DISCOVER
2016
WINTER/SPRING
VISITOR & NEWCOMER GUIDE Angel Fire Red River Sipapu Taos Ski Valley
THE OFFICIAL GUIDE OF THE TAOS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE TOWN OF TAOS VISITOR CENTER A COMPLIMENTARY PUBLICATION OF THE TAOS NEWS
PLEASE RESPECT THE TAOS PUEBLO COMMUNITY We open our home to visitors with the hopes that our home would be respected as it were your own. There is NO photography, recording devices, and
Learn about our history, culture and our art.
or cell phones allowed during special ceremonies.
TAOS PUEBLO WINTER HOURS Monday thru Saturday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (Hours are subject to change)
TOURS AVAILABLE FOR MORE INFORMATION
taospueblo.com 575-758-1028 002
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
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Retreat, Relax, Rejuvenate After an exhilarating winter day in Taos, soak your bones in Ojo’s steamy, soothing, historic hot springs.
20% Off Skier’s Special Bring your lift ticket or season pass from any New Mexico Ski Resort and receive 20% off Springs’ entry or lodging. *Valid Dec. 1, 2015 - April 30, 2016 excl. holiday periods. Springs’ offer valid 7 days/week. 20% Off lodging valid Monday - Thursday. One discount per lift ticket/pass. Not to be combined with any other offer. Not applicable to RV or camping.
Top 10 Best Hot Springs Spas in the World - SpaFinder Wellness Best Massage, Best Place to Pamper Your Skin, Best Soak - Taos News People’s Choice Awards
Visit our website for lodging and spa packages. Hot springs open 8 am - 10 pm every day.
ojospa.com
ojocaliente
Sulfur-free Mineral Pools . Mud Pool (open year-round, weather permitting) . Private Outdoor Pools w/Kiva Fireplace Full-service Spa . Enchanting Rooms . Restaurant & Wine Bar w/ Farm Specials . Yoga, Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails
004 004
37 miles SW of Taos via paved Rim Road/285 Winter/Spring Winter/Spring 2016 2016 /// /// discovertaos.com discovertaos.com
THE GEAR FOR LIVING HERE.
On Taos Plaza!
Taos’ Best Outdoor Shop Open 7 Days a Week | 113 N. Plaza | 575-758-9292 | www.taosmountainoutfitters.com
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Shoes that make a difference Men’s and Women’s Shoes • Plantar Fasciitis Resolution
PHOTO BY TINA LARKIN
• Custom Orthotics made on-site
Laurence & Douglas Goodhart (Certified Pedorthist, since 1985)
Shoes and Orthotics OUR FEET FREE Y
133 N. Plaza 006
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
| 575.758.4711
| www.zocaloshoes.com
| On Taos Plaza
Massage & Spa Treatment
FREE Hot Tubs, Steam Room, Saunas, and Swimming Pool! Free use of Northern New Mexico’s premier health club on the day of your massage.
taosspa.com 575 758 1980
(Across from The Sagebrush Inn) 111 Dona Ana Drive, Taos (turn by Dollar General)
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NEW FO
R
SIPA 2015 FIRS PU’S T QU AD!!!
kids love fun.
parents love FREE. TWO MOUNTAINS. MORE WAYS TO SKI FREE. This winter, families can enjoy the combined 81 trails, 11 lifts (including Sipapu’s first quad), nearly 1,000 acres and the best deals in the Rockies at Sipapu and Pajarito. Visit our websites to learn how to score FREE lift tickets, FREE ski school lessons, FREE lodging* and more.
sipapunm.com
SKIPAJARITO.COM
WWW.THEPOWERPASS.COM
S I PA P U I S 2 0 M I L E S S O U T H O F T A O S • PA J A R I T O I S 5 M I L E S W E S T O F L O S A L A M O S
* Available on select dates. See SipapuNM.com
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Slots | Blackjack | 100% Smoke Free
The Fun Starts Here Come have fun at Taos Mountain Casino. Our friendly and dedicated staff is here to give you great service while you relax and enjoy the fun and games.
700 Veterans Highway | Taos, New Mexico 87571 | 575-737-0777 South of historic Taos Pueblo | TaosMountainCasino.com 010
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
OUTFITTING YOU WITH THE LATEST & GREATEST WINTER GEAR Bring this
ad in for
% 10 off
SKI/BOARD RENTALS NDISE & MERCHA
Photo courtesy of Salomon
Celebrating our family-owned business for 40 years!
SKI & SNOWBOARD RENTALS • • • •
High Performance & Recreational Packages New Burton, Never Summer, and Lib Tech Snowboards Helmet & Apparel Rentals Snowshoes, Snowblades, X-Country Rentals
CUSTOM SKI TUNING & FULL REPAIR SHOP PICK UP & RETURNS AT ALL LOCATIONS THE BEST SELECTION OF SKI CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Visit our NEW Flagship Store at Taos Ski Valley! Free Overnight Storage On-Slope!
Shop Top Brands including North Face, Burton, 686, Under Armour & more!
OPEN DAILY
SKI SHOPS
5 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
IN TAOS, TAOS SKI VALLEY, ANGEL FIRE & SANTA FE TAOS SKI VALLEY 776-8719, TAOS MID-TOWN Next to McDonald's 758-2822, ANGEL FIRE 377-3700, SANTA FE on Hyde Park Road 505-982-0495
www.cottamsskishops.com
•
1-800-322-8267
•
fax
575-758-5644
•
info@cottamsskishops.com discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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All Your Favorite Spanish & American Dishes Monday to Thursday / 7am to 2:30pm Friday to Sunday / 7am to 8pm DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS FRESH BAKERY ON SITE Gift Certificates Catering & Parties Shop & Ship
Voted: Best Bakery, Breakfast & Green Chile
304 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM â—? 3 Blocks North of the Plaza
012
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Zen Artes –
a Camille Garick Gallery
zenartes.com 109 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, New Mexico (505) 500-6424 014
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
CLOTHING | SKIN | HAIR | NAILS
102 Doña Luz Taos, New Mexico 87571 livealifeofsubstance.com 575.751.0992 discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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t o d e S t t u i c m cess m o C Our mission is to help you find the perfect home while removing the stress found in mainstream real estate. LOYALTY and FLEXIBILITY are key in our process to help you find the exact fit. We're an INDEPENDENT LOCALLY SOURCED brokerage.
Let us welcome you to Taos and help you begin your future.
Left to right:
Martin, Dee, Alicia, and Richard, QB
Changing Lives, One Real Estate Transaction At A Time!
575-758-5600
MARIPOSAREALTY.COM 016
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
Fine European Handwork in the Noble Metals
Retro- Victorian gold monogrammed buckle, 14ky royal gold hand constructed & hand engraved with a custom cartouche of the letters AMG&H
award winning handmade designs Stripe® Ring 18K yellow and Pd white golds (1-2 Ct. dia.)
Men’s Wrap® Ring Platinum engraved, “Fire Rose Pear Shape” dia. (Fancy Brown 1.86 Ct.) Cut by Gabriel S. Tolkowsky. JA Premier Award, NMJA Enchantment Award
Stripe® Ring 18K Yellow and PD White Golds (1.68ctw White & Fancy Deep Yellowish Orange Diamonds) NMJA Award
Stripe® Ring 18K Pd. White Gold, (1-2 Ct. total) JA Premier award and First Place NMJA
Visit us on Bent Street. See our displays at: - Cottam's Alpine Village Suites in Taos Ski Valley - Edelweiss Lodge and Spa in Taos Ski Valley - The Taos Inn lobby in downtown Taos
Emily Benoist Ruffin GOLDSMITHS
Earrings by Emily Benoist Ruffin and Belle Brooke
119 Bent Street or PO BOX 1510 taos, new mexico 87571 575-758-1061 | ruffin@newmex.com discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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HUMANS WERE NEVER MEANT TO HIBERNATE
ALL SEASONS SPORTS Serving the best since 1970 SKI SNOWBOARD SNOWBLADE SPYDER, MARKER SKI CLOTHING ICELANDIC SWEATERS BEARPAW SHOES
SKI RENTALS, BOARD RENTALS AND SALES K-2 ∙ Rossignol ∙ Atomic
600 W Main St • Red River allseasonsrrnm.com • 575-754-2308 • 1-800-686-3485 018
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
Since 1959, Red River, New Mexico has been the affordable winter ski destination for families looking for old-town charm, western friendliness and perfect ski-in ski-out powder. Bring your family and friends to ski Red River where you’ll feel like home in our small western town with its own 10,163 foot mountain just off Main Street. While here, be sure to relax in one of our beautiful vacation rental homes or condos.
Come to Red River Family Ski Vacations and Traditions Since 1959.
Start a family winter tradition and join Book your Red River ski and lodging package online today. the 21,541 families that are already making it happen.
red-river-nm.com/ski Looking for a memorable experience? Red River Real Estate, Vacation Rentals and Sales, has been providing lodging since 1978. We have something for everyone! Family Ski Vacations and Traditions Since 1959
Red River Real Estate Vacation Rentals & Sales Call us at 800-453-3498 or Book Online 24/7 red-river-nm.com/ski
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Overland Ranch
The finest in Taos shopping and dining
Come explore eclectic shops & restaurants nestled within a charming garden setting featuring an unparalleled view of the magical Taos Mountain.
SALON
The
ENVISION GALLERY 1405 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM –Just 2 miles North of Taos Plaza
020
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A TAOS ICON REBORN for your dining enjoyment breakfast lunch dinner special events catering live music dance hall cakes & pastries for special occasions meeting & workshop rooms roof top Paella parties
PRIME MEATS
outdoor photo: Jim Cox, interior and beverage photo: Katharine Egli, food photos: Chef Damon and Sit
happy hour with tapas 3pm to 5pm | open daily from 7am to close | closed Tuesdays Sunday: Brunch 9am to 3pm | happy hour 3 - 5 | dinner 5 - close for booking information: info@oldmartinashall.com or call 575.758.3003
575.758.3003 | www.oldmartinashall.com Across from San Francisco de Asis Church | 4140 Hwy 68 | Ranchos de Taos discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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110 Ski runs, 40 Powder days A Lifetime of Memories Settle in. We can help.
MANAGEMENT
REAL ESTATE SALES
JOLIE JONES, Qualifying Broker
EVAN R. BLISH, Qualifying Broker cell 575.751.6118 office 575.776.8106
Real Estate Sales, Long term Rentals, Property Management
cell 575.741.0603
pinoneb@newmex.com pinoninvestmentsoftaos.com Gregory Jaramillo 022
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
jolie@taosdigs.com taosdigs.com Peter Blake
Chris Stagg
S A N TA F E ’ S P L AY G R O U N D
With your favorite slots, table games, fine dining and luxurious accommodations, Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino brings you the best of the Southwest. Make the most of your trip. Make Santa Fe’s Playground your next destination.
30 Buffalo thundeR tRail santa fe, nM
BuffaloThunderResoRt.COM
877-Th u n der
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PICURIS PUEBLO T H O S E W H O PA I N T
PEÑASCO, NEW MEXICO 87553 • (575) 587-2519 • OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. • CLOSED ALL FEDERAL HOLIDAYS
The Pueblo of Picuris invite you to visit our Pueblo and share the
splendor of the Hidden Valley of our Homeland and learn about the culture which has held us together from ancient times to the present…
Calendar of Events: January 1st:
Transfer of canes to new officials, various dances
Kings Day Celebration/Reyes Day
January 25th:
December 24th:
January 6th: St. Paul’s Feast Day
Sundown Torchlight Procession of the Virgin Vespers
February 2nd:
December 25th:
Candelaria Feast Day
June 13th:
St. Anthony’s Feast Day
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August 9th & 10th:
San Lorenzo Feast Day; A mass & sunset dance the evening of the 9th. The 10th Morning Mass followed by Procession. Morning Foot Races, Afternoon Dances and Pole Climbing, Food Booths, Arts & Crafts vendors.
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
Matachina Dances
December 28th:
Holy Innocents Day, Children’s Dance
PICURIS SMOKE SHOP LOCATED AT JUNCTION OF NM STATE ROADS 75 AND 76 IN PEÑASCO, NM.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MONDAY - THURSDAY: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM SUNDAY: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
575.587.2374 Drop by for a visit and meet the friendly staff! Great selection of beer, wine and liquor.
Welcome to Taos County
and Northern New Mexico! I’m proud to represent the people of our northern New Mexico community. As New Mexico State Representative for District 42, I work hard to ensure the protection of our valuable cultural and natural resources. Whether you’re coming back for more New Mexican adventures or this is your first visit to our High-Desert Paradise, we're glad to have you here. Stop and take in the views, savor that last drop of green chile, ski the steep and deep, and enjoy the shopping!
Welcome… We’re glad to have you! State Representative Roberto “Bobby” J. Gonzales District 42, Democrat PAI D FO R BY TH E COM M IT TE E TO R E - E LE C T R O B E RTO “ B O B BY” J. GONZALE S , MAR CO S GONZALE S T R E AS U R E R discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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FEATURES
40
A Change of Face In its second year under new ownership, Taos Ski Valley is going through a metamorphosis By Andy Dennison
50
Popular Painting
Victor Higgins of the original Taos Society of Artists creates the quintessential Taos winter scene By Joan Livingston
51
Taos Museums
A list of art, cultural and history museums
70
The Grand Selfie
Some of the most popular and best spots for snapping the perfect Taos head shots By Jordan Miera
Area terrain parks offer fun and challenge for all levels of snowboarders.
WINTER TIPS
WHERE TO STAY
Taking the Road Less Traveled
Taos Lodging
46
74
Tips for traveling on snowy mountain roads
A list of places to stay, with something to fit every need and budget
78
68
Lighting Your Fire
The do’s and dont’s for achieving the perfect fire on a mountain’s winter night By J.R. Logan
Pets Allowed, Spirit Animals Welcome
A few unconventional lodging options for seeing a different side of Taos and escaping the vacationing crowds By Andrew Oxford
82
Authentic Winter Stays
A look at the area’s favorite bed and breakfasts By John Miller
026
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Eat. drink. be merry. 84
Food of the Mountains
Fred Muller’s regional cuisine preserves the cultural heritage of Northern New Mexico By Teresa Dovalpage
86
In Search of the Perfect Margarita
The tequila, lime-based fiesta in a glass By Mel A. James
92
Who’s Cooking?
Three new chefs bring their culinary creativity to Taos By Teresa Dovalpage
94
EXTRAS
A feast for the senses By John Miller
From the Editor
Taos After Dark
100
Coffeehouses
A list of Taos-style roasts and hosts
102
Cheers!
Celebrating area beer and wine festivals
30
Northern New Mexico winters are a glorious state of mind
36
Area Maps
Points of interest, a downtown walking tour and the Enchanted Circle
38
Getting Here
Driving directions, airport, rental car and shuttle information
186
Calendar of Events
What’s happening around the Enchanted Circle
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STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS DISCOVER TAOS
WINTER VISITOR GUIDE
78
86
COMMUNITIES 142
Questa
Northern gateway
144
Eagle Nest The last best place
ARTS & Entertainment
108
52
Sipapu “Land of Paradise”
The Last Run
156
Finishing off the day apres-ski style at Taos Ski Valley By Andy Dennison
Angel Fire
A mountain’s glow
WINTER SPORTS 114
Winter Hiking
Winter Wildlife
A look at the area’s less-traveled trails for those longing for silence and solitude By Cindy Brown
Snowbound Raptors
The Unmarked Adventure
106
119
A number of species of raptors stay put in Northern New Mexico over the winter giving us opportunity to see their majesty By Steve Tapia
Backcountry skiing in the wilds of New Mexico By Cody Hooks
108
On A Wing
Winter bird-watching in Taos and beyond By Meg Scherch Peterson
130
Shovel Racing
A major adrenaline rush By Gabriel Weinstein
138
Slipping, Sliding, Bumpy Riding
If flying down a hillside with no steering sounds like fun, then tubing could be just the ticket By Beth Dobos
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150 154
56
From the well-known to the up-andcoming, Taos is home to some of music’s finest performers By Rick Romancito
In the heart of it all
Steep and deep
Local thespians offer a wide range of stage entertainment By Mel A. James
Big Stars, Small Stages
Arroyo Seco
Taos Ski Valley
Taos Theater
58
146
164
Red River From mining to moguls
TAOS NEWS STAFF Robin Martin, owner Chris Baker, publisher Joan Livingston, editor Chris Wood, advertising manager Scott Gerdes, special sections editor Michelle M. Gutierrez, lead editorial designer Karin Eberhardt, production manager Katharine Egli, staff photographer Rick Romancito, Tempo editor Cody Hooks, reporter J.R. Logan, reporter Andrew Oxford, reporter Gabriel Weinstein, reporter Beth Dobos, digital content director
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cindy Brown Andy Dennison Mel A. James Jordan Miera John Miller Meg Scherch Peterson Steve Tapia
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jordan Miera
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Enchanted Forest
Steven Bundy Jim O’Donnell Terrance Siemon Geraint Smith Gak Stonn
172
COVER PHOTOGRAPH:
168
Magical recreation
Taos Pueblo A triumph of culture and tradition
portfolio
A photographic collection of places and events that make Taos special can be found throughout this guide, starting on page 32. Clockwise: Phoenix earthship’s east bath, photo by Kirsten Jacobsen, Earthship Biotecture; The Historic Taos Inn offers several signature margaritas, photo by Katharine Egli; Pine siskin bird, male, perched on a cedar branch in winter.
Photographer Grant Gunderson shot skier Josh Daiek as he made his way down Taos Ski Valley’s Kachina Peak, standing at 12,481 feet above the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.
Connect with us! DiscoverTaos.com
Voted Taos’ Best Restaurant 2013, 2014 and 2015 123 BENT STREET • 575 758 1009 discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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Live Your Passion !
letter from the editor Winter/Spring 2016
NORTHERN NEW MEXICO WINTERS A GLORIOUS STATE OF MIND The Christmas Eve, Christmas Day (Deer or Matachinas dances) and New Year’s Day (Turtle Dance) celebrations at Taos Pueblo are a few of the many Taos traditions. They feature ritual re-enactments based in morality, intertwined with Catholicism and ancient American Indian beliefs. The ceremonies are a heartfelt, inspiring thank you to the creator for allowing all of mankind to exist. They are a show of faith and gratitude for all that happened in the past year and for all that is yet to happen in the next. Vespers, bonfires, torches and a procession of the Virgin Mary highlight the choreographed, yet seemingly instinctual movements and traditional music during the Procession of the Virgin Mary on Christmas Eve. Amid the backdrop of the snow-topped peaks and cool, clean air one can feel the deep drum beats rattle in their souls, and witness Native elders draped in colorful, hand-woven blankets against a purplish winter sunset — beautiful. No one pushes, talks or runs; silence before, during and after the ceremonies say and mean more than any words or gestures of appreciation. Strangers smile at one another. Unfamiliar hands grasp in a sign of solidarity. No material gifts are exchanged. It’s a sense of calm and belonging.
103 A Bent St. (near Taos Inn) • 575-751-9100 QUALITY OUTDOOR GEAR AND CLOTHING, SALES AND RENTALS FOR OVER 25 YEARS 030
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
That honest and infectious spirit expands and wraps itself all around Taos in a neatly tied bow from the adobe wall-lined farolitos lighting your way through the heart of town to the festively adorned Christmas tree rising into the starry night on Taos Plaza. On New Year’s Eve the spectacle of glowing, streaming flares held taught by professional skiers pop against the night sky as they snake their
way down slopes at Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire and Red River ski resorts — all followed by a show of fireworks. From town to town around the Enchanted Circle, the intoxicating scent of burning piñon and anticipation of the perfect cup of hot chocolate or crafted coffee and baked goodie washes away the frenzy of everyday life. World-renowned chefs and lesser-known local food and beverage artisans prepare traditional and unique tastes not soon to be forgotten or imitated. World-class Alpine slopes, Nordic ski trails and snowboarding parks challenge the adventurous against some of the most breathtaking scenery in the southern Rockies. Hiking trails for any level of outdoorsperson provide wildlife sightings from large to small, from winged to horned. Children and adults alike break out into laughter while skidding down the snow atop an inner tube or racing to the finish line riding an ordinary shovel. Local musicians playing everything from Americana to chamber arrangements, and stage actors entertain on a high level. And after a day of soaking in all of Taos County’s wonder, a warm, soft bed in one of the area’s distinct accommodations awaits a weary head. The winter and spring seasons in Taos invigorate the soul as we opt to tune out the echoes of the daily grind, and become more interested in new people and experiences. And just maybe that is why the road led you here.
Scott Gerdes, special sections editor
Everything Home Furnishings
EVERYTHING HOME FURNISHINGS 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos 575.758.5885
taoslifestyle.com
STORE HOURS Sun 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Mon - Fri 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sat 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
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Williams Lake Falls in Taos Ski Valley / Gak Stonn ‘Few people venture beyond the access provided by Taos Ski Valley, and why should they? The terrain and views are astounding from the provided lifts. Yet snowshoeing into the wilderness allows for a deeper and purer relationship with the Sangre de Cristos. And a very special few, who can manage the quarter-mile hike beyond William’s Lake, are provided with a frozen treasure. There, nestled into the jagged peak, is greatest wealth flowing from the hands of paradise.’
Connect with us! discovertaos.com
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Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
COME FIND YOUR ADVENTURE SKIING, MOUNTAIN BIKING, SNOW BOARDING, RAFTING, HIKING...JUST MINUTES AWAY
Most Awarded Taos Business* Best Lodging Best Bar Best Patio Best Margarita Best Brunch
*2015 TAOS NEWS READERS POLL
575.758.2233
|
TaosInn.com discovertaos.com discovertaos.com /// /// Winter/Spring Winter/Spring2016 2016
033 033
The Couse-Sharp Historic Site / Steven Bundy ‘The Couse Studio is an easy place to find and walk to for most visitors to Taos since it is located in the downtown area on Kit
Carson Road. Not only is it a special place to photograph no matter the season, it is also a must-see destination for those interested in touring the studio of one of the original Taos Society painters. I always get great inspiration from this location, no matter the time of year.’ The Couse-Sharp Historic Site on Kit Carson Road near Taos Plaza is the former art studio and home of Eanger Irving Couse, one of the founders of the Taos Society of Artists.
Connect with us! discovertaos.com
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TO COLORADO
ENCHANTED CIRCLE
196
COSTILLA
522
CERRO
AMALIA VALLE VIDAL
EL RITO
378 QUESTA
WILD ROVERS RECREATION AREA
TRES PIEDRAS
64
SAN CRISTOBAL
GREATER WORLD EARTHSHIP COMMUNITY STAGE COACH HOT SPRINGS
ARROYO HONDO
RED RIVER SKI AREA
522 D.H. LAWRENCE RANCH
230
RED RIVER
38
TAOS SKI VALLEY
RIO GRANDE GORGE BRIDGE
ENCHANTED FOREST CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA
ELIZABETH TOWN
150 ARROYO SECO
578
WHEELER PEAK 13,161 FT
38
EAGLE NEST
64 TO CIMARRON UTE PARK AND PHILMONT BOY SCOUT RANCH
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL STATE PARK
TAOS AIRPORT
TAOS RANCHOS DE TAOS
68
TALPA
64
ANFEL FIRE SKI RESORT
434
518
TO SANTA FE TO SIPAPU SKI AREA AND THE HIGH ROAD
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GETTING HERE
Red River
Questa Tres Piedras
Arroyo Hondo
TAOS
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Taos Ski Valley
Eagle Nest
Arroyo Seco Taos Pueblo Angel Fire
Ranchos de Taos
◗ FROM ALBUQUERQUE: I-25 north to Santa Fe; exit on N.M. 599 North to bypass Santa Fe; U.S. 285 to N.M. 68 to Taos.
Ojo Caliente
◗ FROM ARIZONA: I-40 to Albuquerque, I-25 to Santa Fe; U.S. 285
to N.M. 68 to Taos.
Pilar Main Route to Taos
Picuris Pueblo Peñasco
Velarde
◗ FROM DENVER: I-25 south to Walsenburg; U.S. 160 to Fort
Garland; Colo. 159 and N.M. 522 to Taos.
◗ FROM VAIL: I-70 to Copper Mountain; Colo. 91 to Leadville; U.S. 24 to Johnson Village; U.S. 285 to Tres Piedras; U.S. 64 to Taos.
Chimayó
High Road to Taos Mora
Española Los Alamos
◗ FROM PURGATORY AND DURANGO: U.S. 160 to Alamosa; U.S. 285
to Tres Piedras; U.S. 64 to Taos.
Pojoaque
◗ FROM WEST TEXAS: I-40 to Clines Corner; U.S. 285 to Interstate 25 to Santa Fe; U.S. 285 to N.M. 68 to Taos.
