Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships - March 10 to 13!

March 4th, 2010

For full details see www.skitaos.org/freeride (The following is from the website)

2010 Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships in Taos Ski Valley

The 2010 Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships at Taos will be held from March 10 – 13, 2010. This premiere big-mountain event is New Mexico’s largest and most prestigious ski and snowboard competition. Last year athletes from around the globe descended on Taos Ski Valley to test themselves against the resort’s famed steeps and chase a $12,000 purse. This year the world again returns to Taos in March for the sixth installment of this venerable competition.

Registration for the 2010 Freeride Championship is now open!

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from http://skitaos.org/contents/view/general_info

GENERAL INFO

Taos Ski Valley is proud to host the 2009 Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships, New Mexico’s most prestigious skiing event. This big-mountain competition will be held from March 4 - 7, 2009 on Taos’ famed steep terrain, with venues including the ragged chutes and cliffs of the West Basin and the incomparable Kachina Peak.

As was the case in previous incarnations of this event, competitors will move through a variety of qualifying days, with top finishers advancing to the next round to ski more difficult venues. Competitors are judged on degree of difficulty of line, aggression, fluidity, control, and style by a panel of five judges. The field is progressively cut until only the top athletes remain to compete on the final day.

With more than 100 skiers and snowboarders chasing a $12,000 purse, there’s no doubt that next year’s installment of the Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships will be one of the most competitive ever.

Dates:
March 4 - 7, 2009

Location:
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Showcasing Taos’ legendary terrain.
153 miles north of Albuquerque. MAP IT

Competitors:
Men and Women Competitive Freeride Skiers and Snowboarders
Registration limited to approximately 130 competitors.
Divisions include Men, Women, and Juniors.

Prize Purse:
$12,000 cash

Registration:
Registration for this event has been closed!
FWQ Judging Criteria

Venues:
Representing some of the best double-diamond terrain in the country, the venues for this event showcase Taos’ toughest terrain. Kachina Peak and the West Basin Ridge are littered with tight lines, cliffs and rocks. Venues will be determined by the ski patrol, chief of race and event staff and are subject to change depending upon snow and weather conditions.

Judging:
Taos will not be an IFSA competition this season. Instead it will employ the judging standards that slightly differ from similar types of big-mountain competitions sanctioned by the IFSA. Our criteria is sanctioned by the Freeride World Tour, and is used at all FWT events as well as FWT qualifying events. Please review our judging criteria to completely understand how your run will be scored. Should you have any questions before, during or after the competition, the event organizers will be happy to address them.

Questions:
Alejandro Blake, Events Coordinator
Phone 575-776-2291 ext. 1436
Email amb@skitaos.org

Short Films, Shovel Races and Snow

February 5th, 2010

Not only do we have great skiing in Northern New Mexico, but there’s more…

Taos Shortz - Short Film Festival      For more info: www.taosshortz.com

“The Taos Shortz Film Fest is dedicated to showing quality short films from around the world, by screening submissions and jury selections. Our mission is to provide indie filmmakers a venue
and public exposure of their work, as well as a place for filmmakers to network. TSFF also provides
an educational and cultural opportunity for the general public to see and discuss these films.” - Mission Statement from Website

The festival takes place at the Best Western Kachina Lodge at 413 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571 on Feb 5 - 7, 2010.

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Angel Fire Shovel Races

For more info see: www.angelfireresort.com

February 5, 2010
Burton and Forum Demo Days
Come ride the latest snowboards from Burton and Forum at the base of mountain. Reps will be on-site to answer all your questions about the latest rides!

February 6 - February 7, 2010
No Drama Days
Spend the day riding with the TTN team!

February 6, 2010
Shovel Races
How fast are you on a shovel? Come join the fun on the front of Exhibition. More.

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Book your vacation rental stay with us at Kokopelli Taos!

For the best of Santa Fe, check out our Santa Fe location.

www.kokoproperty.com

Catskiing Anyone?

