Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Encyclopedia
Taos Ski Valley is a village and alpine ski resort
in Taos County
, New Mexico
, United States
. Located 2200 feet above the town of Taos, the alpine environment of Taos Ski Valley offers a cool escape from the desert heat in the summer and perfect conditions for powder skiing in the winter. The population was 69 at the 2010 census. Until March 19, 2008, it was one of four ski resorts in America to prohibit snowboarding
; officials announced the change several months in advance.
The village was originally settled by a group of hearty and adventurous miners in the 1800’s, but in 1955 Ernie and Rhoda Blake founded the area as a ski mountain in 1955. The village was incorporated in 1996.
The ski area, Taos Ski Valley, Inc., was founded by Rhoda and Ernie Blake, and is still managed by the Blake family. It has a one to one ratio of expert to beginner/intermediate terrain, and has the highest rated ski school in North America.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the village has a total area of 2.4 square miles (6.2 km²), all of it land.
Taos Ski Valley is the highest municipality in the US. This village itself sits at an elevation of 9,207 feet however the Village limits reach elevations of 12,581 feet with the highest residential dwelling being at 10,350 feet. Kachina Village, at over 10,350 feet, housing the Bavarian Restaurant and 2 Condo complexes, is home to 6 permanent residents and can accommodate visitors in 30 condo units. 70-80 home sites are slated for development in this area. Wheeler Peak, the tallest mountain in New Mexico at 13,161 feet, overlooks the village.
, was installed in 1956. Through 1957, the ski resort featured only one ski trail (Snakedance). In 1957, the resort installed a second lift—a Poma
(platter) lift. Blake was for a time very involved in the day to day management of the resort, even answering the phone and telling prospective visitors whether the skiing was expected to be good in advance of weekend trips.
The variety of terrain at Taos Ski Valley Ski Resort, New Mexico’s largest resort, attracts ski enthusiasts of all ability levels. The ski area boasts a top rated Ski School and Children’s Center for those new to skiing or working on their skills. The legendary steeps and hike- to terrain of Taos Ski Valley offer an expert ski experience unavailable at any other New Mexico ski resort. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also available throughout Carson National Forest. Guided snowmobile tours are available on private land. If you need a break from the cold in the winter, drive down the canyon to the mild climate of the Rio Grande Gorge area where you can hike, bike and horseback ride on public lands year-round.
SPRING
Spring means rafting season in New Mexico. The nearby mighty Rio Grande offers both excitement and serene beauty for rafters and kayakers.
SUMMER/FALL
Taos Ski Valley is a perfect location for hikers, walkers, trail runners and horseback riders. Explore the vast trail systems of Carson National Forest and Taos Ski Valley Ski Resort, both located literally out your back door, and experience the tranquil mountain streams, vibrant summer wildflowers or fall foliage, abundant wildlife, clean fresh air and outstanding vistas. For those who would rather enjoy their views at an easier pace, scenic chair lift rides are offered. Fly fisherman will enjoy catching native trout in the stocked waters of the Rio Hondo, which runs through the center of the village and down the canyon.
Average Low Temperature - 23 degrees
Average Snowfall - 300 inches
Average Rainfall - 20 inches
Average Number of Sunny Days - 300
of 2010, there were 69 people, 272 housing units, with only 14.3% being occupied in the village. From 2000 to 2010, the Taos Ski Valley village population growth percentage was 23.2%. The population density
was 28.75 people per square mile (11.31/km²). There were 272 housing units at an average density of 113.3 per square mile. The racial makeup of the village was 75.4% White, 0.0% Native American, *[0.0% Asian, and 0.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 24.6% of the population.
In 2000, there were 32 households out of which 12.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.5% were married couples
living together, and 59.4% were non-families. 46.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.75 and the average family size was 2.46.
In the village the population was spread out with 4.3% under the age of 18 (2010 census), 5.4% from 18 to 24, 33.9% from 25 to 44, 50.0% from 45 to 64, and 1.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 166.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 155.0 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $67,708, and the median income for a family was $103,422. Males had a median income of $65,833 versus $24,375 for females. The per capita income
for the village was $43,143. None of the population were below the poverty line.
Ski resort
A ski resort is a resort developed for skiing and other winter sports. In Europe a ski resort is a town or village in a ski area - a mountainous area, where there are ski trails and supporting services such as hotels and other accommodation, restaurants, equipment rental and a ski lift system...
in Taos County
Taos County, New Mexico
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*68.7% White*0.4% Black*6.2% Native American*0.7% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.9% Two or more races*20.1% Other races*55.8% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
, New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Located 2200 feet above the town of Taos, the alpine environment of Taos Ski Valley offers a cool escape from the desert heat in the summer and perfect conditions for powder skiing in the winter. The population was 69 at the 2010 census. Until March 19, 2008, it was one of four ski resorts in America to prohibit snowboarding
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is a sport that involves descending a slope that is covered with snow on a snowboard attached to a rider's feet using a special boot set onto mounted binding. The development of snowboarding was inspired by skateboarding, sledding, surfing and skiing. It was developed in the U.S.A...
; officials announced the change several months in advance.
The village was originally settled by a group of hearty and adventurous miners in the 1800’s, but in 1955 Ernie and Rhoda Blake founded the area as a ski mountain in 1955. The village was incorporated in 1996.
The ski area, Taos Ski Valley, Inc., was founded by Rhoda and Ernie Blake, and is still managed by the Blake family. It has a one to one ratio of expert to beginner/intermediate terrain, and has the highest rated ski school in North America.