0
5
10
15
20
M I L E S
SANTA FE Las Vegas Cheyenne
Salt Lake City Denver
Vail Copper Mountain Leadville
Scipio Salina
Crested Butte
Grand Junction
Johnson Village Maysville
Gunnison
Montrose
AIRPORT SHUTTLES (TO ALBUQUERQUE) ◗ TWIN HEARTS EXPRESS AND SHUTTLE CO.: 575-751-1201 or 800-654-9456
Breckenridge
Colorado Springs
CAR RENTAL COMPANIES ◗ AVIS RENT-A-CAR: Albuquerque Airport, 505842-4080 or 800-331-1212; avis.com ◗ ENTERPRISE: 1350 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, 575-758-5553; enterprise.com ◗ HERTZ: Taos Muncipal Airport, 575-751-3119; hertz.com
Pueblo
Telluride Purgatory Cortez
Durango
Monte Vista Alamosa
Walsenburg Fort Garland
Chama
Raton
Tres Piedras
Farmington
TAOS Española
Santa Fe Flagstaff
Las Vegas Clines Corner
Albuquerque
Amarillo
Santa Rosa
(TO OKLAHOMA CITY)
DRIVING DISTANCES/ APPROXIMATE TIMES TO TAOS
Clovis
Lubbock Phoenix
Roswell
Tucson
Las Cruces
El Paso (TO AUSTIN & DALLAS) MEXICO
038
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ◗ TAOS EXPRESS: Shuttle to Santa Fe, 575-751-4459 ◗ CHILE LINE: Town public transportation, 575-751-4459; taosgov.com ◗ FAUST CHARTER AND LIMO SERVICE: 575-758-3410 ◗ NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL TRANSIT DISTRICT: Northern New Mexico public transportation, 1-866-206-0754 or www.ncrtd.org
ALBUQUERQUE AMARILLO AUSTIN BRECKENRIDGE COLORADO SPRINGS CRESTED BUTTE DALLAS DENVER DURANGO
M iles H o u rs
135 302 764 263 230 271 682 300 208
2 1⁄2 4 1⁄2 12 4 3 3⁄4 4 1⁄4 10 1⁄2 4 1⁄2 3 1⁄4
EL PASO OKLAHOMA CITY PHOENIX PURGATORY SANTA FE TELLURIDE TUCSON VAIL
M iles H o u rs
400 558 568 233 72 324 569 276
6 8 1⁄4 8 1⁄2 3 3⁄4 1 1⁄4 5 8 1⁄2 4 1⁄2
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A CHANGE OF FACE TAOS SKI VALLEY IS GETTING A MAKEOVER By Andy Dennison
M
etamorphosis. Transformation. Volte-face. Call it what you will, but change is happening at Taos Ski Valley (TSV). It’s the second full season since hedge-fund billionaire Louis Bacon bought the 60-yearold resort and plunked down $395 million for upgrades, and there’s no doubt that things are already different — both inside and out — up the Río Hondo Canyon. “Quite a while ago, we knew we had to upgrade operations on the mountain, increase our bed base and recreate our off-mountain experience,” CEO Gordon Briner told The Taos News during a preseason visit this fall. “And we are now addressing all of them.” Last season, the star of the show was the new Kachina Peak chairlift that popularized terrain off the mountain’s 12,450-foot summit. Shoring up infrastructure also dominated the first season under Bacon’s leadership. Most visible this season is the ongoing construction of the brand-new, 80-room The Blake Hotel (named for TSV founder Ernie Blake) at the base. Crews plan to have the shell of the hotel and underpinnings of a giant sun deck up by Thanksgiving — giving skiers and snowboarders walking by on their way to the lifts a preview of coming attractions. Displaced by the construction, Andean Softwear and Taos Ski & Boot take up in a temporary building where
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METAMORPHOSIS. TRANSFORMATION. VOLTE-FACE.
the Thunderbird Lodge once sat, while ski school and ticket offices and Black Diamond Espresso move in across the street. Renovation fever has spread off resort properties, too. Family-owned Cottam’s Ski Shop has built a new entrance near the shuttle stop, there’s a new bridge over Lake Fork river and visitors might notice other projects around the village. “In another year, there will be a village at the base
of Taos Ski Valley,” said Steven Rose, chief hospitality officer at the resort. “We are taking in a world-class ski mountain and bring in a village experience.” There are many other changes on and off the hill that already contribute to the overall overhaul of the resort. Management hopes to get WiFi all over the hill this season, and expects fiber optic DSL service to arrive soon. Bacon’s largesse has prompted the Village of Taos Ski Valley to initiate much-needed infrastructure upgrades
Courtesy Taos Ski Valley/Zehren and Associates Avon, Colorado
around the resort base in electrical, water and sewer service. The beginner and novice terrain under the Pioneer Glade lift got a reshaping over the summer. Some 20,000 cubic yards of dirt from the hotel excavation went to eliminate a double fall line on the green-rated Pioneer run, which is the main beginner teaching area.
Plaza view in an architectural rendering of the new Blake Hotel under construction at Taos Ski Valley.
Continued on page 42 discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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‘IT’S EXCITING, WE’VE BEEN THINKING AND PLANNING THIS FOR A LONG TIME.
JUST LOOK OUT THE WINDOW AND IT’S ACTUALLY HAPPENING!” — GORDON BRINER 042
Continued from page 41 For advanced skiers and riders, both Wild West Glades beyond Wonder Bowl and front side North American and Ernie’s glade runs got a serious thinning over the summer: “There are about half as many trees in there as there were,” said Briner, referring to the front side. Underfoot, mountain management continuedaconcertedefforttomakemore snow more quickly to ensure the best possible early-season conditions. Overall snowmaking capacity has jumped 30-40 percent, thanks to new compressors, new pumps and some 20 new snow guns on the backside.The resort wants to establish a habit of having all lifts (with the Kachina chair as a wild card) open for ChristmasNew Year’s Day, especially Lift 2 on the upper front side and Lift 4 on the back. Having backside Lift 4 up and running has been critical to the success of The Bavarian Restaurant. Although now under TSV ownership, the world-class German Alpine mountain food remains unchanged,asdothetraditionallagersand hot toddies. The Kachina chair taught mountain managers plenty during its inaugural couple of months in operation, so skiers and riders will get the benefit of their newfound knowledge. “When it was running, Kachina Bowl was the most popular piece of terrain on the mountain,” said Briner. “It moved more people to the back side than ever before, spreading skiers and riders around the mountain and keeping lift lines short.” More traffic on Main Street and in the K Chutes packed down new snow quicker and reduced the likelihood of a snow slide.
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
Also, by riding the new lift, ski patrol make its early morning check on slideprone Kachina Bowl much quicker and get it open sooner. For several years, TSV’s grooming fleet has included a winch ’cat to smooth out thebumpsonseveralofthesteeperslopes. The cable-secured snowcat cut its teeth in Hunsiker Bowl and on Papa Bear, and now is set to knock down the moguls on Kachina’s Main Street — as well as in the renowned Blitz mogul field off Lift 2 on the front side. Ski and snowboard hikers should still findTaos to be one of the premier off-piste mountains in the West. True, the Kachina lift took about 150 acres of the resort’s renowned hike-to terrain off the list. But, as a result, mountain managers and ski patrolreportedfewerfolksonnon-liftruns in West Basin, Juarez andTrescow; getting first tracks shouldn’t be a problem there. At the ticket window, members of the multi-resort Mountain Collective will get two free days and half off for more at TSV — one of 11 North American resorts in the consortium. More new faces on the mountain make resort officials smile.They aim to return to the halcyon ‘90s when TSV drew more than 300,000 skiers a year. All this activity around Taos Ski Valley has created a buzz in the industry that Briner and ownership hope will bring more people to the valley — and put more money in the coffers of both resort and non-resort bank accounts. “It’s exciting,” said Briner. “We’ve been thinking and planning this for a long time. Just look out the window and it’s actually happening!”
Courtesy Taos Ski Valley/Zehren and Associates Avon, Colorado
Arrival view in an architectural rendering of the new Blake Hotel under construction at Taos Ski Valley.
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Welcome to our Winter Wonderland! Join us for the best alpine adventure at our three beautiful Ski Areas - Taos Ski Valley, Red River and Sipapu. Your New Mexico True Adventure awaits you this Winter and Spring Season throughout Taos County.
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The North Central Regional Transit District serves all your public transportation needs throughout the Town of Taos and Taos County, with daily service between Taos and Santa Fe!
The North Central Regional Transit District serves all your Let the RTD take you there! public transportation needs throughout the Town of Taos and more information visit RidetheBlueBus.com, or call toll-free TaosFor County, with daily service between Taos 866-206-0754 and Santa Fe!
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DRIVING TIPS
Taking the road less traveled Some tips for safe winter driving
Just in case: AC TOWING & TRANSPORT SERVICES Taos (575) 758-1111 ARROYO SECO TOWING (575) 776-2484 TOP NOTCH TOWING & TRANSPORT Taos VIGIL’S TOWING & AUTOMOTIVE Taos (575) 758-3793 WISE TOWING & TRANSPORT TAOS (575) 758-9324
Driving on snowy mountain roads is not so nerve wracking if just a few simple tips are followed.
Driving through snow can be
a white-knuckle experience for travelers from drier climes. But an encounter with a dumping of the white stuff in the Sangre de Cristos just goes with the territory this time of year. No need to be afraid. Common sense and a few tips will soon make you confident driving on snowy roads. Some words of advice according to AAA: • Accelerateanddecelerate slowly. • Drive slowly and take turns slowly. • Don’t tailgate. The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to 10 seconds.
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• Know your brakes. Most modern vehicles are equipped with ABS brakes: Stomp (don’t pump), stay and steer. Stomp on the pedal as if you were trying to snap it off. Stay hard on the pedal and smoothly steer around the obstacle. (A warning: A little bit of steering goes a very long way in an emergency.)
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. • Don’t power up hills. • Don’t stop going up a hill. Whether on wet or dry roads, most vehicles can decelerate much better than they can accelerate, while cornering power is closer to stopping ability. This means a lot of drivers’ subconsciousexpectations of braking and cornering power in the snow far exceed what’s truly available. Recovering from a skid: Gently release the accelerator, leave your hands where they are
and allow the car to slow down.Turning the steering wheel more or engaging the brake pedal may result in something bad if tire traction suddenly returns. Besides driving techniques,wintertiresand good wiper blades matter just as much when driving in wintery conditions. It is also a good idea to have some survival items along such as extra outer garments, hats, gloves and socks. Lightweight, high energy food; sunglasses; sunscreen; two quarts of water per person; compass and map; first-aid kit; lighter or waterproof matches; and flashlight with spare batteries.
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Auto Rentals: ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR 1354 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Taos 575) 758-5553 HERTZ 5 Airport Way Taos (575) 751-3119
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Taos Plaza Christmas Tree / Gak Stonn
‘Everyone visits Taos Plaza during the
holidays. And if you are there in the evening you get an especially dazzling display. Every year we all are amazed at how good our tree looks. In fact, Taos Plaza is always decorated spectacularly in holiday splendor.’
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introduces
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Since 1987 #1 Real Estate Company in Taos Voted Best of Taos 2015 “Do Business with the Professionals Doing the Business” 575 758 1924 www.BHHSTaosRealEstate.com Mobilized: text BHHSNM303 to 87778 314A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571 Joel K. Schantz, CRB, Qualifying Broker
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©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates,LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.
discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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VICTOR HIGGINS PAINTS THE QUINTESSENTIAL TAOS WINTER SCENE By Joan Livingston
A
rtist Victor Higgins may have captured Taos at its most wintry with his masterpiece “Winter Funeral.” Certainly the painting is one of the most soughtafter works of art by visitors to the Harwood Museum of Art. “We have people who come here from across the pond who say, ‘we’re just here to see it,’ “ Glory Ann Penington, director of visitor services and museum store manager for the Harwood, said. “And they will walk in, look at it and go back out. And that is quite the trip to make just to view that.” Higgins, who lived from 1884-1949, was a member of the Taos Society of Artists. The group’s members, who frequently painted the people and landscapes of Northern New Mexico, helped define Taos as an art colony. “The painting itself is emblematic of Higgins,” Liz Neely, interim curator at Harwood, said. “A winter funeral — how many times is a sad, gloomy scene the most beautiful one? That’s special in itself.” “It’s got the moodiness of New Mexico in it,” she said. The 54-by-69-inch oil painting depicts a funeral in thecenterofasnowylandscapebeneathwhatappearsto be the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The sky is a stormy mass except for a patch of blue in the top left, which Penington calls “the trick of light that gives you hope.” Higgins painted “Winter Funeral” in 1931-1932, part of the period in which he was interested in landscapes. Neely noted the gestural brush strokes in this and another Higgins’ oil painting owned by the Harwood. “I do think that his experimentation and how he was trying different things — that use of the brush stroke, the way it plays with light — is something very modern and has been explored since,” Neely said. Higgins, who grew up in an Indiana farm family, studied at the Chicago Institute of Art and the Academy of Fine Arts. While in Chicago he met former mayor and avid collector Carter H. Harrison, who agreed to support Higgins while he studied and painted in Paris and Munich for four years. He also sent Higgins to paint in Taos — along with artist Walter Ufer, another future member of the Taos Society of Artists he met in Paris — in exchange for paintings. Higginsstayedaftertheyearandbecametheyoungest
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‘...HOW MANY TIMES IS A SAD, GLOOMY SCENE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ONE? THAT’S SPECIAL IN ITSELF.’ — LIZ NEELY
member of the Taos Society of Artists in 1917. “Winter Funeral” is displayed over the fireplace at the Harwood Museum of Art’s Dorothy and Jack Brandenburg Gallery, where Higgins said it should hang. Legend has it he showed up at the then-Harwood Foundation with the painting and stated that’s where the painting belonged. Neely said it is a myth “Winter Funeral” has never left the Harwood. The painting has gone out on loan a few times and will go out again in fall 2016. Other legends surround Higgins and this work of art, including its inspiration and where the funeral might have taken place in Taos. Dean A. Porter, who wrote the definitive book on the artist, called “Victor Higgins an American Master,” says the death of his mother, Rose Ellen Higgins in October 1931 was likely Higgins’ inspiration. “The loss of his mother had a devastating effect on him, one that he could not contain,” Porter wrote. “Soon after his return to Taos, he poured out his guilt in one of his most significant oils, ‘Winter Funeral’.”
TAOS MUSEUMS
to Taos. Winter hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Sat.; 12-5 p.m., Sun. 238 Ledoux Street (575) 758-9826 harwoodmuseum.org
KIT CARSON HOME AND MUSEUM
ART, CULTURE AND HISTORY ABUNDANCE
The home of Kit Carson—army scout, trapper, soldier, and pioneer. Nov. 1 - March 1, call for hours. 113 Kit Carson Road (575) 758-4945 kitcarsonmuseum.org
THE MILLICENT ROGERS MUSEUM
Among the 20 galleries and exhibitions are collections of American Indian jewelry, pottery from Maria Martinez, and many other artworks. Winter hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tue.-Sun. 1504 Millicent Rogers Road (575) 758-2462 millicentrogers.org
TAOS ART MUSEUM AT FECHIN HOUSE
The home and studio of international artist Nicolai Ivanovich Fechin. Winter hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tue.-Sun. 227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte; (575) 758-2690 taosartmuseum.org
THE COUSE HOUSE
The historical studio and home of Eanger Irving Couse, a distinguished 20th-century painter and co-founder of the Taos Society of Artists. The Couse family still owns the Couse home, but visits can be scheduled. 146 Kit Carson Road; to arrange a tour, call (575) 751-0369 couse-sharp.org Courtesy Harwood Museum of Art
Victor Higgins ‘Winter Funeral’ ca. 1931 Oil on canvas 54” x 69”
Porter noted Higgins attended the funeral of a young boy who died in a car accident. But he says the incident may have inspired the imagery but it wasn’t the catalyst. As for the painting’s location, Neely said although it is clear that Taos Mountain is prominent in the painting the exact location is purely speculative. KNME-TV’s ¡Colores! will feature “Winter Funeral” as part of a program entitled “New Mexico Masterpieces.” The New Mexico PBS program, which is expected to air mid-December, will include a painting by E.L. Blumenschein, another member of the Taos Society of Artists, and John Nichols’ novel “The Milagro Beanfield War.” Tara Walch, the producer for ¡Colores!, said Higgins’ painting was a natural choice because“it has stood the test of time.” The painting also won major awards, including from the National Academy of Design in New York and Art Institute of Chicago. Lastly, another piece of the Higgins’ legend: he ran for Taos mayor in 1947. Porter said local lore is that he lost by one vote, but the public record notes 43.
THE E.L. BLUMENSCHEIN HOUSE
Celebrates the lives and art of Ernest L. Blumenschein, cofounder of the Taos Society of Artists, and family. Winter hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 222 Ledoux Street (575) 758-0505 taoshistoricmuseums.org
GOVERNOR BENT HOUSE AND MUSEUM Home of New Mexico’s first American governor, trapper, trader and mountain man. Winter hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 117 Bent Street laplaza.org
HACIENDA DE LOS MARTINEZ
A 21-room trading center built in 1804 by Severino Martínez. Winter hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 708 Hacienda Road, off Ranchitos Road (575) 758-1000 taoshistoricmuseums.org
‘WINTER FUNERAL’ WILL BE FEATURED AS PART OF A PROGRAM ENTITLED ‘NEW MEXICO MASTERPIECES’ ON KNME-TV’S ¡COLORES!
THE HARWOOD MUSEUM OF ART
A collection of more than 1,000 pieces of artwork that brings Taos to the world and the world
discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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Arts & Entertainment
Walking in a theater wonderland
Taos offers a wide range of stage entertainment By Mel A. James
F
or a small town, Taos has a surprising amount of culture — the performing arts are no exception. In addition to the myriad of dance troupes, happenings and pop-up events, Taos and the surrounding area has a number of theatrical companies providing regular entertainment. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening this winter season, from live performances to acting workshops.
Working Class Theatre
The recent success of a crowdfunding campaign has allowed The Working Class Theatre to retain its space on Gusdorf Road, called The Parks Playhouse. Plans for the upcoming season include a holiday celebration in December and presentation of “Crimes of the Heart” by Beth Hensley in the spring. In addition to basic acting workshops, the group will offer a class focusing on acting for the camera, and one devoted to Shakespeare. 1335 Gusdorf, Suite L, Taos (575) 613-0998 workingclasstheatrenm.org
Teatro Serpiente
The company got its start performing Shakespeare (as it was intended: bawdy and raucous) on the outdoor stage of a local home. While continuing to perform Shakespeare, Teatro Serpiente has expanded its repertoire to include other styles and venues. For example, the serial comedy “Gorilla Romance,” which utilizes the talents of local writers, is usually performed at Taos Mesa Brewing. Around January or
February the group will be holding auditions for its after-school program Keep It Spinning for Taos County students grades 6-8. This program provides students an opportunity to write, act and produce their own piece of original musical theater. Various locations (575) 737-8574 teatroserpiente.com
Metta Theatre
Come December, the Metta Theatre will present its annual holiday show, featuring songs and stories of the season with live piano accompaniment and an all-ages chorus of local voices. In February, “Talk to My Eyes” will be presented, an original play by Warren Carlson, which features the story of an American teacher in his 50s and a teenage Muslim girl set in Azerbaijan. 1470 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 303-0774 mettataos.dreamhosters.com
Peñasco Theatre Collective
Located approximately 25 miles south of Taos in Peñasco, New Mexico, this company stages its events in an historic hand-built theater. Peñasco Theatre offers an after-school program focusing on the circus arts. Many of the shows feature aerial acrobatics. The group also presents “open stage” events and frequently brings in guest entertainers
who represent a wide range of performing arts. 15046 State Road 75, Peñasco (575) 587-2726 penascotheatre.org
Taos OnStage
One of the newer companies, Taos OnStage, has already established itself as a regular source of entertainment, with shows scheduled throughout the season, starting with “A Christmas Story” in December. In January, Taos OnStage will present “LOL!” four short plays by Christopher Durang; and in April, a staging of “The Other Place,” by Sharr White. Various locations (575) 224-4587 taosonstage.com
TCA Taos
The Taos Center for the Arts hosts a variety of events in the performing arts such as movies, dance, concerts, community events and, of course, live theater. The TCA’s presentation of “The Met: Live in HD” has proven to be a vibrant and popular event. 133 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2052 tcataos.org
Taos Youth Ensemble
An offshoot of Taos Youth Ballet, this is a group for dramatically inclined young people aged 10 and up. Their winter production will be “The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour.” 1027 Salazar Road, Taos (575) 770-0189 taosdance.com
Katharine Egli
Lee Imboden, left and Gail Douglas, right posed for a portrait as their characters in Taos OnStage’s 2014 radio play “It’s A Wonderful Life.” This year, the ensemble will present “A Christmas Story.”
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Arts & Entertainment
The last run Finishing off the day at Taos Ski Valley By Andy Dennison
Y
es, Virginia, believe it or not, there is life after a day of skiing.
It’scalledaprésski,andnothingpunctuates a day of carving up the groomers or pounding through the trees better than a friendly place to put your feet up, hit the munchie bowl and down a favorite beverage. With that in mind, here’s a look at what’s hot after a cool day at Taos Ski Valley:
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Tim’s Stray Dog Cantina
Nestled at the very base of the mountain, Tim’s has been around since 1989. A couple of large-screen TVs show all sports, and a cadre of locals come and go. The blue corn chile rellenos are to-die-for; so are the red, green or Christmas (a mixture of both red and green) sauces made from scratch. Bartenders like to pour fruit-infused cocktails and margaritas.
Blonde Bear Tavern
Inside the Edelweiss Lodge and Spa, the Blonde Bear’s cozy bar and softchair lounge has a settled, days-end atmosphere. There’s a metro feel — executive chef Jon Mudder is a true New Yorker — with the requisite cocktails, wine list and “Alpine comfort food” like soups and stews. Aprés-ski flows right into the Blonde Bear dinner hour.
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
Historic Hondo Restaurant Bar
Aprés-ski starts early, at 2:30 p.m., on the first floor of the Snakedance condos hard by Lift 1. Step through the unassuming entrance and find a back-lit bar, fireplace and comfortable dining space. Prime happy-hour prices draw in condo-dwellers, visitors and locals alike — as do appetizers like mussels, elk tacos and crab cake sliders.
Hotel St. Bernard’s Rathskeller Bar
The Rathskeller Bar has been at Taos Ski Valley since 1960, run by French Olympic ski racer Jean Mayer. True to its name, this watering hole feels underground — a cellar well-lit and noisy, a nice mix of locals and visitors at a dozen bar stools, tables on the floor or just standing around. It is small, intimate, and
like Rick’s of Casablanca, the place where sooner or later, everyone shows up. Aprés-ski (3-5 p.m.) specialitiesincludeflavored hot toddies and classic margaritas, followed by the hotel’s famed European cuisine. Musicians play most every night during the season, plus there are weekly Tech Talks.
Martini Tree
The after party starts when you show up at the bar on the second floor of the main base lodge. It’s a boisterous, boot-stompin’ crowd that takes aprés-ski seriously.The bar features a long line of brew taps, and meals and munchies come up from Rhoda’s kitchen below. Huge TVs please sports lovers, especially the Oklahoma and Texas crowds. And, local musicians perform on the small stage most nights.
The Bavarian
RenownedAlpineeatery is a favorite for anyone who ends up at Lift 4 with a thirst. Music is loud, sunglasses glow and giant German lagers flow via a wait staff bedecked in lederhosen and dirndls. Lunch runs to 3:30 p.m., then après-ski till 5 p.m. — both with Bavarian staples ofgoulash,weinerschnitzel, knockwurst and spätzle.
Rhoda’s
Named for Ernie Blake’s wife, Rhoda’s is a boot stomp away from Lift 1 — and with an expanded deck this season. An off-theslopes crowd is tempted with Northern New Mexican favorites or from a menu long on choices. From the bar comes killer margaritas, craft cocktails and regional micro brews. Aprés-ski winds down around 6 p.m., but dinner runs to 9 p.m.
This Is
Sharing and Celebrating the Arts and Cultures of the Southwest.
• O’KEEFFE COUNTRY • Year-Round O’Keeffe Landscape Trail Rides O’Keeffe Landscape Tours Archaeology and Paleontology Museums Hiking Trails • Overnight Lodging Transformational Workshops
Winter at the MRM EVENTS: EXHIBITS: Holiday Fiesta Ongoing Through January 29: December 5 Margaret Tafoya: Santa Clara Potter Annual Miniatures Show & Sale Wearable Art: Identity and Clothing February 5 – March 6 Ongoing Through February 14: Taos Pueblo Artist Winter Showcase Pressing through Time: 150 Years of March 11 -13 Printmaking in Taos
OPEN DAILY 10–5 Closed Mondays for Winter Hours (November – March) 575-758-2462 1504 Millicent Rogers Road millicentrogers.org
Peggy McGivern
Skye Mason
Creek Crossing - mixed media - 40” x 40”
Cat’s Firey Boots - oil impasto - 36” x 24”
218 Paseo del Pueblo Norte - Taos
ActOneGallery.com discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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BIG STARS, SMALL STAGES By Rick Romancito
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t’s not like we take them for granted, but when wellknown musical artists settle in Taos and we get to know them, a familiarity sets in. They become our friends and neighbors.
