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The P lace To Come For Furniture — Rugs — Art

Alhambra—Soul Inspired Living 132 Kit Carson Rd, Taos, NM 87571 Tuesday—Saturday, 11—5

Glorious Autumn 15x30 o/c

Blowing in the Wind 18x18 o/c

Morning Glow 12x12 o/c

See our Paintings at Wilder Nightingale Fine Arts (Taos), Legacy (Santa Fe) and Manitou Gallery (Santa Fe)

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PHOTO COURTESY GERAINT SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHOTO COURTESY GERAINT SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

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The standard of excellence in contemporary Native American Jewelry... Award-winning Designs Hand-made in our Taos Workshop

Studio/Showroom Visit Taos’s Hidden Gem for an exclusive and captivating shopping experience...

824 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte

(575) 751-7103

Tues - Sat 11-5

mariasamora.com

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#TaosTrue • Where Tradition is a Way of Life Immerse yourself in transformative culture, natural beauty and world class art.

taos.org • #TaosTrue • @visittaos • 800-732-8267 WINTER + SPRING 2025-26 D I S C O V E R TA O S . C O M

PHOTO BY DANIEL TERNA

Contemporary Currents 1 203 FINE ART | Known for Taos Moderns and

post-war abstraction, 203 Fine Art on Gusdorf Road typically mounts a “Winter Exhibition” spotlighting Modernist through contemporary work. 203fineart.com

2 ATELIER 111 | A two-level immersive space, Ate-

lier 111 near the Plaza hosts rotating exhibitions, talks, and occasional sound-based installations — perfect for an evening gallery stop downtown. atelier111.art

3 OMNIHUM GALLERY | Part gallery, part creative

salon, OmniHum on Ledoux Street blends visual art, music, and performance. Winter evenings bring cozy, small-room energy with openings and art-meetsmusic happenings. omnihum.art

4/5 THE VALLEY | The Valley on Ledoux Street

champions emerging and mid-career artists — local and national — with a focus on material practices, place-based work, and conceptual depth. The gallery typically runs solo or two-person installations lasting several weeks. thevalleytaos.com

P52 4,5. Sarah Harrison, untitled works,' The Valley

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WINTER WARMUP FOR SUMMER SONG

2026 SUMMER FESTIVAL

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magpie wonderful things for your nest

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Taos Folk Art • Fine Art • Functional Art Jewelry • Pottery • Glass …and more

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218 Paseo del Pueblo Norte

JOHNSTON

MAGPIETAOS.COM

NOVEMBER 28 THRU JANUARY 17 An invitational exhibition of ceramic arts, from throughout the US and beyond, in the name of promoting peace in our lives.

TaosCeramicsCenter GALLERY

114 Este Es Road, Taos, NM www.TaosCeramics.com 575.758.2580 WINTER + SPRING 2025-26 D I S C O V E R TA O S . C O M

Arts&Culture

LEFT / 'Blue, Brown and Green', Oli Sihvonen BELOW / Untitled (Albuquerque), Richard Diebenkorn BELOW, LEFT / 'Buy War Bonds', Eva Mirabal OPPOSITE / Cover of GI Bill Gallery Guide

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Taos as a nexus

A book long in the making

While much attention has been given to New York’s postwar art scene, Pursuit of Happiness turns westward, placing Taos at the center of the story. “Taos has always been a nexus,” Wilson-Powell explains. “Artists came to see Taos Pueblo, to study with Emil Bisttram, or to attend the Mandelman-Ribak Taos Valley Art School and the UNM Summer Field School of Art. And because of the GI Bill, many of them stayed — or came back.” The exhibition includes works by John Chamberlain, Ad Reinhardt, Lawrence Calcagno, Richard Diebenkorn, and Oli Sihvonen, alongside Taos Pueblo artist Eva Mirabal. Mirabal, a former Women’s Army Corps member, used her GI benefits to attend art school after painting Army murals. Her sharp-witted cartoon series G.I. Gertie, lampooning military bureaucracy, is also on view. Another highlight is Janet Lippincott, a one-time Eisenhower aide and Bisttram student who pushed Southwestern art into bold abstraction, remaining under-recognized during her lifetime. “These are not footnotes in art history,” Wilson-Powell says. “They are the story. The GI Bill created the first generation of American artists who were truly international — and many of them passed through Taos.”

Wilson-Powell submitted her manuscript last year, but publication has been delayed by turnover at the Museum of New Mexico Press. She’s patient. “I just want it done right,” she says. The book profiles 30 artists and places their stories within the arc of postwar American art. It’s the first survey of its kind. “This is history we’ve taken for granted,” Wilson-Powell says. “We’ve all heard people say, ‘My dad went to college on the GI Bill and became a doctor.’ But what about the painters, the sculptors, the teachers?”

More than a show Wilson-Powell is no stranger to the Harwood. In 2016, she curated the acclaimed Mabel Dodge Luhan & Company exhibition, transforming the museum with the help of then-development director Juniper Leherissey — now Harwood’s executive director. “She’s been behind me all the way,” Wilson-Powell says. “When I proposed that earlier show, the then-director offered one small gallery. Juniper raised all the funds and made the whole thing happen. She’s also been instrumental in bringing this current project to life.” For Pursuit of Happiness, Wilson-Powell drew from the Harwood’s collection as well as regional and national lenders. Works are grouped by school affiliations — Bisttram’s atelier, the Taos Valley Art School, Black Mountain College, and the California School of Fine Arts — underscoring the cross-pollination the GI Bill encouraged. Programming includes a Sept. 27 curator’s talk and gallery guide. Sponsors range from New Mexico Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts to private donors.

