The American Southwest is having a moment. From aesthetics to design to the incredible outdoor splendor, there’s never been a better time to check out everything New Mexico has to offer—and to see why the Land of Enchantment lives up to its name. We partnered with Ford to bring you this one-of- a- kind expedition.
The Blake is a modern hotel at the foot of Taos Ski Valley, while the quaint Palacio de Marquesa is a boutique hotel in downtown Taos.
A hidden ski gem, Taos is 7,000 feet above sea level and offers everything you love about skiing the west without the long lines typically found at resorts in Colorado or Utah. Plus, the desert setting gives it a distinct flavor that makes Taos more than just a ski mountain. So load up your entirely new 2018 Ford Expedition with your ski gear—the best-in-class cargo room behind the third row1 and the fold-flat second and third rows make this an easy task—and head west.
Taos boasts three main ski areas, all located within an hour’s drive of one another: Ski Taos, Red River Ski Area, and Angel Fire Resort. Each has its own charms and challenging trails, but the distinction of tallest peak goes to the 12,481-foot Kachina’s Peak at Ski Taos (Red River and Angel Fire are not far behind with peaks that reach over 10,000 feet). Once you’re off the slopes, make time to head into downtown Taos to sample local bites and experience the epicenter of the local art scene at the Millicent Rogers Museum. Don’t worry about the weather as you cruise between the mountains. The Ford Expedition has an available Terrain Management SystemTM with seven drive modes2 that can handle snowy, wet or icy conditions.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Donʼt miss a visit to Taos Pueblo, a Native American community with roots that go back more than a 1,000 years. Visitors are welcome year-round.
If you own them, bring your cowboy boots. They can handle the rugged terrain while paying homage to Taosʼ southwestern vibe.
The road that connects Taos and the three ski areas is referred to as the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
The quaint Red River Ski Area is a hidden gem among western resorts, especially given its close proximity to the center of town—one chair takes off just a block from Main Street. Don’t miss out on the Snow Coach Dinner, where you are whisked away from the main chalet in a heated snowcat for dinner at the top of the mountain. On the way home, you’ll get an amazing view of the twinkling lights of downtown Taos.
If you forgot to bring any gear, stop in at Mudd N Flood Ski Shop. This sports shop carries all the latest outdoor gear and can give you expert advice and guide books if you want to explore more of Taos outside the ski resorts.
Located about 45 minutes from central Taos, Angel Fire Resort has over 560 acres of terrain and plenty of runs to explore. Intermediate riders and above can join local guides at 11 a.m. each day for a complimentary mountain ski tour. You’ll get the lay of the mountain and learn about local lore (like the haunted hotel). Refuel at the end of the day at Legends Grill with a carne adovada chimichanga.
If you want a break from making turns, experience the unique terrain of this desert wonderland on a snowshoe trip. Taos Snowshoe Adventures offers overnight trips through high mountain meadows and forests to a well-appointed backcountry yurt—you’ll see a side of Taos few ever experience.
Ski in and ski out of The Bavarian Hotel & Restaurant at Ski Taos, then head into downtown to see New Mexico's thriving art scene.
With over 15 lifts and 110 trails, Taos Ski Valley is the largest mountain in the area and usually records around 300 inches of snowfall each year. Book a room at The Blake, the resort’s modern hotel with a boutique feel that is right next to Lift 1. If you are a backcountry fan, then try to reserve a room at The Bavarian, a restaurant and lodge located on the mountain—it offers a ski-in/ ski-out reality like you’ve never known (plus there’s fondue and Bavarian pretzels waiting for you at the end of the day).
Once you’re ready to put away your skis, drive into town and meander through Taos’ small streets —available enhanced active park assist3 will make finding a spot simple. Start your day at Taos Diner, an old-school establishment with a New Mexican twist and a dedicated clientele that comes from far and wide for breakfast burritos and biscuits with gravy. Next visit the aforementioned Millicent Rogers Museum, the namesake of a Standard Oil heiress that displays the vast collection of southwest weaving and art that she collected while living in Taos, but the main draw is her large assortment of turquoise and silver jewelry. If you feel like staying the night downtown, check out the Palacio de Marques—it has authentic New Mexico styling and luxury amenities in its eight individual guest rooms and suites. Finish off your day at Taos' favorite Italian joint, Caffe Renato, which is housed inside a traditional adobe building.
Winter road trips in the entirely new 2018 Ford Expedition have an added touch of luxury with available leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front bucket seats that help relieve leg and lower-back fatigue during long drives.
Class is Extended Utilities based on Ford Segmentation.
Standard with 4WD.
Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driverʼs attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle.