While some folks like Michael Martin Murphey and the late Lynn Anderson might fill prestigious venues in big cities and garner huge adoring crowds, when they stop in for a song or two at a local Taos County venue they are welcomed by locals who may have seen them recently at the grocery store or the post office. It’s just part of living here. And, from what we’ve heard, it’s one ofthereasonsfamouspeopleenjoyvisitingorevenliving here. There are no paparazzi, no fawning fans stepping over each other for autographs, no TMZ hack crawling through the sagebrush for a gotcha moment. It’s just us. For visitors, this may be unusual, but it makes for a singular experience when they stop in for a drink and find amazing talent like up-and-coming Americana star Max Gomez on stage, or Mina Tank belting her heart out with The Damn Band after having wowed audiences on TV’s “The Ellen Show” or rockin’ out to
THERE ARE NO PAPARAZZI, NO FAWNING FANS STEPPING OVER EACH OTHER FOR AUTOGRAPHS, NO TMZ HACK CRAWLING THROUGH THE SAGEBRUSH FOR A GOTCHA MOMENT. IT’S JUST US.
internationally known Native artist Robert Mirabal performing an intimate concert at a local café. Top that off with the fact that local venues like the KTAOS Solar Center, Taos Mesa Brewery, Kyote Club, Old Martina’s Hall, The Adobe Bar at The Taos Inn offer regular firstclassentertainmentand you’re bound to have a good time almost any night of the week. And, if you are traveling north, roll into Red River and pony up to the Motherlode Saloon
CHECK TEMPO MAGAZINE IN THE TAOS NEWS FOR A WEEKLY CALENDAR OF MUSIC EVENTS AVAILABLE IN PRINT OR ONLINE AT TAOSNEWS. COM/CALENDAR
or the Bull O’ The Woods for some ultrafine country-western music. There are a number of established artists who got their start here, too, like Jimmy Stadler and singer-songwriters Michael Hearne, Tish Hinojosa and Eliza Gilkyson who entertained locals and visitors from the stage of the Sagebrush Inn Cantina, earning their chops before heading out for the big time. Hearne, in particular, has taken it upon himself to give back to the community by producing the immensely popular Big Barn Dance Music Festival, which brings to Taos some of the biggest names in the Americana tradition today. Of course, don’t overlook the other festivals that roll into town during the warmer months. At the Taos Solar Music Festival, you’re liable to see artists like Michael Franti, Los Lonely Boys or Steve Earle gracing the stage right in the middle
of Kit Carson Park. And, during the brand new Music on the Mesa Festival out at Taos Mesa Brewing, better bring your dancing shoes for a multi-day event that is not to be missed. This, of course, is just a sampling of the level of talent you can find in Taos. If you’re in town, do like the locals and pick up a copy of Tempo magazine inside The Taos News. That’s where you can find out what’s happening any day of the week.
Clockwise: Robert Mirabal, file photo, Carlos Olano; Tish Hinojosa, file photo; Up-and-coming musician Max Gomez, center, plays to full houses in Taos. During this Taos Plaza Live performance, he is joined on stage by Phil Parlapiano on squeezebox, left, and Ollie O’Shea on fiddle, right. File photo/Tina Larkin
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Bighorn Ram in the Orilla Verde / Geraint Smith ‘I love the Orilla Verde in winter. The majority of visitors are gone, or they are negotiating the slopes at any one of the numerous ski areas. Peace and quiet returns to the river and canyons this time of year. The bighorn sheep roam the cliffs in this place, regularly grazing on terrain mostly accessible only to them. It’s as if they know the spots where the sweetest winter feasts, and warm nooks and crannies remain. Although I expect to see the bighorn sheep here, I am always startled and continually surprised when the herd reveals itself.’
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Thrill the Spirit, Feed the Soul!
Painting: Peggy Trigg
Wire Mesh Sculpture: Raymond Wiger
Spiny Oyster Necklace: Sigrid Long
Natural Accents Gallery 114 S. Plaza, Taos • (575) 758-7099
TONY REYNA’S INDIAN SHOP
Authentic & Unique
Pottery • Jewelry • Sculpture • Paintings
Celebr ating 66 Years In Business Indian Owned Indian Oper ated Since 1950 Taos Pueblo Road • Taos, New Mexico (575) 758-3835
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“Pueblo Winter”
ThomWheeler.com
Exquisite fine art photography. Voted Taos’ Best Gallery LOCATED IN TAOS’ HISTORIC DISTRICT
107 Kit Carson Rd. (on the boardwalk) 575-737-9150 ∙ golenny@lennyfoster.com WWW.LENNYFOSTER.COM
H. Ann Wyndham’s Koala Colours Studio Visit fine art in a special setting, cozy, friendly. This is a beautiful little studio situated off CR 110 in Vista Linda
“Dancing Feet, Walking Rain” 24 x 16
Artists: Diane de Fremery, Kathleen Smith, H. Ann Wyndham Media: watercolours, monoprints, encaustics, caseins, pastels, acrylics, photography
Open every first Sunday of the month 12:00 - 6:00 PM from 12/6/2015 Visitors welcome other times by appointment: 575-737-9722
939 Kit Carson
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Taos
u
758-8870
15 Camino Campana, Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557 Call for directions www.koalacolours.com | awyndham@wtd.net
FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY AND MORE
Mark Schumann
F I N E A RT G ALLE RY
Painting ·
Photography ·
Sculpture ·
Jewelry ·
Pottery
110 Paseo del Pueblo Norte · Taos, New Mexico 505-901-2544 · Thursday-Monday Noon-7 pm
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS // NOW THROUGH JANUARY 24
Pressing Through Time Charles Strong UPCOMING // FEBRUARY 15 – MAY 1, 2016
John De Puy: Retrospective Agnes Chavez: U.S Debut of Origination Point
MAY 22, 2016
Mabel Dodge Luhan & Company: American Moderns and the West John De Puy. Untitled, 1955. Collection of the Harwood Museum of Art, M.A. Healy Family Foundation Purchase Fund
238 Ledoux Street, Taos harwoodmuseum.org
575.758.9826
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‘Three Coyote Morning’ / Geraint Smith ‘Ever observant and aware of nature, even from the car window, my son and I first spotted one coyote trucking along the
fence line. In the next breath Dylan spotted a second coyote, lazily sunning itself on the snow. We pulled over, at which point we spotted a third emerge from a sage bush. Coyote number one kept moving along towards the other two and after a short greeting, loped off to the north.’
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115 EAST PLAZA #4
Jonna James
TAOS, N.M 87571
PAINTINGS JEWELRY POTTERY ART GLASS TINWORK
LA TIERRA MINERAL GALLERY MINERALS FOSSILS CRYSTALS JEWELRY
Rafael Vega
575-751-3260
Scott Messick
www.aspengallerytaos.com
Suzanne Betz “Playtime # 2” Mixed Media 21 x 21
124-K Bent Street Taos, NM 87571 575.758.0101 latierra1111@hotmail.com www.latierragallery.com
Valerie Graves “Taos Moonlight Night” Oil 28 x 24
Wilder Nightingale Fine Art - Celebrating 25 years in Taos 119 Kit Carson Road, Taos
575-758-3255
www.wnightingale.com
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Visit the Old West and See Where History Lived Visit the Original Home of Kit Carson in Taos, NM
Visit our shop for a full selection of books on Kit Carson’s era. Open daily 10am - 4pm (Winter Hours) (Except Thanksgiving & Christmas)
Free to local residents with ID on Sundays Senior and student discounts Children 12 and under free Become a member - free admission!
113 Kit Carson Road • Taos, NM 87571 575-758-4945 Shop online at: kitcarsonmuseum.org
Consignment Shopping Fun over 25,000 sq feet of furniture, clothing & household goods
pieces consignment More Pieces and
Pieces - 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos- 575-737-0500 More Pieces - 216 & 28 Paseo del Canon, Taos -575-737-5112 Pieces Taos on FB www.piecestaos.com
Come Play Humane Society of Taos
Adopt . Donate . Spay & Neuter Simone, Adoptable Dog
Find out how you can help. Stray Hearts Animal Shelter 575-758-2981 066
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strayhearts.org
1200 St Francis Lane
Photo by Bob Deaver
Find us on Facebook Badge
CMYK / .ai
Experienced Artists • Sterile Conditions High Quality Body Jewelry • Knowledgeable Staff
www.taostattoo.com 1-855-597-7793 575-224-3077 208 Paseo del Pueblo Norte Taos, New Mexico 87571
WILLIAM R. TALBOT FINE ART
Arnold Rönnebeck (1885–1947). “Rio Grande Canyon, N.M.,” 1931. Lithograph.
taostattoopiercing
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FIRE STARTING TIPS
LIGHTING YOUR FIRE By J.R. Logan
Nothing adds to winter ambiance like
a wood fire crackling in the corner of a cozy room. But for the novice, lighting a fireplace or wood stove while on a vacation in the mountains can be a little intimidating. Here’s longtime chimney sweep Terry Polis’ quick guide to starting a wood fire for anyone who’s never had the pleasure. STEP one Whether starting a fire in a wood stove or fireplace, Polis says the first step is to warm the chimney with hot air to billow into the house instead of up the chimney. To prime the chimney, Polissuggestsrollingapage of newspaper and lighting one end like a torch. Hold the burning end at the throat of the chimney until you see (or even feel) the chimney drawing. Polis says some people use a hair dryer to do the same thing. If you have a hard time getting the chimney to draw, Polis suggests cracking a window or door slightly to let air come into the house and up the flue. Step two The next step is to light the fire. In a normal fireplace, Polisrecommendsstacking a few sticks of kindling (wood that’s about a
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Gerald Garner Jr./File photo
There’s nothing quite like the perfect fire to add to winter’s ambience.
half-inch thick) on the fireplace grate. Below the grate, roll up a few loose balls of newspaper that will light the kindling when they burn. On top of the kindling, stack a couple sticks of split wood. That arrangement should catch pretty easily, Polis says. The process is similar in a wood stove, except without the grate. In a kiva-style fireplace, Polis says the fire should be built against the back so all of the smoke goes up the chimney. He suggests stacking wood vertically against the back to direct smoke upward, (his
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companysellsspecialgrates specifically designed for kiva-style fireplaces). As for what wood to use, Polis says piñon is an ideal firewood in a wood stove. It burns hot and long. Many longtime wood stove users believe piñon doesn’t burn clean because it has a lot of pitch, meaning it can gunk up your chimney. But Polis says modern wood stoves built to meet efficiency standards burn all of that nasty stuff. Whatever wood you use, Polis says it should be dry. Well-cured wood lights easily and burns better.
Wet wood can be a pain to ignite, and tends to burn cooler as it spits water and steam. If you’re lighting a fire on a particularly cold night, Polis says a fireplace can add to the atmosphere, but he says not to rely on it to warm the whole house. In fact, Polis says most fireplaces actually cause a home to lose heat if the outside temperature is below 20 degrees. That’s not true of wood stoves, which are designed to radiate heat and warm the house no matter how cold it is outside.
Wood fire 101: Do’s and Dont’s Do warm the chimney before lighting a fire Do use dry firewood that is well- cured Don’t use wrapping paper or a greasy pizza box to start a fire Don’t light a fire if the chimney is dirty (has fuzzy looking buildup called creosote on the inside)
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The grand selfie Best spots for those head shots By Jordan Miera
T
aos is renowned around the world for being a beautiful place with a unique cultural heritage. Because of the reputation that precedes it, visitors and artists come to Northern New Mexico from many different walks of life. Locals and visitors to the area may choose to share their adventures with loved ones via selfies, the popular photo upload to social mediasitesfromcellphones and digital cameras, which often functions as a type of instantaneous, digital postcard. As a Taoseño, I know it is far from difficult to find a striking selfie backdrop in theTaos area, but where are the best places to pull out those cameras and maybe eventhoseselfiesticks?Here are some of my top picks, in no particular order.
The Río Grande Gorge Bridge The Río Grande Gorge Bridge, found along U.S. 64 past the Taos Regional Airport on the way to Tres Piedras from Taos, offers an incredible view. On the bridge, people can see the majestic Sangre de Cristo mountains, a sea of sagebrushand,underneath, a river that cuts through what is reminiscent of a mini Grand Canyon. According to taos.org, the bridge spans 1,280 feet. It is also one of the highest bridges in the U.S., suspending vehicles and pedestrians 650 feet above the Río Grande. The bridge opened just over 50 years ago, on Sept. 10, 1965. The Taos Valley Overlook also offers a view of the Río Grande Gorge that’s pretty amazing, and visitors may even hike into the gorge from there. Exercise caution, however, especially during the winter. The overlook is at the end of County Road 110 (the UNM-Taos Klauer Campus road), in Ranchos de Taos. The mountains Mountains all over Northern New Mexico offer spectacular scenery. Various ski resorts, such as Angel Fire, Red River, Sipapu and Taos Ski Valley, callthesemountainshome. The majestic peaks around Taos Ski Valley remind some people of other places. Peter Pabisch, a man from
“ ... Everybody agrees this looks like somewhere in Germany and Switzerland, Austria.” — Peter Pabisch Vienna, Austria, and cofounder of Die Deutsche Sommerschule von New Mexico, is one of those people. “ ... Everybody agrees this looks like somewhere in Germany and Switzerland, Austria,” Pabisch said. Kachina Peak gained a chairlift in February 2015, which will make it a little bit easier to grab some breathtaking,high-altitude photos. Just about any road coming in or out of Taos will provide a spot to pull overwiththequintessential mountain backdrop. Coming to Taos from the south One of my high school teachers told my class the story of how she knew she had come to a special place. She was coming from the south and passed through the horseshoe curve on State Road 68. When she emerged from the horseshoe curve, she saw a spectacular sight: Wheeler Peak and the surrounding mountains, a magnificent
Victoria Miera snaps a picture of herself by the Río Grande Gorge from the Taos Valley Overlook.
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gorgeandabeautifulvalley. She knew she wanted to call Taos home from that moment on. Artists often stop at this point to paint and take pictures, and for good reason. Taos Plaza Taos Plaza, which dates back to the 1700s, is arguably the focal point of the town. Taos Plaza features shops and restaurants, a tribute to veterans, a statue of priest and educator Antonio José Martínez and a large gazebo, which is often used for many different types of performances.
is also known for the way natural light plays off its exterior walls and its fascinatingarchitecture.It’s no wonder the church has been the subject of many paintingsandphotographs over many decades. Snow, with its sparkly nature, makes photos even more interesting. The church, found at 60 St. Francis Plaza in Ranchos de Taos, was completed 200 years ago, in the fall of 1815. Each summer, parishioners and volunteers replaster the church’s exterior.
This winter, trees lit by wrap-aroundlights,wreaths andotherdecorationsdress up the downtown area in holiday colors. Among the festive adornments is the traditional Christmas tree standing tall in Taos Plaza.
Overland Ranch Overland Ranch is home to businesses and restaurants, including Overland Sheepskin Co., found at 1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. The ranch area also features trees, a mini-bridge and water features,especiallyin warmer months.
San Francisco de Asís Church In addition to being a house of worship, the San Francisco de Asís Church
Behind the back parking lot, there’s a large open area with an incredible view of expansive fields and the looming Wheeler Peak.
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‘Tepees in snow’ / Steven Bundy 072
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‘The tepees at Taos Drum, south of town, are always a great go-to photography
destination here in Taos. When all else fails I will always head to this easy-todrive-to location to use the tepees as a foreground for some of the spectacular skies we have. Depending upon the angle of view, the time of day and of course the season of the year, these symbols of the American West are always a great photography location.’
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Courtesy El Monte Sagrado Living Resort/Tom Reid
The Taos Mountain rooms at El Monte Sagrado are elegant and comfortable.
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LODGING
TAOS LODGING
FROM SUBLIME TO SIMPLE
W
hen looking for a place to rest your weary head in Taos, there is no shortage of options. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a luxury experience, Taos has accommodations to fit every need.
ADOBE & PINES INN Bed and breakfast 4107 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos (575) 751-0947, 855-828-7872; adobepines.com ADOBE & STARS BED & BREAKFAST INN 584 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575) 776-2276, 800-211-7076; taosadobe.com ALPINE VILLAGE SUITES 100 Thunderbird Road, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-8540, 800-576-2666; alpine-suites.com AMERICAN ARTISTS GALLERY HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST 132 Frontier Lane, Taos (575) 758-4446, 800-532-2041; taosbedandbreakfast.com AMIZETTE INN Bed and breakfast 1295 State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-2451, 800-446-8267; amizatteinn.com AUSTING HAUS BEAD & BREAKFAST 1282 State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-8751; austinghaus.com BAVARIAN LODGE 100 Kachina Road, Taos Ski Valley
(575) 776-8020, 888-205-8020; thebavarian.com BURCH STREET CASITAS 310 Burch Street, Taos (575) 737-9038; casitasintaos.com CASA BENAVIDES BED & BREAKFAST INN 137 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-1772, 800-552-1772; taos-casabenavides.com CASA GALLINA 613 Callejon Road, Taos (575) 758-2306; casagallina.net COLUMBINE INN & CONFERENCE CENTER 1288 State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-5723, 888-884-5723; columbineinntaos.com DAYS INN TAOS 1333 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2230; daysinn.com DREAMCATCHER B&B 416 La Lomita Road, Taos (575) 758-0613; dreambb.com EDELWEISS LODGE AND SPA 106 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 737-6900, 800-458-8754; edelweisslodgeandspa.com Continued on page 76
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LODGING
Courtesy Photo
Unit 404 at Edelweiss Lodge and Spa.
Continued from page 75 EL CAMINO LODGE 615 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 737-0447 EL MONTE SAGRADO 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3502, 888-213-4419; elmontesagrado.com EL PUEBLO LODGE 412 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-8700, 800-433-9612; elpueblolodge.com HACIENDA DEL SOL Bed and breakfast 109 Mabel Dodge Lane, Taos (575) 758-0287, 866-333-4459; taoshaciendadelsol.com HAMPTON INN TAOS 1515 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 737-5700; hamptoninn3.hilton.com HISTORIC TAOS INN 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233, 877-807-6427; taosinn.com
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TAOS HAS LODGINGS TO FIT EVERY NEED. HOTEL DON FERNANDO DE TAOS 1005 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4444, 800-759-2736; donfernandodetaos.com HOTEL LA FONDA DE TAOS 108 S Plaza, Taos (575) 758-2211, 800-833-2211; lafondataos.com HOTEL ST. BERNARD AND CONDOMINIUMS 112 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-2251; stbernardtaos.com INDIAN HILLS INN 233 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4293, 800-444-2346; indianhillsinntaosplaza.com INGER JIRBY’S GUEST HOUSES 207 Ledoux Street, Taos (575) 758-7333; jirby.com
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INN ON LA LOMA PLAZA 315 Ranchitos Road, Taos (575) 758-1717, 800-530-3040; vacationtaos.com INN ON THE RIO 910 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-7199, 800-737-7199; innontherio.com KACHINA LODGE 413 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2275, 800-522-4462; kachinalodge.com KANDAHAR CONDOMINIUMS 35 Firehouse Road, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-2226; kandahar-taos.com LA POSADA DE TAOS BED AND BREAKFAST 309 Juanita Lane, Taos (575) 758-8164; laposadadetaos.com MABEL DODGE LUHAN HOUSE 240 Morada Lane, Taos (575) 751-9686; mabeldodgeluhan.com OLD TAOS GUESTHOUSE INN Bed and breakfast 1028 Witt Road, Taos (575) 758-5448; oldtaos.com
PALACIO DE MARQUESA 405 Córdoba Street, Taos (855) 846-8267; marquesataos.com QUAIL RIDGE TAOS A condo resort State Road 150 (Ski Valley Road), El Prado (575) 758-2211; quailridgetaos.com
SUN GOD LODGE 919 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3162, 800-821-2437; sungodlodge.com SUPER 8 1347 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-1088; super8.com
POWDERHORN SUITES AND CONDOMINIUMS 5 Ernie Blake Road, Taos Ski Valley (800) 776-2346; taospowderhorn.com
TAOS COUNTRY INN BED & BREAKFAST 720 Karavas Road, Taos (575) 758-4900; taos-countryinn.com
QUALITY INN 1043 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2200; choicehotels.com
TAOS LUXURY PROPERTY RENTALS 106 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 737-6901; taospropertyrentals.com
RIO HONDO CONDOMINIMS 6 Firehouse Road, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-2646, 800-461-8263; riohondocondos.com SAGEBRUSH INN AND SUITES 1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2254, 800-428-3626; sagebrushinn.com SAN GERONIMO LODGE 1101 Witt Road, Taos (575) 751-3776; sangeronimolodge.com
TAOS MOUNTAIN LODGE 1346 State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-2229; taosmountainlodge.net TOUCHSTONE INN 110 Mabel Dodge Lane, Taos (575) 770-3246; touchstoneinn.com WORLDMARK TAOS 229 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-3275; worldmarktheclub.com
“2011 - 2015 Awards of Excellence & Hall of Fame” -TripAdvisor
“Best of Southwest” -BedandBreakfast.com
Kiva Fireplaces Deep Soaking Jetted Tubs Hearty Breakfast Luxurious Spa Services Private Hot Tubs & Sauna Private Patios, Entrances & Deck Walking distance to the historic San Francisco de Asis Church
855.828.7872 • 575.751.0947 • www.adobepines.com
Luxury Accommodations in the Heart Of Taos
Palacio De Marquesa
El Monte Sagrado
Luxury inn celebrating the Remarkable Women of Taos through art and design.
A retreat for the soul, featuring globally-inspired suites, onsite restaurant, lounge and spa and tranquil grounds.
MarquesaTaos.com 575-758-4777
ElMonteSagrado.com 575-758-3502
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LODGING
PETS ALLOWED, SPIRIT ANIMALS WELCOME CRASHING WITH THE LOCALS IN TAOS BY ANDREW OXFORD
Kirsten Jacobsen/Earthship Biotecture
Off-the-grid earthship rental. Shown is the Phoenix dining area.
AOS IS SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS A RESORT TOWN. But for a lot of locals, there’s something about the term that just doesn’t feel right. Far from the lift lines and aprés-ski scene are vibrant communities, as well as mountain hideaways. There’s more to this place than you’ll ever see from the Ski Valley road. So here are a few options for seeing a different side of Taos and escaping the vacationing crowds.
BACK TO THE LAND
What is now an organic goji berry farm once lent inspiration to the likes of Aldous Huxley and D.H. Lawrence. Even if you don’t plan on upending the literary world, its serenity and views of scenic San Cristóbal are sure to inspire something within you. Eric and Elizabeth Vom Dorp bought part of the property now known as the Taos Goji Eco Lodge in 1972, purchasing the remainder in 1976 from its original owner. Elmira Mackie’s homestead and trading post had been a hub of the San Cristóbal valley replete with post office, gas station and grocery store. 078
Now, the property boasts 10 vacation rentals on more than 30 acres. The trading post is still here, looking much as it did when built in the 1920s and 1930s. The three-bedroom adobe and log cabin includes a studio, kitchen with seating for six people, gas stove and even a clawfoot tub in the bathroom. Aldous Huxley’s old cabin is available, too. The oneroom efficiency/duplex is fully furnished and equipped — far less rustic today than it likely was for the sheepherders for whom it was originally built at the beginning of the last century. But the views haven’t really changed. The cabin overlooks the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. While the farm is buzzing with WOOFERS in the summer, the winters tend to be quieter. Indeed, a haul up into the valley is for the hardy when the roads are icy. But the views alone are worth it. WHAT IT’LL COST YOU: $68-200/night YOU’LL LIKE: The views, the serenity and the Vom Dorps. BUT BE WARNED: You aren’t a “townie” out here. MORE INFO: taosgoji.com
THOSE WHO WANDER If Breckenridge isn’t exactly roughing it, this is.