A call for the next generation Though her book casts a national net, Wilson-Powell hopes others will dive deeper into New Mexico’s story. “What I’d love,” she says, “is for someone to write a book just about GI Bill artists in New Mexico. That’s still waiting to be done.” And her dream project? “I always imagined this as a major traveling exhibition, organized by a national museum like the Whitney or the Hirshhorn,” she says. “Something that would go coast to coast, then return home — so regional museums like the Harwood could present it with work from their own collections. What we’re doing now is a step in that direction.” HARWOOD MUSEUM OF ART 238 Ledoux St, Taos | 575-758-9826 harwoodmuseum.org

Why It Matters THE GI BILL didn’t just educate a generation — it reshaped American art. By funding veterans’ studies in places like Taos, it sparked bold experimentation and drew artists from around the world to Northern New Mexico. “Pursuit of Happiness: GI Bill in Taos” reveals how this postwar policy left a lasting mark on modern art — and why Taos remains a crossroads of creativity today.

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Taos’ Foremost Western Art Gallery

Heritage Fine arts One LOcatiOn ~ WOrLdWide

Roberto Ugalde

Be Sure to Explore Our Estate Salesroom presenting the Finest in Aftermarket Collectibles Open Daily 10 -6pm • In The Middle Of Gallery Row • 122 Kit Carson Rd, Taos 575-751-7348 • heritagefineartstaos.com WINTER + SPRING 2025-26 D I S C O V E R TA O S . C O M

THE COLOR EXPRESSIONISM OF

Cathy Carey AT

The Ranch at Taos Gallery 117B KIT CARSON ROAD, TAOS | THERANCHATTAOS.COM | 325 647 5736 NEXT TO KIT CARSON HOME AND MUSEUM

ALSO REPRESENTING: DEBBIE CARROLL, TRACY TURNER SHEPPARD,

DANIEL BROWN, MARY DOOLITTLE, GARY ROLLER, TERRY DAVIS, ROSA KILGORE JEWELRY AND MORE.

RIGHT / From left, Picuris Pueblo’s Joe Mermejo, Traditional Council Member and former Tribal Council member; Gov. Wayne Yazza Jr.; and Lt. Gov. Craig Quanchello, as seen at Picuris Pueblo Museum during its reopening the week of San Lorenzo Feast Day. COURTESY JOHN GALUSKA

For the new exhibit, curators adopted a “community-based archaeological approach.” Even small choices — leaving bags of pottery shards unsealed so they can “breathe,” or wrapping sacred objects in cloth rather than plastic — reflect that respect. Before the public opening, tribal members previewed the exhibit in a private ceremony. “We had elders who rarely leave their homes come out,” Quiver says. “And young kids who were just mesmerized. It’s not just arrowheads in a box — it’s the story that it’s telling.” That story continues. Picuris recently partnered with geneticists from the University of Copenhagen, confirming a direct link between living Picuris members and ancestral remains at Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon. “I’m proud that Picuris is starting to become part of this bigger picture,” Quiver says. “We’re in a time of revitalization — DNA testing, the rec park, all of these projects.” Quiver, a fifth-generation micaceous potter, created 50 clay pieces for the museum’s opening day — all sold out by noon. They learned from their great-grandmother Cora Durand and uncle Anthony Durand, inheriting their tools and a love of the clay known as Molo nan na, the “pot dirt place.” “This museum has always been a key puzzle piece in what we grew up with,” Quiver reflects. “As a kid, I’d come here for art classes. Now, I get to help tell our story — and bring it home.”

RIGHT / A Picuris arrow on display at the Picuris Pueblo Museum and Interpretive Center JOHN DENNE/FOR THE TAOS NEWS

Picuris Pueblo Museum and Interpretive Center 201 Pueblo View Road, Peñasco. Open Monday-Friday 10 am to 4 pm & Saturday and Sunday by appointment 575-779-3883 • museum.director@picurispueblo.org

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Live. Love. Indulge. 575-751-7246 salonmarjorie.com 237 Ledoux Street, Taos, NM 87571 Styling: Brianna Torrez, Photo: Marjorie

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Two Graces

Two Graces gallery, a shop rife with rare books, local artwork and centuries-old curiosities, found a new home this summer just north of Taos Plaza.

135 North Plaza, Taos Open daily, 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 575-770-5580 twograces.com

A Book Lover’s Haven

Robert Cafazzo and Holly Sievers. JEANS PINEDA / For the Taos News

Books remain central to Two Graces. The gallery stocks out-of-print gems such as Taos Mosaic: A Portrait of a New Mexican Village by Claire Morrill and works by Frank Waters and Mabel Dodge Luhan. Cafazzo often sells volumes from his personal collection at prices friendlier than online listings. “When we first started 22 years ago, I was told not to do books,” he says. “Books are one of our favorite things to have. People love to see books, Taos really needed a bookstore back on the plaza.” Now that Two Graces has room for presenting art there will be ever revolving exhibitions of historic Taos artworks and the works of Cafazzo and Sievers. More than a shop, Two Graces is a space for discovery. “We are striving to create vignettes and moments with special pieces in groupings and arrangements that will draw people in.” WINTER + SPRING 2025-26 D I S C O V E R TA O S . C O M

I’m afraid of horses

I’m from New Jersey

Wear whatever YOU want to wear… you CAN pull it off!

