.
“If it’s being reported that it’s over 800 in this period of time, how many more are taking place that haven’t been reported that we didn’t know about?” White asked. “And so I would argue, like in many of our crime stats, that number is even higher. And, uh … It’s chilling, it really is.”
These shooting have either occurred at or close to the shools.
For instance, 16-year-old Andrew Burson was killed right next to the football field at West Mesa High School.
Another incident involved a shooting right outside Sandia High School and Christ Lutheran School, which led to both institutions being locked down in the middle of the day.
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