Nestled at the edge of Bull of the Woods meadow between Gold Hill and
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FAR FROM THE LIFT LINES AND APRÉSSKI SCENE ARE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES Wheeler Peak is a yurt 24 feet in diameter that you and up to nine of your hardiest friends can call a home away from home in the backcountry. Owned and operated by the Southwest Nordic Center, this circular tent is of the type used by nomads in Mongolia and Siberia. Two miles northeast of the Taos Ski Valley parking lot, at an elevation of 10,800 feet, the yurt offers easy access to high alpine skiing and hiking, as well as extensive telemarking terrain in the Carson National Forest. Erected in 1999, this yurt is handmade and was recently renovated to include a new roof, wall and skylight. If it sounds a little too cold for comfort, remember there’s a reason why nomads have used these tents for millennia. The yurt is fully insulated and equipped with a wood stove (firewood is included). Handcrafted and designed to be both roomy as well as warm, the yurt includes two
futon couches/bunks. Four additional mattresses can be placed on the floor for full occupancy. Mattresses and pillows are provided as are propane cook stoves, lanterns, stainless steel pots and pans, dishes, silverware, glasses, knives, spices, Melitta filter cones and filters, toilet paper, paper towels, matches and a selection of games. There’s an outhouse and the toilet seat hangs near the stove to keep it warm. Maybe it’s not for everyone. But if you want to connect with mountains, forget about free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. Instead, grab your snowshoes. This yurt is for you. WHAT IT’LL COST YOU: $100-145/night YOU’LL LIKE: Escaping the crowds. BUT BE WARNED: You’ll park two miles downhill. MORE INFO: southwestnordiccenter.com, call (575) 758-4761 or email yurt@newmex.com
OFF THE GRID
“most exotic” on Earthship Biotecture’s website), you’re renting a microclimate — a work of sustainable art. At 5,300 square feet, the Phoenix Earthship includes three bedrooms with king beds, one bedroom with a twin bed, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and a two-story greenhouse. The house stays true to Earthship Biotecture’s six principles: thermal heating and cooling; solar and wind power; contained sewage treatment; building with natural and recycled materials; water harvesting; and food production. But going off the grid doesn’t mean you’re totally disconnected from the world. The Phoenix includes free solar-powered Wi-Fi and TV (with Netflix, Earthship Biotecture notes). And of course, it’s not just the home that’s remarkable. The community is located just a few minutes west of the Río Grande Gorge Bridge, offering sweeping views of the mountains and desert.
Go off the grid on your vacation and rent one of the iconic Earthships of Taos.
WHAT YOU’LL LIKE: These might be the most distinctly Taos vacation rentals.
Four houses available at the Greater World Earthship Community off U.S. Highway 64 sleep anywhere from two to eight people.
BUT BE WARNED: The price. While you can rent one wing of The Phoenix for as little as $135 per night, all other accommodations will cost
But you’re not just renting a place to stay. In the case of one Earthship (billed the
MORE INFO: earthship.com (of course)
discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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Bed & Breakfast FINE ACCOMMODATIONS OF TAOS
ADOBE & PINES INN An Authentic 1830’s Adobe Hacienda
Kiva Fireplaces • Deep Soaking Jetted Tubs • Hearty Breakfast • Spa Services Private Hot Tubs, Entrances, Sauna, Patios & Deck 2011-2015 Award of Excellence –TripAdvisor “Best of Southwest”–BedandBreakfast.com
575-751-0947 • 855-828-7872 • www.adobepines.com
DREAMCATCHER BED & BREAKFAST
Our Taos Bed and Breakfast Inn sits nestled in a serene, wooded area just a 10 minute walk from Historic Taos Plaza which is the center of our lovely town. Feast on our European breakfasts. Adventures await you in every season. 416 La Lomita Rd. • 575-758-0613 • dreambb.com.
CASA BENAVIDES
Luxury downtown Historic Inn 3/4 block from Plaza. Fireplaces, AC, wireless internet in lobby, extensive art collection, patios, balconies, hot tubs, heated jet tubs, KILLER BREAKFAST and lovely afternoon tea & desserts. Voted Best B&B in Taos 2014 137 Kit Carson Rd. • 800-552-1772 • www.taos-casabenavides.com
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HACIENDA DEL SOL
Taos Mountain is our backyard. 12 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, Jacuzzi tubs, steam showers, kiva fireplaces and an outdoor hot tub. www.taoshaciendadelsol.com 575-758-0287 • 866-333-4459 080
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INN ON LA LOMA PLAZA A Historic Taos landmark, 2 blocks from downtown, featuring exceptional hospitality, Southwest ambiance and old world charm. Enjoy expansive gardens, mountain views, fantastic full breakfast, and romantic rooms with fireplaces. Peggy & Jerry Davis, Innkeeper • 315 Ranchitos Road, Taos, NM 87571 800-530-3040 • 575-758-1717 • laloma@VacationTaos.com • VacationTaos.com
MABEL DODGE LUHAN HOUSE HISTORIC INN AND CONFERENCE CENTER Warm adobe charm and early century elegance in a secluded setting with panoramic views. Walk to the plaza. Full gourmet breakfast. www.mabeldodgeluhan.com • 575-751-9686 or 800-846-2235
A B&B STAY IS THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE TAOS
Choose from 16 outstanding Bed & Breakfast inns, each providing an authentic New Mexican charm ranging from rustic to artistically inspired. Find the perfect place from which to discover Taos. www.taosbandbinns.com
TAOS ASSOCIATION OF BED AND BREAKFAST INNS
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LODGING
TAOS B&BS
AUTHENTIC WINTER STAYS BY JOHN MILLER
John Miller
Eating space at Adobe and Stars Bed and Breakfast on the road to Taos Ski Valley.
W
HEN IT COMES TO LODGING IN TAOS, A TRAVELERS’ OPTIONS ARE ABUNDANT. From
luxurious hotels to quaint inns in the snowy countryside, there is something here for everyone.
For those looking for an authentic Taos home-awayfrom-home, we recommend spending the winter relaxing in one of the areas’ many unique bed and breakfasts. Below, we take a look inside some of our favorites, but don’t be afraid to venture out and see what else can be discovered for a warm and memorable winter experience.
AUSTING HAUS BED & BREAKFAST
Built in the high-mountain forests just west of Taos Ski Valley, Austing Haus offers the charm of a bed and breakfast and the adventure of the surrounding Sangre de Cristos. The lodge shares in the European roots of Taos Ski Valley with its beautiful, decorated façade, steeplypitched roofs, and its 24
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classically furnished rooms — 11 with their own lofts for extra sleeping room or space to store snowboards and skis after a day’s ride. Austing Haus provides an ideal escape from busy city life. Located at 1282 on State Road 150, there is easy access to nearby Arroyo Seco and Taos. They can be contacted by calling (575) 776-8751 or by going to the website theaustinghaus. com.
ADOBE AND STARS BED & BREAKFAST INN Since March of 1996, Adobe and Stars has welcomed travelers to enjoy some of the best views in Taos County. Eight large and brightly lit guest rooms afford stunning perspectives on Taos Mountain to the east and colorful sunsets can be seen stretching the length of Taos Mesa to the west. Accommodations are luxurious and finished with the understated elegance of authentic Southwestern art and furniture. Join owner Judy Salathiel for her “killer breakfast.” Adobe and Stars is located west of State Road 150 in Arroyo Seco. The
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
THERE IS SOMETHING HERE FOR EVERYONE
OLD TAOS GUESTHOUSE INN
Built in 1804, this historic adobe hacienda and its lush landscape has served as a farm, an inspirational studio for famous artists, and most recently, a bed and breakfast “waving bear” will flag you under the management down. Call (575) 776-2776 or of owners Bob and Cady go online to taosadobe.com. Aspinwall. As newcomers to Taos, Bob and Cady share HACIENDA DEL SOL in the love and excitement Owned by award-winning for the area that their guests chef Gerd Hertel, former discover upon arrival. Ten corporate chef for Norwegian unique rooms each offer Cruise Line and Celebrity an outstanding experience. Cruise Line, and located Guests are invited to gather just behind farm-to-plate for a breakfast that consists of restaurant The Love Apple, fresh fruits, homemade baked Hacienda del Sol is a foodie’s goods, juices, roasted coffee favorite. The property and and some of the best quiche its surroundings are just as in town. Amenities include a intoxicating: Taos Mountain massage room where local can be seen through some professionals stop by to help of the oldest willows and guests unwind. The Old Taos cottonwoods in the area, and guests can enjoy the view while Guesthouse is located on a quiet stretch of Witt Road, relaxing with a glass of wine southeast off Kit Carson in the outdoor hot tub or by Road, (575) 758-5448, the fire in one of the historic oldtaos.com. adobe’s 12 private rooms. Hacienda del Sol is located CASA GALLINA about a mile from Taos When professional Plaza at 109 Mabel Dodge restaurateur Richard Spera Lane, (575) 758-0287, purchased an historic hacienda taoshaciendadelsol.com. on the plains west of Taos
Plaza, he set out to create an indelible Southwestern experience for guests. His mission is to help travelers “slow down” and enjoy the simple pleasures in life: reading a good book, enjoying nature, or spending an evening listening to music and watching the stars. Guests are provided with their own private casita — each beautifully furnished and decorated. Casitas also include their own fully-equipped state-of-theart kitchen, complete with fine spices, oils and farm-fresh eggs to cook up a delicious breakfast each morning. Spera harvests everything from his land, gathering eggs from his flock of 40 hens and harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables from his gardens in the warmer months. Guests are invited to enjoy the land and a dance studio where Spera instructs in the art of Argentine Tango. Though he provides plenty of reason for a summer visit, Spera understands that Taos is a “magical” place during wintertime. Casa Gallina is located at 613 Callejon, (575) 758-2306, casagallina.net.
Express St. James Hotel Cimarron, NM Santa Fe Trail Landmark! Welcoming guests since 1872
888-376-2264 or 575-376-2664 • exstjames.com
Exactly Like Nothing Else Historic accommodations offering a mix of modern comfort and traditional Southwest charm. Newly restored Sagebrush Grill & Cantina featuring seasonal menus, Happy Hour, live music & more. Signature deluxe breakfast buffet included in every stay. Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout. Flexible meeting and event space ideal for groups large and small (up to 700).
575-758-2254 or 800-428-3626 SAGEBRUSHINN.COM 078
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WINTER/SPRING 2016
Food of the mountains By Teresa Dovalpage
Fred Muller’s regional cuisine
F
red Muller is determined to preserve the cultural heritage of Northern New Mexico. “Some people do it through santero art or folk tales; I do it through cooking,” said the award-winning El Meze Restaurant’s chef. Muller describes his food as “la comida de la sierra,” the food of the mountains. “It is all about time and process, like mamacita’s cooking,” he said. “I cook like your grandmother … if your grandmother knew how to cook. I make simple food, well prepared. Nothing fancy, but made with care and love.” A Southerner by birth, Chef Muller grew up in Europe, mostly Germany and Switzerland. After coming back to the United States, he settled in San Francisco and became part of the Modern American Cuisine movement that revolutionized the food industry in the early ‘80s. He later moved to North Carolina and worked at Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill, where he was voted as one of the top 10 new Southern Chefs by Southern Magazine. There he became 084
For a list of the extensive and varied restaurants in Taos, check out discovertaos.com. passionate about regional cooking.
He first opened his own restaurant, Fred’s Place. After closing it, he became the executive chef at El Meze. He was a James Beard semi-finalist in 2012 for Best Chef Southwest.
and flavor to the dish,” he said. “I use lots of garlic, too.” Tounderstandtheculture of Northern New Mexico, one needs to understand the lives of the people and the food they eat. As a food historian, Chef Muller has researched extensively the culinary traditions of New Mexico. He is the author of “La Comida: The Foods, Cooking and Traditions of the Upper Río Grande.”
Chile, Muller admits, attracted him to Taos.
Calabazas con garbanzos One of Chef Muller’s favorite winter dishes is Calabazas Con Garbanzos. Squash and garbanzos is a flavorful combination of old Spanish-style cuisine with Southwestern and Moorish elements — the latter were brought from Spain to Northern New Mexico by the first colonizadores.
“This land is the heart of chile and I love chile,” he said. “Plus all Northern New Mexico has a rich culinary tradition.”
Besides the two main ingredients, Chef Muller puts a ham hock in the soup and lets it cook for several hours.
“My neighbor, Mr. Trujillo, told me once, after he had my calabazas con garbanzos, that he hadn’t eaten that dish since his childhood,” Muller said. “I want to preserve the flavors and aromas associated with those memories.”
Muller has lived in Taos for more than 20 years.
“So there is meat and fat, and they both add balance
A final chord No meal is complete
“My mentor in the South, pioneer chef Bill Neal, was all about American heritage and Southern cooking,” Muller said. “I wanted to take what I had learned from him and bring it to the Southwest.”
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
without dessert. A perfect ending to a calabazas con garbanzos dinner would be a capirotada, a kind of bread pudding with cheese, covered in caramel sauce. There are usually raisins or piñones on it. “Just like the Spanish language, some of these traditional foods are in danger of being lost,”Muller said. “My mission is to keep them alive.” El Meze is located at 1017 Paseo del Pueblo Norte in El Prado. Phone: (575) 751-3337, elmeze.com. Katharine Egli
From left: El Meze head chef Fred Muller puts the finishing touches on his favorite winter dish, hamhock with butternut squash, in his kitchen; Hamhock with butternut squash.
103 EAST PLAZA TAOS 575.758.1994 PARCHT.COM
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103 EAST PLAZA TAOS, NEW MEXICO (575)758-1994
www.parcht.com
discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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WINTER/SPRING 2016
In search of the PERFECT margarita By Mel A. James
A
perfect combination of sweet, salty, bitter and sour, themargaritaisthetimeless cocktail. Sometimes served with lime, sometimes with lemon; occasionally served in a cocktail glass on the rocks, or perhaps frozen; it can be on the sugary side or it can be tangy, but the margarita’s basic componentsusuallyconsist of tequila and triple sec, citrus juice and a little salt on the rim of the glass. However, in Taos, where culinary delights abound,restauranteursfind inspiration in a variety of flavors. One can still find the traditional margarita, expertly prepared, but adventuring beyond the basics can be very rewarding. All the lounges and restaurants on this list offer fresh-squeezed juices — you won’t find any premixes here. Located upstairs from Lambert’s Restaurant on Bent Street, the Treehouse Bar & Lounge offers a wide range of margaritas to choose from, featuring unusual flavors and garnishesfromjalapeñoand cucumber, to mescal and other high quality liqueurs. Their most popular margarita is Benito’s Red, which comprises of Chinaco Blanco, Cointreau, simplesyrup,pomegranate and fresh lemon juice. lambertsoftaos.com The grapefruit margarita at Martyrs Steakhouse 086
The tequila, lime-based fiesta in a glass
Venture out to the tiny village of Arroyo Seco and find yourself at Sabroso, where you can sample a Strawberry Snapper, which is made of its strawberryinfused (in-house) Herradura tequila and served with a little bit of jalapeño. sabrosotaos.com
(downtown Taos) is its signature margarita, made with Sauza, St. Germain liqueur, agave syrup and fresh grapefruit juice. In addition to this unique libation, it has a wide range of tequilas on hand and can mix just about any margarita requested. martyrs-steakhouse.com
The People’s Choice winner for Best Margaritas has13signaturemargaritas
on their menu. In the heart of Taos, at the Adobe Bar at The Historic Taos Inn, start with the Adobe Classic, made with El Jimador Reposado, Cointreau, sweet & sour, and lime juice. Based on the customer’s response: too sweet, too tart, more or less tequila flavor, then the servers can cater to people’s individual taste
and recommend from there. If someone is feeling adventurous, they might bring out El Chupacabra, a spicy concoction made with pepper-infused Suaza Silver and topped with a salt and pepper rim. taosinn.com/adobe-bar Margarita options are limited only by one’s sense of adventure — find your flavor in Taos.
Overlooking Taos Plaza, the Gorge Bar and Grill preparesitsmargaritaswith a housemade sweet and sour mix. Feeling fruity? Try the Strawberry or the Blood Orange. Feeling fancy? Get the Old School, prepared with Patron Tequila and Patron Citronage. thegorgebarandgrill.com At the Kyote Club, located in Plaza de Colores, it offers a house marg made with Patron; a blackberry marg with Herradura, lime and blackberries; and a grapefruit marg with St. Germain and ruby red grapefruit juice, to name a few. kyoteclub.com The Medley Marg at medley., in El Prado, is a festival of Espolon Silver tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice and agave syrup, served in a lowball glass and garnished with cumin salt. medleyinelprado.com
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
Katharine Egli
Lambert’s Treehouse lounge offers a pink pomegranite margarita.
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TREAT YOURSELF TO THE FINEST
Purple Sage Cafe
Open Everyday 8am - 3pm Daily Specials Gourmet Coffee & Espresso Patio & Garden Seating Dine in or Take Out Breakfast Served All Day
EXQUISITE STEAKS, FRESH SEAFOOD, HAND-CRAFTED COCKTAILS
OPEN DAILY 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM . 575.751.3020 146 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE . MARTYRS-STEAKHOUSE.COM LUNCH . DINNER . SUNDAY BRUNCH . PRIVATE PARTIES
Located Next to Rio Grande Ace Hardware 1381 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571 575.751.0562 Full Menu Available Online www.thepurplesagecafe.com discovertaos.com /// /// Winter/Spring Winter/Spring 2016 2016 discovertaos.com
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M I X O L O G Y • F O O D • TA PA S • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • L I V E M U S I C
TAOS'
HOT SPOT
HAPPY HOUR 3-6PM DAILY – SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER 330A PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR | TAOS, NEW MEXICO | (575) 751-3302
kyoteclub.com
Voted #1 in 2015 for “Best Mexican Restaurant” Also “Best Fast Food” in 2015
“Specializing in Great Mexican Seafood Cuisine”
guadalajaragrilltaos.com 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU SOUTH SIDE 751-0063 • 1384 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur (across from Ace Hardware) NORTH SIDE 737-0816 • 822 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte Taos Serving Domestic & Import Beers • Wine • Margaritas
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little italy aqui in taos serving beer & wine
Pizza • Calzones • Pasta • Espresso Bar
Espresso Bar daily at 8am Restaurant Daily at 11:30am 575-758-1329 622 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur mondoitalianotaos.net
discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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EAT DRINK BE MERRY
Who’s cookin’? By Teresa Dovalpage
J
aime NievesFlores: El Chef at The Gorge Jaime NievesFlores grew up surrounded by the aromas and flavors of his mother’s fonda (inn), a small restaurant in Mexico City. His father owned a deli store nearby. “There was food all around me and I learned a lot about cooking, but I never thought I would become a chef,” he said. He came to the United States in 1981 and it was thenthefoodbusinesscalled to him. Nieves-Flores was a corporate chef and culinary specialist at Sysco Foods for nine years. He also worked at several Albuquerque restaurants, among them Seasons,The Artichoke Café, Scalo and The Cooperage. In November 2014, Kevin andKeithRoesslerrenovated the former Ogelvies Taos Grill and Bar and turned
Chefs from Mexico, the East Coast, and Patagonia make Taos their home it into The Gorge. They knew Nieves-Flores, who had worked for them before, and invited him to be the restaurant’s executive chef and consultant. “This gave me an opportunity to create a unique and interesting menu,” he said. “Our concept is casual, yet highquality food, so I make sure thatourpatronshavea variety
Katharine Egli
of options, from tequilalime chicken tacos to grilled Atlantic salmon to our famous bison sliders.” Chefs Wilks and Colleen Medley: Sweet and savory When chefs Wilks and Colleen Medley heard that the Old Blinking Light was for sale in 2013, they started joking about buying the space. But it soon became serioustalkandtheybought it. After doing massive renovations they opened their restaurant, medley., on May 28. The young and energetic couple brings to Taos a wealth of experience,
Chef Colleen’s Warm Honeycrisp Apple Gallette with French Vanilla Ice Cream.
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a passion for casual fine dining and a very eclectic background. He went to engineeringschoolatBoston Universityandshegraduated from business school at Fredonia.
Los Angeles, where she worked for Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air as a pastry chef, and he ran Vibrato Grill & Jazz and a French restaurantindowntownLos Angeles.
After discovering their interest in cooking, they both attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Yet they didn’t meet there — their paths crossed at a restaurant in Washington, D.C.
Now,atmedley.,Colleen’s specialty is pastry and Wilks’ is “everything else.”
Afterwards, their culinary journey took them to
“I bake whatever I like to eat,”
Connect with us! discovertaos.com
she said. “I love French pastry; custards, cream caramel,puddingandcakes.” As for Wilks, he doesn’t like to follow preconceived notions of what you can or can’t cook, but likes to put his own spin on every dish he makes. Their grilled vegetable plate is a great example of a healthy and tasty entrée, artfully presented. Betty Artes: Nourishing body and soul Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Betty Artes learned to cook from her
Italian grandmother. “Food was at the center of all our family and social activities,” she said. “We would have big parrilladas (barbecues) featuring Argentinean-stylegrillswith traditional side dishes like empanadas,andItalianpasta suchasgnochisandpolenta.”
making people happy with food,” she said. “We served traditional Mexican cuisine, butlaterexpandedthemenu and incorporated some Argentinean items like the Gaucho burrito (steak with chimichurri). Our line of chile sauces won the Chile Challenge year after year.”
Artes came to the United States in 1962. She first lived in New York and later moved to Colorado, where she opened a restaurant, Casa Alvarez, in 1994.
Artes and her partner Daniel Escalante moved to Taos in May 2015. Here, they founded Casa Taos, a retreat and training center located just 10 minutes from Taos Plaza.
“It was the fulfillment of a dream I always had —
“At Casa Taos we offer a healthy menu specifically
designed for our guests and their dietary requests,” Artes said. “We always have pork green chile, which is gluten free and made with antibiotic-free pork, vegetarian and vegan chile verde and New Mexican red chile. We also use seasonal ingredients, most of which come from our organic garden. Our goal is to maintain an art and activism center where we nourish both body and soul.” For a list of the extensive and varied restaurants in Taos, check out discovertaos. com.
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WINTER/SPRING 2016
Taos After Dark By John Miller
A
winter’s day in Taos offers highspeed thrills in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, snow-dusted strolls through the artladen historic distric, and the unique opportunity to enjoy Taos during one of its most beautiful and authentic times of the year, but when the sun sets on the high plains, Taos’ many distinctivebars,restaurants and music venues come alive, offering warm places toexperienceavibrantlocal nightlife with a lot to offer. There are many spots to seek out, but here are some standouts that are sure to deliver a good time. The Historic Taos Inn You might make your first stop at what has long been known as “the living room of Taos.” The Historic Taos Inn has been an iconic Southwestern landmark for more than 100 years and is a destination where creativity is inspired. A beautiful lobby interior welcomes guests to the warmth of a roaring fire and the mellifluous sounds of live music every day of the year. Upcoming events include the Dec. 12 Christmas Tree Lighting, featuring a performance by Bob Andrews, and the Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Party, with music by Gary Farmer and theTroublemakers.The Taos Inn is located in the center of town, northeast of Taos Plaza on Paseo del Pueblo Norte.
A Feast for the Senses
TAOS has a number of restaurants, bars and dance venues that feature live music. Check Tempo magazine in The Taos News for The Alley Cantina a weekly calendar If you’re looking to of events available keep the party going late, in print or online chances are you’ll wind up at taosnews.com/ here. The Alley Cantina is calendar. tucked down an old lane in the northwest corner of Taos Plaza. If you can’t find it, ask any local and they’ll tell you where to go and may even join you for a drink. Another option is to listen closely for where all the loud music and excited yelping is coming from after 10 o’clock each night. When you get there, a bevy of local dishes will be available for late-night snacking. A local band will always be onstage to serenade you as you scarf down some delicious chile rellenos or fish n’ chips. All drinks are half-off from 5-7 p.m. Kyote Club In late 2014, Taos welcomed its newest addition to the local nightlife scene. Since opening its doors, Kyote Club has developed an entertainment schedule designed to “mix things up,” featuring local DJ talent that fuses old-school favorites with bold new genres complementing the venue’s fresh vibe. Entertainment is accompanied by a worldclass dining experience featuring flavorsome
Tina Larkin/File photo
Baracutanga gettin’ funky at Kyote Club.
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creations by chef and owner, Ky Quintanilla. A full bar offers a selection of craft beers, a comprehensive bottle selection and a multitude of inventive cocktails. Taos Mesa Brewing Since its opening in 2012, Taos Mesa Brewing has expanded into many facets of the entertainment business, and has found success in just about every single one. Music has been emphasized since the beginning. “This place was designed — from the ground up — to be a music venue” says co-owner and music promoter Dan Irion. With three professionally designed stages — two outdoor and one indoor — the venue regularly plays host to Grammy Awardwinning artists. Throw in a 12-tap home-crafted beer rotation, great food, and 360-degree views of the mesa and mountains, and you have a winning combination that no visitor should miss. KTAOS Solar Center A variety of musical performances will be
held at the sustainably powered KTAOS this winter. Show up Monday night for the “Off-theCuff” live concert series that will feature local favorite Jimmy Stadler, or in December for the second annual “Black Tie Ball,” featuring Grupo Mezcal. KTAOS is a great place for sports fans as well as every NFL game this season is shown — alongside happy hour in the KTAOS restaurant and bar. Mountain adventurers returning along State Road 150 will receive a 10 percent discount on food and beverages with a ticket or pass. Taos Ski Valley Taos Ski Valley is home to numerous bars, restaurants and music venues. The Hotel St. Bernard will host weekly performances by artists including Big Swing Theory for the popular New Year’s Eve Party. The Blonde Bear Tavern offers
“ski-in, ski-out” access and features cocktails by mixologist Rushan Perera and Bavarian-style food prepared by Chef Jon Mudder. Visitors will find one of the mountains’ hottest nightlife hangouts at the base of Lift 1, The Martini Tree Bar, which attracts big music crowds and its popular Super Bowl Party. The Bavarian Lodge and Restaurant is another cherished local eaterylocatedatthebaseof newly accessible Kachina Peak. The 20th annual Brew Master’s Festival will be held on Saturday (Dec. 19) from 4:30-7 p.m. The Ski Valley’s new ownership hasmanyexcitingadditions in store for the upcoming season, which will kick off on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) at 9 a.m.
