You’re standing at the base of Chair 1, lungs stinging just a bit from that 9,000-plus foot altitude. Most people think of Taos Ski Valley as this rugged, steep, "if-you-don’t-know-how-to-ski-stay-home" kind of place. And yeah, the mountain is legendary for its double-blacks. But right there, tucked into the heart of the village, is The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, a place that honestly feels more like a European alpine guest house than a standard American resort. It’s named after Ernie Blake, the guy who basically willed this ski area into existence in the 50s. He and his wife, Rhoda, lived in an eleven-foot camper while building the first runs. That same grit is baked into the walls here, even if those walls are now LEED Silver certified and wrapped in luxury.
If you’ve ever stayed at a cookie-cutter ski hotel where the carpet smells like wet wool and the lobby is a sea of beige, The Blake is going to catch you off guard. It’s vibrant. It’s weird in the best way.
What Everyone Gets Wrong About The Blake at Taos Ski Valley
A lot of travelers assume "luxury ski-in/ski-out" means a stiff, snobby atmosphere where you can't walk through the lobby in your thermal underwear. That’s not the vibe here. Since the resort became the world’s first B Corp-certified ski area back in 2017, the focus shifted. It’s not just about pampering people who have money; it’s about this balance of profit and purpose.
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley is the physical manifestation of that shift.
You’ve got geothermal wells under the slopes helping to power the building. They use a massive food dehydrator system that converts 70% of food waste into soil amendment. Most guests don't see that, but you feel it in the culture. The staff—they call the guest service folks "Hausmeisters"—actually seem like they want to be there. It’s less "corporate hospitality" and more "welcome to our mountain home."
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The Art You’ll Actually Want to Look At
Most hotel art is... well, forgettable. But here, the collection is a serious deep dive into the Taos Society of Artists. We're talking about pieces that reflect the three-spoke heritage of the region: Native American, Spanish Colonial, and the European roots of the Blake family themselves.
The design isn't just "mountain chic."
It’s a mix of heavy timber, plaster walls that look like they belong in a centuries-old adobe, and Austrian-inspired gable roofs. It’s high-altitude architecture that respects the fact it’s sitting on sacred land—the Pueblo Indians have lived in this valley for hundreds of years. You’ll see it in the detailing of the fabrics and the tiles in the 80 guest rooms.
Eating and Recovering: 192 and the Spa
Let’s talk about the food. 192 at The Blake is the kind of spot where you end up talking to the people at the next table. It’s centered around a communal fireplace. Basically, it’s built for shared plates and pizza. After a day of getting your legs absolutely wrecked on Al’s Run or hiking toward Kachina Peak, you don’t want a five-course formal dinner. You want a wood-fired pizza and a glass of wine that costs more than your first car (or a cheap beer, they have both).
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If your muscles are screaming—and at Taos, they will be—the Spa & Wellness Center is the real deal. They do the standard facials and massages, but they also have performance recovery treatments specifically designed for people who just spent six hours fighting gravity.
- Heated Pool & Hot Tubs: Outdoor, steaming under a massive New Mexico sky.
- Fitness Center: They have yoga classes if you need to stretch out the lactic acid.
- The Hausmeisters: 24/7 service. They’ll handle your gear, your valet, and your "where should I go for the best margaritas" questions.
The Logistics: Suites, Penthouses, and Hidden Perks
The room setup is actually pretty flexible. You’ve got standard kings, but then you’ve got these massive one- and two-bedroom suites. We’re talking over 1,000 square feet. If you’re traveling with a crew or kids, the Blake Residences are the move. They have full kitchenettes, stacked washers/dryers, and gas fireplaces.
Honestly, the best hack right now—and this is a "real world" tip—is booking at least three nights. They’ve been running deals where you get a $220 credit to the spa if you stay 3+ nights. And if you upgrade to a suite or one of the two-story penthouses on the fifth floor, they often throw in a free private mountain guide. Considering the Taos ski school is consistently ranked top-tier in North America, that’s a huge value.
Why the Location Actually Matters
You’re literally steps from Lift 1. In some "ski-in/ski-out" hotels, you still have to hike half a mile in clunky boots. Not here. You walk out the door, and the mountain is right there. You’re also right by the Eis Haus ice skating rink and the village shops.
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If you’re worried about the drive—the road up from the town of Taos is a winding, white-knuckle experience in a storm—the resort actually offers a private shuttle from Taos Regional Airport. You can fly in from places like Burbank or Carlsbad and be on the snow in 30 minutes without ever touching a steering wheel.
Is It Worth the Hype?
Look, Taos isn't for everyone. It’s a "feast or famine" mountain. When it dumps, it’s the best powder in the lower 48. When it’s dry, it’s steep and "boney." But staying at The Blake takes the edge off the gamble. Even if the snow is thin, the hotel itself is a destination. You’re supporting a B Corp. You’re surrounded by world-class art. You’re eating well.
It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like an insider in a valley that has traditionally been very protective of its secrets.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay:
- Acclimatize Early: Drink double the water you think you need. The Blake sits high, and altitude sickness will ruin your trip faster than a torn ACL.
- Book the Guide: If you get the suite upgrade, use that private guide. Taos has hidden stashes and "secret" runs that you will never find on a trail map.
- Check the Calendar: If you’re looking for the best snow, aim for mid-February to early March. Avoid late December if you want the steep terrain to be fully open.
- Visit the Pueblo: Take the 30-minute drive down to Taos Pueblo. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides the context you need to understand why this valley is so special.
- Dine at The Bavarian: It’s at the bottom of Lift 4. Get the 1-liter beer and the schnitzel. It’s a Taos rite of passage.
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley represents a new era for the Sangre de Cristo mountains—one that doesn't trade its soul for a high-end thread count.