M O D A | MODA PHONE 575-751-7255 | IN THE HISTORIC JOHN DUNN HOUSE SHOPS | CLARKE PHONE 575-758-2696

Lodging

Historic stays on Kit Carson Road Where Taos history, art, and hospitality meet BY ELLEN MILLER-GOINS

KIT CARSON ROAD is more than a route through Taos’ historic district — it’s a stroll through centuries of stories, art and architecture. Along this storied street you’ll find some of the town’s most distinctive places to stay: historic inns that blend adobe charm with family legacies, artistic heritage and cultural treasures you won’t find anywhere else. Here are four historic lodgings where your overnight stay comes with a side of Taos history.

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Casa Benavides Inn 100

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WHERE TO WANDER THIS WINTER Starry skies stretch endlessly above snow-laced peaks. Days unfold with crisp air and quiet wonder. Art-filled galleries circle the plaza, each one a portal into Taos’ soul. The river winds through silent canyons, inviting exploration. Vistas stun. Waterfalls inspire. Retreat to a hidden mountain oasis —where every moment is steeped in beauty, and winter feels like nowhere else on earth.

317 Kit Carson Road, Taos | 855-846-8267 | ElMonteSagrado.com

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La Doña Luz Inn The Extra: Guests of La Doña Luz’s Rainbow Room can soak in a rooftop hot tub while gazing at Taos Mountain. Then, with El Rincón steps away, they can explore the town’s oldest trading post — part boutique, part museum — and leave with a piece of Taos’ living history.

114C Kit Carson Road, Taos, NM Rates: $129–$289 per night (varies by suite) Highlights: Rooftop hot tub (Rainbow Room), Native and Spanish Colonial artifacts, Taos’ oldest trading post on-site P106 575-758-9000 • stayintaos.com

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Lodging Mabel Dodge Luhan House Where artists, writers, and dreamers found inspiration Few places in Taos hold as much cultural weight as the Mabel Dodge Luhan House, also known as the “Big House.” Purchased in 1918 by arts patron Mabel Dodge and expanded with the help of her Pueblo husband Tony Lujan, the adobe compound became a magnet for creative minds. Georgia O’Keeffe, D.H. Lawrence, Ansel Adams, and Carl Jung all gathered here, leaving their imprint on Taos’ artistic identity. Today, the National Historic Landmark operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with 21 rooms spread across the main house and cottages. Thick adobe walls set the mood, while individually decorated rooms feature original art, handcrafted details, and — in many cases —terraces with mountain views. Breakfast is included, and the property offers meeting spaces and grounds designed for workshops and small conferences. The Extra: True to its legacy, the inn continues to host workshops in writing, art, and wellness. Guests staying during these periods may join communal meals and conversations — a chance to experience the house as the creative salon Mabel intended.

Mabel Dodge Luhan House 240 Morada Lane, Taos, NM Rates: $125–$250 per night (when not reserved) 575-751-9686 mabeldodgeluhan.com

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P105 HISTORIC STAYS

Hacienda del Sol Adobe elegance with a world-class art connection Dating back to 1804, Hacienda del Sol has sheltered everyone from traders to modern travelers. Built as a traditional adobe compound, it eventually became the home of Mabel Dodge Luhan and Tony Lujan, whose circle of artists and writers defined early 20th-century Taos. D.H. Lawrence stayed here while drafting works, Willa Cather gathered notes for Death Comes for the Archbishop, and Georgia O’Keeffe came often from nearby Abiquiú and painted her sunflowers there. Later, historian Frank Waters used the inn as his base while completing “The Man Who Killed the Deer. “ In this way, the Hacienda became not just a home but a crucible of Southwestern art and literature. The inn’s architecture is quintessentially Taos with its thick adobe walls, vigas and kiva fireplaces. Today, its rooms and suites blend historic atmosphere with modern comforts, from clawfoot tubs and steam showers to private patios with mountain views. Owners Mike and Blair Morton are lifelong creatives who bring a passion for art, history, nature and literature to this historic property. They continue to uncover the place’s compelling stories and characters, many of which had been forgotten, and are proud to share this historic slice of Taos with their guests and the community. The Extra: The Hacienda holds treasures as distinctive as its history. Guests can view a rare portfolio of Edward Curtis’s “The North American Indian,” a monumental 20-volume photographic study of Indigenous life. Contemporary legacies linger too: Navajo artist R.C. Gorman left his mark here with custom tile work throughout the suites. And for travelers seeking inspiration, the Hacienda continues to host writers’ residencies, retreats, and intimate cultural gatherings — ensuring its tradition as a hub of creativity remains unbroken.

Hacienda del Sol 109 Mabel Dodge Lane, Taos, NM Rates: $150–$325 per night (varies by room/suite) 575-758-0287 haciendadelsoltaos.com WINTER + SPRING 2025-26 D I S C O V E R TA O S . C O M

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Nights

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Dining&Entertainment

History Revived

Old Martinez Hall is reborn BY OLIVIA LEWIS

or generations, Taoseños two-stepped Hall and quickly regained its place as a cultural hub. across the dance floor at Old Martinez Now, thanks to her meticulous renovations, very little Hall, the legendary venue for live bands, work is needed. Long praises her commitment: “It’s rare quinceañeras and family celebrations. After to inherit a historic property that’s ready to move in. The community should tip their hat to Martina for preserving years of changing hands and sitting empty since 2020, that asset. She put her heart and soul into it.” the Ranchos de Taos landmark has re-opened. Jim Long, founder and CEO of Heritage Hotels & Music and Tradition Resorts, purchased the property last summer. Long and Old Martinez Hall will once again echo with music. his wife Rebecca are 12th-generation New Mexicans Grammy-winning Taos Pueblo musician Robert Mirabal whose roots trace to the first Spanish settlers of 1598. A will coordinate live performances, from Friday and Saturformer board chair of the Spanish Colonial Arts Society, day night concerts to free Sunday afternoon events feaLong studied architecture at UNM before founding Herituring traditional New Mexican village music — a blend of tage Hotels & Resorts in 2005 to showcase New Mexico’s polka and ranchera once played at weddings and fiestas history and culture. The company now operates nine across the region. hotels statewide, including El Monte Sagrado and Palacio “That sound is something we’re rapidly losing in New de Marquesa in Taos. Mexico,” Long says. “We want to “We felt this was a very important preserve it.” Expect performances property that should be preserved from groups like Lone Piñon, along — and used to enhance the cultural with flamenco shows by artists such For more information aspects of New Mexico, which we as La Emi. about Old Martinez Hall, intend to do,” Long says. The hall’s restaurant will operate visit oldmartinashall.com. The Pueblo Revival structure, built in under the leadership of Cristina MarOld Martinez Hall the early 1900s across from the iconic tinez, El Monte Sagrado’s longtime San Francisco de Asís Church, spans 4140 NM 68, Ranchos de executive chef. Martinez, a Le Cordon more than 15,000 square feet. The Taos (across from San Bleu graduate with 25 years of prodance hall alone accommodates 600 Francisco de Asís Church) fessional experience, will manage people and has drawn not just locals Hours to be determined operations as a partner. but also actors and filmmakers like Her vision is to keep the venue Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson and accessible and welcoming. “I’m going Peter Fonda. to be doing counter service, and it’s “It’s celebrated many of the community’s historical going to have a really fun vibe,” she says. “We can celeevents — weddings, quinceañeras and special occasions brate culture with New Mexican-inspired food — cuisine — for hundreds of years,” Long says. “People who’ve lived that pairs perfectly with beer.” here a long time have very special memories of the place.” Long hopes the revived hall will once again serve as a When German architect and cosmetics entrepreneur community gathering place. “There will be a lot of fun at Martina Gebhardt purchased the building in 2010, she Old Martinez,” he says. “It will be a fantastic location for discovered leaking roofs and crumbling vigas. Undeterred, music, food and family celebrations.” Martinez agrees: “Culturally, it’s important to keep she poured more than $2 million into restoring the adobe, this beautiful, historic building alive. For it to be used in a preserving as much original material as possible. Her efforts paid off: the hall reopened in 2012 as Old Martina’s meaningful way shows the community we really do care.”

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Cristina Martinez, El Monte Sagrado's executive chef and Old Martinez Hall's partner operator ZOË ZIMMERMAN/FOR THE TAOS NEWS

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Snowshoe through quiet 2. forest trails

Glide across the ice

Lace up your skates at the Eis Haus rink in Taos Ski Valley, where mountain views and cozy fireplaces set the scene. In town, the Taos Youth and Family Center rink is reopening after major repairs, offering public skate sessions, hockey, and figure skating. Both rinks are local favorites, where families and visitors alike can enjoy crisp winter air and smooth ice. LOCATIONS: Taos Ski Valley & Town of Taos

Revel in snow tubing

4. & sledding fun

Snow tubing brings out the kid in everyone. Angel Fire Resort features a six-lane tubing hill with lift service, while Red River’s ski area offers lively evening tubing sessions. At Taos Ski Valley’s Strawberry Hill Tubing Park, a moving carpet makes repeat runs easy. For DIY fun, locals head to Mallette Park or the Red River Nature Trail for classic sledding thrills. LOCATIONS: Angel Fire, Red River & Taos Ski Valley

on a snowmobile 5. Embark adventure Few things rival the exhilaration of a snowmobile ride. At Taos Ski Valley, “Big Al” Johnson’s AA Wilderness Adventures takes guests up peaks and ridgelines for scenic two-hour tours. Red River also caters to snowmobilers, with groomed trails into Trail Canyon, Greenie Peak and Midnight Meadows. LOCATIONS: Taos Ski Valley & Red River

Try ski biking at Sipapu

Combine the thrill of cycling with the fun of snow at rider-friendly Sipapu, which has welcomed ski bikes since the 1960s. Expect affordable tickets and easy loading on its fixed?grip lifts — great for first-timers and families. Rentals are available on site. In the Moreno Valley, ski bike rentals are offered at Eagle Nest Marina (Angel Fire welcomes ski bikes with a few caveats). LOCATION: Sipapu

Ice climb frozen waterfalls

In winter, the canyons around Questa transform into an ice climber’s playground. Frozen waterfalls and sheer cliffs offer demanding routes best suited to seasoned adventurers with the proper gear. Mountain Skills Rock Guides does not guide ice climbs but they do offer rock climbing and backcountry ski trips in the Taos area. LOCATION: Near Questa

]] Outfitters & Trails

Soak in natural hot springs

There’s nothing like slipping into warm mineral water while snow falls around you. Rustic pools like Black Rock and Manby Hot Springs, tucked along the Rio Grande, bubble at 80–101 degrees and provide a back-to-nature soak. For a more refined experience, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort offers historic pools, spa treatments and lodging just under an hour from Taos. LOCATION: Near Taos

Hike the Gorge in winter light

The Rio Grande Gorge reveals a rare tranquility in winter, when snow highlights the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and the air is crystal clear. Trails around the Gorge Bridge and Wild Rivers Recreation Area offer sweeping views of the river far below, framed by snow-dusted mesas. With fewer visitors, it’s a peaceful way to enjoy the stark beauty of our high-desert landscape. LOCATION: Taos

Explore 10. Taos’

artsy side

Discover the vibrant arts scene in Taos, by visiting numerous galleries and museums, and cozy cafés serving warm libations like hot chocolate, mulled cider, and hot toddies. Stroll Ledoux Street’s historic galleries, or step into storied museums like the Harwood, Millicent Rogers and Couse-Sharp House. Many venues host special exhibits and openings through the colder months, pairing art with warm conversation. LOCATION: Taos

