This High Desert Town is a Skier's Paradise — and It Features the World's Only Certified B Corp Mountain

As I stood at the edge of Powderhorn trail, I suddenly froze. The stillness enveloped me as I removed my goggles, certain my eyes were playing tricks. But no, the view indeed stretched infinitely, and the sky was, as the skiing adage says, a perfect bluebird. It’s a breathtaking sight that Taos Ski Valley aims to preserve forever.

On a stunning December day, I ventured to Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico to uncover the magic of this unique destination. It’s a resort town, to be sure, but it has adapted to modern times and proudly stands as the only certified B Corp mountain in the world.

David Norden, the CEO of Taos, recounted, "Someone once remarked that we resemble a B Corp. This prompted us to explore what being a B Corp entails, and we discovered that indeed, our mission aligns with that of a B Corp." He added, "Upon learning more about the B Corp movement, we recognized the importance of pursuing certification."

Achieving B Corp certification is no small feat for any company, especially for one situated in the mountains. Businesses must exhibit complete transparency regarding employee compensation, charitable efforts, supply chains, and the materials they use, as noted by BCorporation.net. Esteemed brands like Patagonia, Athleta, and Ben and Jerry's have earned this recognition.

For Taos, becoming a B Corp signifies a commitment to prioritizing environmental and social accountability. Norden explained, "We connect with fellow B Corporations to learn from them and enhance our initiatives. This commitment has led us to make choices like ensuring equitable pay across all roles, irrespective of gender, race, or age, providing a living wage rather than just the minimum, and allowing our staff time to volunteer for local non-profits."

Achieving B Corp status is not a one-time event. Like all B Corps, the mountain must undergo recertification every three years and is currently navigating its second recertification process. While Taos holds the distinction of being the only B Corp mountain, Norden is optimistic that more will follow suit soon.

"I believe we will see more ski resorts taking this path as they recognize its advantages," he stated.

How do visitors at Taos experience these initiatives? During my visit, I noticed both significant and subtle changes. For instance, Gatorade is served in cans to eliminate plastic waste, and all single-use items are crafted from recycled materials. Behind the scenes, all grooming equipment operates on electricity, and by the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, all snowmobiles will transition to electric as well.

In 2022, the mountain achieved carbon neutral certification from Climate Impact Partners, surpassing its original goal by eight years. This certification indicates that the mountain offsets all emissions through natural carbon sinks or carbon credits, akin to a carbon tax, as explained by Norden.

"We have gained a clear understanding of our carbon footprint and emissions, recognizing the need for offsets to reach net zero," Norden remarked, emphasizing that the ultimate aim is to eliminate emissions entirely.

This dedication to environmental stewardship goes beyond the mountain heights and influences the businesses in Taos Ski Village.

At The Blake Hotel, named after Swiss-American mountain pioneer Ernie Blake, luxury harmonizes with eco-friendliness. Key cards and do-not-disturb signs are crafted from recycled wood, and you won't find any plastic lids—only authentic glass mugs and cups. A potted Christmas tree in the lobby comes with a sign indicating it will find a permanent home in the forest come spring.

"While staying at The Blake, you’ll discover innovations like geothermal heating and cooling. You'll also notice the absence of straws in the restaurant and available refill stations for your water bottle," Norden explained.

Another way Taos is dedicated to preserving its pristine environment is by capping daily visitors at 5,000 riders. This approach prevents overcrowding, ensuring that every skier has ample room to carve out wide, sweeping turns.

"We believe that increasing the number of skier visits isn't the ideal path for us. Our goal is to continually enhance the experience," Norden explained. "By refining our facilities and concentrating on delivering a more elevated experience, we prioritize quality over sheer growth."

As I prepared for my final run of the day, I took a moment to reflect on my brief visit to Taos. From my vantage point overlooking the ski valley, I spotted the road leading back into town and recognized that this hidden gem in the Rockies offers more than just skiing. It serves as a catalyst for transformation. With a team of dedicated and passionate individuals, Taos is committed to preserving these treasured locations. Thanks to their efforts, the future of skiing looks exceptionally promising.

Riding Guide

Purchase tickets through the Ikon pass (note that there’s a capacity limit for Ikon skiers), utilize the Mountain Collective pass, or buy a day lift ticket starting at $95 for adults and $65 for children.

Accommodation Options

The Blake Hotel: This 4-star, 80-room hotel provides guests with an ideal mountain retreat, featuring two outdoor hot tubs, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa. The hotel includes a "ski valet" service where guests can securely store their gear and enjoy a convenient spot to put on their boots before taking a short one-minute stroll to the slopes.

Edelweiss Lodge & Spa: Just across the street from The Blake, the Edelweiss is another family favorite. It offers direct access to the "gondolita," a small gondola that transports skiers to the children's ski school area. The lodge features a variety of room configurations, including options with one, two, or three bathrooms, and even a "lock off" arrangement for renting a single bedroom within a larger condominium.

Where to Unwind

Taos Ale House: If you’re in the mood for a laid-back beer, burger, or pizza after skiing, this is your spot. The Ale House delivers everything you need to relax after a day on the slopes — delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a cozy atmosphere. Arrive early, as it can get busy, and daily specials tend to sell out quickly.

The Lounge by Rolling Still Distillery: This new gem in Taos showcases house-made vodka infused with local flavors such as red chile, green chile, and lavender. Visit for a cocktail or a light snack in the inviting lounge. Plus, where else can you find cocktails on draft? You can also buy bottles to take home with you.

How to Reach Taos

Although Taos is somewhat secluded, the journey is definitely worthwhile. For a hassle-free trip, consider flying with Taos Air from Austin, Burbank, Dallas, or San Diego. If you're familiar with the route from Santa Fe, you can also drive from there (or from other locations).