Taos Ski Valley Goes to Snowboarding
Taos Ski Valley Resort management has announced it will begin allowing snowboarding beginning March 19, 2008.
In a memo given to employees Thursday afternoon (Dec. 13), TSV President Mickey Blake wrote, “After much contemplation Taos Ski Valley has decided to open our slopes to snowboarding beginning March 19, 2008. It is in the adventurous spirit of Ernie and Rhoda Blake we welcome the challenges and anticipate the opportunities that this decision implies. While there are many reasons why we have chosen this season to make such a significant change to our company’s policy the foremost factor is we feel simply that it is time.”
Taos Ski Valley has been one of the few holdouts in major winter sports resorts in the United States that has prohibited snowboarding. Just recently, a major snowboard manufacturer issued a challenge to submit a video documentary of a poached snowboard run on one of these ski areas for which they’s pay a bounty.
“For several seasons the debate has been more directed as to ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ snowboarding would be permitted at Taos Ski Valley,” the memo continued. “It has been the opinion of the Blake Family and TSV’s management that the timing was critical. Let us emphasize that this decision is the result of careful planning and consideration. We recognize many challenges that will result from this decision but feel ultimately it will benefit Taos Ski Valley, Inc., its employees and the community at large.”
Many local citizens and businesses have said publicly that the addition of snowboarding to Taos Ski Valley may add significantly to revenues from family-oriented visitors if allowed. At present, area resorts that allow the sport are Angel Fire, Red River and Sipapu.
Blake concluded the memo, saying “It is the goal of the Blake family and current management to continue the legacy of Thos Ski Valley. Equally to take care of you, our devoted staff and loyal friends, who for so long have helped us take care of our Mountain and the Taos Ski Valley legacy. We ask you to join us as Taos Ski Valley, Inc. transitions into the future with its spirit and ideals firmly rooted in the past.”
The new addition to the winter sports menu at New Mexico’s best known resort will, however, be only a month long this year since the area is set to traditionally close on Easter.
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