Taos dropped some major bombshells on its master development plan this month, most notably a base to base gondola connecting Resort Center and Kachina Basin. Plans also call for upgrade to six of its existing lifts and replacement of lifts 2, 4, 7, 7A, 8, and Pioneer. Lifts 2 & 4 are the highest priority, as the fixed gripped Poma quads from the 1990s often face long lines during peak periods.
No specifics have been made yet as to what type of lifts will replace these and what their capacities will be. According to Taos, the chairlifts will be a mix of fixed grip and detachable technology.
Taos has undergone major developments over the past decade, as they have added a fixed gripped quad to Kachina Peak that was previously only served by hiking it, along with a base area redevelopment that includes a major real estate complex(The Blake Residences). They have also recently become a Certified B Corporation for their commitment to environmentalism and sustainability.
Other Upgrades and Additions in the Master Development Plan Include:
-An addition of a Nordic Skiing Section around Ocean Boulevard and the Wild West Area
-A new water tank on the front side of the mountain that will assist with snowmaking and forest fire emergencies
-A redesigned and reconfigured frontside drop-off and parking area
-A RV camping area
– A previous proposal to add a chairlift to West Basin Ridge has been shelved for now. The terrain is still accessible by hiking inbounds
-Tree thinning in the glades of the Wild West Area and Minnesota’s
-A new on-mountain restaurant near the top of Lift 7
-Convert the ski patrol shacks at the top of Lifts 2 and 4 into multi-use facilities with bathrooms
-Expanded mountain bike offerings under Lift 4.
-A new hiking trail from the base of Lift 1 to the top of Lift 4.
