Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about staying with us.

Last updated: November 2, 2026

Check-in & Check-out

What are the check-in and check-out times?

  • Alpine Village:
    Check-in: 3:00 PM
    Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Cottam's Lodge:
    Check-in: 4:00 PM
    Check-out: 11:00 AM

Do you offer early check-in or late check-out?

Early check-in and late check-out are available on request, subject to availability.

Can I drop off my luggage before check-in?

Yes. We'll store your luggage and give you an early parking pass so you can ski or hike before your room is ready, at no extra charge.

What is the check-in process?

Pull onto the brick driveway in front of our lobby to unload. The front desk is open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Arriving later? Contact us in advance to arrange after-hours check-in.

What if no one is at the front desk?

Call or text us at 575-776-8540 and we'll be right with you.

Reservations, Rates & Payment

What are your hours of operation?

The front desk is open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily. Arriving outside these hours? Contact us ahead of time so we can arrange your check-in.

How do I make a reservation?

You can make a reservation online on our reservations page or by calling or texting our front desk at 575-776-8540.

How are rooms priced? Are there fees for extra guests?

Each rate covers the room's stated occupancy, adults or children. For example, King and Queen Suites are priced for one to four guests, and One Bedroom Lofts and Large Lofts for up to six. Where a room has space for more, additional guests are $25 per person per night, and children age 6 and under are free. Rollaway beds are $25 per night. Not every room can take extra guests or a rollaway, so call 575-776-8540 to check first.

Are taxes and fees included in the rates?

Rates on our website are shown before tax. We add New Mexico lodgers tax (5%) and gross receipts tax (9.4375%), 14.4375% in total. There's no resort fee or parking fee, and the booking page shows your grand total before you pay.

What deposit is required to book?

A 50% deposit is due at booking. For rooms and suites at both properties, including the Mountain Cabin, the remaining 50% is collected at check-in. For the Mountain Chalet and Mountain House, it's due 14 days before arrival for winter arrivals (November–April) and collected at check-in for summer arrivals (May–October). Reservations made through Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, Booking.com, or another third party follow that channel's payment terms.

What forms of payment do you accept? Is there a security deposit?

We accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. There's no separate security deposit or card hold for incidentals or damages.

Are there minimum-stay requirements?

At peak times, yes. Christmas, New Year's, and spring break require five nights, Presidents' Day weekend requires four, and most winter weekends require three. We can sometimes fit a shorter stay into a gap between reservations, so call 575-776-8540 to ask.

Do you offer military discounts?

Yes. We honor a 10% discount for active military personnel, except on blackout dates.

Do you offer group or extended-stay discounts?

Sometimes, for large groups, whole-hotel buyouts, and extended stays. Contact the front desk to talk through options.

Do you offer stays in exchange for content?

Perhaps. We're always open to trades — contact the front desk to discuss.

What is the minimum age to book a room?

You must be at least 18 to book.

How can I extend my reservation?

Contact us and we'll check availability for the extra nights.

Can I request a specific room, like the one I had last year?

Yes. Add the request to your reservation notes or call the front desk, and we'll do our best to honor it. We guarantee the room type you book, but we can't guarantee a specific room number or a balcony.

Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes. Call the front desk at 575-776-8540 to buy one.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel in time and your deposit is refunded, less a $25 processing fee:

  • Rooms and suites, including the Mountain Cabin: 30 or more days before arrival for winter arrivals (November–April), or 48 or more hours before arrival for summer arrivals (May–October). Later than that, the deposit is non-refundable.
  • Mountain Chalet and Mountain House: 30 or more days before arrival for winter arrivals. From 15 to 29 days out the deposit is non-refundable, and within 14 days the full reservation cost is non-refundable for any reason. For summer arrivals, 7 or more days before arrival; within 7 days the deposit is non-refundable.

The season is set by your arrival date.

No-shows are charged the full reservation amount, and nights dropped by checking out early are non-refundable. These terms are for bookings made by phone or on our website. Reservations made through Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, Booking.com, or another third party follow that channel's cancellation terms, and the Mountain Villa books only on Airbnb. See our full cancellation policy.

Amenities & Services

Do you have Wi-Fi?

