Summer Improvements at Taos Ski Valley

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chris Stagg, Adriana Blake or Bret Helenius
505-776-2291 or email tsv@skitaos.org


SUMMER IMPROVMENTS AT TAOS SKI VALLEY

The summer season has kicked into high gear at Taos Ski Valley. The summer chairlift is running and crews are working on some big improvements for the 2001-2002 ski season.

The summer chairlift began running on June 22, and had its biggest weekend ever over the 4th of July. A record1258 people rode the lift over the holiday weekend, 519 on the 4th alone! The summer chair runs Thursday through Sunday from 10 to 4:30 or rain, whichever comes first. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children. The trip takes about 20 minutes each way, and gives you a whole new perspective on the mountain.

The logging crew is opening up some exciting new terrain. They are cutting a glade between Al�s run and Inferno, which will extend Rhoda�s to the top of Wayne Abbey. This new shot will be just what Taos Ski Valley�s tree skiers have been clamoring for.

The other big on mountain improvement is the widening and reshaping of Goldmine Corner. The corner, which in the past was pretty sharp, will be a smoother transition for skiers coming out Powderhorn fast and will be easier to navigate for beginners skiing Whitefeather.

According to Mountain Manager, Bill Etchemendy, the biggest change people will see is on the beginner�s hill. The �old KK� formerly the home of the children�s ski school is being torn down, as is the pump house/clock tower at the base of the lift. These will be replaced by a new pump house at the base of the beginner�s area which will include, restrooms (a blessing for beginners who used to have to slog up the hill), a warming hut and locker room facilities for the snowmaking crew. The warming hut will make being a beginner at Taos Ski Valley a much more enjoyable experience and the removal of the old buildings will open up the beginner�s area.

Every level of skier will find that these improvements improve their ski experience in Taos Ski Valley.