The U. S. Forest Service has approved Taos Ski Valley's request to expand its expert terrain by 60 percent with two new lifts that will take skiers to popular high alpine areas currently accessible only to hikers.
The plan also calls for upgrades to three other lifts, thinning of trees to expand two new glade areas for advanced intermediate to expert skiers, construction of a permanent tubing facility, a snowshoe trail system and a lift-served mountain bike trail for summer visitors.
Officials hailed the action as crucial for helping the northern New Mexico ski area keep pace with competitors in Colorado.
Taos Ski Valley chief operating officer Gordon Briner declined to estimate when the improvements might be finished.