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Taos Ski Valley Opening Day 2026: What's Open on Thanksgiving, $75 Tickets, and How to Plan
Taos Ski Valley plans to open for the 2026–27 season on Thursday, November 26, 2026, Thanksgiving Day (Taos Ski Valley via PR Newswire). Like every opening date in the mountains, it’s projected and depends on snow and weather. Our shop at 101 Sutton Place opens the same day.
We’ll update this post on opening day with the lifts and trails that actually open. Until then, here’s what to expect and how to plan.
When does Taos Ski Valley open in 2026?
The resort announced a November 26, 2026 opening (PR Newswire) and says it will open that day as long as conditions allow (SnowBrains). The season’s first snow fell on September 30, and the resort started making snow in mid-October (SnowBrains).
If you’re booking a Thanksgiving trip, keep your plans flexible and check Taos Ski Valley’s lift and trail status in the days before you drive up.
What’s open on opening day at Taos?
Expect beginner and intermediate terrain near the base, not the whole mountain. Taos makes snow on nearly 100% of its beginner and intermediate terrain (Taos Ski Valley), and that’s what opens first while natural snow builds up on the steeper runs.
How much opens varies a lot from year to year. In 2019, for example, Taos opened on Thanksgiving with four trails: Pioneer and Rubezahl in the beginner area off the Pioneer lift, and Powderhorn and White Feather off Lift 1 (Taos News). This season the resort added more tower and fan snow guns for early-season snowmaking (PR Newswire).
Is opening day a good time for beginners?
Yes. Groomed greens near the base are exactly what opens first, so early season is a good time to learn at Taos. If someone in your group is new, read our guide, Is Taos Ski Valley Good for Beginners?, before you go.
Stronger skiers should set expectations: the steep terrain Taos is known for opens as natural snow allows.
How much are early-season lift tickets at Taos?
Adult lift tickets start at $75 through December 10 when you buy at least 72 hours ahead (PR Newswire, SnowBrains). Kids 7 to 12 start at $55, and teens and seniors 65 to 79 start at $65 (SnowBrains). Kids 6 and under and adults 80 and over ski free with a paying adult (Taos Ski Valley, SnowBrains).
After the early season, buying at least 72 hours ahead still saves up to 33% on lift tickets (PR Newswire). Prices change by date, so check skitaos.com/tickets for yours.
What are Early Season Ski Weeks?
They’re the resort’s six-day Ski Week program at half price. A Ski Week is six half-days of instruction with a group at your level. The new Early Season Ski Weeks run December 13–19, 2026 and January 3–9, 2027, at $220 per person for the week of instruction (PR Newswire).
A week of lessons is a week of gear. Free overnight storage comes with every rental at our shop, so your skis or board stay with us each night.
How should I plan a Thanksgiving ski trip to Taos?
- Book flexible. Opening dates depend on snow, so choose lodging and plans you can change.
- Buy lift tickets at least 72 hours ahead to get the early-season price.
- Plan a shorter first day. Opening-week terrain is limited, and the base is at about 9,300 feet (Taos Ski Valley beginner guide).
- Check the lift and trail status the morning you ski.
- Get your gear the day before. It’s the easiest way to spend Thanksgiving morning on the snow.
When does Cottam’s open, and can I pick up gear the day before?
Our doors open Thursday, November 26, 2026, the same day as the mountain, at 101 Sutton Place, a short walk from the resort shuttle drop-off. Shop hours start at 7:30 AM; full hours are on our FAQ.
Reserved gear can be picked up after 2 PM the day before your rental starts, at no extra charge. Reserve for Thanksgiving and you can pick up Wednesday afternoon and walk to the lift Thursday morning.
When you reserve, you tell us each person’s height, weight, shoe size, and ability. We size, tune, and stage each setup before you arrive, and you try your boots at the counter. Reserving is free, with no deposit. Just a card on file, and you pay at pickup.