THE BLAKE, TAOS SKI VALLEY
Opened in 2017 and named for Taos Ski Valley founder Ernie Blake, the stylish 80-room ski-in, ski-out hotel and spa is 20 yards from the valley’s Lift 1. “The resort founders led with a European, traditional sense of hospitality,” says Rebecca Hagler, director of marketing for Taos Ski Valley. Part of that tradition was the Ski Week school at Taos, which Blake helped devise in the 1950s to acclimate skiers to American terrain. The highly regarded program is now North America’s only full-immersion ski camp, offered via the bundled Blake Ski Week Experience. DON’T MISS: A painting by Taos Society of Artists member Walter Ufer hangs in the lobby. “Taos is such a rich cultural hub, and we’re able to celebrate the art of the area throughout the hotel,” Hagler says.
Owned by the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Lodge at Chama offers guided elk, mule deer, bison, and wild turkey hunting, and fishing.
Photograph courtesy of the Lodge at Chama.
THE LODGE AT CHAMA
Nestled into the historic 36,000-acre Chama Land and Cattle Company ranch and owned by the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Lodge at Chama offers guided elk, mule deer, bison, and wild turkey hunting, fishing, and three fish- and gamecentric meals a day from executive chef Kelmin Rosa. “Elk hunting is our biggest season,” says office manager Colleen Schulte of the property, which includes 14 lakes and the 27,000-square-foot lodge. “It’s beautiful here in the fall with the aspens,” Schulte says. DON’T MISS: In late summer, a daylong event called Cast and Blast offers the opportunity to hunt grouse and fish for trout.
Casa del Gavilan serves as the perfect base for exploring the Carson National Forest.
Photograph courtesy of Casa del Gavilan.
CASA DEL GAVILAN HISTORIC INN, CIMARRÓN
If the 18-inch-thick adobe walls of this remote Pueblo Revival villa could talk, they might describe 120-plus years of natural wonders outside. Perched below the prominent Tooth of Time formation and next to the Philmont Scout Ranch, Casa del Gavilan’s six well-appointed guest quarters and full breakfasts are the jump-off for visitors to explore the Carson National Forest. DON’T MISS: In addition to the short trails that traverse the property’s 225 acres, “We usually send people to Valle Vidal,” says managing owner Dave Emery, “where you really want to take some time. There are a couple of really terrific trails up there.” The hotel opens for the 2025 season on April 11.
Read more: Vermejo immerses guests in the wonders of nature as they were in the past—and could be again.
