Taos Ski Valley's Much-Anticipated Kachina Peak Lift Opens For Inaugural Rides Tomorrow

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Feb 12, 2015, 04:12 ET

TAOS SKI VALLEY, N.M., Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/-- Taos Ski Valley today announced that the Kachina Peak chairlift would open to visitors tomorrow at 10 AM for the first time. The Kachina Peak Lift was installed during the summer of 2014 and summits at 12,450 feet, making it one of the highest chairlifts in North America. The lift, which has received significant buzz in the ski industry over the last year, increases the mountain's advanced and expert lift-serviced terrain by 50 percent.

While construction on the lift was completed last year and Taos Ski Valley opened on Thanksgiving Day, 2014, the ski resort waited for suitable snow conditions before opening the lift to ensure the famed Kachina Peak terrain is appropriate for skiers and riders.

"We are proud and excited that the launch is here; now, many of our guests will get to experience the incomparable Kachina Peak terrain for the first time," said Gordon Briner, CEO of Taos Ski Valley. "This terrain is distinctly Taos, and providing lift service to this area is in line with our goal to further enhance the visitor experience at this unique and treasured ski resort."

The Kachina Peak Lift serves the iconic Kachina Peak, which provides stunning views of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. This terrain has historically only been accessible via hiking. The lift offers skiers and riders access to a variety of terrain, including advanced trails, tree chutes and open bowls.

The triple-seated fixed grip lift rises 1,100 vertical feet in five minutes to a top elevation of 12,450 feet. The additional elevation gives Taos Ski Valley a total lift-served vertical drop of more than 3,000 feet. The lift ride duration is five minutes.

During the first day of operations tomorrow the Kachina Peak Lift will run on limited hours. After the first day, Taos Ski Valley will announce normal operating hours for the lift. Also, as is the case with all high-alpine chair lifts, the lift may close periodically depending on snow and weather conditions.

In tandem with the introduction of the Kachina Peak Lift, Taos Ski Valley has also reiterated its commitment to continuing to offer hike-to terrain to guests that enjoy it. Taos Ski Valley added some new hike-to terrain this season with the opening of The Wild West Glades. Accessible via the West Basin Ridge, The Wild West Glades consists of 35 acres of some of the best tree skiing in the country. Additionally, the majority of Highline Ridge and West Basin remain accessible by foot only.

For more information about Kachina Peak and this winter season at Taos Ski Valley, visit www.skitaos.org.

About Taos Ski Valley
Located in northern New Mexico, Taos Ski Valley 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 Ski Valley has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, spectacular scenery and amazing terrain, which 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