The countdown is officially on in Carson country. Taos Ski Valley has announced November 26, 2026, as the opening date for its winter 2026-27 season, giving skiers and snowboarders across northern New Mexico a firm date to circle as fall turns toward winter in the high Sangre de Cristo Mountains above Taos.
Much of the work behind that date happened over the summer. The resort says it invested more than 3 million dollars in operational improvements, including additional trail work and glading, more tower and fan guns to support early-season snowmaking, and a new snow-depth satellite mapping system intended to make grooming more efficient and help crews put guests on the best snow available as quickly as possible.
Early-season visitors get the first look. Adult lift tickets start at 75 dollars until December 10, and the resort says guests can save up to 33 percent on lift tickets during the regular season by buying at least 72 hours in advance. The Eis Haus ice rink is also scheduled to open November 26, with daily hours listed by the resort, weather permitting.
Taos's signature Ski Weeks return as well. The six-day programs pair participants with expert instructors for six half-days of instruction, grouped by ability level. New early-season editions run December 13-19, 2026, and January 3-9, 2027, at a 50 percent discount, listed at 220 dollars per person for the week of instruction. Women's Ski Weeks are set for January 3-9 and February 21-27, 2027.
New this season are monthly Full Moon Uphill Tours, beginning in December. The resort says each tour is guided by a member of ski patrol at a relaxed, social pace, is limited to ten guests, and requires appropriate uphill gear. December also brings Public Demo Days on December 18-19 and Community Weekend on December 19-20.
For October, the practical move is preparation: check boots, bindings and layers, look at lesson and Ski Week dates, and watch the resort's site as November 26 approaches for the latest mountain updates. After a summer of trail, snowmaking and grooming work, Taos is aiming to start the season ready — and northern New Mexico skiers now know exactly when to be ready, too.