Introducing our kids to skiing in Santa Fe or Taos (Angel Fire: condo, schools)

[IorF]

Hi there,
We are contemplating going to Santa Fe or Taos in the first week of Jan 09 to introduce our kids (2.5 and 4) to snow and skiing. Also we have their grandparents to introduce to the sport... What we are hoping to find is the following but we are also eager to get some inside info with advise as we have never skied in the US before:

1) We will probably take it very easy and focus on the kids enjoying the snow and skiing coming in second.
2) Have a Charriot ski trailer and can do basic cross country for the 2.5 year old in the trailer (can hold both).
3) will also want to take the kids to a child centre for a few half days
4) Would like to avoid driving but up to 5 or 6 miles is ok from lodging to ski area.
5) Also want to do some downhill without the kids.
6) looking for 2 or 3 bedroom condo in the range or 150-250/night

Qs:
Where should we stay or look and ski?
Is the above doable?

Any words of advise would be HIGHLY appreciated. Our sincere thanks in advance.

[Xavious Orgus]

I am not familiar with the physical skiing in NM, as I have yet to ski it. That said, I have been to both places during the summer months. I also do a fair amount of research, as downhill skiing is a passion of mine.

Taos, from what I have been told / read has a very friendly and wonderful atmosphere, especially for the die hard skier. They also have one of the best ski schools in the country and extreme expert terrain. Lodging is much closer than that of ski santa fe. Reviews are by and large very positive from the Taos experience. Taos is generally a very highly rated ski area!! I would from my limited knowledge, say Taos would be preferable over Ski Santa Fe.

Ski Santa Fe, while close to the city in actual miles (approx. 14) is a good 30 min. (mountain driving) from Santa Fe. You will need to lodge in Santa Fe, because the ski mountain has no lodging. Mixed reviews concerning staff (actually a lot of negetive reviews concerning staff??). The skiing does get good reviews, provided the snow is decent.

Not sure if Colorado is out of the question?? I am much more familiar with the mountains in Colorado (have skied many of them!!!). One place to check out is Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado. I say this due to the close proximity of where you are inquiring. They receive the most snow in Colorado, inexpensive in comparison to many resorts and have a lot of child friendly terrain, lifts, etc..

Good luck!! Hope this helps,
Matt

[Towanda]

I'm not a skier, but just want to caution you(depending where you are coming from) to be aware of the high altitude (we're at 7000 feet) and perhaps takes things slowly the first day or two. It can have an effect on some people.

(My kids both learned to ski at Santa Fe Ski Area, so I am still partial to it, but that was a long time ago and I have no first-hand experience.)

[IorF]

Matt,

Many thanks for that helpful reply. Much appreciated! As a result we had a good look at the Wolf area which seems very nice but has the same distance driving to the skibase. We may still do that however... looking into it. I like the sound of Taos very much but have to resist the temptation to think along my preferences and think more about the ones we are introducing to the sport. You helped us with your insights.

Cheerio, Floor

[IorF]

Hello Towanda,

Thanks for the warning. I am actually familiar with altitudes but my parents in law are not... though they know extreme cold from Russia well! We plan to play with the snow and ski if that works out that way.

Thanks again, Floor

[Xavious Orgus]

I think it is absolutely incredible that you are starting the kids out at a young age!!

Wherever you decide, I know it will be a trip the kids will never forget!!

[rybert]

Santa Fe fo sho.

[GreatSantaFe]

IorF - Just as another suggestion you might want to take a look at the family-friendly ski slopes in Angel Fire - about 30 minutes or so from the town of Taos. The Taos Ski Valley has some very difficult runs and may be seen as less family-friendly. The Village of Angel Fire has lots of reasonably-priced accomodations and restaurants - and it is truly beautiful. For the times you're not skiing you can run into Taos and do the touristy things.
All of this is not to say that Santa Fe wouldn't be fine as well; I'm just offering another possibility for you folks to consider.

[rybert]

Sipapu is pretty inexpensive, but may be a bit difficult for beginners.

[Xavious Orgus]

Originally Posted by rybert

Sipapu is pretty inexpensive, but may be a bit difficult for beginners.

Rybert,

A bit off subject, but..... did you read the water related article on CNN today? Drought parches much of the U.S., may get worse - CNN.com

Any thoughts concerning NM??