Some trips are fun in the moment and then fade into memory.Others stay with you long after you unpack, showing up in conversations weeks later when you find yourself saying, “We should go back.”
That is exactly how our family feels about Taos Ski Valley.
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Our family, my husband Dylan and our two boys, ages 6 and 4, spent a long winter weekend in Taos, and it quickly became clear that this was something special. From the ease of getting there to the way our kids thrived on the mountain, Taos struck a rare balance that can be hard to find when traveling with young children. It was adventurous but approachable, exciting but calm, and incredibly family friendly without feeling chaotic.
A Simple and Scenic Drive from Colorado
One of the biggest wins for Colorado families is how easy Taos Ski Valley is to reach. The drive feels doable, even with kids, and there are multiple scenic route options that make the journey part of the experience instead of something to rush through.
On the way there, our boys were full of anticipation. They talked about skiing, watched the mountains change, and were so content that the drive felt effortless. There was no restlessness, no countdown of “Are we there yet?” Just excitement, curiosity, and lots of snacks.
The drive home told a different story in the best possible way. After three big days of skiing, both kids were completely worn out and slept the entire way back to Colorado. That kind of quiet car ride is the clearest sign of a trip well spent.
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Ski School at Taos Ski Valley Builds Confidence Fast
Ski lessons are often the make or break factor for a family ski trip, especially with younger kids. Taos Ski Valley exceeded every expectation we had.
Our boys participated in three half days of ski lessons, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. The lesson groups were small, which made a huge difference. Instructors were attentive, encouraging, and genuinely connected with the kids. From the very first day, our boys felt comfortable and excited to participate.
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What stood out most was how intentional the instruction felt. Lessons focused on building strong fundamentals and confidence rather than rushing progress. The kids were well supervised, cared for thoughtfully, and even had snacks included, which made the long mornings on the snow feel manageable and fun.
By the end of the weekend, the growth we saw was remarkable. Our 6 year old was confidently riding the lift and skiing independently down the hill. He skied up to us saying, “Did you see me?! I’m a cheese grater! I’m out there shredding!” The confidence in our cautious kid literally had me in tears. Our 4 year old was riding the magic carpet and skiing the bunny hill on his own. Watching them master pizza to slow down, french fry to go fast, working on their turns, and seeing how proud they were of themselves was one of the most rewarding parts of the trip.
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Each afternoon, neither child wanted lessons to end. That alone speaks volumes. There’s a reason the Ernie Blake Snowsport School was voted the #1 ski school in North America by USA Today!
A Ski Experience Parents Will Love Too
While the kids were in lessons, Dylan and I had the chance to enjoy the mountain together, something that can feel surprisingly rare on family trips.
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We took our mornings slowly, soaking in the scenery and skiing at an unhurried pace. Taos Ski Valley is breathtaking in a way that invites you to pause and look around. The views feel expansive and grounding, and the atmosphere on the mountain is noticeably more relaxed than many larger resorts.
For families used to skiing in Colorado, Taos feels like a refreshing alternative. It offers incredible terrain and world class instruction without the crowded, rushed feeling that can sometimes take away from the experience.
Evening Activities That Keep the Magic Going
After skiing, Taos Ski Valley continued to deliver memorable family moments.
One of our favorite evening activities was ice skating at Eis Haus. Skating under the lights with music playing created a festive, joyful atmosphere. The kids loved using the blue balance push aids, which helped them learn while still feeling confident and safe. It was the perfect way to stay active after a day on the slopes without feeling exhausting.
We also spent time exploring the new Taos Kids Store, which quickly became a favorite stop. The space is bright, fun, and thoughtfully designed for children. It is not just a store but an experience, with engaging activities, a train that runs around the top of the room, clothing, and educational toys that encourage curiosity and play. It felt welcoming and playful in a way that families immediately appreciate.
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Ending Each Day in the Pool and Hot Tub
Every evening ended with what became our favorite family ritual. Time in the hot tub and heated outdoor pool at The Blake.
There is something incredibly special about soaking under the stars after a full day outside. The setting was peaceful yet still fun for the kids, who happily splashed while we relaxed and reflected on the day. It was the perfect way to wind down together and one of those simple moments that made the trip feel truly restorative.
Dining at Taos Ski Valley Is a Highlight All Its Own
Taos Ski Valley impressed us just as much off the mountain as it did on it.
Dinner at 192 at The Blake was a standout experience. Dylan and I enjoyed mussels, steak, and salmon, while the boys were perfectly content with buttered noodles. The views were stunning, the food was excellent, and the staff was warm, patient, and genuinely welcoming to our kids.
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Lunch at The Bavarian was another favorite. We shared a sampler platter of authentic German dishes, tried German beers, and finished with apple strudel. The kids enjoyed hot dogs and plenty of snow play nearby. We lingered afterward, sitting in Adirondack chairs while the boys played, soaking in the mountain views and the laid back atmosphere.
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Staying at The Blake Residences Made All the Difference
Our condo at The Blake Residences was truly next level.
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After long ski days, it was exactly what our family needed. The space was beautiful, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. Cozy beds, a welcoming fireplace, a perfect couch for relaxing, and games already stocked and ready made it feel like a true home away from home.
It was not just a place to sleep. It was a place to reconnect, unwind, and enjoy quiet family time at the end of each day.
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The People and the Culture of Taos Ski Valley
More than anything else, what made this trip unforgettable was the people.
Every person we encountered, from ski instructors to restaurant staff to team members around the resort, was warm, friendly, and genuinely kind. There is a strong sense of hospitality at Taos Ski Valley that you feel immediately. It creates an atmosphere where families feel welcome, supported, and at ease.
By the end of the weekend, we all felt it. We had completely fallen in love with Taos.
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Why Taos Ski Valley Is Perfect for Colorado Families
Taos Ski Valley offers something truly special for families coming from Colorado. It is close enough for an easy trip, different enough to feel like a real getaway, and thoughtfully designed with kids and parents in mind.
We are already talking about making Taos Ski Valley our family’s go to ski destination, and we cannot wait to return in the summer to experience it in a whole new season.
If you are looking for a ski trip that feels relaxed, beautiful, and genuinely family centered, Taos Ski Valley is an incredible choice. It is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
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Our family’s visit to Taos Ski Valley was hosted as part of a media experience. All opinions are our own. We only share destinations we truly love and would return to with our family.
