As Taos Ski Valley celebrates its 70th anniversary, it’s hard not to notice how rare that kind of longevity feels in modern skiing. While many resorts chase expansion, amenities, and scale, Taos has spent seven decades doing something far harder, getting the fundamentals right.
Over 72 hours on the mountain, Taos delivered a surprise powder cycle, terrain that skis far bigger than it looks on paper, and an après scene that feels earned rather than manufactured. No mega villages. No endless lift sprawl. Just intentional skiing, strong snow, and a culture built around people who show up for the right reasons.
Taos Ski Valley: Ski First. Always.
It was snowing in Taos when I arrived on Thursday afternoon. What started as moderate snowfall ended up delivering over a foot of fresh snow when all was said and done by Friday evening. Snowfall like this demands your attention at Taos. Long fall lines, hidden steeps, and features appear seemingly out of nowhere and terrain that you thought was previously un-skiable turns out to be inbounds.
A local on the chair summed it up perfectly:
“Taos doesn’t give you much for free. You need to earn it.”
I found this out all too well on what my guide referred to as a “leisurely hike” to the ridgeline. If that we leisurely, I’d hate the see what his definition of hard is. My lungs are still burning. The result though…well worth the price of admission as we took a run through knee deep powder that was earned, not given.
And when you earn your turns, the après hits harder.
Lunch at The Bavarian: Sun, Views, and Stories
By Day 3, bluebird skies made for one of those classic Taos mornings. Lunch at The Bavarian Lodge felt like a reward. Deck-side, Dunkel in hand, skis stacked nearby, and panoramic views stretching in every direction.
The Bavarian isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a pause button. Situated in the sun at the base of Lift 4, it pulls you in like a true German inspired restaurant should. Conversations bounced between locals, seasonal workers, and first-time visitors. Everyone had a story. Nobody was in a rush to leave.
The Martini Tree Bar: Taos Après With a Twist
The Martini Tree Bar, the namesake of Taos’ famous Martini Tree tradition, has long been a cornerstone of the Taos après ski scene. Just steps from Chair 1, it draws you in before you can even think about making your way through the village to your car or room.
It’s where everyone goes. Faces that were strangers on Day 1 become familiar by Day 3. The atmosphere is all Taos. Après traditions…Ski boots still on, jackets unzipped, people leaned into the bar retelling powder runs and swapping plans like old friends, they just feel different.
Here, après isn’t staged. It’s organic. Shared days on the mountain turn into genuine connection, and one more round feels like the natural next step.
Staying at The Blake: Connected to It All
After a long day of skiing and après ski, returning to The Blake Hotel ties it all together. Comfortable, well-located, and slopeside, it keeps you connected to both the mountain and the après scene without missing a beat. The Blake makes it easy to flow from first chair to last call.
Brewski: Smaller and More Inviting
The weekend I visited Taos played host to its annual Brewski festival. By late afternoon Saturday, the Brewski event kicked into gear. A live DJ spun tracks on the deck of the Martini Tree Bar while skiers sampled beers and spirits from local breweries and distilleries. The vibe was both cozy and energetic. Locals, visitors, and employees all blending together sharing stories over beers on the primary village pathway where it was held.
Smaller than most brewfests, Brewski felt inviting, fostering conversations even more than beer alone could. It’s a ritual perfected over decades, and it proves why Taos après feels better, not bigger.
Evening Après: The Blonde Bear and Rolling Still
After Brewski, the après crawl continues naturally. There was a brief stop back at The Martini Tree then on to:
- The Blonde Bear Tavern delivers legendary meatballs in a relaxed environment focused just off the inn’s lobby. It was inviting and lively all the same.
- Rolling Still Distillery & Lounge, open the latest, offers a mellow, relaxed environment to wind down after a full day, letting conversations stretch and the night ease in slowly.
After 70, Taos Still Gets It Right
Taos Ski Valley didn’t make it to 70 years by chasing trends. Sure they’ve advanced over the last decade to keep up with the times, The Blake being a prime example of that. However, Taos still does the essentials exceptionally well: great snow aided by enhanced snowmaking, challenging terrain, and après that feels earned.
From sun-soaked Bavarian lunches to the organic buzz of Brewski, shared rounds at the Martini Tree Bar, and late-night pours at Rolling Still, every moment proves the same lesson:
You don’t need more. You need better.
And after 70 years, Taos Ski Valley continues to deliver exactly that.
About the Author
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Après All Day Podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, travel, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres