Tucked in the Sangre de Cristo range, Taos Ski Valley is reputed to be among the most challenging resorts in North America. And yes, it has a lot of chutes and tightly spaced glades that will delight experts. But Taos is also a great place to learn — doing here will set you up for pretty much anything — or to sharpen your skills. The renowned Snowsports School runs several distinctive programs, including terrain-based learning and the signature Snowsports Week, which includes 12 hours of lessons over six consecutive mornings for a modest price ($300 in 2019-20), and keeps fans coming back year after year. Friendly and unpretentious, Taos is rewarding whether you want to cruise groomers or hike to hard-to-get lines. Owned since 2014 by billionaire Louis Bacon, TSV is improving every year with better snowmaking, a spruced-up base village and the construction of the new luxury Blake condos. Don't worry, though: Taos is independent and holding on to its soul — this is not your conventional ski-factory resort.

Pass Summary: Taos Ski Valley is part of the Ikon and Mountain Collective Passes. The Ikon Pass provides 7 days at Taos and the Ikon Base Pass provides 5 days (with holiday restrictions). For those skiing more than 5 days at Taos, there are several season pass options with excellent value including 50% off buddy passes, exchange pass privileges at Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain, special deals for midweek only access, and special pricing for military, seniors and youth.