Taos Ski Valley is renowned for its steep terrain, uncrowded trails, and a laid-back atmosphere. In 2010 SE Group’s mountain planning team prepared a new Master Development Plan (MDP) for TSV, which transitioned to our Environmental Team for NEPA analysis with the Forest Service. The MDP honored the uniqueness of TSV while addressing how to best meet growing guest expectations in a highly competitive industry.
Working with the Carson National Forest and TSV, SE Group prepared and facilitated an EIS that analyzed proposals for two new high Alpine lifts (on Kachina Peak and West Ridge Basin), three lift upgrades, two new gladed areas, alternative winter and summer recreation opportunities, and parking/dropoff improvements. The proposal to lift serve Kachina Peak elicited passionate comments from the public—both supportive and oppositional. Some felt access to Kachina Peak needed to remain a hiking-only experience; on the contrary, people had strong opinions that TSV must gain back the reputation it once had among ski resorts in the Rockies, and that lift-serving Kachina Peak and West Ridge Basin was essential.
A Record of Decision approved all projects in August 2010, and the Main Street Lift (serving Kachina Peak) will be operational for the 2014/15 ski season.
From Vision to Implementation