Celebrate with a torchlight

11. parade

Few traditions capture mountain magic like a torchlight parade. On New Years Eve and other special occasions, the community comes together for magical torchlight parades and fireworks at Enchanted Circle ski areas, where skiers light up the slopes in a dazzling display. It’s a festive way to embrace the winter season. LOCATIONS: Taos Ski Valley, Red River & Angel Fire

Angel Fire Nordic Center – 12 km groomed trails (XC/snowshoeing), rentals, lift access. 575-377-4488; angelfireresort.com

Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area Red River – 30 km ski trails, 15 km snowshoe trails, dog loops, yurts, lessons and guided snowshoe tours. Info: 575754-6112; enchantedforestxc.com

Heritage Inspirations

Amole Canyon, Peñasco – Guided snowshoe tours with gourmet picnics. Info: 575-737-9827; heritageinspirations.com

Mountain Skills Rock Guides Taos Ski

Valley – Backcountry ski clinics and guided tours. Info: 575-7762222; climbingschoolusa.com

Taos Snowshoe Adventures – Half-day,

full-day, full moon, and yurt trips. Info: 1-888-895-5262; snowshoetaos.com

Big Al’s Wilderness Adventures

— Two-hour tours above Taos Ski Valley. Info: 575-751-6051; aataosskivalleywildernessadventures. com

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Strap on snowshoes and explore the tranquil beauty of the Carson National Forest. Trails like Gavilan, Italianos, and Yerba Canyon near Taos Ski Valley, Columbine Canyon between Questa and Red River and Amole Canyon near Taos offer serene winter landscapes perfect for a peaceful hike. LOCATIONS: Taos, Taos Ski Valley, Eagle Nest

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Adventure

Andrea Krejci Finding freedom on the mountain BY ELLEN MILLER-GOINS

hen Andrea Krejci talks about skiing, her voice carries the kind of reverence most people reserve for lifelong passions. The Swedish immigrant is animated, friendly and full of joy when talking about her chosen sport — and profession “I think I started skiing at 2 years old,” she says. “My parents were skiers before me and my brother were born, and then they put us in a ski racing program, on a ski team — I think I was probably about 7 years old. And so that introduced me, of course, to the competitive aspect of skiing. But, I think for my brother as well, who is still also in the ski industry, it must have made such a profound effect on us both, because that was our family connection.” That deep connection guided Krejci across continents, careers, and disciplines — from the slopes of Stockholm to New Mexico, from alpine racing to freeride coaching. Today, she is one of the few female freeride head coaches in North America, shaping the next generation of skiers through the Taos Winter Sports Team (TWST). Krejci grew up in Sweden’s capital, but her heart was in the mountains. Skiing with her family each year became a ritual that turned into competitive racing and, ultimately, a life’s path. She came to the United States in 1993 to ski for the University of New Mexico, drawn not only by the team but by the climate. “I specifically chose New Mexico because I needed sun. I was tired of the cold winters, and I thought, Oh, that’s great that there’s skiing in New Mexico, where there’s so much sunshine.” She earned her MBA at UNM’s Anderson School of Management but, instead of launching into a conventional business career, decided to spend “just one season” skiing in Taos. “I tried to live in L.A. for one summer — I lasted four months,” she laughs. “It was just too big. I guess I wasn’t done with Taos.”

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Helena Mieras enjoys a trek at Enchanted Forest. / COURTESTY PHOTO

DISCOVERING FREERIDE

I had never heard of an Extreme Skiing Competition, so when Erica described to me what this ski competition was all about, I was like, wow — it’s just skiing down a mountain and finding fun things to do along the way? Awesome! I can do that! ANDREA KREJCI

When Krejci arrived fulltime at Taos Ski Valley in 1999, freeride — also called extreme skiing or big mountain — was still a fledgling sport. Unlike racing, with its regimented gates and timed runs, freeriding is all about creativity and flow. Freeride challenges athletes to carve their own line down steep, ungroomed terrain. Style, fluidity, technique and control matter just as much as speed. Natural features — cliffs, chutes, and rock bands — become opportunities for airs and tricks. Krejci’s introduction came through a friend, Erica Cobb, who invited her to a competition in California. “I had never heard of an Extreme Skiing Competition, so when Erica described to me what this ski competition was all about, I was like, wow — it’s just skiing down a mountain and finding fun things to do along the way? Awesome! I can do that! I felt like this is what I had been searching for my whole life. Growing up, I loved competing in ski racing, but I was never the fastest. What I missed was the free-skiing aspect,” she says. She remembers chasing adventure even as a young skier. “We used to go to the Alps every year with my family for ski vacations. I remember building kickers at La Plagne, France with the boys and hitting those, and hiking up a peak in Val d’Isere for “off-piste” skiing. Growing up, of course, there was no such thing as extreme skiing competition. Her first competition in Kirkwood, California, sealed it. “What freeride is all about is the community of riders. The camaraderie that comes with it, which I didn’t find in ski racing. Ski racing is more like the individual versus everybody else. In Freeride you’re all cheering for each other. You support each other to the max.” Krejci began coaching alpine racing soon after moving to Taos, but a spur-ofthe-moment trip with one of TWST’s ski racers to a junior freeride event in Snowbird, Utah, planted the seed for something bigger. Supported by then program director Sean Cassily, and inspired by the enthusiasm of her athletes — and the mountain itself — she launched TWST’s freeride program in 2011. “We had kids join right away, and we started with maybe 14 kids,” she recalls. “Those early days, I will never forget, because we were going so hard and I was still competing myself so it was a great motivation. We had kids that would show up at 8:45 and we wouldn’t stop skiing until 4:05 because the lift had closed. We just couldn’t get enough.” P138 WINTER + SPRING 2025-26 D I S C O V E R TA O S . C O M

