Taos Ski Valley In The Summer

When you can’t take the heat, head for the hills. During the summer months, Taos Ski Valley hosts a variety of fun-filled events; a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Go for the festivals, stay for the art and recreation.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

From a free art festival to a race through the mountains, Taos Ski Valley has something for everyone. New Mexico dubs itself the ‘Land of Enchantment’, and the events offered in Taos Ski Valley are nothing short of enchanting.

IF YOU RUN FOR FUN

Join in the 13th annual Up & Over 10k Trail Run. This might be one of the most scenic trail runs you’ll find! It’s coupled with a huge party at the ski resort to round out the day. Race day is August 4th, but you might want to consider staying for the weekend. To best honest, I don’t like to run that much, but even I want to hang out at this party!

IF YOU LIKE TO SWIRL AND SIP

The Summer Wine Festival is for you, August 17th-19th. Taos Ski Valley brings a unique approach to the traditional wine festival, adding their own artistic and outdoor flair. Local art will be plentiful, as well as unique outdoor experiences such as mushroom foraging hikes. This festival might draw you in for the wine, but it’s also a great excuse to simply indulge in what makes Taos Ski Valley so incredible.

IF YOU LIKE TO APPRECIATE ART… FOR FREE!

The art history in Taos is fairly eclectic and today you can find the influence of that throughout the region. The Taos Ski Valley Arts Festival is a great time to visit and appreciate many local works, and the festival is free to attend. Additionally, there are several food vendors serving up gourmet eats and a children’s craft tent—perfect for the whole family. A weekend full of art, July 21st-22nd.

IF YOU LOVE BEER AND... BACON

Yes, they do go hand in hand. As the name implies, during the Bacon & Brews Festival you can sample a wide array of bacon from across the Southwest, and beer from around the country. This festival is a perfect reason to escape the July heat. Mark your calendar for July 7th!

WHILE YOU’RE IN TOWN, YOU MAY AS WELL…

RECREATE

Just about every outdoor activity that you can think of is available in this amazing region! Explore the scenery from the comfort of a saddle, rage through white water rapids, or bomb down trails on your mountain bike. There are also ample hiking opportunities in the area, ranging from beginner to expert trails—a little something for everyone. My recommendation is Williams Lake. Not only is the destination drool-worthy, but it's only 4 miles round trip. This means you can easily get a hike in before heading out for other activities. If you want to tackle something bigger, say 13,159 feet tall, consider heading up New Mexico’s tallest mountain, Wheeler Peak. For the most recent trail conditions, check out the Taos Ski Valley Hiking Report.

DINE

Restaurant 192 in the Blake at Taos Ski Valley is an intimate and inviting dining experience. The restaurant features eclectic tapas, local wines, and signature après-ski cocktails. In keeping with the history of the area, the restaurant was named after the call-numbers (192) on Ernie Blake’s plane that he flew over the region while searching for the right location to build his dream ski resort.

RELAX

Spas and healing hot springs are plentiful in this area. Before you totally keel over from relaxation though, stroll along and enjoy the art and shopping offered in Taos. There are plenty of day trips from Taos Ski Valley, and you'll find a plethora of ways to spend your days in the valley.

This story has been created in partnership with Visit USA Parks.