Yes. Both properties have complimentary fiber internet, fast enough for video calls and streaming, with at least 10 Mbps per device.

Do you have a hot tub?

Yes. The outdoor hot tub at Alpine Village Suites is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, winter and summer. Cottam's Lodge guests are welcome to use it.

Do you have a sauna?

Yes, a dry sauna at Alpine Village Suites, open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM year-round. Cottam's Lodge guests are welcome to use it too.

Is there a fitness center available?

No, but the mountains are a pretty good gym.

Do you offer massage and spa services?

Yes! We have a small massage room at the main lodge, where our visiting masseuse gives treatments — we don't offer massages in guest rooms, and there's no massage room at Cottam's Lodge. See our spa menu for treatments and pricing. Book through the front desk at least a day in advance. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice or no-shows are subject to a $75 fee.

Do you offer couples massage?

Our massage room fits one person at a time, so we can't offer side-by-side massages. Couples can book back-to-back treatments about 10 minutes apart. For a side-by-side couples massage, try the spa at The Blake or at Edelweiss Lodge and Spa.

Are towels, linens, and toiletries provided?

Yes, in every unit at Alpine Village Suites and Cottam's Lodge.

How often is housekeeping provided?

Hotel rooms at both properties get daily housekeeping. The Mountain Chalet, Mountain House, Mountain Villa, and Mountain Cabin don't, but guests there can ask for fresh towels, trash pickup, and supplies.

Is there guest laundry?

Neither hotel has a self-service guest laundry. Only the Mountain Villa, Mountain House, and Mountain Chalet have their own washer and dryer. Every other unit, including the Mountain Cabin, the Two Bedroom Suite, the hotel suites, and the Cottam's Lodge studios, can use our same-day laundry service for $25 per load; ask at the front desk. There's no public laundromat in Taos Ski Valley; the nearest is in Taos, about 35–40 minutes away.

Do rooms have irons, desks, and streaming TVs?

Irons and ironing boards are available on request. Most rooms have a table you can work at, but there are no dedicated desks. Every TV is a smart TV, so you can sign in to Netflix and other streaming services with your own accounts. Board games and cards can be borrowed from the front desk.

Is there phone or cell service?

Neither property has in-room landline phones. Cell reception around Cottam's Lodge is limited and varies by carrier, so connect to the Wi-Fi and use Wi-Fi calling when you need it.

Can you arrange champagne, flowers, or decorations?

Yes, we're happy to help with special occasions. Give us at least 72 hours' notice; earlier is better. Simple requests, such as placing champagne in your room, have no service fee. More extensive coordination, such as arranging flower bouquets or decorations, is evaluated case by case with a minimum $75 service fee. Call the front desk at 575-776-8540 for details.

Can you stock groceries before I arrive or arrange a private chef?

Yes. With at least 72 hours' notice, we can deliver or stock groceries for the cost of the groceries plus a service fee, evaluated case by case with a $75 minimum. We can also put you in touch with local private chefs. Contact the front desk to set either up.

Can I ship a package ahead of my stay?

Yes. Address it to:

Alpine Village Suites – [Your Name]
100 Thunderbird Road
Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525

Then text 575-776-8540 with your name or the tracking number so we can watch for it.

Is there a common grill area?

Yes — there's a guest grill on the outdoor patio on the 4th floor of Alpine Village Suites.

Do you have ski storage?

Yes, free overnight ski and snowboard storage for all guests. We don't have boot dryers or heated lockers, so guests keep their boots in their room and collect their skis on the way to the lifts.

Is there a restaurant on-site?

While we don't have an on-site restaurant, there are several dining options within walking distance. See our restaurant picks below.

Families

Do you have cribs, pack-and-plays, or high chairs?

We have pack-and-plays, free of charge; just ask. We don't have cribs or high chairs, except for one high chair at the Mountain Chalet for guests staying there.

Can children use the hot tub and sauna?

Yes. There's no minimum age, but children under 16 must be with an adult at all times.

Are the loft ladders safe for small children?

Our loft ladders are vertical or nearly vertical, with no gate at the top, so we don't recommend them for young children. Kids 10 and older usually manage them easily, but you know your child best. In the Studio Loft, the bed is up the ladder and the main level has a sleeper sofa. With younger children, consider a King, Queen, One Bedroom, or Two Bedroom Suite instead.

