SNOWSHOEING TRAILS IN TAOS SKI VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
Taos Ski Valley is well known for its many hiking trails on forest
service land and wilderness. Having an Access Permit to snowshoe the
Northside offers expanded areas to explore and a great loop system
of trails
with excellent signage. Trail map provided with your access permit.
See the trail map here. 
Northside at Taos Ski Valley is:
• 1,300 acres
• 2,800 ft. vertical gain
• Highest point is 12,163 ft. Frazer Mountain
• Approximately 20 miles of old roads and trails
• Area is covered with Aspen, Englemann and Blue Spruce, Western White
Fir and rarely seen Red Fir, and Bristlecone Pine.
• Home to herds of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Elk, and Mule Deer.
Northside is open all year for hiking and snowshoeing. If you snowshoe Bull Of The Woods Road and Frazer Mountain Road, you will most likely encounter our Snowmobile Tours. Please step as close as you can to the downhill side of the road to let the snowmobile tours pass.
After the hike, relax and refuel with some great food and drink available right in Taos Ski Valley.
Access permits are for sale at many locations in Taos Ski Valley. Click here to learn more on where and how to purchase a permit.
Snowshoes (and poles) can be rented at:
Cottam’s Ski Shop (Taos Ski Valley) 575-776-8719 $15/day
Terry Sports (Taos Ski Valley) 575-776-8292 $15/day
Mudd & Flood (Taos) 575-751-9100 $15/day
Cottam’s Ski Shop (Taos) 575-758-2822 $15/day
GUIDED SNOWSHOE TOURS
Guided Snowshoe Tours are offered daily with 24 hour advance reservation. We will try to accommodate anyone on shorter notice, but we can't guarantee it. Join Northside for a beautiful 1.5 hour snowshoe hike in Taos Ski Valley. Stunning vistas overlooking the ski resort at Kachina Village with Kachina Peak in site the whole way. You will enjoy a variety of terrain, from pine and aspen forests to open chutes, rock formations and creek crossings, all on private land. Bring your own snacks. If you don't own snowshoes, rentals are available from any of the businesses listed above.
Prices: $30 per person for the tour, or, $40 per person including a shuttle ride to and from the ski resort base area.
Private groups of five or more: $150 total, plus $20 for shuttle.
12:00 noon suggested tour starting time. Shuttle pickup @11:30 - 11:45am, near the ski area parking "guard shack".
Tours start from the Williams Lake Trailhead parking area, accessible by 4 wheel drive only.
Hike is for intermediate level of fitness or above.
Optional - at the end of the hike, snowshoe on your own over to Black Diamond Espresso, the Phoenix Grill, or the Bavarian for lunch or drinks and hang out on the deck and watch the skiers!
Call 575-776-3233 now to reserve your tour!
Top photo credit: Ty Edwards