January 28th, 2010

Before anyone gets overly excited about felines on skis, let’s get the scoop from the Taos News.

See website below:

http://www.taosnews.com/articles/2010/01/28/sports/doc4b5f7c2c27def635403687.txt

Catskiing revitalizes forsaken ski area

Gabe Toth Michael Johnstone butters through the Endless Blue Resort powder on a tour of the newly reopened mountain Friday (Jan. 22). The resort, formerly Ski Rio, is reopening after 10 years with a cat-skiing operation.

Endless Blue Resort brings turns in private powder

By J.R. Logan
Sangre de Cristo Chronicle
Thursday, January 28, 2010 6:12 AM MST
AMALIA — Except for the growl of the snowcat as it climbs upward, the silence is eerie, almost unearthly.

The hulking machine powers its way through two feet of fresh snow as it crawls past untouched runs that fall off the mountain’s flank. In some places, sapling pine trees have started reclaiming some of these trails. In other spots, the slopes look much like they did a decade ago.

After a 20-minute ride, the cat rolls to a halt and sits perched atop the mountain’s 11,250-foot summit.

The view is impressive. The vast horseshoe valley that stretches to the north is etched with the expansive web of ski trails. In the distance the base of mighty Blanca Peak is visible through the dense cloudbank.

There’s 900 skiable acres, 1,500 vertical feet, and not another soul in sight.

As you click into your bindings or strap on your board, the sensation is almost overwhelming: “This is all for me?”

It’s been 10 years since Ski Rio north of Questa closed its doors to the public. Ten years since the lifts last ran at the resort and ten years since anyone has made turns on these trails.

A series of false starts, speculation and rumors, and unrealized dreams all left the resort in limbo and left locals wondering, “What ever happened?”

Now, a fledgling catskiing operation (the only one in New Mexico), a new owner and a new name (Endless Blue Resort) are breathing new life into this forgotten mountain.

Since the sale of the resort in January 2008 to a Czech buyer, crews have been taking inventory of the resort and its equipment in order to gauge what might be in store for the future.

This led to the sale of some old chairlifts last summer, which mountain manager Tom Atkins said were easier to get rid of then to bring up to code.

He said catskiing was the obvious next step.

“We wouldn’t mind generating income with such a great mountain, but since we sold our ski lifts, how else are we going to get people up there?” Atkins said.

With a custom-made box attached to the back of a snowcat, the crew at Endless Blue have transformed what was a ghost town of a ski resort into any skier or snowboarder’s private powder playground.

Snowcats start by carrying skiers along the 20-minute ride to the top of the mountain. From there, most of the runs drop about 1,000 vertical feet and are followed by a short, 8-minute ride back to the top.

But Endless Blue Resort’s concept of catskiing is unique; operating amid the infrastructure and comfort of a fully developed ski area has its advantages.

Catskiers don’t often get to create a customized itinerary from such varied terrain while in the back country. They also don’t have the luxury of swank accommodations or cozy mid-mountain restaurants.

The comfortable resort setting is also inviting for intermediate skiers who might otherwise be intimidated by a foray into the untamed back country, Atkins said.

“We have groomed beginner slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers, and we can offer instruction as well.”

In addition, the resort boasts 50 kilometers of Nordic ski trails in and around its base.

Atkins hopes these kinds of amenities will set Endless Blue Resort apart from other outfits marketing as many untouched powder runs as your legs can handle.

At the same time, Atkins says the diverse terrain at Endless Blue gives expert skiers plenty to choose from as well. And because the mountain is located on private property, skiers extend their season by weeks as long as there is snow on the ground.

Atkins said the trails were skiable until May last year.

Though catskiing is only the first step in the re-emergence of the isolated resort, Atkins says that it is where he currently has his attention focused.

The unsophisticated box can currently taxi six people at a time. But as word gets out on the exclusive opportunity to ski virgin slopes, there are already plans for how to haul more riders up the hill.

