The Evolution of Taos Ski Valley

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Ernie Blake hiking the Ridge at Taos Ski Valley

After decades of ownership by the Blake family, Taos Ski Valley (TSV) has been purchased by Louis Bacon. This change has left many intensely loyal Taos skiers wondering what is in store for their favorite mountain. While the Taos Ski Valley 2010 Development Plan details future plans there are still unanswered questions. I interviewed Gordon Briner, C.E.O. and Peter Talty, Director of Properties to find out more about the changes in store for Taos Ski Valley.

Backcountry Skiing 101

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Heading Out of Bounds

It's mid-winter (north of the equator) and a skier's thoughts will turn to the backcountry. If you've never hiked outside of a ski area, or you want a refresher, here are a few short videos to introduce you to skiing (and snowboarding) out of bounds. Thanks to Sarah Carpenter and Outdoor Research for posting these how-to videos.

While I check my pack and gear I hope the snowpack near you is deeper and more solid than what is in the mountains near me.

Tony Forrest Telemark Clinic 2014

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Tony Forrest circa 1987

You are invited to the 27th Annual
Tony Forrest Telemark Clinic
Saturday & Sunday, January 25 & 26, 2014

$125 Two Days, $65 One Day
$200 Two Days plus Lift Tickets
at Ski Santa Fe

Please call 505-982-4429 for reservations

Back in My Day...

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Polar Vortex Comparison - January 5, 2014 to November 14, 2013

...We had to walk uphill, through the snow, both ways to get to school. While I usually laugh at talk like that apparently, You Kids actually don't know what it used to be like. And us older folks are forgetting how cold winter used to be.

Friends on a Powder Day

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Powder Day Bumps

The saying goes "There are no friends on a powder day." Don't sleep in, don't read the paper, just grab your gear and head out the door. Today was one of those days when a "little" storm left several inches of pure fluff on the local mountain. The old-timers knew and claimed the powder while the new kids learned a valuable lesson.

But that part about "no friends"? Good friends will trade first tracks and leave a clean line to ski.

Light Cycles

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Welcome to Winter! While my mind is firmly in the world of snow sports for the season, other people keep cycling through the colder months. Important Safety Tip: You can't have too many lights when night riding.

Home Baked Boots

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Thermofit Liners Cooling Off

Most modern ski boots feature thermo-fit liners that provide a custom-fit boot for minimal hassle. But, if you buy your boots online or if you're pressed for time how do you get that custom fit without a trip to a ski shop? If you have an oven and properly fitting boot shells, it's easier than baking cookies. Thanks to Charlie for the simple how-to instructions for baking and custom fitting your own thermofit boot liners.

How to Bake Thermo-fit Boot Liners by Charlie:

1. Crack open a beer.

2. Drink some beer.

Don't Buy Junk

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Hugh's Jacket

My friend Hugh lost his jacket a couple of winters ago. That jacket had a lot of history. It came back to him and Hugh still wears it.

Life is a long journey. Choose gear that lasts.

More Info:

Worn Wear – The Stories We Wear

There, I Fixed It!

Think Sustainable, Buy Durable



Blowing Out the Cobwebs

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Early Season Training 4 - Dynamic Balance

I'm always a bit rusty at the start of each ski season. Preparation starts in my closet as I swap cycling gear for ski equipment. Bags and bins are dumped to assess the condition of gloves, socks and shells. Skis, boots and poles are checked to see which will serve one more season, get sold at the local ski swap or recycled. I don't buy new gear often, but it's fun to add new boards to the quiver and replace battered boots.

McCONKEY comes to Santa Fe, NM

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McConkey poster

WHAT: McCONKEY by Red Bull Media House and Matchstick Productions
WHEN: Friday, November 1, 6:00 & 8:30pm
WHERE: CinemaCafé, 1616 St. Michael's Drive, Santa Fe, NM
TICKETS: $10 at the door
WHY: to benefit the Adaptive Ski Program

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