The road to Taos, New Mexico
April 24, 1995
A cultural crossroads
Crossing the border into New Mexico from Colorado, one is taken by
the vastness of this slice of American West. The lands of northern New
Mexico, cut by the deep gorge of the Rio Grande River, have been visited by
strangers for thousands of years. Anasazi, Taos and Pueblo Native Americans; Spanish
conquistadors and missionaries; frontiersmen, such as Kit Carson; and
skiers, hikers and rafters have all been charmed by this intriguing land.
Today, the high valleys and plains in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo
mountains combine Native American, European and cowboy influences to create
an enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can't help but be immediately transfixed
by the blend of adobe architecture, European Catholicism and mythic Native
American lore. Yes, Taos is technically in the United States, but it seems
worlds apart.
Taos Ski Valley
![[A dramatic shot of the ski hill at Taos]](v1adwst1.gif)
By directing plenty of dry snow to the steep mountains around Taos,
Mother Nature has created a skiers' paradise. Tucked away in the canyons
outside of town, Taos Ski Valley enjoys an average snowfall of 320 inches.
Its legendary slopes hold the light snow well into April. A visit here
early in the season was the highlight of a great year of skiing.
Taos Ski Valley was founded by Ernie Blake, who arrived in
the area in 1954 with a vision of creating a skier's mountain preserving
the Swiss Alpine experience he enjoyed as a youth. He chose this area after
an extensive aerial search.
The long 1994-1995 ski season at Taos ended in early April, but with a snow depth of
well over 100 inches as the area closed, visitors to the Taos area will be
treated to a snowy mountain vista well into spring.
The town of Taos
![[An artist's view of Taos.]](v1adwst2.gif)
Taos is famous as a mecca for southwestern art and
offers an eclectic array of shops, galleries and restaurants. Ironically,
peak season (winter and spring) at the ski area is off-season in town.
Spring is an excellent time to visit, as the summer crush can dampen the
overall experience. The road through the main part of town can quickly
become jammed in summer, but skirting around the peak season is a good
strategy to experience Taos, and its famous Plaza, at its best.
To the southwest of Taos, on the backroads to Santa Fe, Rancho de Chimayo
is a must for Mexican food and margarita lovers. With a beautiful terraced
patio, dotted with shady catalpa trees, an afternoon here is a magic
experience well worth the drive.
David Iler
Top photo by Jeff Caven, courtesy of Taos Ski Valley.
Second photo, "Taos Spring Valley," by Angie Coleman.
All contents © Cyberwest Magazine Inc. All rights reserved.
|
![[Welcome to Cyberwest Magazine.]](../images/rectrans.gif)