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The official coffee of Taos. Served at these fine establishments: Cid’s Food Market Dixon Cooperative Market Poco Loco Taos Cow The Coffee Spot Elevation Coffee The Taos Inn Lambert’s of Taos Trading Post Cafe Leonel’s Tamales Mabel Dodge Luhan House Inn on La Loma Old Taos Guesthouse
www.taosroasters.com • 877.505.TAOS • 575.737.5946
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Photo: Tina Larkin
Photo: Tina Larkin
Photo: Tina Larkin
Photo: Tina Larkin, Courtesy of The Taos News
Every Moment, Every Detail
ENCHANTED WEDDINGS START HERE! PLAN YOUR DREAM WEDDING OR OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS! Meet with Enchanted Circle professionals and win fabulous prizes! Experts from more than 40 Local Businesses to guide you through The planning process: Photographers, Venues, Caterers, Florists, DJ’s, Cake Designers… just to name a few! Fashion Show by Patricia Michaels for PM Waterlily!
TAOS WEDDING EXPO Saturday, February 13, 2016 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM Sagebrush Inn & Suites, Taos
Tickets $8.00 or 2 for $15.00 Available at the Door www.taoschamber.com or 575-751-8800 DIAMONDS & GOLD discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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TAOSFURSTYLING Professional organic all breed grooming • Over 23 years experience We offer Spa treatments • Organic mud bath for dry itchy skin • Blueberry
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Across from El Meze in El Prado 1018 Paseo del Pueblo Norte
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the colors of Taos
find all the Taos MLS real estate listings with one click
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Presently Stocking Over 3,500 Wines • 1,000 Beer Choices 105 Single Malt Scotches • 390 Types of Vodka 220 Tequilas • 157 Types of Rum Conveniently located 12 easy miles north of Santa Fe and on the way to all your favorite destinations in Northern New Mexico...
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Coffeehouses
T
he list of java joints in Taos is as abundant, delectable and varied as its eateries, galleries and cast of characters. Here is a sampling of Taos’ coffee offerings. World Cup One of Taos’ oldest coffeehouses, World Cup, is located on Taos Plaza on the corner of Paseo del Pueblo Norte and Kit Carson Road. World Cup is known for its bohemian flair and antiestablishment voice.There is limited indoor seating, but benches that face the busiestintersectionintown provide the perfect spot for people watching any time of day. Credit cards not accepted. The Coffee Spot North of town in El Prado while on your way to Taos Ski Valley, the Río Grande Gorge Bridge or the Enchanted Circle drive via Questa is The Coffee Spot. Under a motto of “resist mediocrity” a full menu is offered, a rotating selection of baked goods and a rock-star cup of joe. Free Wi-Fi and pet friendly. Coffee Cats On the historic John Dunn boardwalk off Bent Street in the heart of town is Coffee Cats. This petite, brightcaféfeaturesorganic, fair-trade coffee, herbal teas, frappés, smoothies and baked goods and desserts. Indoor and out door seating. On a side note: For $1 the barista
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Taosstyle roasts and hosts will drop a “rock” in your beveragethatissaidtohave healing benefits. Cash, check only. Caffé Tazza On Kit Carson Road just steps from Taos Plaza, emits a mellow, hippie energy contained in a small space. Breakfast and lunch menus, and ice cream are offered along with coffee and tea selections. Live music. Cash, check only. Elevation Coffee Also in El Prado is a popular, quiet and friendly place with a contemporary vibe. Keep your eyes peeled for the giant red coffee cup on the side of the road. Cash, check only. Free WiFi, pet-friendly patio and a book exchange. Koko Koko Coffee, Deli & Carryout on Paseo del Pueblo Sur offers an impressive selection of coffee drinks and scrumptious grab-n-go or eat in, including fresh house-made salads, sushi, desserts (don’t pass up some pie) and more for the foodie in everyone. Taos Java A cozy, quaint coffeeshop on Paseo del Pueblo Sur by Walmart. It has the only coffeeshop drive-thru in town. In addition to brewing up
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
Ohori’s beans (roasted in nearby Santa Fe) and offering Mexican cocoa, one of their specialties is creating unique flavor combinations. They also servebreakfastburritosand baked goods. Wired? Coffee Cyber Café Located just behind Albertson’s on La Posta
awaits a casual, meditative atmosphere. In addition to a wide selection of coffees and teas, they offer breakfast treats and burritos. Garden seating is a popular option during warmer weather, but in the winter,coffeeandtealovers can venture inside to the interior garden complete
with fishpond and plants. Free Wi-Fi and private rooms are also available.
Tina Larkin/File photo
The perfect latte at Elevation Coffee.
Photo by Jeff Caven
Mastanduno Project “We are so very pleased with the mountain home that Sutton Construction recently completed for us. John and his crew paid great attention to every detail and the quality of their work is exceptional. We have been especially impressed with John’s creativity in suggesting unique modifications all along the way, from the initial design drawings through all phases of construction. The weekly pictures on his website made us feel like we were on-site even though this was a long-distance project. We highly recommend Sutton Construction to anyone looking to build their dream home in the Moreno Valley!” - Mike & Melanie Mastanduno John R. Sutton General Building Contractor, Inc. Office: 575.377.6570 Cell: 505.603.4727 Visit our website for Centro Plaza | Mountain View Blvd. | PO Box 76 | Angel Fire, NM 87710 designbuild@suttonconstruction.com | NM License #57394 additional photos and testimonials... suttonconstruction.com
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Cheers! Celebrating beer & wine
F
or nearly as long as human beings have wandered Earth, man has also been toying with fermentation. First, presumably, by accident, and later, in very high volumesusingcomplicated machinery and processes. Historians speculate that prehistoric nomads may have crafted beer from grains and water before the invention of bread. Babylonian clay tablets from 4300 B.C. detail recipes for beer. Wine-making is as old
as civilization itself. The earliest evidence for the cultivation of grapes and thesupervisedfermentation of their juices dates back to 6000 B.C. in the Middle East. In the middle ages, many people resorted to beer and wine as a healthy alternative to water, since the alcohol killed many of the microbes that caused deadly diseases. Today, every corner of the globe has people brewing beer and growing grapes to turn into wine. Northern New Mexico is no exception. Here are a few events this
TIna Larkin/File photo
Taos Ski Valley will host its 29th annual Taos Winter Wine Festival, Jan. 27-31.
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winter celebrating some of our favorite beverages. Taos Winter Wine Festival The 29th annual Taos Winter Wine Festival is a four-day event (Jan. 27-31) that takes place in the town of Taos as well as at Taos Ski Valley. This festival will give visitors and locals the chance to experience superlativeskiing,finewine and cuisine. The event features seminars, wine dinners from vintners and chefs, après-ski tastings, and both Reserve and GrandTastings.The festival
will showcase 43 different world-class wineries along with 21 fantastic area restaurants. To sign up for the seminars, the Reserve Tasting, the Grand Tasting and to view the lists of participating restaurants and wineries, visit taoswinterwinefest.com. The wine dinners and aprèsskiing tastings are priced separately. Reservations should be made by contacting the restaurants directly. This is a 21+ event. Brew Masters Festival Taos Ski Valley hosts an afternoonofsamplingbeers
and local food from around the region during the 20th Annual Brew Masters Festival on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The event will be held in Tenderfoot Katie’s and the Martini Tree, located at the base of Chair 1. Admission is $25, and includessouvenirsampling glass, food and fun. Tickets may be bought at the door the day of the event. The Brew Master’s Festival is a 21+ event, no infants or children. Call (575) 7762291 or visit skitaos.org for more information.
San Francisco de Asís Church / Jim O’Donnell ‘Artists simply can’t stay away from San Francisco de Asís mission church in Ranchos de Taos. It is one of the most photographed and painted structures in North America. But it never gets old. The shadows on the building are ever changing and the stark lines of the building offer amazing contrast. Even better is when the melted snow pools in the dips and holes around the church, reflecting back the crosses, walls and windows. Perhaps best for me are the smaller items that typically go unseen when photographers and painters are trying to capture the whole structure in their work. This tiny statue outside the front end of St. Francis Church is one I return to again and again.’
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Winter wildlife Snowbound raptors By Steve Tapia
S
now is upon the Sangre de Cristos like clockwork — as sure as the sun sets and rises. What’s a bird to do? Each autumn, as many birds begin their epic journeys to warmer climates, there are always some birds — like those of the prey variety — that stay put for the winter. These birds have a better chanceofmaintainingtheir territories year-round and they avoid the hazards of migration. But in exchange they have to endure the cold. How do they do it?
Some birds can lower their metabolic rate to an almost torporlike state to survive winter ... Like us, birds are warmblooded,whichmeanstheir bodies maintain a constant temperature of around 106 degrees Fahrenheit. To make enough heat and maintain it, they have evolved many different strategies — some similar to our own. “Big birds — like some birds of prey — do what we do,” according to physiologist David Swanson at the University of South Dakota. “They put on insulation.” Their self-blanketing often involves growing an extra
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set of insulating “downy” feathers, and putting on extra fat for both warmth and as an energy source. “Some birds can lower their metabolic rate to an almost torpor-like state to survive winter,” according to the Drs. Foster and Smith website article“How Birds Survive Winter and How We Can Help.” Their heart rate slows down and their body temperature declines so that they burn fewer calories, which helps them surviveeventhemostbitter nights. Water is also crucial and scarce in winter according to Drs. Foster and Smith, and they go on to say dehydrationcanbeabigger threat than starvation. Fewer non-frozen sources of water exist and though birds can eat snow, it takes much more energy for a bird to eat snow and warm ittobodytemperaturethan it does for them to drink unfrozen water. Below is a list of raptors that you can see in winter depending on where you are in Northern New Mexico, according to “Common Raptors and Other Large Birds of New Mexico,” by Gail Garber and Sarah Young of Hawks Aloft, 2005:
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Ferruginous hawk — Partial to complete American kestrel — Partial Cooper’s hawk — Non-migrator to partial Northern goshawk — Non-mgrator to irruptive Red-tailed hawk — Partial Osprey — Irruptive to complete Golden eagle — Non-migrator to complete Prairie falcon — Partial to non-migrator Bald eagle — Complete to non-migrator Great-horned owl — Non-migrator Completemigratorshave predictable movements, while partial migrators wait until food supplies dwindle before they are forced to fly short distances.
Irruptive migrators move unpredictably when times are tough and food is scarce. From the list given, you can see the birds of prey who call Northern New Mexico home are a diverse and amazing array of hawks, eagles, falcons, osprey and owls that physically have one
thing in common … the unsurpassedabilitytocatch prey. Looking up into the expansiveTaos County sky, the circling of a large bird looking for its next meal is a common sight and majesty in flight.
A raptor of the open country of the West, the Ferruginous hawk is the largest American hawk.
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Mother Steller’s jay feeding her baby
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On a wing
Winter bird-watching in Taos and beyond By Meg Scherch Peterson
C
ongratulations and welcome to the club! If you’re reading this, you probably number among the 47 million Americans (including some 417,000 New Mexicans) who love to watch birds. You may have a favorite bird, too. According to the United States Fish and Wildlife’s 2013 publication, “Birding in the U.S. A DemographicandEconomic Analysis Report,” 75 percent of birders love to watch waterfowl, such as ducks and geese; 72 percent rank hawks and eagles as their favorites; while 68 percent put songbirds at the top. You’ll be happy to know that you can see them all
in and around Taos. This region is part of the Rocky Mountain Migratory Flyway, of which the Río Grande is an important corridor. Here’s a brief overview of the top areas for wintering bird species.
Orilla Verde an Important Bird Area. From midNovember to mid-March, it’s a reliable location for spotting bald eagles. In fact, along a 10-mile stretch of the river from Orilla Verde south to Embudo, local Orilla Verde Recreation Area birderscountedseveneagles during the Christmas Bird Located along the Río Grande about 15 miles south Count. The trick to seeing of Taos at the southern end one is to know that these eagles often perch right atop of Río Grande del Norte National Monument, Orilla the canyon’s basalt boulders — where they are perfectly Verde is one of the top camouflaged. On the other birding hot spots in New hand, it is not unusual to Mexico as well as an eBird hotspot. (eBird is a website drive through the canyon, that hosts a data base of bird glance casually outside the car window and discover a sightings from across the companion eagle zooming U.S. and other countries.) right alongside. In the ‘90s, the National Bald eagles do not AudubonSocietydesignated
nest in Orilla Verde, but golden eagles do, as well as throughout the canyons of Northern New Mexico. And while they typically soar above the canyon rim, you can also spot them along the river, usually harassed by unhappy crows and ravens. Along the Río Grande, rafts of wintering ducks — commson golden-eye, common merganser, greenwinged teal, gadwall and American wigeon — are familiar. Last winter, of great delight to local birders, was the appearance of a Barrow’s golden-eye, a rare visitor from the Arctic regions. Resident birds include rock, Continued on page 110
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During the winter months, expect typical riparian species, including belted kingfisher, redwinged blackbird, song sparrow, great blue heron, as well as the rarer Virginia rail.
Male red-winged blackbird
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Continued from page 109 canyon, and Bewick’s wrens; juniper titmouse; downy, hairy, and ladderbackedwoodpeckers;great blue heron; western scrub jay; canyon and spotted towhees. sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks; white-breasted nuthatch; red-tailed hawk; and both northern and loggerhead shrikes have been spotted during the winter months. Last December saw a first: American tree sparrow. Maps of the area as well as information about local geology and cultural sites are available at the nearby Río Grande Gorge Bureau of Land Management Visitor Center in Pilar, openfromNovember-April from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Be advised, there is no cell phone access in the canyon and it’s best to pack water and snacks. If you’re lucky enough to get to Orilla Verde in the early morning hours, be on the look-out for river otters and beavers. Fred Baca Park This little jewel of a town park is located just a few miles from the Taos Plaza. Take Ranchitos Road west from the Taos Plaza area and turn south on Camino del Medio. The park is on the left. With great foresight, Town of Taos leaders have allowed beavers to do their thing on the Río Fernando as it flows through this 5-acre wetland. And members of the town’s recreation department actually volunteered time and materials to help restore the boardwalk. Consequently, Fred Baca can be an amazing spot where anything is possible. During the winter months, expect typical riparian species, including belted kingfisher, red-winged blackbird, song sparrow, great blue heron, as well as the rarer Virginia rail. Pine siskin can gather in flocks to feed on seeds at the tips
Each of the areas described is easily accessible and very do-able for the casual as well as more experienced birder. Rest assured, there are many other areas within a few hours drive from Taos. of thistles. The park is a popular morning walking spot for locals, and parents with small children visit the playground, so head out early for the best birding. The Río Fernando flows from the park to join the Río Pueblo. You can head south from the park along Camino del Medio to catch glimpses of the valley of the Río Pueblo to the west. This area can be rich with hawks. One winter, local birders were treated to prized sightings of roughlegged hawk, down from its summer haunts on the Arctic tundra. Red River Fish Hatchery Located along the Red River south and west of Questa, this canyon-river area is another eBird hotspot. In addition to common riparian species, such as song sparrow, the American dipper seems to like it here, as do wintering teal and merganser. Listen, too, for roving bands of pinyon jay. From the hatchery, you could continue your birding adventure by travelingnorthwardto take in Wild Rivers Recreation Area. This is definitely goldeneagleandred-tailed hawk country, plus bald eagles in the winter. Rock and canyon wrens can be expected, and because of the higher elevation you may spot Steller’s jay, Clark’s nutcracker or red-breasted nuthatch. Pinyon jays can be erratic depending on the availability of their favorite food, the piñon nut.
Eagle Nest aand Angel Fire If you’re into the various morphs of red-tailed hawk, the drive from Angel Fire to Eagle Nest is a must-do. Red-tailed Hawks are often spotted atop telephone poles along the highway from Angel Fire to Eagle Nest. The Visitor Center at Eagle Nest Lake State Park provides a map and directions to paths and viewing areas. The lake can host a stray Western or Clark’s grebe in early winter, as well as flocks of mountainbluebird,though these usually depart to lower elevations during the deeper winter months. When the lake is unfrozen, migrating ducks and geese take advantage of the expanse of water. Other species in the surrounding area are the nuthatches, scaled quail, horned larks, juncos and Canada goose. Each of the areas described above is easily accessible and very do-able for the casual as well as more experienced birder. Rest assured, there are many other areas within a few hours drive from Taos. One resource to have on hand is the newly published “Birding Hot Spots of Santa Fe, Taos, & Northern New Mexico” by Judy Liddell and Barbara Hussey. A great online resource when traveling to new locations is ebird.org. Click on Explore Data, then Explore Hotspots, then enter the name of one of the hotspots listed in this article. View Details will take you to the most recent lists submitted by local birders. Sangre de Cristo Audubon is the local Audubon chapter. They offer information about Christmas Bird Counts, resources about the area, and field trips. Check them out at newmexicoaudubon.org. Happy birding.
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Sangre de Cristo & Valdez valley / Gak stonn
‘When the heaviest of the snow falls, we rejoice. And there is not a single person, age 7 to 77, who does not look into the bowl of Valdez Valley, coming to or from Taos Ski Valley and think of the marvels within. There exists a wealth of adventure down there. Yet who of us gets into the depths to devour the riches? This winter make it a point to travel into Valdez when it is blanketed in snow and play.’
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Amina’s children’s clothes Ammann Gallery Bent St. Cafe & Deli Clarke & Co. mens’ wear Coffee Cats Common Thread uncommon fabrics Coyote Moon folkart & pottery Great Noodles Kokopelli Flutes
La Tierra Mineral Gallery Las Comadres Gallery Letherwerks Little Place Boutique Mariposa Boutique Monet’s Kitchen Mooncat Fiber Op.Cit Bookshop Seconds Ecostore Steppin’ Out shoes & fashions A Stitch in Time alterations
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WINTER SPORTS
WINTER HIKING THE TRAILS LESS TRAVELED By Cindy Brown
For spectacular snowcovered mountain views and the chance to see wildlife, nothing beats winter hiking in Taos. And if you choose some of the lesser-known hikes, you may be out on the trail in glorious silence and solitude. With all the sunny days, you can hike throughout the winter months. There are trails with more snow and those with less. Because the weather can change quickly, dress in layers that can be easily removed or added. Be sure to bring hiking poles for stability and some type of traction device like Yaktrax or MICROspikes to ensure safe footing on snow and ice.
Here are a few trails that are off the beaten path.
SOME SNOW — COMALES CANYON TRAIL
Southeast of town, there areseveralhikesalongState Road 518. These trails are at lower elevation than those near the Taos Ski Valley, but expect some snow. Comales Canyon Trail is a good choice. Just about 20 miles from the center of town, Comales follows a creek up a canyon lined with rock walls. The path passes through meadows on a moderate climb. It begins at 8,200 feet, climbs to 10,700 feet and meets up with a network of other trails at about the 4-mile mark.
If you choose some of the lesser-known hikes, you may be out on the trail in glorious silence and solitude. Therearespectacularviews of Picuris and Gallegos peaks. Even if you don’t go all the way to the top, you will see some beautiful meadowsandmaybesome wildlife, such as elk and deer. Continued on page 116
Gabe Weinstein
Reigning women’s shovel racing world champion Kelly Haukebo flies to the finish line at Angel Fire Resort.
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WINTER SPORTS Continued from page 114
DIRECTIONS: From Taos Plaza, drive south just over 3 miles on Paseo del Pueblo Sur. Turn east at State Road 518 and go about 17 miles. Drive past the Comales Campground on your left and look for the trailhead to the right.
SECOND LAYER: Add something for warmth like fleece or a wool sweater.
LESS SNOW — LA VISTA VERDE
PLUS: A hat, gloves and a
West of town, out on the flat mesa, there are many hikes near the Río Grande. The trailhead for La Vista Verde is tucked up on a shelf between the Río Grande and the mesa rim above. This trail is relatively flat at 6,400 feet and gets lots of sun during
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WINTER CLOTHING:
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
BASE LAYER: Silk, wool or synthetic material close to the skin to wick away moisture.
OUTER LAYER: A wind and water resistant shell.
scarf or gaiter to protect your neck. Waterproof boots and wool socks. Sunglasses and sunscreen. For a list of more Taos area hiking trails check out Carson National Forest at fs.usda.gov and taostrails.com.
much of the winter. It is an easy 2.5-mile roundtrip to an overlook above the Río Grande. Look for the Spanish crosses on the big boulders near the trail and the petroglyphs off the trail.
DIRECTIONS: A word of caution on reaching this trailhead. There are two ways to approach it and either one requires following a steep unpaved road, so wait until a few days after a storm before trying this one. From Taos Plaza, go north 4 miles on Paseo del Pueblo Norte to the intersection of U.S. 64 and State Road 150. Turn west at the traffic signal and drive west 7
miles to the Río Grande Gorge Bridge. Shortly after the bridge, turn south on West Rim Road and continue 8 miles to the stop sign. Go left toward Pilar. Follow the road as it turns to dirt and descend the switchbacks until you see La Vista Verde trailhead to the left. An alternate approach is to drive south from Taos Plaza on Paseo del Pueblo Norte/U.S. 68 for 17 miles to Pilar. Turn west on State Road 570 and head toward the Taos Junction Bridge. Cross the bridge and go up the switchbackstothetrailhead on your right.
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WINTER SPORTS
File photo
A group of backcountry skiers work toward a summit in search of untracked powder.
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BACKCOUNTRY SKIING THE UNMARKED ADVENTURE BY CODY HOOKS
A decade ago, there were only a few enterprising folks who knew the words “backcountry skiing,” and even fewer still who had actually done it. But these days,moreandmorepeople pine to get out of sight of chairlifts, lodges and the blaring neon of hordes of skiers.
‘You’re just out there in the beauty and peace of the woods.’ — Elena Lombard
“You’re just out there in the beauty and peace of the woods,” says Elena Lombard, owner of Mudd N Flood, a one-stop-shop for gear made for tackling the backcountry.“You’re so close to civilization, but you feel the pristine wilderness.” Continued on page 122
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WINTER SPORTS Continued from page 119
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
Hiking in wilds of New Mexico when it’s snowless is dangerous enough, but add to that a few feet of snow and the solitude that can only come with the backcountry — true backcountry riding normallybeginssomewhere other than a ski area and involves only humanpowered ascent. The dangers are 10 times as precarious as anything you’d see on a groomed trail. Depending on where you are, avalanches can be commonplace. It’s important to know the signs, Lombard said.
But if you’re up for the challenge that comes with a DIY skiing adventure, getting a couple lessons
File photo
Like any adventure, a first-time backcountry skier will need to be familiarized with the tools of the trade and should never go alone or with other novice backcountry skiers.
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is a good start because as Lombard explained, there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to summit a hill while constantly slipping backwards to your starting point. “Carry the things that’ll keep you comfortable — layers, sunscreen, water, all those essentials,” she said. Good gear — and the know-how to use it — are a must. But with hundreds of people hitting the backcountry, skis made specifically for backcountry skiing aren’t hard to come by. Northern New Mexico boasts a few prime spots of alpine touring terrain. Bowe Ellis, a Taos local andentrepreneurwho’sout in the backcountry when there’s too much snow to
Good gear — and the know-how to use it — are a must. rock climb, said the area around the Brazos (west of Tres Piedras) is especially great and gentler than runs closer to home in Taos Ski Valley (TSV). From TSV, one can head up the Bull of the Woods trail or up toward Williams Lake, he said. But beware of fickle snowpack and unique solar exposure. “Of course, you can bust out from the Enchanted Circle Highway, too,” he said.
Ellis guesses there are two types of backcountry skiers — extremophiles who are out breaking trail all winter long, and those who take a little more of a chill approach getting out in the spring when the air’s just a bit balmy and the dangers less stark. Either way, he said, “it’s guaranteed it’s gonna be a great time.”
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Because you know you want to live here.
Call 575.758.2241 and we will mail you our monthly Homes real estate magazine showcasing Taos, Angel Fire and Red River for free. Over 500 properties can be found at enchantedhomesller.com 124 124
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THE LANGDALE COLLECTION DISCOVERED
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Eske’s ‘Paradise Balloons’ / Geraint Smith ‘I love being in position at a location anticipating the possibilities. As the sun bursts over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and
the light in the Río Grande Gorge in winter comes streaming down the Río Hondo canyon, it’s as though a spotlight was thrown on the scene illuminating just the essential elements in its path.’ Eske’s ‘Paradise Balloons’ at the John Dunn Bridge in the Río Grande Gorge, just before making a splash and dash in the river.