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ROBOTIC ASSISTED SURGERY IN TAOS Steven Slikkers, MD

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Adventure

Tips for the

weekend ‘warrior ’ Strategies to sharpen skills and rediscover the joy of skiing

by MICHAEL & CAROLYNNE CHANDLER

f you’ve spent any time in ski towns, you know the type. The Weekend Warrior buys their season pass early, keeps their gear sharp, and hits the slopes at every chance. They love skiing, crave it, and dream about powder days while stuck at work. But by New Year’s, frustration sets in. No matter how many weekend runs they squeeze in, they can’t seem to get better. They’re stuck. It’s not for lack of passion — it’s lack of time. Skiing, like anything else, requires focused practice. And when you only get a few precious days on snow each month, it’s tempting to skip drills and just chase fun laps. For the Weekend Warrior who longs to ski smoother, faster, or more confidently, it’s easy to feel like you’re always striving but never progressing. The good news? A few small adjustments — before, during, and after ski days — can help you break through that plateau.

PRESEASON WARM-UP: MOVE BEFORE YOU GROOVE

GEAR CHECK: THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB Here’s a pro tip: those skis from the ’90s in your garage? Keep them as retro wall art. Modern ski technology has advanced tremendously, and outdated gear only slows progress. If you ski occasionally, renting is the best option. Rent from a mountain shop so you can swap gear if the fit isn’t right or conditions change. Intermediates may want to spring for demo skis — the upgrade fee is worth the added performance. Most importantly, dial in your boots. A snug, supportive fit is the foundation of control and comfort. When renting, tell the shop about your feet. If you own boots, consider custom footbeds or aftermarket liners. Better boots = better skiing.

FIRST DAY INTENTIONS: WARM UP WISELY Day one is often a mix of excitement and nerves. Instead of chasing your cousin Ralph down the steepest black diamond, start with a warm-up run. Use that first hour to check your balance, ease into the rhythm, and reconnect with how skiing feels. Think of it as setting the tone for the trip. By easing in, you’ll build confidence instead of burning out.

LEVEL UP: LESSONS AND TECH If you’re serious about improving, don’t skip ski school. Even experienced skiers develop habits that hold them back, and a good instructor will spot them instantly. Locals benefit from an occasional refresher; visitors get more from a short trip by starting with a lesson. Love data? Try “Carv” — a digital ski coach that slips into your boots and gives real-time feedback through your phone. It’s like having a coach in your pocket.

SAFETY FIRST: NO ‘ONE LAST RUN’ It’s ski-town wisdom for a reason: never take “one last run.” Most injuries happen late in the day when legs are tired and focus is fading. End on a strong, safe note. Other essentials: helmets (everyone, no excuses), hydration (altitude sneaks up on you), and sunscreen (yes, even in winter — the New Mexico sun is fierce).

Skiing as Joy

At its heart, skiing isn’t just about technique or progress. It’s about joy — the thrill of sliding down a snowy mountainside, the camaraderie of sharing a chairlift with friends, the beauty of Sangre de Cristo peaks bathed in winter sun. So if you’re feeling stuck or worried about keeping up, remember this: skiing is meant to be fun. Improvement comes with focus, but the real reward is simply being out there.

Whether you’re a local hoping this is the year you finally con: quer Al’s Run or a visitor preparing for your first New Mexican ski trip, ABOUT THE AUTHORS the best preparation happens off the mountain. Michael Chandler is a third-generation ski instructor who began Start by getting active. Most resorts in Northern New Mexico sit his career in 1979 and brought his passion for teaching from New above 8,000 feet, so your lungs and legs will thank you if you arrive Hampshire to Colorado and, ultimately, to Taos Ski Valley. After with a little fitness. You don’t need a marathon training plan — brisk more than two decades instructing at Taos, Michael now shares his dog walks, spin classes, or pickup basketball a few times a week insights through writing and the integration of AI into ski coaching. build solid endurance. Together with Carolynne, his partner both on and off the slopes, he Mobility and balance are just as important. Air squats (20 a day, has explored ski destinations worldwide and co-authored working toward 50 or more) wake up the ankles, knees, and hips. A “Skiers Manifesto.” Carolynne is also the founder of Energy Rocks™, Wa functional candy supplement for athletes, reflecting their balance board mimics the constant micro-adjustments your feet shared commitment to performance and innovation. make on snow.

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BACKGROUND PHOTO, NOT INCLUDING ROAD SIGN, BY ELIJAH RAEL

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Perched at 7,200 feet on the edge of

Taos, the Red Willow People have called this sacred landscape home for well over a millennium. Taos Pueblo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States, honored as both a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll the terraced adobe dwellings of North and South Pueblo, where roughly 150 residents still live within the walls while many others maintain homes across the broader 99,000-acre land base. A 20–30 minute guided tour offers a respectful glimpse into Pueblo life — its history, spiritual traditions, and artistic legacy — while friendly shops invite visitors to bring home traditional pottery, silverwork, weavings and more, all tax-free. Important note: Taos Pueblo remains a living, sovereign community. Photography is allowed for personal use only; photographing tribal members or sacred areas requires explicit permission. Seasonal closures may apply, especially in late winter through early spring — call ahead to ensure access. Tiwa, the ancestral language, still echoes in ceremony and daily life amid the rhythms of modern life. Welcome with curiosity, tread with respect— and leave with wonder. Visit taospueblo.com or call 575-758-1028 before your visit.

