December 2, 2020

As we recently reported in several of our updates, Taos has been unable to open given the Covid restrictions imposed on a statewide level in New Mexico. We are sure this has been particularly frustrating given that they had benefitted from some early season storms.  And many of us feared this might be an indication of a trend similar to what happened to the ski industry last March when Covid fears basically shut down every ski lift in North America in the span of three days.

Well, perhaps there is hope. In a Public Health Order released today, New Mexico is allowing “ski basins” (must be a NM legal phrase for ski areas) to operate up to 25% capacity. Accordingly, Taos has announced they will now gear up for a TBD opening day and will operate subject to that limitation. Any indoor activities are severely limited, and lodging is subject to the 25% limitation also.  It’s not much, but it’s a start. Unfortunately, the county that Taos is in currently has a 15% positivity Covid rate, so Taos undoubtedly will be closely monitored.

Oddly, the Public Health Order directs that people should stay at home and “…undertake only those outings absolutely necessary for their health, safety or welfare.” We are heartened they have affirmed that skiing is such an outing.

By Kevin Dennis
conSKIerge co-founder

Kevin Dennis is a life long ski bum with a 34 year legal career on the side. Now retired, he skis 80+ days a year. While he lives in Alta UT in the winters, he has traveled extensively through skiing and has skied almost every major resort in North America (and many you have never heard of). He continues to hit the road often throughout the western United States and Canada and trips over the last several years have included ventures in British Columbia, Montana and Colorado. Whether you want to know about the behemoths like Aspen or Squaw or are interested in the road less travelled (Lost Trail Powder Mountain in Montana or Whitewater in BC anyone?), Kevin has been there, has an opinion and you will most likely have to tell him to shut up after a half hour!