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W
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WINTER SPORTS
SHOVEL RACING
MAJOR ADRENALINE RUSH BY GABE WEINSTEIN Kelly Haukebo has the same feeling every year before her first run at the World Championship Shovel Races at Angel Fire Resort. It bubbles up as soon as Haukebo, the defending champion in the women’s division, sees the resort’s snowcats begin working on the course a few days before the races. “I’m still terrified to do that very first run,” says Haukebo, the all-time wins leaderinthewomen’sshovel racing division. But once Haukebo sits down on her shovel and pushes off, her fears zoom away faster than her top shovel racing speed. Haukebo has been clocked as fast as 70 mph on a shovel. “Once you get that first run down it’s like riding a bike,” she says. Shovel racing has been one of Northern New Mexico’s favorite traditions since the 1970s. Angel Fire Resort staffers started experimenting with shovels as a way to decrease their commutes down the mountain. Super-modified
‘Once you get that first run down it’s like riding a bike.’ — Haukebo shovel racing was included in the inaugural X-Games in 1997. Angel Fire Resort stopped the World Shovel Racing Championships from 2005-2009 over liability concerns and brought the event back in 2010. If skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling are not fulfilling your need for adrenaline, shovel racing likely will. “[Shovel racing] is one of the most exhilarating feelings I have ever felt,” says Haukebo, an Angel Fire local. Haukebo and five-time shovel racing champion Justin Gonzales shared their tips and tricks for aspiring shovel racers and racers looking to shave a few seconds off their time. Continued on page 132
Gabe Weinstein
Reigning women’s shovel racing world champion Kelly Haukebo flies to the finish line at Angel Fire Resort.
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Need Help?
Suicide Prevention/Intervention Services • Psychiatric Evaluations/ Medication Management • Individual/Family/Group CounselingAdults/Youth • Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Services • Comprehensive Community Support Services • Patient Assistance Program-Pharmacy Services • Social Detoxification Services • Outpatient Substance Abuse Counseling • Intensive Outpatient Services • Assertive Community Treatment Program (ACT) • Taos Adult Drug Court Taos DWI Pre-Trial Service Serving Taos, Colfax and Union County Residents
Taos Office 575-758-5857 24 Hour Crisis Line 575-758-1125 Raton Office 575-445-2754 (24 HR Crisis Line) Clayton Office 575-374-2032 (24 HR Crisis Line) Fees based on ability to pay. Accepting most insurances, private pay, Medicare & Medicaid.
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SHOVEL RACING
WINTER SPORTS
Courtesy Angel Fire Resort
Continued from page 130
EQUIPMENT
You need to feel comfortable with your shovel, your most important piece of equipment. Haukebo has used the same shovel for more than 20 years. Shovel tuner and Black Lake native Gonzales uses a new shovel every year. He gives his shovels custom paint jobs for each race.
‘The camaraderie of longtime shovel racers is special.’ — Haukebo
THE DESCENT
It’s normal to feel a bit When you cross the finish anxious before your first run. line try and quickly find a Gonzales closes his eyes and way to stop your shovel. The takesadeepbreathbeforehis last thing you want to do is plunge down the mountain. bend it. Keep things simple with your racing position. One of Gonzales and “Ideally you want to sit in a shovel and lean back as Haukebo’s favorite things far as you can without your about shovel racing is the tight bond amongst racers. back touching the snow,” “The camaraderie of says Haukebo. “Hold an aerodynamic position, point longtime shovel racers is your toes, lean back just like special,” says Haukebo. a luge position and hope for During the day, shovel the best.” racers hang out on the
shovel based on the course conditions. Waxing a shovel for a course covered with a fresh coat of powder is much different than preparing your shovel for a cloudy, slushy course according Gonzales says its to Gonzales. He also important to find a flat, recommends keeping your straight shovel. These shovel polished. A polished shovelswillhelppreventyou shovel creates a smoother As you head down the from zig zagging all over the surface, less abrasion and hill, Haukebo encourages course. lowerresistancehelpingyou racers to resist putting their hands down on the snow. It’s crucial to wax your go faster.
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It will cost you precious seconds off your final time.
THE BOND
mountain with each other and watch which lines other racers choose. Shovel racers understand their friends’
concerns about tuning their shovel and help each other assess the best route down the mountain. Haukebo would like to see more women give shovel racing a crack. “It is more fun than it is scary,” Haukebo says. “Come on out and give it a try. You’re missing out if you don’t.” After your first run, you will wonder why it took so long to hop on a shovel. The World Championship Shovel Races are Feb. 6. For more information call Angel Fire Resort at 1-800-6337463 or visit angelfireresort. com for more details.
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Río Grande Gorge / Jim O’Donnell ‘The first time I came to this landscape I was a little kid. My family came for the fishing and to seek out ancient American
Indian petroglyphs. Over the years I returned many times for the wildness of it all. There are not many massive chunks of wilderness landscape remaining and we have this massive one right here in our backyard. So it was a relief to see President Obama declare this area a National Monument in March 2013.’
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We Enjoy Doing Window Coverings & It Shows!
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IN OUR OFFICE OUR CLIENTS ARE #1! discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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Columbine-Hondo Wilderness / Jim O’Donnell ‘It is a bastion for wildlife and a key corridor for wildlife migrations along our mountain chain. In all of New Mexico, the Columbine-Hondo is one of my most favorite places. In the summer I hike and backpack. In the winter it is the perfect place for a silent and solitary snowshoe.’
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TRADESMEN Builders
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Award-winning builder Wayne Rutherford has been creating beautiful and timeless home and business environments for 40 years. His responsive design, traditional and contemporary craftsmanship, attention to detail, and project management are well regarded throughout Northern New Mexico. Please call today to find out how Wayne & Company can create a great new or remodeled environment for your home and work life.
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WINTER SPORTS
TUBING
SLIPPING, SLIDING, BUMPY RIDING BY BETH DOBOS If barreling down a hillside with the wind in your hair and no way to steer yourself sounds like a good time, then tubing could be for you. Tubing is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to have fun in the snow. Tubing is for people who likeunpredictability.Unlike sledding, an innertube has no steering mechanism, so you never know quite exactly where you will end up at the bottom of the hill or the path you will take to get there. I recommend using your hands as brakes. Contrary to other winter sports like skiing and snowboarding,tubingdoes not require an expensive lift ticket, lessons or any real skill set. Anyone who enjoys sliding fast can just hop on a rubber donut and go. Since tubes are low to the ground, children will
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Tubing does not require an expensive lift ticket, lessons or any real skil set. not fall far if they slip off their tube. For adults, the rush of tubing can bring out their inner child. It is also an environmentally friendly winter activity since it does not pollute the air like snowmobiling does. There are a few options for tubers in Taos County, day or night.
TAOS U.S. Hill is in the
Carson National Forest, only 10 miles southeast of Taos off Upper Ranchitos
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
Road. It is a very popular location for tubing and sledding.
TAOS SKI VALLEY
Strawberry Hill, which is the beginner slope at Taos Ski Valley, provides a well-lit run for tubers starting at 5 p.m. Renting a tube costs $8 for unlimited rides.
RED RIVER
Red River also offers up their slopes to tubers at 4:15 p.m., after they close toskiersandsnowboarders. It’s tubing time for one hour. Tube rentals cost $15.
ANGEL FIRE
Angel Fire is a great location for night tubers since it has the Polar Coaster, a moving surface lift, is well-lit and features groomedslopes.Lifttickets cost $20 for 90 minutes.
Courtesy Angel Fire Resort
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Retirement Is not About Age. Its About How Young You feel.
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VISITOR & NEWCOMER GUIDE Angel Fire Red River Sipapu Taos Ski Valley
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Retire from work, not life. Taos Retirement Village for the young at heart and spirit.
Visit taosnews.com to start your online subscription. 140
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Free Choice for Real Estate in Chama Secluded, private, well maintained fully furnished on 2.14 acres- manufactured home with 2 bedrooms 2 baths plus a 2 car garage and a bunk house with two additional bedrooms and 1/2 bath over the garage Minutes away from Heron Lake and El Vado Lake is just down the road as well. Perfect for those who want to escape from the fast pace of city life and relax on weekends. Or you can live here year round! Great for those who have a large family or like to entertain. Spend your days exploring the area, fishing in the lakes, fly fishing in the Chama and Brazos Rivers and sit back in the evening on the deck taking in the scenery and listening to the wind gently blowing through the pines. A must see to truly appreciate all it has to offer! MLS# 201504111 $225,000. 2+ acres adjacent also available. A Real Log Home that has a spacious, open floor plan, fireplace with mantel, hardwood flooring, log beams, skylights, log staircase and much more. The 30 x 30 garage has plenty of shelves for storage, a 1/2 bath and an extra bedroom for guests as well. With front and back decks, there are plenty of places to sit and relax and enjoy listening to the wind whisper through the tall Ponderosa pines and watch wildlife such as deer, squirrels meander by. Spend your days exploring our beautiful countryside, fly fishing in the Brazos or Chama Rivers, recreational boating fun in the near by lakes and cozy up in front of a fire on cool evenings! Priced at $295,000 MLS#201500417
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FAROLITOS LIGHT THE WAY THROUGH QUESTA OVER
Q U E S T A
WINTER SOLSTICE WEEKEND
... THOUSANDS OF FAIRY LIGHTS AND HUNDREDS OF FAROLITOS WILL MAKE FOR A MAGICAL SIGHT ... in Santa Fe suggested tearing the church down. But local parishioners prevailed. For the last four years, volunteers have been rebuilding the temporarily deconsecrated structure brick by adobe brick. A farolito walk during Questa’s first-annual Alumbra de Questa Christmas Craft Market will offer a sneak-peek at the nearly finished project. Alumbra de Questa celebrates the hidden artistry alive in these hills during Winter Solstice, Dec. 18-19. In the European tradition, crafts and traditional treats will be available into the evening when thousands of fairy lights and hundreds of farolitos will make for a magical sight befitting this special winter in northern Taos County. Questa had a rough founding in its remote location, and still feels close to its wilderness traditions. While summer is the main season for camping, hiking and fishing, or just driving the dramatically beautiful roads; the trails and roads are still there all year long.
Katharine Egli
NORTHERN GATEWAY THIS SMALL, HISTORIC VILLAGE WAS INCORPORATED in 1842 after many attempts by settlers. Questa is on a route called the Kiowa Trail
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that was a well-used link between the plains Natives and Taos Pueblo. It was not the safest location to start a village, but was a desired one by the non-conformist families who called it home. Some of these original settlers were Crypto-Jews who arrived
with the Conquistadors at a time when Spain was forcing nonCatholics to convert, leave or be killed. Questa was a frontier then, and in many ways, still is. A half-hour north of Taos, Questa is the northern gateway to the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Questa is one in a
long chain of tiny towns that popped up along the Río Grande in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the mid-1800s, the San Antonio del Río Colorado church was erected. This historic adobe structure partially crumbled in 2008. Years of legal scuffles followed after the archdiocese
Questa’s star attraction, the Río Grande del Norte National Monument, never closes. Weather depending, it is a wonderful place to crosscountry ski or snowshoe. For more information on winter activities; phone the Questa Ranger District of the Carson National Forest, MondayFriday, at (575) 586-0520, open year-round. And the BLM Wild Rivers Visitors Center at (575) 586-1150.
Questa Lumber & Hardware Co Questa Co. Questa Lumber Lumber& & Hardware Co. Look for our
Look for our new full service new full service service new full Hardware Hardware and and store store and Lumber Lumber yardyard at yard 2349 St. Hwy 522 Opening Soon!Soon! Opening (Next to Family Dollar)
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Visit all your Visit usus forfor all your hard-toVisit us for all your hard-tofind seasonal, contracting hard-to-find seasonal, and find homeseasonal, repair needs. We contracting contracting, and home haveand the experience to get home repair needs. We the job done our repair Wefamily haveto get haveneeds. thewith experience of stores: Questa Lumber & the job done with our family the experience to get Hardware Co., Northstar of stores: Questa Lumber & Tire Center, CarQuesta, the job done with and our Questa Small Engine Hardware Co.,Works. Northstar family of stores. Personalized service is our Tire Center, CarQuesta, and Questa Small Engine Works. Personalized service Personalized service is our is our number one number one priority! number one priority!
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QUESTA HEALTH CENTER OFFERS: — Medical — Dr Gina Perez-Baron M.D. Kia Tamaki Harrold C.N.P. • Sick & Well Child Care • CDL/Sports Pre-Employment Physicals • Immunizations • Lab Services • Pharmacy Services • Patient Education • Family Medicine • Chronic complex health problems • Suboxone Program — Dental Care — Dr Tyler Morgan D.D.S. • Preventative Care • Basic Restorative • 6 months thru Adult • Emergency Care • Child Dentistry
Questa Northern Beauty
— Behavioral Health — Liz Sump C.M.H.W • Individual & Family Counseling • Case Management • Child/Adolescent/Adult Counseling • Substance abuse therapy • Suboxone Group Therapy Call 575-586-0315 for an appointment! (Walk-in’s also accepted) 2573 State Highway, Questa, NM 87556 www.pms-inc.org Payment options: Medicare, Medicaid, Salud, and private insurance. Sliding fee scale services for the uninsured. Also offers Vaccines for Children Program, Family Planning Program, and Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.
discovertaos.com discovertaos.com /// /// Winter/Spring Winter/Spring 2016 2016
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ICE FISHERMAN WITH HIS CATCH OF
E A G L E N E S T
RAINBOW TROUT
EVERY DAY AND NIGHT ... THE EBB AND FLOW OF THE WILD PRESENTS ITSELF AROUND EAGLE NEST. summer will likely see ducks, geese, crows and magpies, a heron or osprey and, with luck, a golden eagle for which the lake is named. In the winter, the native flocks of ducks, geese, pelicans, herons, crows and ospreys thin with migration. However, a number of species over the winter months vary each year depending on the severity of the season. These resident species either never leave the area or they fly in from the north for a milder Moreno Valley winter. Songbirds appear all year-round, including juncos, sparrows and chickadees. Blue grouse winter under the cover of conifer forests, particularly on the slopes of Touch-Me-Not Mountain. Every day and night, be it the big or small, the fourlegged or the winged, the ebb and flow of the wild presents itself around Eagle Nest.
THE LAST BEST PLACE TUCKED INSIDE THE BELLY OF
Moreno Valley’s lowest point where a 2,400-acre alpine lake and snowcapped mountains meet is the cozy confines of Eagle Nest.
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Soaring Sangre de Cristo mountain vistas, Eagel Nest Lake State Park and rolling pastures provide some of the best wildlife spotting along the 85mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, just 30 miles east of Taos.
Situated in a glacial valley on the slopes of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest peak, Eagle Nest is rich in wildlife such as elk, mule deer, turkeys, mountain lions, birds of prey, coyotes, bears, raccoons and golden eagles, the latter for which the town and lake are named.
The valley’s elk herd is the star of the area’s wintertime show. Several thousand elk inhabit the mountain-skirt forests on both sides of the valley year-round. The area around Eagle Nest Lake is also prime habitat for birds. Anyone who stops by in the
Other fall and winter activities include skiing, snowboarding and ziplining at three of the most preeminent ski areas in New Mexico — Taos Ski Valley, Sipapu and Angel Fire — and all three are within 11 to 45 minutes from Eagle Nest. And for the brave, the town hosts an annual Polar Bear Plunge at Eagle Nest Lake on New Year’s Day. Don’t let the smallness of Eagle Nest fool you, there are plenty of shops to browse and places to grab a bite to eat. For more information go to eaglenestchamber.org.
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YURIY LUDOV SCULPTURE AT ROTTENSTONE
A R R O Y O S E C O
GALLERY
File photo
IN THE HEART OF IT ALL IN THE AREA NEAR THE FOOT
of El Salto Mountain is a small village called Arroyo Seco, just 7 miles north of Taos along State Road 150, the main road to Taos Ski Valley.
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El Salto is revered as a holy site, which is steeped in religious folklore and christened by seven waterfalls. Arroyo Seco is a 200-year-old village first settled by two brothers who cultivated the land.
After its founding in 1806, other famers joined Cristóbal and José Gregorio Martínez in Arroyo Seco (Dry Creek) in hopes of reeping the benefits of its fertile soil. This quaint and peaceful historic village offers shopping, eateries, lodging and stunning sunset shows along its
western horizon. It is also home to the Church of the Most Holy Trinity erected in 1834, with a newer roof and covered floor added in 1915. The structure crowned with a bell tower was fully restored in the early 2000s. It is believed the altar screen, Continued on page 148
THIS QUAINT AND PEACEFUL HISTORIC VILLAGE OFFERS SHOPPING, EATERIES, LODGING AND STUNNING SUNSET SHOWS ...
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TAOS COW’S DIVINE
A R R O Y O S E C O
ICE CREAM
IF WALKING MAKES YOU HUNGRY, ARROYO SECO HAS PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR GREEN CHILE ENTHUSIASTS AND ICE CREAM LOVERS. Tina Larkin
Continued from page 146 painted by the famous Mexican santero José de Garcia Gonzales, is as old as the church. For decades, famous entertainers, politicans, historians and hippies
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are said to have walked the village’s main street, possibly seeking the charm and calm it emits. As all merchants are within walking distance of each other, you can easily go from shop to shop looking for the perfect
souvenir to take home.
community.
Arroyo Seco is rich in pottery outlets as well as fine art photography and giclée printing, sculpture and other fine art. If you are looking for gifts, they can be found all throughout the
If walking makes you hungry, Arroyo Seco has plenty of options for green chile enthusiasts and ice cream lovers. For more information see visitseco.com.
WHERE THE LOCALS GO! Fun Dining
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Take-out Food, Groceries, Package Beer, Wine & Spirits Ice & ATM Available GOTTA TRY OUR BREAKFAS T BURRITO SERVED ALL DAY
Cocina 7 am - 4:30 pm (575) 776-8516 Cantina Open 9 am (575) 776-8643
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P HOT OGRA P HY BY KAT HA RIN E EGL I, T H E TA O S N EW S
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Open For Dinner 7 Nights A Week 5 - 9PM - Sunday Brunch 11AM - 2:30PM 480 State Road 150 Arroyo Seco, NM aceqrestaurant.com 575.776.0900 info@aceqrestaurant.com
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COME ENJOY BEAUTIFUL SCENERY & TAOS COW ALL NATURAL, rBGH FREE SUPER PREMIUM ICE CREAM KIDS MENU & TAKE OUT AVAILABLE
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OFFERING: FULL BREAKFAST & LUNCH MENUS • TAOS ROASTERS’ LOCALLY ROASTED ORGANIC FAIR TRADE COFFEE • FULL ESPRESSO BAR • FRESHLY-MADE PASTRIES & CAKES • DAILY SPECIALS • BOARSHEAD DELI MEATS & CHEESES • UNIQUE LINE OF HOME-MADE POT PIES INCLUDING CHICKEN,VEGGIE & BUFFALO • ODWALLA JUICES • ALL NATURAL SODAS • HOMEMADE SMOOTHIES • WIRELESS INTERNET • VEGAN/VEGETARIAN OPTIONS • ORDER BIRTHDAY CAKES & MUCH MORE.....
TAOS COW ICE CREAM CO. CAFÉ & DELI
776-5640 OPEN 7AM TO 6PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN ARROYO SECO
discovertaos.com /// /// Winter/Spring Winter/Spring 2016 2016 discovertaos.com
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GALE KENNEDY GOES UP LIFT 5 DURING THE K2 BUMPS CHALLENGE, WHERE COMPETITORS
T A O S S K I V A L L E Y
DID LAPS DOWN TAOS SKI VALLEY’S AL’S RUN TO BENEFIT TWO ORGANIZATIONS; BOARDING FOR BREAST CANCER (B4BC) AND THE ANITA SALAS MEMORIAL FUND, IN FEBUARY 2015.
Katharine Egli
STEEP AND DEEP
150
LIKE MANY OF THE SMALL COMMUNITIES
that dot Northern New Mexico, the Village of Taos Ski Valley was born from timber and ore mining.
Three mining companies were operating in the valley in the early 1900s and mining continued to be the primary activity until 1906 when it declined due to other limitations — this time because of the weather.
In the 1600s, Spaniards extracted ore from the rugged terrain until their limitations caught up with them. The area was re-opened to industries in the early 1900s after new mining methods were invented.
The village sprung shortly after World War II when Orville E. Pattison purchased land in what is now part of Carson National Forest. To the south, the village is bordered by Wheeler Peak Wilderness.
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Ernie Blake initiated the development of the ski area in the mid-1950s. That vision cascaded into a demand for homes, lodging and commercial outlets. Seeing the need and opportunity, the Pattison family began to sell land parcels in the 1960s. Water rights were later purchased and harnessed for human use. The family continues to be involved in the development of the village, which was incorporated as a municipality in 1996. In its 50-plus years, Taos Ski Valley (TSV) has
become synonymous with steep-and-deep skiing, short lift lines, tree-skiing and gullies, cheese fondue and German brews.
consecutive days in order to take skiers and riders to their next level of expertise. There are also many special events throughtout winter.
The heralded ski destination is undergoing a facelift, but none of that hampers the experience.
One of those events is the K2 Breast Cancer Awareness Day to be held Saturday, Feb. 27, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. TSV joined forces with K2 to host a collaborative celebration of two unique fundraising events to benefit two organizations: Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BB)
Besides the challenging, beautiful slopes, another popular and often lauded feature of TSV is the Ernie Blake Snowsports School instruction program. It features annual Snowsports Weeks. The program concentrates instruction over six
Continued on page 152
Taos Ski Valley’s
Leading LuxuryVacation Rental Company
Condos • Suites • Hotel Rooms • Chalets • Private Homes Whether you are looking for a ski-in/ski-out condominium or a secluded romantic cabin, we are sure to have the perfect property. Offering luxury, convenience, and the best personal service from booking to check-out, we are your TAOS SKI VALLEY LODGING EXPERTS. Perfect accommodations in unforgettable surroundings!
www.taospropertyrentals.com • ph. 877.557.9448
Edelweiss Lodge & Spa
Powderhorn Suites & Condos
Bavarian Chalets
Ski in/Ski out • Full Service Centrally Located
Great Value Base Area Accommodations
Ski in/Ski out Private Luxury Accommodations
See for yourself why New Mexico magazine named Chef Jon Mudder one of “7 Chefs to Watch” www.blondebeartavern.com
Photos: Jeff Caven Photography
• Premium Wine Bar • World Class Cocktails • Critically Acclaimed Food
Taos Ski Valley’s most popular breakfast spot – both located at Edelweiss Lodge & Spa • 106 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley, NM • 575.737.6900 • www.edelweisslodgeandspa.com discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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T A O S S K I V A L L E Y
PAUL ERKER HANGS OUT WITH HIS DOGS LUNA AND HAVEN WHILE HIS SKIING PARTNER DOES A RUN IN THE K2 BUMPS CHALLENGE AT TAOS SKI VALLEY IN FEBRUARY 2015.
Continued from page 150 and the Anita Salas Memorial Fund. Folks are invited to take part in the 4th Annual K2 Bumps Challenge and the Paint for Peaks snowboard art auction at the Martini Tree Bar. For more information about K2 Breast Cancer Awareness Day and other events at Taos Ski Valley, go online to skitaos.org. The standard Snowsports Week runs every Sunday-Friday during the season. Opening day is Thanksgiving with a limited schedule until Dec. 10.
Katharine Egli
MOUNTAIN STATS
SEASON DATES: Nov. 26-Dec. 6 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday-Sunday only); Dec. 11-March 20 (9 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily)
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AVERAGE ANNUAL SNOWFALL: 305 in AVERAGE DAYS OF SUNSHINE: 300+ NUMBER OF RUNS: 110 24 percent beginner 45 percent intermediate 51 percent expert
NUMBER OF LIFTS: 15 total 4 quad chairs 3 triple chairs 5 double chairs 3 surface lifts VILLAGE ELEVATION: 9,207 ft BASE ELEVATION: 8,200 ft
KACHINA PEAK ELEVATION: 12,481 ft HIGHEST LIFT ELEVATION: 12,450 ftVERTICAL DROP: 3,274 feet SNOWMAKING: Yes, 100 percent of beginner and intermediate slopes
HOURS OF LIFT OPERATION: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. INFORMATION: (866) 968-7386; skitaos.org
Taos Ski Valley discover the untamed spirit
Andean Software
IN TAOS BETWEEN TAOS INN AND CAFE RENATO FREE PARKING • OPEN DAILY • 758.8605
IN TAOS SKI VALLEY ON THUNDERBIRD ROAD • 776 2508 WWW.ANDEANSOFTWARE.COM
LE SKI MASTERY CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AT TAOS SKI VALLEY
New Demo Skis and Boots Snowboard Rentals World Class Ski Tuning Clothing Accessories
Nicolas Veth, NCAA Skier Lobo Ski Team
Salomon,Nordica, Tecnica, K2, Dalbello, Poc, Scott, Bolle, Marker, Swix Alain and Peggy Veth, owners Alain has worked with the US Ski Team (87-90) and was a member of the French National Ski Team 1980-82.
