A mountain in northern New Mexico with a reputation for steepness that goes back decades, founded by a European emigrant who chose the terrain deliberately.

Over half the runs are graded expert and the ridge above the lifts requires a hike, which puts a great deal of serious terrain within reach of anyone willing to walk. The ski school here has an equally strong reputation.

The snow is dry and abundant for this latitude because the mountain is high, with the summit approaching 3800 metres.

Taos town, half an hour below, is an old adobe settlement with a pueblo that has been inhabited for a thousand years and a long history as an artists' colony. It is unlike any other ski town in America.