The first idea is to build a sled that would be towed behind the cat, making seats for an additional 12 skiers.

And though increased traffic means more tracks on the hillside, Atkins is confident that there is enough snow to go around.

“Even with 12 or 14 people, they’re not going to ski up this mountain,” he said.

Catskiing at Endless Blue Resort

Half day (five runs) $150

Full day (10 runs) $250

Groups must consist of at least three riders and reservations are required.

One-bedroom and three-bedroom accommodations are also available at the resort’s base area. Discounts on lodging are available to those catskiing.

For information on booking, contact Taos Ski Central at (888) 971-6881.

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Check out our rentals on the web at www.kokoproperty.com
For Taos Vacation Rental information, contact Kokopelli Taos at 1-800-480-7150.

24th Annual Taos Winter Wine Fest

January 21st, 2010

For more infomation, see the Taos News online:

http://www.taosnews.com/articles/2010/01/21/entertainment/doc4b532e8933294703164448.txt

Winter Wine Fest kicks off this week

The festival attracts wine lovers from all over the region to events in Taos and Taos Ski Valley. All events are for adults over 21 with proper ID. The Taos News file photo
By Tempo staff
Sunday, January 17, 2010 8:40 AM MST

The most spirited and delectable place in New Mexico will likely be right in our own backyard as the 24th annual Taos Winter Wine Festival gets going Wednesday through Sunday (Jan. 20-24). The Winter Wine Festival, which takes place in Taos and the Village of Taos Ski Valley, begins Wednesday with two wine seminars featuring Martine Saunier of Martine Wines and Paul Chevalier of Brunello di Montalcino Wines at the Snakedance Hotel in Taos Ski Valley.

The opening night tasting is Thursday (Jan. 21). It’s called the “Taste of Taos and Reserve Tasting,” and it will be hosted by El Monte Sagrado Resort and Spa, 317 Kit Carson Rd. This event will highlight more than a dozen of Taos’ finest restaurants, an announcement for the event reads. Those who take part will have the opportunity to sample signature appetizers along with reserve wines from more than 30 participating wineries.

This opening night tasting also will feature a silent auction of wine to benefit the Taos High School Culinary Arts Program, the announcement continues. The event is from 5-7:30 p.m. at El Monte Sagrado. Admission is $75 per person. Shuttle service from thew Inn at Snakedance in Taos Ski Valley to El Monte Sagrado will be available. Proof of age is required for all tastings.

Then, on Friday (Jan. 22) from 4-6:30 p.m., Taos Ski Valley Resort Center at the foot of chair lift No. 1 will host the “Grand Tasting,” featuring more than 75 different wines from 30 participating wineries and food samples from 10 of Taos and Taos Ski Valley’s finest restaurants. Tickets for this “Grand Tasting” are $75 per person. Shuttle service is available to and from the Taos Ski Valley Resort Center.

For other scheduled wine tastings and seminars see the print edition of Tempo in The Taos News on newsstands Thursday (Jan. 21).

Sipapu Ski Specials!

January 11th, 2010

Check out these Sipapu Ski Specials!

Crazy Mid-Week Specials:

Every Tuesday in January:
Buy 1 lift ticket, get 1 FREE
Every Wednesday in January:
Everyone in 1 car skis for $50 (limit 6)

NEW! Every Thursday in January:
All lift tickets are $25 or less

Taos Ski Event Update for Jan 9 - 10, 2010

January 7th, 2010

Taos Ski Valley : For more info see: www.skitaos.org

Tradicional Tequila

Saturday, 9 January 2010 11:00 AM

A day of fun with our friends from Tradicional Tequila, they will be on the hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and in the Martini Tree Bar from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Prize giveaways and drink specials!

