NASJA Western Winter Summit

The Western Winter Summit was held this year, for the first time in 25-plus years, in northern New Mexico. From Jan. 26-31, 19 lucky participants enjoyed largely sunny skies, but also a 4-6 inch powder refresher that fell on the eve of our two-day Taos Ski Valley stop, which powder hounds continued to enjoy on the last day at Angel Fire Resort overlooking the beautiful Moreno Valley.The trip began with a day at Ski Santa Fe, where participants learned the secret of New Mexico’s skiing at such southerly and largely sunny latitudes – its towering elevation. Ski Santa Fe’s parking lot is at 10,350 feet, and at Taos we topped out at 12,450 feet on the stupendous Kachina Peak Chair.NASJA members had their fill of finely groomed cruisers, gnarly bump runs like famed Al’s Run at TSV, glades, glens, hike-to steeps at Taos, and untouched powder at Angel Fire. The consistent comments included the quality of the snow, despite few storms in January, and the huge views under the almost ever-present sun. Plus, members also experienced a nice shot of New Mexico culture, history and cuisine, more distinguishing characteristics of perhaps America’s least-known ski region.We’d like to thank Ski New Mexico, Ski Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Santa Fe Tourism, the Loretto Inn and Spa of Santa Fe, Heritage Hotels and El Monte Sagrado in Taos, Restaurant 192 in The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, and Santa Fe Valet for their generous assistance in making this memorable outing a success.

Clips from the 2020 Western Winter Summit

A New Yorker Discovers New Mexico Resorts, by Mike Roth
Meeting recap video, by Peter Hines
Exploring Willamette’s widespread wonders, by Lee Jullerat
Enchanted skiing in New Mexico, by Bob Cox
Ski Santa Fe – #SKIBEUNO, by Peter Hines
Eastern Skiing vs Western Skiing, by Mike Roth
A Magical Tour of New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle, by Dan Giesin