Top 10 Getaway for Tiny Travelers - Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

Taos Ski Valley won a Top 10 Getaways award in 1998 for its support of parents with infants and toddlers.

You've recently become parents and you're exhausted...You've just had a second, or third, baby and you're overwhelmed. You need a vacation badly, but what do you do with the baby??? You could leave her with grandma, but you'd miss her too much, or you could bring a sitter along, if one were available. As most resort and hotel programs only accept children 5 years plus, in 1998 FTF Staff surveyed getaways which cater to infants and toddlers under 3 years of age. Here's a look at one of our choices, Taos Ski Valley, today.

Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley
New Mexico 87525
866/968-7386, 505/776-2291

The natural beauty is reminiscent of the Alps, the snow is soft and light, and you are surrounded by the influence of Indian and Spanish cultures in this southwestern haven for skiers and families.  Eighteen miles from town, you can visit the Taos Pueblo, the multi-layered adobe dwelling of the Native Americans who have inhabited this community for 1,000 years. (Open daily to the public; check for closings due to religious observances.) Artists flock to Taos and art lovers can browse for hours in the many galleries and museums.

Excellent daycare is available at the ski resort's KinderKafig Children's Center.  BebeKare is for infants (6 weeks to 1-year-old) and KinderCare is for toddlers (1-3 years old), but be sure to reserve a spot in advance. For babies, the ratio is 1 staff member for 2 infants. Toddlers enjoy a well-stocked playroom with toys, games, arts and crafts, etc., and many opportunities to play in the snow. Full-day care is $75; half-day and multi-day discounts are also available.

The ski school is often noted as one of the country's best. Also based in the Kinderkafig, the Junior Elite Ski School has two levels: one for toilet-trained 3-year-olds to first graders, and another for second graders to 15- year-olds. The younger group's program combines lessons, snow play and indoor activities with 1 instructor for every 6 children. The older group receives more formal instruction for two hours in the morning plus afternoon supervised skiing.  $105/D includes lunch and hot chocolate. Additionally, the day care staff and ski instructors can provide you with a list of evening babysitters.