Taos Ski Valley's State-of-the-Art Children's Center Opens with New Gondolita For Easier Access From Base Area

TAOS SKI VALLEY, N.M., Dec. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Taos Ski Valley is opening its much-anticipated state-of-the-art Children's Center this week, home of the world-renowned Ernie Blake Snowsports School. The Children's Center is complemented by a completely regraded beginner area and is accessible from the base area by a new pedestrian gondola, offering families convenient travel between the heart of the resort plaza and the new facility. The new Children's Center makes skiing and riding even more fun for kids and helps families get up and on the mountain more quickly and easily than ever.

Just steps from the new slopeside hotel The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, families and pedestrians can board the Gondolita free of charge and be seamlessly transported to the Children's Center, which has been fully refurbished with modern amenities, new play spaces and fresh food service. Kids will relish the delightful décor such as the chair from Taos' historic Rueggli lift that serves as a scale, and a play area that includes slack lines and a climbing wall so kids can stay active while parents handle check-in and registration. Mom and dad will appreciate the modern amenities including high-tech computerized check-in kiosks, fool-proof gear holders to prevent missing mittens and socks, efficient rental areas, and kid-tested lunch fare offered in the bright, open dining hall. Additionally, a new day care facility offers an intimate and educational environment for Taos' smallest visitors including quiet, cozy nap rooms and play areas for curious toddlers and babies.

In addition to the new Children's Center, Taos reshaped the Strawberry Hill beginner area terrain to offer five distinct learning sections, which will allow for a smooth progression for skiers and riders who are gaining new skills. The learning areas allow new skiers and snowboarders to improve trail by trail, at gradually increasing slopes, so they gain confidence and skills with ease.

To modernize its teaching techniques, Taos has introduced the proven Terrain-Based Learning™ program, which uses purpose-built snow features in the beginners' area to help assist new skiers and riders by naturally controlling their speed. The shaped snow in the beginner area provides a more fun and efficient on-snow experience, and helps new skiers and riders focus on their movements and fundamentals.

"For too long the myth existed that Taos was for experts only. But in fact, we're perfect for families and beginners, starting with our industry-leading ski school and now including our completely renovated children's facilities and all-new beginner terrain," said David Norden, CEO of Taos Ski Valley. "The Children's Center and new beginner hill are the continuation of a $300 million refurbishment of the ski resort. And as the renaissance of Taos unfolds further with each season, we're not losing sight of what makes this a storied and unique destination amid the rapidly consolidating industry. Families have made memories at Taos for decades, and the latest investments ensure they will continue to share this special place with generations to come."

The Children's Center offers a variety of lesson programs for kids ages 3-15, ranging from half-day to full and multi-day experiences. The full-day program includes all-day lift tickets, sessions with one of Taos' dedicated and professional teachers, rental equipment, two snacks and a hot, nutritious lunch. Additionally, Taos' unique Snowsports Weeks are perfect for families wanting a combined experience. Snowsports Weeks are designed to help skiers and riders improve their skills over the course of a week and include a dedicated instructor throughout the week, as well as options for first-timers, teens and private lessons.

After the lifts close, Taos Ski Valley offers its unique après-ski program, Taos Bound, for children ages up to 13 years old. Every Saturday in the winter, kids can play parent-free (and parents can enjoy date night). Taos Bound provides kids entertainment including movies, games, stargazing and snowshoeing. Program operates from 4 pm to 8 pm, and dinner is included. Reservations highly recommended.

About Taos Ski Valley
Nestled among the pristine peaks of northern New Mexico, Taos Ski Valley is undergoing a $300 million renaissance, making it one of North America's premier vacation and adventure destinations. With more than 300 inches of average annual snowfall, 300 days of sunshine and more than 1,200 skiable acres, Taos Ski Valley offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, breathtaking scenery and exhilarating terrain for every ability level, for a spirited mountain experience unlike any other. The resort is maintaining its authentic charm while investing in new amenities both on-mountain and in the base area. Taos Ski Valley is proud to participate in the Mountain Collective, a collaboration of iconic, independent ski destinations. To learn more about Taos Ski Valley, and see the future plans for the Ski Valley, please visit www.skitaos.com.

SOURCE Taos Ski Valley

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