Le Ski Mastery Est. 1990 3 Thunderbird Rd Taos Ski Valley leskimastery.com 575 776 1403
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S I P A P U 154
‘LAND OF PARADISE’ THE LATE LLOYD BOLANDER, FOUNDER OF NEW MEXICO’S SIPAPU SKI AND SUMMER RESORT IS HERALDED AS
a true New Mexico pioneer. Born and raised in Peñasco, New Mexico, Bolander began skiing as a toddler on a wooded hillside near Taos. In 1950, with his wife Olive, he bought 13 acres
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
of riverfront property in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, intending to live a sustainable lifestyle. In 1952, they installed a 100-foot portable rope tow and opened for business as Sipapu, a Tewa language word for “land of paradise.” It was the first lift-served ski area in the state. Located just 20 miles southeast of Taos near Vadito, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort has long been known for
its family-friendly amenities, affordability and an old-school, low-key style. And they aren’t kidding. Sipapu is the classic spot for family time. It’s a place where your kids won’t get lost, and is perfect for skiers and boarders of all skill levels. The accommodations are clean and simple (no in-room TVs or phones — Sipapu believes families should connect with each other, not over their electronics although, cable TV is available in
the lodge and cell service is usually available throughout the property). Again this winter, Sipapu was the first New Mexico resort to turn on the snow-making machines and crank up the chairlifts for a Nov. 14 opening day (extended weekends). Giving skiers the longest season in the state, Sipapu was also the first to open slopes for the 13th straight year. Daily operations begin Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Surrounded by the
AGAIN THIS WINTER, SIPAPU WAS THE FIRST NEW MEXICO RESORT TO TURN ON THE SNOW-MAKING MACHINES ... GIVING SKIERS THE LONGEST SEASON IN THE STATE ...
A SNOWBOARDER WEAVES HIS WAY DOWN AT SIPAPU. Courtesy photo
Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Carson National Forest, the resort has more than 40 trails, five lifts and three terrain parks. On-site amenities include slope-side lodging, a full-service ski shop, ski school and a dining
MOUNTAIN STATS
SEASON DATES: Dec. 4- March 27 (daily) AVERAGE ANNUAL SNOWFALL: 190 in
experience with a water view at the Riverside Café, and Paradise Riverside Bar and Grill. Over the summer, Sipapu’s first quad chairlift was installed. It serves beginner and intermediate
AVERAGE DAYS OF SUNSHINE: 300+ NUMBER OF RUNS: 41 20 percent beginner 40 percent intermediate 25 percent advanced 15 percent expert
trails.
terrain.
Also under the quad lift, a new trail was blazed and mountain crews completed the muchanticipated Howdy Extension, which adds nearly 5 acres of skiable
In conjunction with Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, located in Los Alamos 70 miles southwest of Taos, the ski areas sell the New Mexico Power Pass, the only
NUMBER OF LIFTS: 5 total 2 triple chairs 1 platter lift 2 magic carpets BASE ELEVATION: 8,200 ft
PEAK ELEVATION: 9,255 ft VERTICAL DROP: 1,055 ft SNOWMAKING: Yes
season pass in the state to offer unlimited skiing and snowboarding at two mountains, plus bonus days at more than 20 partner mountains across New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and throughout the country.
HOURS OF OPERATION: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. INFORMATION: (800) 587-2240; sipapunm.com
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THE IDEA FOR THE ANGEL FIRE SKI RESORT WAS BORN IN
A N G E L F I R E
THE MID-1960S DURING AN UNASSUMING LEBUS FAMILY SUNDAY DINNER. A COMMUNITY THEN SPRANG UP AROUND THE SKI AREA.
Terrance Siemon
A MOUNTAIN’S GLOW LONG BEFORE EUROPEAN SETTLERS DESCENDED upon
the sunlight and silence of Moreno Valley, legend has it the nomadic Moache Utes who congregated there in the spring and fall to renew their ancestral ties with the Great Spirit, called the flickering radiance emitted from the sun upon the tip of Agua Fria (Cold Water) Peak the “fire of the gods.” Roving Franciscan
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friars, with the aim of converting the area’s American Indians, transposed the moniker into “the place of the fire of angels.” Arriving to the area in the mid1800s was Lucien B. Maxwell , the largest land grant owner in U.S. history and hoards of trappers and Spaniards — many of whom bore witness to the unique glow. Frontiersman Kit Carson is credited with conceiving the name “Angel Fire” in 1845.
in the mid-1960s during an unassuming, typical family Sunday dinner.
The idea for the Angel Fire Ski Resort was born
By the winter of 1967, Roy LeBus’ vision of a ski
Wichita Falls, Kansas, transplant and cattle rancher George LeBus made the comment to his father, Roy, that they should install a tow rope on their 25,000 acre spread in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range so they wouldn’t have to drive so far to enjoy one of their favorites pastimes — skiing. Roy ran with the idea.
resort became a reality. A community sprang up around the ski area and the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce was founded in December 1982. The town was incorporated as the Village of Angel Fire in 1986. The popular familyfriendly destination now boasts 79 Alpine trails and seven lifts, plus more than 15km of terrain spanning over five Nordic trails. This fall, Angel Fire Resort announced
even with a big snow year expected they are investing in new snowmaking equipment to provide skiers and boarders the best snow conditions. The new snow guns will allow them to make snow more efficiently and at warmer temperatures. These improved snowmaking technologies will also allow Angel Fire to open more of its mountain earlier in the season. The resort also announced it will be Continued on page 158
To Buy, Build, or Remodel? That is the Question!
Let us guide you through your building and buying options: New Construction • Remodel • Existing Home or Land Stop by Sticks & Stones Custom Building in Angel Fire to meet with our owner Harry and our in-house Realtor Kelly Haukebo of New Mexico Mountain Properties.
StickS & StoneS
Custom Building, LLC
575-377-1500
www.HighMountainProperty.com • Kelly@HighMountainProperty.com 575-377-2525 • 575-770-0778 cell (Located in the Angel Fire Mini-Mart Plaza)
www.SticksandStonesCustomBuilders.com 575-377-1500 • Harry@SticksandStonesCustomBuilders.com 3400 Mountain View Blvd, Suite B • Angel Fire, NM 87710 discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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A PAST ANGEL FIRE RESORT FIESTA DEL SOL WEEKEND IN MARCH, WHICH FEATURES TWO
A N G E L F I R E
DAYS OF HULA AND LIMBO CONTESTS, A VOLLEYBALL COMPETITION, KEG TOSS AND A RAIL JAM.
Gabe Toth/File photo
Continued from page 156 completely redesigning Liberation Terrain Park under the direction of prolific terrain park designer Jon Eppler, and opening its brand new RV Resort for winter guests. Angel Fire is again offering its popular nighttime ski and snowboard terrain park, Night Rider. Available on weekends and holidays, the beginner slope will be open this year on the front-side run, Exhibition. Night Rider will be open both night
MOUNTAIN STATS SEASON DATES: Dec. 11-March 20 AVERAGE ANNUAL SNOWFALL: 210 in
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(on select nights) and day, and offers great lighting, lower rails and smaller features for those who wish to stay late to practice their skills. Just off the popular trail, Headin’ Home, the Railyard features boxes, rails and jumps designed for those who are new or semi-new to skiing and snowboarding. This dedicated park gives beginners and intermediates a chance to perfect their tricks before trying the advanced park. For advanced riders, the Bear, Elk, Shane’s and
AVERAGE DAYS OF SUNSHINE: 300+ NUMBER OF RUNS: 79 18 percent beginner 46 percent intermediate 36 percent advanced
Eagle glades comprise the four tree-trail areas covering more than 30 acres. In addition to skiing and boarding, Angel Fire’s tubing program returns. Dubbed the Polar Coaster, this three-lane tubing hill sends riders down 1,000 feet of groomed hill. Angel Fire is the only resort in the state to offer nighttime skiing, tubing and boarding. The resort boasts a full winter calendar of events. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
NUMBER OF LIFTS: 7 total 2 quads/3 doubles/2 surface BASE ELEVATION: 8,600 ft SUMMIT ELEVATION: 10,677 ft VERTICAL DROP: 2,077 ft
THE RESORT WILL BE REDESIGNING LIBERATION TERRAIN PARK UNDER THE DIRECTION OF PROLIFIC TERRAIN PARK DESIGNER JON EPPLER, AND OPENING ITS NEW RV RESORT FOR GUESTS.
SNOWMAKING: Yes 52 percent of mountain 90 percent of beginner terrain NORDIC CENTER: 15km of terrain for classic and skate skiing, and snowshoeing; 5 trails, 3 beginner and 2 advanced
INFORMATION: (800) 633-7463; angelfireresort.com
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The Official Map for Taos and Northern New Mexico
taosnews.com/maps
160 160
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Beer
Wine
Live Music
Banquets
Weddings
Special Events
Catering
Angel Fire’s Premier Dining Experience
Southwestern Grill Open for Dinner 7 Days a Week Happy Hour Daily 4-6pm
48 N Angel Fire Rd
Angel Fire
575-377-1200 discovertaos.com discovertaos.com /// /// Winter/Spring Winter/Spring2016 2016
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‘Taos Mountain Red Skies’ / Steven Bundy ‘This wide angle view of Taos Mountain (Pueblo Peak, foreground, this page) and El Salto Mountain has been for years one of my favorite places to photograph. As witnessed with this image, the most spectacular time of the day is almost always just before or right at sunset. Adding a recent dusting of snow during the winter months only adds to the photographic appeal of this location in Taos.’
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Connect with us! discovertaos.com
discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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FRIENDS SIT DOWN OVER BOXES OF BOILED CRAWFISH AND CAJUN
R E D R I V E R
MUSIC AT BULL O’ THE WOODS IN RED RIVER DURING THE ANNUAL SIX-DAY CELEBRATION, MARDIS GRAS IN THE MOUNTAINS.
Tina Larkin/File photo
FROM MINING MECCA TO MOUNTAIN ESCAPE RED RIVER — WITH ITS WESTERN CHARM AND LAID-BACK VIBE — IS THE CLASSIC SKI TOWN.
But before there were slopes and chairlifts, gold, silver and copper prospectors filled the streets and watering holes in the 1890s. Back then the town was called River City.
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After about 30 years of mining, homesteaders replaced prospectors and the once thriving town was reborn as a retreat for flatlanders seeking refuge from the heat. In the late 1920s to early 1930s, Red River was coined as a “mountain playground.” Settled in the Carson National Forest, high in the southern-most tip of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Red River separates itself from the commotion and congestion of bigger towns and cities. There are no traffic jams, no
sirens, no pollution. Some folks swear by the silence of this mountain’s tranquility. On a winter’s night, they say, the air can be so hushed you can hear the sound of snow falling. Red River has five sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Little Red School House Museum and four homestead cabins that survived the boom-to-bust mining era. Red River is known as a family town where people can still spend
a day in the parks and take walks in the woods. The people who live and work in Red River go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Hospitality and mountain magic are what make Red River shine. Red River’s seven lifts can transport nearly 8,000 skiers an hour, making the lift lines very short. The Terrain Park offers a variety of sculptured challenges to Generation Z boarders. Ski trails vary in difficulty from beginner runs to double black diamond dares that weave
through steep, wooded terrain. Ski lessons are available. And if alpine skiing isn’t your thing, nearby Enchanted Forest Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Area provides more than 30 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails (see Enchanted Forest on p. 168). More than 90 percent of the lodging, restaurants and shops are within easy walking distance of the two main lifts. Red River Ski Area’s Continued on page 166
Serving Northern New Mexico for over 40 years
223 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR #1 575-751-2061
1381 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR 575-758-4268
www.riograndeace.com discovertaos.com discovertaos.com /// /// Winter/Spring Winter/Spring 2016 2016
143 165
SNOWBOARDER
R E D R I V E R
CATCHES AIR AT RED RIVER
Gabe Weinstein/File photo
Continued from page 164 most lauded restaurant is The Ski Tip at the top of its mountain. When the lifts are running, hungry skiers and snowboarders head to “The Tip” to refuel before heading back out to the slopes.
MOUNTAIN STATS
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After the lifts close, visitors can have dinner at the restaurant at the peak –– provided they have a reservation for a Snow Coach Dinner Tour.
events this winter plus a Torch Light Parade and Fireworks over the holidays.
In addition, Red River is set to host unsanctioned Rail Jam and Slopestyle
For more information, visit redriverskiarea.com, including lodging and lift ticket deals.
NUMBER OF LIFTS: 7 total 2 double chairs 3 triple chairs 2 surface tows BASE ELEVATION: 8,750 feet
SUMMIT ELEVATION: 10,350 feet VERTICAL DROP: 1,600 feet SNOWMAKING: Yes, 85 percent of the mountain
RED RIVER IS SET TO HOST UNSANCTIONED RAIL JAM AND SLOPESTYLE EVENTS THIS WINTER. HOURS OF OPERATION: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. chairlifts, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. office and rentals. 24-hour ticket kiosks available at the base the the Platinum, Copper, and Gold chairlifts
INFORMATION: (575) 754-2726; redriverskiarea.com
Red River
Fresh powder days equal happiness.
RedRiver1895 @Red_River_NM @RedRiverNM
www.RedRiver.org discovertaos.com /// Winter/Spring 2016
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ENCHANTED FOREST HAS 33 KILOMETERS OF NORDIC TRAILS AND
E N C H A N T E D F O R E S T
15 KILOMETERS FOR SNOWSHOEING.
... A STAGGERING MOUNTAIN PANORAMA STRETCHING ALONG TWISTING FOREST TRAILS ... WITH A BACK-COUNTRY FEEL ... AWAIT THE WINTER ADVENTURER. of trails are available to those who want to bring along their dogs.
LEARN THE ROPES
For the novice, Enchanted Forest has instructors licensed by the Professional Ski Instructors of America who can help beginners with the proper techniques and help other level skiers hone their skills.
PULL THE LITTLE ONES
Cross-country skiing is a family adventure, especially with the fleet of rental “pulks” available at Enchanted Forest. Rented by the day, afternoon or hour, these sleds allow adults to keep on skiing while the little ones take a break. As long as your child and gear are under 60 pounds, the pulk pulls with ease. Reservations for weekends and holidays are recommended.
AN EVENTFUL WINTER
Tina Larkin/File photo
MAGICAL RECREATION IT IS MORE THAN APPROPRIATE THAT THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT has an outdoor recreation
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area called Enchanted Forest Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Area. Located just a stone’s throw from Red River off Bobcat Pass, a staggering mountain panorama
stretching along twisting forest trails for both skiing and snowshoeing with a back-country feel in a groomed, signed and patrolled area await the winter adventurer. With an expected opening day of Dec. 11 (earlier if
enough snow falls before then), Enchanted Forest offers 33 kilometers of 12- to 16-foot groomed trails for classic and freestyle Nordic skiing and 15 kilometers just for snowshoes. In addition, 5 kilometers
Enchanted Forest does its best to keep patrons happy with special events and races throughout the winter season. January through March, each month features a Moonlight Hike and Campfire (call for details). The ski area also gets into the holiday spirit with the Luminaria Ski and Snowshoe Tour on Christmas night. Continued on page 170
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RED RIVER
SLED SHED
Guided snowmobile tours in the beautiful Carson National Forest. Enjoy miles of scenic winding trails, large open meadows, and spectacular mountain views. Red River’s oldest and most experienced snowmobile tour company. — winter outerwear available — well maintained equipment — extremely competitive pricing
616 W. Main St., Red River, NM redriversledshed.com 800-395-0121
WILD BILL’S
SKI & SNOWBOARD SHOP Rentals • Sales • Service • Retail • Lodging Located closest to the Platinum Chairlift, our friendly, certified technicians will custom fit you in great equipment and get you on the snow! Ski In/Ski Out File photo
E N C H A N T E D F O R E S T 170 170
Continued from page 168
ABOVE: BEGINNING
Paper bags with sand and lighted candles (known as either luminarias or farolitos, depending on what part of the state you’re from) line the trails to provide a wonderful night-time skiing and snowshoeing experience. Warm up next to one of the strategically placed bonfires and enjoy complimentary posole, cookies and hot drinks.
NORDIC SKIERS PLAY
The last day in February offers the Just Desserts Eat and Ski, an event that pairs skiing and snowshoeing with homemade desserts from Red River’s restaurants. Tables with treats are spread out over a 5-kilometer course, and skiers have to work to get their indulgences. The only competition involved is the race to get to the food before it’s all gone. Call in advance to register and reserve equipment.
FEEL THE YURT
If staying right on the trails sounds intriguing, Enchanted Forest offers semi-primitive — yet comfortable — rental yurts outfitted with wood stoves, a kitchen (with supplies), a lantern for light and some comfy bunks. You can have your gear delivered by snowmobile or use the complimentary “pulk” sled. This is not a hotel room, but winter camping at its finest.
Winter/Spring 2016 2016 /// /// discovertaos.com discovertaos.com Winter/Spring
K2 Nordica Lib-Tech GNU
A VARIETY OF GAMES, INCLUDING AN IMPROVISED VERSION
325 W. Main Street • wildbillsski.com • 575-754-2428
OF BASEBALL, TO BUILD THEIR SKILLS ON CROSSCOUNTRY SKIS.
MOUNTAIN STATS
New Mexico’s only full service
Cross Country Ski Area
SEASON DATES: Dec. 11-Late March ANNUAL AVERAGE SNOWFALL: 240 inches SKIABLE AREA: 33 kilometers RUNS: 25 percent beginner 50 percent intermediate 20 percent advanced 5 percent expert BASE ELEVATION: 9,800 feet LOWEST ELEVATION: 9,600 feet SUMMIT ELEVATION: 10,078 feet VERTICAL DROP: 400 feet HOURS OF OPERATION: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. INFORMATION: (575) 754-6112; enchantedforestxc.com
• lessons • rentals • snowshoes • yurt camping • special events 3 miles east of Red River on NM 38 575.754.6112 • efxc.com
SNOWMOBILING AT BOBCAT PASS ADVENTURES
• FREE Wireless Internet, DirecTV • Immediate ATV Access to the Greenie Peak Trails -
No Trailering required from our parking lot • All children under 12 stay free, Family Oriented Property • NO PETS • Online booking
(575) 754-2942 / (800) 445-6077 500 W High St., Red River, NM 87558 www.EdelweissUSA.com • info@EdelweissUSA.com
Come experience the
ultimate in snowmobile adventures!
Enjoy scenic tours in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains. We provide the suits, boots and helmets just bring gloves, goggles, and of course your camera for a memory of a lifetime!
For reservations, call:
575-754-2769
1670 HWY. 38, RED RIVER, NM 87558 (4.5 MILES SE OF RED RIVER) WWW.BOBCATPASS.COM (OR 200 W. MAIN ST.)
www.facebook.com/reservationsunlimited
“Your Red River Vacation Starts Here.” 1-800-545-6415 · www.RedRiverReservations.com Let us help you find your perfect vacation home. • Ski In / Ski Out • In Town or Out of Town • On the River • Fireplaces • Full Kitchens • Washer / Dryer • Internet Access • Pet Friendly
312 W. Main Street • P.O. Box 593, Red River • reserve@stayinredriver.com
Specializing in nightly rentals and vacation homes, from studios to 6 bedroom accommodations.
20+ Years of Vacation Rentals & Property Mgmt. 24 Hour Online Booking Available.
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T A O S P U E B L O
A TRIUMPH OF CULTURE AND TRADITION IN 1540, SPANISH EXPLORERS ARRIVED IN Northern
New Mexico and believed that Taos Pueblo was one of the fabled cities of Cibola. Though it is not made of gold, Taos Pueblo is indeed a rare and special place. In 1992, Taos Pueblo was admitted to the World
172
Pueblo is a living, breathing journey through its land’s and cultural histories.
Heritage Society as one of the most significant historical cultural landmarks in the world — alongside landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and the Grand Canyon.
CEREMONIES
Taos Pueblo’s rich cultural history makes for an enlightening visit. As it has been inhabited for more than 1,000 years, Taos
On Christmas Eve, Taos Pueblo observes the Procession of the Virgin Mary. During the ceremony, the priest and
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
For most people, the main attractions at Taos Pueblo are the ceremonial holiday traditions. It is a priviledge for visitors to witness them.
acolytes are followed from San Geronimo Church by six men who carry a dais holding a statue of the Virgin Mary. During the procession, Native men fire rifles into the air to symbolically announce the birth of Jesus. Then, flanked by crackling bonfires, musicians, dancers and the general public follow the procession as it makes its way around the courtyard and back into the church. On Christmas Day, Taos
TAOS PUEBLO’S RICH CULTURAL HISTORY MAKES FOR AN ENLIGHTENING VISIT ... TAOS PUEBLO IS A LIVING, BREATHING JOURNEY
TAOS PUEBLO’S MULTI-STORIED ADOBE BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN CONTINUALLY INHABITED BY THE RED WILLOW PEOPLE FOR MORE THAN 1,000 YEARS
Pueblo holds either the Deer or Matachines Dance. The Turtle Dance serves as the New Year’s Day ceremony. Taos Pueblo asks that there be no photography or videomaking during these religious rituals. Pueblo citizens view photographs and videos as invasive and do not wish for their traditions to be duplicated. They would much rather guests take home with them the feelings and memories they experience
while at the Pueblo.
SHOPPING
Visitors can find gifts made at Taos Pueblo in curio shops scattered around the Pueblo. The tribe takes extra care to be certain that all crafts that are sold are Native-made. All sales are tax-free and the money goes directly to the shopkeeper or artist. Admission is free for local residents on Sundays.
VISITING
Taos Pueblo is generally open daily to the public, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except when tribal rituals require its closure. The Pueblo will be closed for about 10 weeks from late winter to early spring. If you plan to visit within this period, call (575) 758-1028.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
• Please abide by “Restricted Area” signs.
• Do not enter doors/ homes that are not clearly marked as curio shops. • Do not photograph tribal members without permission. • No photography within San Geronimo Church. • Do not enter the adobe walls surrounding the cemetery and old church ruins. • Do not walk in the river; this is the Pueblo’s water source.
• Do not take photographs on feast days. • Any photography must be for personal use; all professional, commercial and documentary photography, including artistic renderings, must have prior approval. Fees vary; inquire within tourism office. Visit taospueblo.com for more information. Gimas/shutterstock.com
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Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
Chama Valley offers a unique blend of culture and art. In the shops and cafés you will hear a mix of English, Spanish and Native languages. The town of Chama is home for the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, a narrow-gauge steam engine railroad constructed in 1880. Cumbres and Toltec operates during the summer and fall but has a train ride during the winter holiday season. During the spring season, there is fly fishing on the Conejos River. In the winter there is snowmobiling in the Carson National Forest in New Mexico going toward Taos. We live in and visit the valleys for the same reasons — clean air and water, open spaces, exciting scenic vistas, outdoor sports, and a warm and welcoming community that embraces cultural, religious and political diversity. The Rio Chama Valley is among the last great places to visit or live, and each year more and more people discover their hidden treasures.
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Find out what You’re missing ALL IN ONE CLICK
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The mobile version shares the same functionality as the desktop version. just download the taosnews.com mobile browser and you’re good to go.
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Calendar Winter/Spring 2016
Exhibits THROUGH JAN. 2
“Thirty in Thirty” Paintings and scultpures by Jonathan Sobol at the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tue.-Sun., 227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. taosmuseums.org. (575) 758-2690.
THROUGH JAN. 15
“The Founders Daughter” Prints by Helen G. Blumenschein exhibit at E.L. Blumenschein Home and Museum, 222 Ledoux Street, Taos, taoshistoricmuseums. org, (575) 758-0505.
THROUGH JAN. 17
“Pressing Through Time — 150 years of Printmaking in Taos” The exhibit highlights 37 of the 77 distinguished prints selected by jurors and master printers. TCA Encore Gallery, 2-4 p.m., Tue.-Fri., 133 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. tcataos. org. (575) 758-2052. “Native American and Hispanic Printmakers” held in conjunction at Millicent Rogers Museum, closed Mondays. 1504 Millicent Rogers Road, Taos. (575) 7582462, millicentrogers.org.
THROUGH JAN. 29
“Wearable Art: Identity & Clothing” Traditional Hispanic and Native American clothing from the Southwest spanning 150 years. Millicent Rogers Museum, closed Mondays. 1504 Millicent Rogers Road, Taos. (575) 7582462, millicentrogers.org.
THROUGH FEB. 1
“Tapestry Through Time: Contemporary Weaving in New Mexico” Artful tapestries by renowned New Mexcio weavers. Historic Taos Inn, 125 Pseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. (575) 758-2233. taosinn.com
THROUGH FEB. 5
“Under A Common Sky” Artists explore the concept of sky through various vantage points. Taos Town Hall, 400 Camino de la Placita. (575) 7514459. taosartscouncil.org.
November NOV. 14
Sipapu opens ski season Sierra Nevada Brewery will giveaway merchandise, and at 4 p.m., there will be samples and more giveaways in the
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base area. See sipapunm.com, 800-587-2240.
NOV. 25
Red River Ski Area and Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Area opening day, weekends only, weather permitting. See redriverskiarea.com and enchantedforestxc.com for more information.