ELEVATION 7,200 FEET MILES FROM TAOS 2.9

Taos Pueblo

TAOS

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COMMUNITIES

Taos Ski Valley 156

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Big terrain, alpine spirit, legendary legacy.

Andean Software

Clothing - Folk Art - Fine Textiles Taos Ski Valley Resort - Upper Plaza. Open 9-5:30 Daily. 575 776 2508 www.andeansoftware.com

TAOSMENUS.COM ON NEWSSTANDS DECEMBER 11

E n c h an t e d C i r c l e

COMMUNITIES

Arroyo Seco

Art-filled streets, timeless history, village soul. BACKGROUND PHOTO COURTESY GERAINT SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

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Welcome to Arroyo Seco, the luminous village at the base of

ELEVATION 7,634 FEET MILES FROM TAOS 8.9

TAOS

El Salto Mountain that whispers “pause awhile.” Nestled between Taos and Taos Ski Valley along NM 150, it carries 200 years of history. Its adobe storefronts house a surprising mix of galleries, cafés, and boutiques. Shoppers can wander into Arroyo Seco Mercantile, a treasure trove of vintage finds and quirky gifts, or explore Taos Wools, where hand-dyed yarns echo the colors of the high desert. Ceramics are everywhere — Logan Wannamaker Pottery, Rottenstone Pottery, and the Old Bones gallery for clay and textiles showcase the region’s thriving clay community. Fine Art New Mexico continues to draw visitors with its nationally known print collection, while Santos y Más delights with santos, milagros, and folk art passed down through generations. Hungry? Options range from a scoop at Taos Cow to farm-totable meals at ACEQ, hearty plates at Abe’s Cantina y Cocina, and market-fresh bites at Sol Food. Visit the restored church and cemetery gardens of La Santisima Trinidad, originally built in 1834. The altar screen was painted by famed 19th century santero José de García Gonzales. In 2009, the historic church was given a place on the official State Register of Cultural Properties. In Seco, art, history, and community come together seamlessly. Whether you arrive for the skiing, the shopping, or just the scenery, you’ll likely leave with something more: the feeling of having stumbled into a place that still belongs to itself. Arroyo Seco Live secolive.org

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Events Calendar DISCOVER TAOS

November

The 10th Annual Frank Morgan Taos Jazz Festival NOV. 14-15 Taos Music by modern-jazz pianist George Cables and saxophonist-singer Grace Kelly. taosjazz.org

Taos Folk NOV. 18–DEC. 24 Stables Gallery, Taos Featuring affordable, locally handmade art, pottery, jewelry, textiles and unique gifts by Taos-area artisans. taosfolkart.com

Yuletide in Taos NOV. 18–DEC. 31 Historic District & Surrounding Areas, Taos

December Farolito Lighting DECEMBER Historic Taos Plaza, Taos Farolitos illuminate the Historic Taos Plaza, filling the town with the warm glow of love and cheer.

Lighting of Ledoux DEC. 5 / 4–7 P.M. Ledoux Street, Taos Historic Ledoux Street glows with farolitos and bonfires as galleries and museums open late with hot drinks and treats. harwoodmuseum. org

Holiday Makers Market DEC. 13–14 The Stakeout south of Taos

Farolitos glow on adobe streets as markets, concerts, bonfires and Pueblo traditions create Taos’ most magical season. taos.org

Two days of art, vintage finds and local goods with food and live music. stakeouttaos.com

Frozen Turkey Race

Taos Pueblo Winter Market

Procession of the Virgin Mary DEC. 24

5 P.M. MASS FOLLOWED BY PROCESSION

Taos Pueblo

Bonfires blaze as the Virgin’s statue is carried into the plaza amid drummers, dancers and rifle salutes. Arrive early and dress warmly. taospueblo.com

Alumbra Holiday Fair DECEMBER / DATE TBD Questa (venue TBD)

NOV. 27 / 12–1 P.M. Main Chalet, Red River Ski Area

DATES TBA Taos Pueblo Heritage Center

A Thanksgiving Day favorite where racers ride frozen turkeys down the slope in a hilarious family tradition. Free to join or watch. redriverskiarea.com

More than 40 Taos Pueblo artists offer handmade jewelry, pottery and gifts. taospueblo.com

Questa Creative Council’s beloved holiday market with local art, crafts and festive community spirit. questacreative.org

Seco Live Winter Concert Series

Talpa Annual Arts & Crafts Fair

TSV'S 70TH

DATES TBA Arroyo Seco Concerts at different locations. secolive.org

Peñasco Theatre Winter Events

Taos Ski Valley’s 70th Anniversary

DATES TBA Peñasco

NOV. 28-DEC. 17

Historic theater’s annual winter arts program. penascotheatre.org

The resort celebrates with $70 early-season lift tickets through Dec. 17 and more! skitaos.com

Twirl Aglow Party NOV. 28 / 3–5 P.M. Twirl, Taos Twirl’s family-friendly kickoff to the holiday season with Santa, treats, live music and face-painting elves. twirltaos.org

Winter Jamboree Arts & Crafts Fair NOV. 28–30 Bataan Hall, Taos Shop local jewelry, quilts, and décor from Taos artisans at this long-running holiday fair. livetaos. com

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Pueblo Visitor Etiquette Please remember these are sacred religious ceremonies. Stay quiet and still during dances, do not applaud or move around, and never take photos or recordings. Taos Pueblo enforces a confiscation and no-return policy for prohibited devices. taospueblo. com

