Taos Ski Valley To Open Kachina Peak This Winter

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Jul 21, 2014, 08:00 ET

TAOS SKI VALLEY, N.M., July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- This 2014-2015 winter season, Taos Ski Valley will open Kachina Peak to lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding as well as several additional new enhancements, including new hike-to terrain.

"Kachina Peak offers some of the most spectacular views and terrain in North America," said Gordon Briner, CEO of Taos Ski Valley. "The new Kachina Peak lift provides the opportunity for everyone to enjoy this iconic terrain and have one of the most unique experiences in winter recreation. In addition, since Kachina Peak captures snow early in the season and holds it well into spring, we're excited that the area that holds the most snow on the mountain is now lift-served."

With a summit of 12,450 feet, the Kachina Peak lift is one of the highest chairlifts in North America and increases the mountain's lift-serviced terrain by 50 percent, further establishing Taos Ski Valley as a premier ski resort. From the top of Kachina, guests can enjoy the unforgettable vistas of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, and will have access to a broad range of terrain, from the wide open bowls of Main Street, to the narrow and steep lines of the K Chutes.

Those who enjoy the valley's legendary hike-to terrain can still earn their turns, as the majority of Highline Ridge and West Basin will remain accessible by foot only. In addition to preserving the existing hike-to terrain, Taos Ski Valley is adding new hike-to terrain this season with the opening of The Wild West Glades. Accessible via the West Basin Ridge, The Wild West Glades will consist of 35 acres of some of the best tree skiing in the country.

New Season Pass, Ski School Perks
Taos Ski Valley's season pass, has always been one of the best values in skiing, and it just got even better. The popular Millennium Pass (good for 70 days), the unlimited Adult Full Season Pass, and the Family Full Pass, will each include exchange days at Copper Mountain, Durango Mountain Resort, Crested Butte, Arapahoe Basin, Powder Mountain and new this year, Silverton Mountain. Taos Ski Valley will also continue to offer discounted season and day passes to active military, college students, seniors and children.

Taos Ski Valley's famed Ernie Blake Snowsports School also will be unveiling the new Mountain Guide program, which connects guests with the valley's top ambassadors who will show them the best spots to ski or ride on a given day, take them to off-the-map runs, and share some of the ski area's local lore and history.

For those looking to take their skiing or snowboarding up a notch, the Snowsports Week is an incredible value at just $130. Running every Sunday-Friday throughout the season, guests receive personal attention from top instructors for two hours each morning.

Additional new developments
Taos Ski Valley has also upgraded its snowmaking system with two energy-efficient compressors. The upgrades will be part of helping Taos Ski Valley be prepared to open Thanksgiving weekend, as well as provide skiing from the top of the mountain as soon as possible.

Finally, guests will enjoy a new drop-off area that features views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and a walkway with stores and services that line the path to the base area and lifts. These improvements are the first stages of the renovation of the base area.

"We couldn't be more excited about this upcoming snow season," said Briner. "We are making positive changes while simultaneously preserving what makes Taos Ski Valley so extraordinary. Our commitment to delivering a world-class experience is stronger than ever."

For more information about the 2014-2015 winter activities at Taos Ski Valley, go to www.skitaos.org.

About Taos Ski Valley
Located in northern New Mexico, Taos is one of North America's premier ski and snowboard destinations, with more than 305 inches of average annual snowfall and more than 110 trails. Taos has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, spectacular scenery, and amazing terrain, truly make it a world of its own.

To learn more about Taos Ski Valley or to plan a vacation, please visit www.skitaos.org.

SOURCE Taos Ski Valley