NOV. 26
Taos Ski Valley’s opening day Taos Ski Valley will operate Thursday-Sundays until Dec. 10. See taosskivalley.com for more information.
NOV. 26
Switch on the Holidays Thanksgiving kicks off the Christmas holiday at Brandenberg Park in Red River. Tree lighting and caroling, Santa, hot cocoa and cider. See redriver.org for more information.
NOV. 28
Thanksjibbing Rail Jam At the Pot O’ Gold Terrain Park at Red River Ski Area. For more information, see redriverskiarea.com.
December DEC. 4
Taos Tree Lighting and Yuletide Parade Festivities include a parade, caroling and a visit from Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and Santa who will hand out 300 Christmas stockings filled with treats. At Taos Plaza, 4-6 p.m.
DEC 4
Sipapu Ski resort begins daily operations. Chairlifts will run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. See sipapunm.com for more information.
DEC. 4-6
Race Camp and Clinic 2015 Each day includes free skiing/ drills, skiing/racing technique, course tactics and full-length race course training for all levels. Snowboard clinics also available. For more information, visit redriverskiarea.com or call (575) 754-2223, extension 1.
DEC. 4-13
Nutcracker Holiday Artist Market The 2nd annual artist market will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., each day at Fechin House, 227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. For more information, see taosartmuseums.org or call (575) 758-2690, extension 101.
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
John Fullbright/File photo
The lighting of Ledoux Street is a Christmas tradition in Taos.
DEC. 5
The Lighting of Ledoux This Taos winter tradition features hundreds of farolitos along the historic street in Taos’ oldest art district. 5-7 p.m.
DEC. 5
DEC. 10
Taos Ski Valley opens daily operations. Chairlifts run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ski season runs through around Easter. See skitaos.org for more information.
Taos Community Chorus Winter Concert The TCC Holiday Concert Series begins at 3 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Taos, 215 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. See taoschorus.org for more information.
DEC. 11
DEC. 5
DEC. 11
Christmas Tree Lighting Annual Christmas tree lighting at the Historic Taos Inn, 6:30 -7 p.m. Musical entertainment to be announced, 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, (877) 807-6427, taosinn.com.
DEC. 6
Taos Community Chorus Winter Concert The TCC Holiday Concert Series begins at 3 p.m., Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 205 Don Fernando Street. See taoschorus.org for more information.
DEC. 10
Arts and Crafts for Kids Twirl’s DIY Holiday Make-It Space will be set up in the playroom from 3-5 p.m., for kids to make gift tags, cards and more. Twirl is located at 225 Camino de la Placita, Taos. For more information, see twirltaos. org or call (575) 751-1402.
Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe area opens for the season from 9 a.m.-4 :30 p.m. Ski season runs through March 20. See enchantedforestxc.com for more information. Red River Ski Area begins daily operations. Chairlifts run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ski season runs through March 20. See redriverskiarea.com for more information.
DEC. 11
Angel Fire Resort begins daily operations. Chairlifts run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ski season runs through March 20. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
DEC. 11-13
International Women’s Ski Day Taos Ski Valley and K2 Ski Alliance celebrate K2’s International Women’s Ski Day. All females are invited to participate in a weekend full of skiing, boarding, telemark skiing, clinics, yoga, prizes and more. See taosskivalley.com for more information.
DEC. 11-13
Not Forgotten Appreciation Weekend Sipapu Ski Resort welcomes all military and their families with discounted lift tickets, rentals and lessons. See sipapunm. com for more information.
DEC. 12
“Star Craft” Workshop Twirl celebrates the release of the movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” with a “Star Craft” workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Twirl is located at 225 Camino de la Placita, Taos. For more information, see twirltaos.org or call (575) 751-1402.
DEC. 12
Bent Street Bonfires In its 27th year, 40 John Dunn and Bent Street shops will host an evening of free food, caroling, dancers and other entertainment from 4-7 p.m.
DEC. 12
Santa Paws In conjunction with Bent Street Bonfires, Santa will be taking pictures with pets from 12-4 p.m. on Bent Street to benefit Stray Hearts Animal Shelter and Four Corners Animal League.
DEC. 12-13
Christmas Train The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is offering free roundtrip train rides in Continuedon onpage page188 188 Continued
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Continued from page 186 exchange for a non-perishable food donation or small toy for each adult rider. Santa and his elves will be serving hot chocolate and snacks. Trains depart at 9 a.m. with the last one leaving at 3 p.m. each day, depending on reservations. To make a reservation for either day, go online to cumbrestoltec.com/christmas and click on the Christmas Train link or call the Chama Depot at 888-286-2737.
DEC. 12-13
Taos Chamber Music Group presents “A Spanish Holiday” Chamber music for flute, violin, cello and piano by Spanish composers rings in the holiday season with works by Enrique Granados, Joaquin Turina, Gaspar Cassado, Frederico Moreno Torroba and Antonio Rodil. 5-6:30 p.m. The Harwood Museum of Art, 238 Ledoux Street, Taos. $18-$25. (575) 770-1167.
DEC. 12
Taos Community Chorus Winter Concert The TCC Holiday Concert Series begins at 3 p.m. at La Santisima Trinidad (Holy Trinity Church), Arroyo Seco. See taoschorus.org for more information.
DEC. 13
Taos Community Chorus Winter Concert The TCC Holiday Concert Series begins at 3 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 208 Camino de Santiago. See taoschorus.org for more information.
DEC. 13-18
College Days at Red River College Days at Red River include discounts, contests where you can fight your rival school’s students, live music and aprés- ski fun. See redriverskiarea.com for more information.
DEC. 15-16
“A Christmas Story” Taos Onstage presents the beloved holiday tale. This radio play (curtain at 7 p.m.) adapted by Phillip Grecianis is presented along with a buffet holiday dinner (6 p.m.) at Taos Mesa Brewery. Reservations are required by going online to taosonstage.com or call (575) 224-4587.
DEC. 18-19
Public Demo Days at Taos Ski Valley Come demo the newest
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skis and snowboards on the market!. Open to the public for two days from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the base of Lift #1. See taosskivalley.com for more information.
DEC. 18-19
Alumbra de Questa Annual European-style weekend Christmas market from 12-8 p.m., at the Questa Visitor Center parking lot on State Highway 38. The market features crafts and traditional food. Storytelling, Santa, activities for the kids, caroling and more. See questa-nm.com for more information.
DEC. 19
Los Pastores Ancient Hispanic morality musical will be presented in Taos, 7 p.m., Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Free admission. Dec. 19 Brew Master’s Festival Enjoy an afternoon sampling beer and food from around the region from 4:30-7 p.m. at Tenderfoot Katie’s and the Martini Tree, located at the base of Chair #1 at Taos Ski Valley. Tickets may be bought at the door the day of the event. This is a 21-and-over event; no infants or children. See taosskivalley.com for more information.
DEC. 19
Met Live in HD “The Magic Flute” Mozart Holiday Encore Taos Center for the Arts; and Taos Community Auditorium present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magi Flute.” Show starts at 11 a.m., Taos Community Auditorium. Tickets $25 general admission, $20 TCA members, $10 youth 17 and under. See tcataos.org for more information.
DEC. 20
Taos Community Chorus Messiah Sing-Along The community is invited to join the chorus in a performance of “Handel’s Messiah” in the annual sing-along to be held 3 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 208 Camino de Santiago. See taoschorus.org for more information.
DEC. 24
Procession of Virgin Mary at Taos Pueblo At around sunset, the procession begins outside the San Geronimo Church. Call Taos Pueblo (575) 758-1028 for start time as event nears. Free admission. Cameras are not permitted.
Winter/Spring 2016 /// discovertaos.com
From top clockwise: The Procession of the Virgin Christmas Eve at Taos Pueblo. Photo taken Dec. 24, 2013, photo by Rick Romancito; At Taos Ski Valley, and other area resorts, torchlight parades are planned to celebrate the season, courtesy Seth Bullington; A few samples from a collection include from left, a new batch of barley wine pre-mixed, a graduated cylinder with a sample of Stoltzfus’ stout, two home bottled beers and a special barley wine, photo by Tina Larkin.
DEC. 24
TSV Christmas Eve torchlight parade Watch as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark with flares. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. and ends at the base of Taos Ski Valley’s Lift #1, followed by fireworks display. See skitaos.org for more information.
p.m. The event is free and open to the public. See sipapunm. com for more information.
DEC. 24
DEC. 24
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Red River Ski Area hosts a torchlight parade and fireworks display starting at 7 p.m. at “The Face” run. See redriverskiarea.com for more information.
DEC. 24
Sundown Torchlight of the Virgin Vespers Mass procession followed by Matachines Dances at Picuris Pueblo. See picurispueblo.org for more information.
Angel Fire Holiday Celebration Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks held at 6:30 p.m. See angelfireresort. com for more information. Sipapu Annual Christmas Eve Party Join the yearly tradition, complete with festive music, fires, an art project for kids, and food and drink. In the lodge at Sipapu Ski Resort, from 5-8
DEC. 24
DEC. 25
Christmas Luminaria Tour Ski Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area this Christmas under the the warm glow of farolitos. The trail will wind its way to a new warming yurt.
See enchantedforestxc.com for more information.
DEC. 25
Matachines or Deer Dances Matachines Dances at Picuris and Taos Pueblos. See picurispueblo.org and taospueblo.com for more information.
DEC. 28
Holy Innocents Day Holy Innocents Day, Children’s Dance at Picuris Pueblo. See picurispueblo.org for more information.
DEC. 31
TSV New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and fireworks The parade begins at 6 p.m. and ends at the base of Lift #1, with the fireworks display to follow immediately. See skitaos.org for more information.
its party to an exclusive terrain stash at Angel Fire, attracting pros and novices alike. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
mid-mountain for a campfire and cocoa. At Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. See sipapunm.com for more information.
slalom race to benefit the University of New Mexico ski program at Angel Fire Resort. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
JAN. 15-17
JAN. 23
JAN. 30
JAN. 23-24
February
Winter Carnival and Parade of Ice Events in Red River include snowmobile races, ice sculptures, snowman building, kid-friendly games and events, live music, shopping strolls, torchlight parades, fireworks and more. See redriverskiarea. com for more information.
JAN. 16
Telemark Festival Free telemark clinics and personal instruction available 9 a.m.-4 p.m at Sipapu Ski Resort. After the slopes close, the Freeheel Fray and Skin-up Ski-down races commence. See sipapunm.com for more information.
JAN. 16-17
DEC. 31
Angel Fire Holiday Celebration New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks display to be held at 6:30 p.m. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
DEC. 31
New Year’s Eve Party Music by Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers. The Historic Taos Inn, 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. (877) 807-6427. taosinn.com
January JAN. 1
Turtle Dance A Taos Pueblo celebration to welcome the new year (tentatively at dawn). See taospueblo.com for more information.
Taos Chamber Music Group presents “Play it Forward” This program will feature 22-year-old piano prodigy Phillip Golub. Music includes Beethoven’s “Trio” for clarinet, cello and piano; Katharine Egli Debussy’s “Violin Sonata”; a Taos Wine Festival jazz improvisation set; Golub’s “Fireflies” for clarinet, violin, demos, clinics, and mountain cello, and piano. The Harwood tours at Sipapu Ski Resort. Museum of Art, 238 Ledoux See sipapunm.com for more Street, Taos. $18-$25, 5-6:30 information. p.m. (575) 770-1167.
JAN. 3-10
College Week at Angel Fire Discounted lift tickets and lodging for college students. Live entertainment, special on-mountain activities and more. Show your allegiance to your school by skiing and snowboarding in your school’s colors. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
JAN. 4-15
College Days at Red River College Days at Red River Ski Area include contests where you can fight your rival school’s students, live music and aprésski fun. See redriverskiarea. com for more information.
JAN. 6
Transfer of Canes Transfer of Canes to new officials at Picuris Pueblo. See picurispueblo.org for more information.
Deer or Buffalo Dance A symbol of abundance during the winter months, traditional Buffalo or Deer Dances begin about 1 p.m. at Taos Pueblo. No photography allowed. See taospueblo.com for more information.
JAN 2
JAN. 6
JAN. 2
JAN. 9
JAN. 1
Gold Rush Rail Jam Red River Ski Area hosts the USASA Gold Rush Rail Jam on Gold Rush Hill. See redriverskiarea.com for more information. Ski Bike Demo Day Sponsored by SkiBikeFun, this free event includes
Kings Day Celebration/ Reyes Day In honor of new Tribal officers at Picuris Pueblo. See picurispueblo.org for more information. NMX Ski/Snowboarding Competition New Mexico Xtreme Ski brings
JAN. 16
Snowmobile Hill Climb A snowmobile event in conjunction with the Winter Carnival at Red River Ski Area. See redriverskiarea.com for more information.
JAN. 16
Ski & Snowboard Challenge Red River Ski Area hosts the USSC Ultimate Ski & Snowboard Challenge. See redriverskiarea.com for more information.
JAN. 19-24
Not Forgotten Outreach Week Taos Ski Valley invites active duty military, veterans and any family member with a military ID to ski for a discounted rate. See skitaos.org for more information.
JAN. 22-24
USASA Southwest Freeride Series-Southwest Showdown A boarder/skiercross pointsearning exhibition for Nationals qualification, the USASA Southwest Freeride Series returns to Angel Fire Resort. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
JAN. 23
Moonlight Hike and Campfire On the free, guided tour, take a hike from the base to
King of the Hill Terrain Park Competition Sipapu Ski Resort’s annual slope-style competition takes place at Don Diego Terrain Park. See sipapunm.com for more information. Low 02 Challenge The Low 02 Challenge and New Mexico Cup crosscountry ski and snowshoe races at Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area. See redriverskiarea.com or enchantedforestxc.com for more information.
Shred Cancer Benefit A slope-style event fundraiser for the Shred Cancer organization at Red River Ski Area. See redriverskiarea.com for more information.
FEB. 2
Candelaria Feast Day Picuris Pueblo celebrates Candelaria Feast Day. See picurispueblo.org for more information.
FEB. 4-7
JAN. 23-25
Big Ol’ Texas Weekend A weekend celebrating Angle Fire’s country roots. Discounted lift tickets for residents of western states, featuring live music, Texas Hold ‘em Tournament and the Big Texan Steak Challenge and Brew Ski. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
“Lol!” Four short plays by Christopher Durang: “Funeral Parlor,” “Wanda’s Visit,” “For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls,” “DMV Tyrant” presented by Taos Onstage, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., venue TBA. See taosonstage.com for more information or call (575) 224-4587.
JAN. 25
FEB. 4-9
St. Paul’s Feast Day A celebration of St. Paul’s Feast Day at Picuris Pueblo. See picurispueblo.org for more information.
JAN. 27-31
Taos Winter Wine Festival Grand Tasting The 29th annual Taos Winter Wine Festival is a four day celebration of food and wine with participating local restaurants and more than 40 national wineries. Events occur in the town of Taos as well as Taos Ski Valley, culminating in Saturday evening’s Grand Tasting. Event runs 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. This is a 21-and-over event. For more information and tickets, visit taoswinterwinefest.com.
JAN. 28-31
“Lol!” Four short plays by Christopher Durang: “Funeral Parlor,” “Wanda’s Visit,” “For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls,” “DMV Tyrant” presented by Taos Onstage, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., venue TBA. See taosonstage.com for more information or call (575) 224-4587.
JAN. 30
Transworld TransAm Tour Transworld Snowboarding TransAm competition features amateur riders from all over the globe. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
JAN. 30
UNM Ultimate Ski & Snowboard Challenge The annual fundraising giant
Mardi Gras in the Mountains Six days of Mardi Gras-style celebration at Red River Ski Area with parades, Creole music and Cajun cooking. See redriverskiarea.com for more information.
FEB. 5-9
Angel Fire Mardi Gras Celebration Celebrate Mardi Gras in Angel Fire with live music, parades, daily special activities and a masquerade ball. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
FEB. 6
World Championship Shovel Races High-speed shovel racing and Mardi Gras celebrations. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
FEB. 7
Cosmic Series Río Hondo Rando Raid An uphill/downhill ski mountaineering race with three classes. Prizes awarded. Taos Ski Valley, 8 a.m. See taosskivalley.com for more information.
FEB. 7
USASA Southwest Freeride Series-Liberation Emancipation The Southwest’s upand-coming skiers and snowboarders compete in Angel Fire for slope-style bragging rights and points toward earning a birth to Continued on page 190
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Continued from page 189 USASA Nationals. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
FEB. 17-22
Military Winter Fest 2016 Active duty, retired, National Guard, Reserve, Vets, Gold Star and their families are invited to visit Angel Fire for six days of indoor and outdoor, and adaptive winter activities. U.S. Army Gold Knight and double amputee Dana Bowman will parachute into the resort with an honorary military fly-by. See veteranswellnessandhealing. org for more information.
FEB. 27
Just Desserts Eat & Ski Enchanted Forest’s most popular event. The ski area puts homemade desserts from fine restaurants in Red River out on a 5 kilometer course and skiers ski out to the different sites and indulge. See enchantedforestxc.com for more information.
FEB. 28
New Mexico Pine Cup This race series swings into Angle Fire for a stop on its 2015-16 tour for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
FEB. 18-21
IFSA Junior Freeride by JETA Taos Ski Valley and JETA will co-host an International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association-sanctioned National Junior Freeride Competition. For more information, see taosskivalley. com.
FEB. 20
Moonlight Hike and Campfire On the free guided tour take a hike from the base to mid-mountain for a campfire and cocoa. At Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, see sipapunm.com.
FEB. 20
3rd Annual Lloyd Bolander Memorial Day Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort pays tribute to its founder, Lloyd Bolander, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. See sipapunm.com for more information.
FEB. 20
Judy Collins in Concert This modern-day Renaissance woman sings live in concert with music of hope that lights up the world at 6:30 p.m., Taos Community Auditorium. See tcataos.org for more information.
FEB. 27
Rampage Slopestyle A USASA Rampage Slopestyle will be held at Red River Ski Area. See redriverskiarea.com for more information.
FEB. 27
K2 Breast Cancer Awareness Day Taos Ski Valley and K2 host a celebration of two unique fundraising events to benefit Boarding for Breast Cancer and the Anita Salas Memorial Fund. See taosskivalley.com for more information.
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March MARCH 3
throughout the mountain. See sipapunm.com for more information.
MARCH 9
Spring Break Torchlight Parade Red River Ski Area hosts a Spring Break Torchlight Parade & Fireworks event. See redriverskiarea.com for more information.
MARCH 12
New Belgium Scavenger Hunt Ski after chickens, board after skunks, play games and test your Taos Ski Valley knowledge, all in your craziest costumes. Scavenger Hunt registration begins at 9 a.m. on Rhoda’s Deck. The event runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. See taosskivalley.com for more information.
2-Star Taos Freeride Championships Taos Ski Valley hosts a 2-Star Freeride qualifying event in conjunction with the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association and the Freeride World Tour. Master Division Taos Freeride Championships will also occur March 3. Events begin at 9 a.m. See taosskivalley.com for more information.
MARCH 12
MARCH 4-5
Fiesta del Sol Spring Break Celebration It’s Angel Fire Resort’s Fun in the Sun celebration with live music, themed days and cool contests. See angelfireresort. com for more information.
4-Star Taos Freeride Championships Taos Ski Valley hosts a 4-Star Freeride World Qualifying event in conjunction with the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association and the Freeride World Tour. See taosskivalley.com for more information.
MARCH 5
Ski Bum Ball Join Angel Fire Resort for a snow lover’s celebration featuring the crowning of the 2016 Ski Bum King and Queen, includes live music and contests. See angelfireresort. com for more information.
MARCH 5
NMX Ski/Snowboarding Competition New Mexico Xtreme Ski brings its party to an exclusive terrain stash at Angel Fire, attracting pros and novices alike. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
MARCH 5-6
Hawaiian Days Kick off Spring Break by wearing your favorite Hawaiian attire at Sipapu Ski Resort, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The annual Hawaiian Days event features a beach party theme
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13th Annual Cardboard Derby Sipapu Ski Resort’s biggest event of the year, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Build your own cardboard derby and race down the mountain for your chance to win a prize. All ages and vehicle sizes are welcome. $10 per vessel. See sipapunm. com for more information.
MARCH 12-18
MARCH 12
Ernie Blake Birthday Celebration Celebrate the birthday of Taos Ski Valley’s founder, Ernie Blake. Fireworks display and torchlight parade begin at 7 p.m. Festivities follow in the Martini Tree Bar. For more information, see skitaos.org.
MARCH 17
St. Patrick’s Day Party Celebrate the Irish on the slopes in Angel Fire and in Village Haus with music, giveaways and good times. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
MARCH 18
Kids Glow Stick Parade Red River Ski Area will host a Kids Glow Stick Parade and Fireworks event. See redriverskiarea.com for more information.
MARCH 18-19
Ben Myers Ridge-A-Thon An extreme ski/board fundraising event in Taos
Ski Valley to support the Emergency Medicines Fund at the Taos Community Foundation. See taosskivalley. com for more information.
MARCH 19
12th Annual Pond Skimming Contest Skiers and boarders will try to stay dry as they race down the mountain and try to “skim” across Sipapu Ski Resort’s skimming pond from 1-3 p.m. This is a free event. See sipapunm.com for more information.
MARCH 19
Fatty Paddy Mountain Bike Race Bring your fat tire mountain bike and dress in your favorite St. Paddy’s Day attire for some friendly competition and Brew Ski as the snow season ends and the dirt season begins. See angelfireresort.com for more information.
MARCH 20
Pond Skim Red River Ski Area presents its annual end-of-season tradition Pond Skim. Participants ski or ride down a portion of “The Face” slope in a daring attempt to skim across a temporary pond at the base of the mountain. See redriverskiarea. com for more information.
MARCH 20
Moonlight Hike and Campfire On the free guided tour take a hike from the base to mid-mountain for a campfire and cocoa. At Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. See sipapunm.com for more information.
MARCH 19-20
Taos Chamber Music Group presents “Into the Light” A multimedia collaboration with sound and light artist Sasha vom Dorp inspires a program of music, including Ken Benshoof’s “In Shadow Light” for piccolo, violin, viola, cello; Andrew Norman’s “Light Screens” for flute, violin, viola and cello; and Franz Schubert’s light-filled “String Trio in Bb, D. 471.” Vom Dorp’s art work will be presented during the performances. 5-6:30 p.m. The Harwood Museum of Art, 238 Ledoux Street, Taos. $18-$25. (575) 770-1167.
MARCH 26
Spring Brewmasters Outdoor event at Taos Ski Valley featuring all New Mexico food and beer. Date is tentative; see taosskivalley. com for more information.
MARCH 27
Easter Egg Hunt Dress up in your Easter costume and head to Taos Ski Valley to search for prize-filled Easter eggs. Hunt begins at 9 a.m. See taosskivalley.com for more information.
April APRIL 2
Kachina TWiST The Kachina TWiST is Kachina Peak Lift lap-a-thon in Taos Ski Valley benefiting the Taos Winter Sports Team James Herrera Endowment Fund to provide scholarships to youth. Kachina TWiST begins at 10 a.m. See taosskivalley.com for more information.
APRIL 3
Pond Skimming Championships Celebrate the end of the season at Taos Ski Valley by laughing until your sides hurt at this must-see event. Competitors will use any means necessary to skim across an 80-foot pool of ice cold water. Event starts at noon. See taosskivalley.com for more details.
APRIL 7-10
Taos Shortz Film Fest Taos’ short film festival will host more than 150 filmmakers from around the world. Film screenings, panel discussions, and special guests are all part of the festival at the Taos Community Auditorium. See tcataos.org for more information.
APRIL 16-17
Taos Chamber Music Group presents “Colores!” A colorful program to welcome springtime features Daniel Dorff’s “Perennials” for flute, clarinet, piano; Jennifer Higdon’s “Piano Trio (Pale Yellow and Fiery Red)”; Gary Schocker’s “Nightblooming from Green Places” for flute and piano; Marilyn Bliss’ “Blue Dawn” for Native American flute and cello; Joseph Schwantner’s “Black Anemones” for flute and piano; and Paul Hindemith’s “Quartet” for clarinet, violin, cello and piano. 5-6:30 p.m. The Harwood Museum of Art, 238 Ledoux Street, Taos. $18-$25. (575) 770-1167.
2015 KCEC ACCOMPLISHMENTS April 15, 2015 – Awarded the prestigious 2015
Cornerstone Award by the Broadband Communities Magazine. April 24, 2015Received the Governor’s
Environmental Excellence Award in Energy Conservation by Governor Susanna Martinez May 8, 2015Awarded the prestigious 2015
Utilities Telecom & Technology APEX Award. September 14, 2015CEO, Mr. Luis A. Reyes was awarded one of the TOP
20 CEO’s in New Mexico.
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P r o vi n g o u r c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e c o m m u n i t y b y p r o vi d i n g e x c e l l e n c e i n c u s t o m e r s e r vi c e .
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192192 Winter/Spring Winter/Spring 2016 2016 /// discovertaos.com /// discovertaos.com
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