We are taking S17, his gf, and D15 for a ski trip just before school starts. Anyone ever stay at either place or have any good condo or townhome suggestions? We have been looking at airbnb places as well as the resort’s suggestions. Any places to see when not skiing or food suggestions?
Dang, it’s been so long since I’ve been there. We stayed in the town of Taos which is a bit far (20 miles?) from the ski mountain. I loved our place - Hacienda del sol. Fireplace in the room, wonderful breakfast, outdoor hot tub and traditional adobe dwelling. It’s a small B & B
https://www.taoshaciendadelsol.com/
As for food, our kids loved The Old Blinking Light, but that is long closed. We had good green chile stew in the cafeteria on the ski mountain though, so you don’t have to go far!
Rancho de Chimayo is on the southern part of the Enchanted Circle, so you can hit that on your way there or back. I never skiied at Angel Fire but I loved the Vietnam Veterans memorial there.
http://www.ranchodechimayo.com/
You might be able to visit Taos Pueblo, and that would definitely be worth it. Abiquiu isn’t exactly close, but it’s worth a visit if you’re driving around. That is where Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted in NM. It’s owned by the Episcopal church now but it’s open to the public and has hiking and other things. The Abiquiu Inn has a wonderful restaurant too.
I tried, and failed, to walk across the Rio Grande River gorge on the pedestrian part of the bridge. That is just outside of Taos.
@greenwitch thank you! I think we are going to pick Taos for the variety of options for the “kids” and for the shopping and places to go for my husband and I who will not ski. We are driving there so we should be able to go see sights.
Maybe @WayOutWestMom knows some places!
When I was in grad school, I went to Angel Fire with my parents during the summer. We stayed in a timeshare condo. What a beautiful place! I would love to go back. Have fun!
Don’t have any condo recommendations for Taos. Sorry. The kidlets usually couch-surfed with friends who worked at Taos Ski Valley or they stayed at second houses own by parents of friends. (Or in a few instances–they snow camped in the National Forest. Brr! Not my idea of a good time.)
Taos Pueblo is beautiful in the winter, but be aware it may not be open to visitors. People live there and mid-winter is filled with private religious ceremonies. The Taos Pueblo Church is a must see.
Abiquiui is a bit of haul–about 90 minutes and the roads aren’t terrific to drive in winter if there’s any snow.
If you do head to Abiquiui, consider stopping in Ojo Caliente. It’s about midway between the 2 towns. Ojo Caliente is a natural hot spring w/ a bathhouse, upscale spa & massage center. There are indoor and outdoor pools, but do try the outdoor pool. It’s pretty spectacular to sit outdoors in the hot water and watch the steam rise. There are different pools with different minerals dissolved in the water. The Artesian Restaurant across from the spa has lovely, elegant food and a very comfortable wine bar. For tamales–try the Mesa Vista Cafe.
For non skiers-- Taos Gorge Bridge (assuming you’re not acrophobic).
At or near the Taos Plaza-- check out the art galleries and the Taos Art Museum. (surprising good collection–Taos has historically been a magnet for artists). Kit Carson Home & Museum and the Governor Bent Home & Museum-- if you’re into western history. La Chiripada Tasting Room (Wine tastings-open 7 days/week) The DH Lawrence Ranch (where Lawrence wrote lived and wrote off & on for 3 decades)
If you’re a knitter or fiber artist, Taos has several yarn shops that sell locally raised wool that is hand spun and hand dyed. Some really beautiful yarns.
I’d suggest that if you’re going to Abiquiui that you make a slight detour to Sidoni Galley in Tesuque, but I heard over the weekend it’s permanently closed (due financial mismanagement). Bummer.
If you're going to Angel Fire the only place to stay is at the resort--either in the lodge or a rental condo. Truthfully there isn't much in Angel Fire except for the skiing and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Angel Fire is about 25 miles east of Taos, but you have to cross a mountain pass--and it can snow close with little warning. P.S. The Ski Valley runs s shuttle from Taos to the ski lifts.
Taos was one of my fav trips. I was with my sister, a New Mexico native, and stayed with friends 2 places in Taos.
We had other local kids with us,
No knowledge of Angel Fire.
The first time I skied out West we went to Angel Fire—I grew up in the Midwest but only learned to ski when I moved to New England. I was blown away by the skiing at AF. We stayed at at a friend’s condo. If you are just going primarily for skiing—I would go to Angel Fire.
Agree with recommendations above on what to see and do in Taos. Also, second the recommendation to go to Chimayo and eat at Rancho de Chimayo.
Thank you for all the information! I think we found an airbnb in Taos that we all like so I think that will be the choice. We have been to Santa Fe and Albuquerque in the fall before but never to Taos. The kids will be snowboarding (2 beginners and 1 intermediate boarder) and we will be resting and roaming!