Geography
Taos Ski Valley is located at 36°35′52"N 105°26′42"W (36.597724, -105.445051).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the village has a total area of 2.4 square miles (6.2 km²), all of it land.
Taos Ski Valley is the highest municipality in the US. This village itself sits at an elevation of 9,207 feet however the Village limits reach elevations of 12,581 feet with the highest residential dwelling being at 10,350 feet. Kachina Village, at over 10,350 feet, housing the Bavarian Restaurant and 2 Condo complexes, is home to 6 permanent residents and can accommodate visitors in 30 condo units. 70-80 home sites are slated for development in this area. Wheeler Peak, the tallest mountain in New Mexico at 13,161 feet, overlooks the village.
History
In the 1800's the Taos Ski Valley was a mining town that was eventually abandoned. Present day Taos Ski Valley was founded in 1955 by Ernie and Rhoda Blake. They lived in an eleven foot camper as there were no buildings in the area except an almost-completed Hondo Lodge (now the Inn at Snakedance). Even after they moved into the lodge, they lived without power until 1963. Ernie and Rhoda had been living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Ernie was managing the Santa Fe Ski Basin. The first ski lift, a J-BarJ-bar lift
A J-bar is a type of surface lift invented in the 1940sfor ski area passenger transport. They are now rarely in operation having been superseded by T-bars, which have twice the capacity at basically the same price, and chairlifts which have many advantages...
, was installed in 1956. Through 1957, the ski resort featured only one ski trail (Snakedance). In 1957, the resort installed a second lift—a Poma
Platter lift
A platter lift , platter pull or button lift is a surface lift, a mechanized system for pulling skiers and snowboarders uphill, along the surface of the slope. In Europe they are also known as Poma lifts...
(platter) lift. Blake was for a time very involved in the day to day management of the resort, even answering the phone and telling prospective visitors whether the skiing was expected to be good in advance of weekend trips.
Recreation
WINTERThe variety of terrain at Taos Ski Valley Ski Resort, New Mexico’s largest resort, attracts ski enthusiasts of all ability levels. The ski area boasts a top rated Ski School and Children’s Center for those new to skiing or working on their skills. The legendary steeps and hike- to terrain of Taos Ski Valley offer an expert ski experience unavailable at any other New Mexico ski resort. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also available throughout Carson National Forest. Guided snowmobile tours are available on private land. If you need a break from the cold in the winter, drive down the canyon to the mild climate of the Rio Grande Gorge area where you can hike, bike and horseback ride on public lands year-round.
SPRING
Spring means rafting season in New Mexico. The nearby mighty Rio Grande offers both excitement and serene beauty for rafters and kayakers.
SUMMER/FALL
Taos Ski Valley is a perfect location for hikers, walkers, trail runners and horseback riders. Explore the vast trail systems of Carson National Forest and Taos Ski Valley Ski Resort, both located literally out your back door, and experience the tranquil mountain streams, vibrant summer wildflowers or fall foliage, abundant wildlife, clean fresh air and outstanding vistas. For those who would rather enjoy their views at an easier pace, scenic chair lift rides are offered. Fly fisherman will enjoy catching native trout in the stocked waters of the Rio Hondo, which runs through the center of the village and down the canyon.
Economy
Tourism is the main industry in the Village of Taos Ski Valley. The ski area and surrounding village have long been a popular winter destination. As of the 2011-2012 season Taos Ski Valley Corporation employed approximately 700 people during the winter months. In an average year 47,000,000 dollars are submitted into the local economy of Taos Ski Valley. About 12,000,000 of that is from the ski operation alone. The community is quickly becoming a popular summer and fall vacation destination as well. In 2005, there were 55 active businesses in Taos Ski Valley. The Village has many Lodging options from Hotels, private home rentals, Condominiums to Alpine styled Bed and Breakfasts.The town of Taos, conveniently located 30 minutes down the canyon, provides year round services. High speed wireless internet access is available throughout the village and serves the needs of tele-commuters and home based businesses.Weather & Climate
Average High Temperature - 56 degreesAverage Low Temperature - 23 degrees
Average Snowfall - 300 inches
Average Rainfall - 20 inches
Average Number of Sunny Days - 300
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2010, there were 69 people, 272 housing units, with only 14.3% being occupied in the village. From 2000 to 2010, the Taos Ski Valley village population growth percentage was 23.2%. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 28.75 people per square mile (11.31/km²). There were 272 housing units at an average density of 113.3 per square mile. The racial makeup of the village was 75.4% White, 0.0% Native American, *[0.0% Asian, and 0.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 24.6% of the population.
In 2000, there were 32 households out of which 12.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.5% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, and 59.4% were non-families. 46.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.75 and the average family size was 2.46.
In the village the population was spread out with 4.3% under the age of 18 (2010 census), 5.4% from 18 to 24, 33.9% from 25 to 44, 50.0% from 45 to 64, and 1.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 166.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 155.0 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $67,708, and the median income for a family was $103,422. Males had a median income of $65,833 versus $24,375 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the village was $43,143. None of the population were below the poverty line.
External links
- Taos Ski Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Taos Ski Valley
- 3dSkiMap of Taos Ski Valley
- Taos Ski Valley Pictures
- http://www.taosskivalley.com/pages/about-the-area/About-Taos-Ski-Valley/
- Rick Nathanson, “Taos Ski Valley Founder Happy To Add Intimate European Ambience to N.M.'s Skiing Scene” Albuquerque Journal, 15 December 2005.