DEC. 6–7 / 10 A.M.–4 P.M. Talpa Community Center, Ranchos de Taos More than 20 local artists offer handmade gifts. talpacc.bravesites. com/about

Millicent Rogers Museum Holiday Fiesta

Cookies for Santa DEC. 24 Tenderfoot Katie’s, Taos Ski Valley Decorate cookies, sip cocoa and enjoy a festive family gathering before dusk. skitaos.com

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parades & Fireworks DEC. 24 / EVENING Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fir & Red River Skiers glide down torch-lit slopes, followed by fireworks and celebrations across Northern New Mexico. skitaos.com • angelfireresort.com • sipapu.ski • redriverskiarea.com

Deer or Matachines Dance DEC. 25 Taos Pueblo On Christmas Day, Taos Pueblo holds either the Matachines (11 a.m.) or Deer Dance (1 p.m.)— ancient ceremonies of prayer and renewal. No photography or phones. taospueblo.com

Ski & Ride with Santa DEC. 25 Angel Fire Resort & Red River Ski Area

DEC. 6 / 11 A.M.–3 P.M. Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos

angelfireresort.com • redriverskiarea. com

A cherished community event with crafts, music and family fun throughout the galleries. millicentrogers.org

Christmas Night Luminaria Tour

Holiday Season Festival

DEC. 25 Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area, Red River

DEC. 12-14 Harwood Museum of Art, Taos Virtuoso pianist Gleb Ivanov and the Taos Chamber Music Group perform in a treasured holiday tradition. taoschambermusicgroup.org

Bonfires on Bent Street DEC. 14 / EVENING Bent Street & John Dunn Way, Taos A quintessential Taos tradition of bonfires, farolitos, caroling and holiday cheer from local merchants. johndunnshops.com

XC ski or snowshoe by candlelight through serene, luminaria-lit forest trails. enchantedforestxc.com

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parades & Fireworks DEC. 31 / EVENING Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire & Red River Ring in the New Year with torchlight parades and fireworks across Northern New Mexico’s ski resorts. skitaos. com • angelfireresort.com • sipapu. ski • redriverskiarea.com

WINTER/SPRING 2025-26 January

Discounted lift tickets, camaraderie and special programming for service members and families. taos.org

Turtle Dance

World Champion Shovel Races

JAN. 1 Taos Pueblo Visitors welcome after 9 a.m. for this sacred New Year ceremony that may last all day, weather permitting. taospueblo.com

Polar Bear Plunge & Stomp JAN. 1 Eagle Nest

Brave the cold with a celebratory New Year plunge (and stomp) in the high country. eaglenestchamber.com

JAN. 30-31 Angel Fire Resort One of New Mexico’s quirkiest events—race downhill on snow shovels! angelfireresort.com

Ice Fishing Tournament JAN. 31 Eagle Nest Lake State Park

Skijoring JAN. 31–FEB. 1 Red River Skijoring, a winter sport where a person on skis is pulled by a horse, is back in Red River! redriver.org

February Ski Ranch Rodeo FEB. 1 Red River Ski & Summer Area

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

Deer or Buffalo Dance (All Kings Day) JAN. 6 Taos Pueblo The Buffalo Dance (~11 a.m.) and/or Deer Dance (~1 p.m.) honor the day with drum and song. taospueblo. com

Race the Face JAN. 18 Red River Ski & Summer Area Competitors charge up “The Face” slope for speed, glory and cash prizes. redriverskiarea.com

Military & Veteran Appreciation Ski Week JAN. 20–25 Taos Ski Valley

WORLD CHAMPION SHOVEL RACES

Anglers gather to fish for trout, perch and pike with cash prizes. friendsofeaglenestlake.org

Teams of three tackle roping and branding—on skis or boards—in this comedic “ranch rodeo.” redriverskiarea.com

Taos Winter Wine Festival FEB. 5–7 Various Venues, Taos & Taos Ski Valley A weekend of reserve tastings, seminars, winemaker dinners and aprèsski parties celebrating food, wine and winter. taoswinterwinefest.com

Mardi Gras in the Mountains FEB. 12-17 Red River

‘Just Desserts’ Eat & Ski (+Snowshoe)

Taos Pueblo Artists Showcase

FEB. 28 Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Area

MARCH 14–16 Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos

A deliciously fun fundraiser for the Red River Valley Charter School. enchantedforestxc.com

Taos Pueblo artists present fine jewelry, pottery and traditional crafts. millicentrogers.org

Rally in the Valley

March

MARCH 21 Taos Ski Valley

Taos IFSA Freeride Competitions

A zany on-mountain scavenger hunt with costumes, clues and prizes benefiting the Field Institute of Taos. skitaos.com

MARCH 1–5 Taos Ski Valley Top skiers and riders test their mettle on the resort’s steep, technical terrain.ifsafreeride.org • skitaos.com

Taos IFSA Junior Freeride Competition MARCH 10–13 Taos Ski Valley The next generation of freeriders takes on Taos’s legendary steeps. rockymountainfreerideseries.com • skitaos.com

22nd Annual Cardboard Derby MARCH 21 Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort Creative teams build and race homemade cardboard crafts down the mountain. sipapu.ski

Red River Pond Skim MARCH 22 Red River Ski Area End-of-season classic with costumes and music

Mardi Gras In The Mountains is New Mexico’s biggest party! redriver.org

Sipapu Fun Fest FEB. 21 Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort A full day of family-friendly fun on the slopes, with games, contests and giveaways. sipapu.ski

The Light Returning: Taos Chamber Music Group FEB. 21–22 Harwood Museum of Art, Taos

RACE THE FACE

An evocative late-winter program featuring works by Copland, Poulenc, Martinu and more. taoschambermusicgroup.org

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