We were looking for a family escape from the summer heat, and found a perfect experience at the Ridgerunner. The property is beautiful and accurately reflected by the online photos from the cabin itself to the surrounding area (Deer! Rabbits! Running stream just across the road!) The views are superb and the stargazing from the balcony is exceptional. Bring a telescope if you have one! You’re only about a 1-2 minute drive from the ski village.
It’s perfect for a family with kids- upstairs loft has two beds (could sleep 4 easily in the beds and 2 more if they sleep on the window seats), a full bathroom and table perfect for kids to hangout, play games, read, and stargaze. Downstairs has a king bedroom, full bath/laundary room and very cozy sitting area with a great tv/media setup. The kitchen is well appointed. The “game house” has two more beds and a foosball table. It was a great place hang out with the kids while parents were cooking/having quiet time. Of all the thoughtful amenities (games, umbrellas, hot tub, deck chairs, toiletries) we appreciated the child/pet gate the most to keep our toddler off the stairs. We slept with screened windows open and temps were perfect.
Summer dining is limited in the ski valley area so we bought groceries in Taos before heading up to the cabin and cooked most meals. But we did try Rhodas at the ski resort for dinner and it was fairly standard (but good) burgers/soups/salads/pasta. Lunch at the Bavarian one day before going up the ski lift was fun (brats, pretzels). Arroyo Seco is ten minutes down the mountain and has great ice cream (Taos Cow) and a good if somewhat pricey restaurant called Aceq. Pizza at Pizano’s (20 minutes back toward Taos) was excellent. Taos center is about 25-30 minutes away with tons of shops and restaurants.
Most of the hikes on the mountain are best for older kids or those small enough to be in a backpack. The hike to Miller Lake is beautiful. We drove 45 minutes west to the La Vista Verde hike along the Rio Grande Gorge. Definitely worth it and more accessible for younger kids (2.3 mile round trip, mostly flat but still really interesting terrain, incredible vistas, more oxygen!!)
The owners and caretaker were very kind, prompt and helpful.
We would book here again in a heartbeat!!