Super Race Week

Sunday, 10 January 2010 9:00 AM to
Friday, 15 January 2010 4:00 PM

For ski racers- focus on race technique and skiing gates. Includes six two hour AM sessions running Sunday through Friday, and four two hour PM sessions Monday through Thursday.

January Snowsports Week Special

Sunday, 10 January 2010 9:00 AM to
Friday, 15 January 2010 4:00 PM

January Snowsports Weeks are $99, from Sunday through Friday, January 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th, and 31st.  The price covers the lessons only you must purchase a six-day lift ticket, have a season pass or a Taos Card.

Angel Fire Resort: For more info see: www.angelfireresort.com

Ski Into Your 2010 New Year!

December 28th, 2009

For more Taos Ski Valley information: www.skitaos.org

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks

Thursday, 31 December 2009 6:00 PM

Ring in the New Year in style with our torchlight parade and fireworks display. Starting at 6 p.m. at the base of lift #1. Countdown to the New Year in the Martini Tree Bar immediately following the fireworks with Felonious Groove Foundation.  Cover $20, Doors open at 8pm Show starts at 9pm. 21 and over event.

For more Angel Fire Ski Resort information:  www.angelfireresort.com

December 31, 2009
The Chill. A New’s Years Eve Teen Event
8:30-12:00am at the Community Center. Ages 14-18 only. Free food, door prizes, dancing, ping pong and more! Come see DJ-T-Money! Resort shuttles will be available in front of the Hotel.

December 31, 2009
New Year’s Eve
Ring in the new year with the torchlight parade and fireworks. Snow cat rides will be from 5-6pm. Torchlight parade starts at 6:15pm followed by the fireworks. All at the base of the mountain.

December 31, 2009
New Year’s Eve in The Lazy Lizard
After the torchlight parade and fireworks, head down to the Lazy Lizard and dance your way into the new year with Time Machine and DJ-T-Money!

Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire, Dec 14 to Dec 20

December 14th, 2009

Taos Ski Valley::::For more info:

www.skitaos.org

Tubing

Wednesday, 16 December 2009 5:00 PM to
Saturday, 19 December 2009 7:00 PM

Tubing on Strawberry Hill, Wednesday through Saturday for the entire season, with special hours during December and March holidays. The tubing hill will be open from 5pm-7pm, and the cost is $7, cash only. Rentals are including, and the hill is well lit. Fun for the whole family!!!!

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Angel Fire Resort:::For more info:

www.angelfireresort.com

Night skiing and snowboarding happens
4pm-9pm
, Thursday through Saturday
throughout the season, and seven days
a week during peak holiday periods.
Night skiing is just $24, with a reduced
$12 ticket available for anyone with a
valid Angel Fire Resort lift ticket for the
same day.

Days & Hours of Operation:
Opening Saturday, December 19th

Thursday-Saturday Weekly
4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Two full weeks over Christmas/New Year’s
(12/19-1/2) and Spring Break (3/4-3/20)

Trails:
Exhibition, Lower Exhibition, Ridge
Run, Valley, Dreamcatcher

Chairs:
Chair 2 and the Tubing Hill carpet

Pricing:
Lift Ticket (all ages) - $24
Upgrade from lift ticket on that day - $12

Season Pass (59 nights of skiing!) - $99
Upgrade from current season pass - $69
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Call us and reserve your vacation rental stay.  We’re booking quick for the holiday season.  Don’t miss the fresh snow.

Ski Northern New Mexico.  Stay Kokopelli.

Ski Northern New Mexico 2009! (12/14 to 12/20)

December 14th, 2009

Lighting of Ledoux Street, Saturday Dec 12th

December 9th, 2009

This information provided by:

http://taoshistoricmuseums.com/

December 12th, 2009 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Lighting Ledoux

Join us in the lighting of Ledoux Street.

Audry Davis will be performing in the giftshop.

Refreshments served until they run out.

Location: E.L. Blumenschein Home and Museum

222 Ledoux Street, Taos, NM 87571

575-758-0505