Is this on the regular Taos Ski Valley slopes?
Nope, same valley, other side. All on private land.

How will we access the slopes?
By wide-track snowmobiles and an open sleigh.

What's it like?
Advanced intermediate to expert terrain, covered with trees. Some open glades and several thinned areas. Some bushwhacking will be required at times to get to a good stretch of turns. Areas of the forest are open naturally, and other than some branches to dodge provide continuous turns most of the way. Other areas are spotty open glades with some chutes and continuous lines cut through the trees to connect the glades.

How many runs will we make?
Expect 6 to 10 runs with over 10,000 feet of vertical.

What ability level should I be?
Participants must be able to turn at will and in control in tight trees and deep powder on moderate to really steep terrain. This is not for beginners or beginning intermediates. Your TERRAIN level ability should be of an advanced intermediate or higher.

How big is the group?
We have room for a maximum of 6 people.

What should I bring?
We REQUIRE each participant to wear a helmet; and carry an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. If you do not have any of these, we will rent them to you. Rental prices are: Helmet $10, Avalanche Beacon $10, Probe $5, Shovel $5

You MUST bring eye protection. We also recommend a backpack, personal band radio, sturdy warm clothes, sunscreen, a great attitude for adventure, a smile, and several friends.

For the most fun in our amazing powder, we recommend powder skis. If you do not own powder skis, there are several rental shops in Taos Ski Valley at the resort base area. Click here for a list.

Are we on our own to go wherever?
Negative. You will be accompanied by one or two guides that will keep you all in a group and lead you to specific areas. Maximum in a group will be six and you will all be in radio contact and travel as a group.

What about food?
We supply a delicious lunch and hot and cold drinks which is all included with the tour cost. Bring any snacks you may want in between times.

Our shuttle stop is within close walking distance to a number of restaurants, bars, and a coffee/tea house so plan on ending your day in the village base area. Breakfast is available too.

How do I sign up?
Advance reservations are required and calling to make your reservation is preferred. We'll get all your information and credit card payment then. If you choose to pay by another means, your reservation will be confirmed when we receive your payment. See the Rates & Reservation page for all the details.

How do I get there?
See the Getting Here page.

When are you open?
We will be open three days a week (Saturday, Sunday & Monday) as conditions allow.

What's the daily schedule?
Your tour will begin when our shuttle picks you up between 8:45 and 9:15 am at the Chili Line shuttle stop near the gatehouse in the Ski Valley core area. Lunch and hot drink breaks will happen between runs at the appropriate times. We will go till around 4pm or a little after. We will make sure that if you rode the Chili Line from town, we will get you back for the pick-up at 4:30 pm.

What if the weather or snow conditions turn bad?
We reserve the right to make the call to cancel any tour if the conditions warrant it. We will not take anyone out in less than safe conditions. We will be happy to accommodate you and your pass another day that you are able to schedule, or, we will give you a day ticket to the groomed slopes across the valley and agree to call it even. As far in advance as we can recognize either situation, we wil contact you.

What kind of tickets or passes are there? Any discounts?
You can get a one day pass, or a multi-day “Bighorn Pass”. The Bighorn Pass gets you five or more days to use yourself, or bring friends and use several days at once. You can even get gift passes. Yes, you save some money if you buy the multi-day option. See our prices on the Rates & Reservations page.

What if I don’t want to eat your lunch?
Bummer, cause you’ll be missing some great grub. We serve some really healthy stuff, no junk. If you for sure don’t want it, please let us know in advance. However, lunch is provided with the price of admission and your pass won’t be discounted if you choose not to eat our food.

Where can I stay the night while I am up there?
There are several great lodgers and rental agencies than can set you up with a hotel room, a condo, or a cabin that sleeps 12. Please go to the lodging page on our site.

For a totally unique experience, ask us about a yurt camping adventure. Stay almost at tree line (11500 feet elevation) as an experience all in itself, or combine several nights lodging with guided high alpine snowmobile touring, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or backcountry skiing and snowboarding. We can even deliver your gear to the yurt while you hike in, along with the makings of a camp meal or meals to remember, and other provisions to make your stay more memorable. The isolated setting provides a quiet reprieve.

I heard I could earn a free pass. Is that really true?
Yes. We will have work days during the winter and next summer for slope glading and thinning and trail building. If you volunteer and donate help, you can earn actual credits to barter toward any level of permit or pass, summer or winter. You will be expected to follow all the same rules and procedures as any guest in a tour when on the slopes as party to a work crew.