What is there for kids to do?

In winter: skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, and playing in the snow. In summer: resort movie nights, lawn games, soccer, pickleball, hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides. For indoor days, borrow board games and cards from the front desk.

Can you recommend childcare?

The front desk can give you contacts for independent local childcare providers, and you arrange care with them directly. We don't offer childcare ourselves, and the providers aren't affiliated with us.

Parking & Getting Here

Is parking available?

Yes, free. Alpine Village Suites guests park in the free public lot across the street. Cottam's Lodge and our vacation homes have complimentary on-site parking. Parking is outdoors; neither property has covered parking.

Can I park an oversized truck, RV, or trailer?

Yes. They fit in certain areas of the Taos Ski Valley parking lot at no extra charge.

Is there EV charging?

Paid EV charging is available at the Taos Ski Valley resort, paid through an app. Cottam's Lodge doesn't have EV charging.

Do I need four-wheel drive or chains in winter?

Neither is required, but four-wheel drive is recommended if you have it. Roads are plowed and salted. During heavy snow, getting out of the parking lot and up to the resort can be difficult.

Which airport should I fly into?

Taos Regional Airport is closest, about 35 minutes away, and is served by JSX and Contour Airlines. A complimentary resort shuttle meets arriving and departing JSX and Contour flights, with no reservation needed. Santa Fe is about two hours away and Albuquerque about three; neither has a shuttle to us, so plan on a rental car or a private shuttle.

Pet Policy

Are pets allowed?

Yes, we welcome pets — dogs, cats, and other animals. The fee is $20 per night per pet (2 pets max), and you'll sign a pet waiver at check-in. There are no size or breed restrictions, but pets must be well behaved. Guests whose pets cause damage or disturbances may be asked to relocate with their pets, without a refund.

Can I leave my dog alone in the room?

Yes, once you've signed the pet waiver. Housekeeping can't service the room while a pet is inside, and you're responsible for any damage. If an unattended pet barks or disturbs other guests, we may contact you and ask you to remove the pet or relocate.

Where can I walk my dog?

There are good dog walks near both properties, through the village and on nearby Carson National Forest trails. We don't offer pet sitting and don't currently have a pet sitter to recommend, but ask the front desk and we may be able to connect you with a local contact.

Property Policies

What are quiet hours?

Quiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM.

What is your smoking policy?

All Alpine Village Suites properties are 100% non-smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping. A $500 cleaning fee will be charged for any smoking violations.

What is your damage policy?

Please treat our properties with care. Damages beyond normal wear and tear may result in charges of $250 or more. If something breaks, let the front desk know right away — accidents happen.

Rooms & Accommodations

What types of rooms do you offer?

We offer a variety of suites and vacation homes — from cozy studios to 4-bedroom houses.

Do you have rooms suitable for large families?

Yes, we have several options for large families:

Our largest are the Mountain Chalet and Mountain House — each has 4 bedrooms and sleeps up to 10 (including pullout queen sofas). Most other units also have sofa beds for extra sleeping space.

Which rooms are best for a romantic getaway?

King Suites and One Bedroom Suites have gas fireplaces and private balconies (suites #8 and #16 have no balcony; others can be requested but aren't guaranteed). The Two Bedroom Suite has a full kitchen instead of a kitchenette. For a more modern stay, the Mountain Villa is about 1.5 miles from the village.

What's in the kitchenettes and full kitchens?

Kitchenettes at the main lodge have a microwave, coffee maker, toaster, electric two-burner cooktop, and a 3-foot mini-fridge (no dishwasher), plus basic pots, pans, plates, bowls, and cutlery. Studios A, B, and C have small kitchenettes with a small oven, microwave, coffee maker, electric burner, and toaster (no dishwasher). Pots, pans, plates, bowls, and cutlery are included. Full kitchens add a full-size refrigerator, an oven and stove, and more pots, pans, and utensils. Salt and pepper are provided; cooking oil and other spices are not. Studio D is the only unit without a kitchenette: it has a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave.

Do the rooms have balconies?

Some rooms do. Let us know when you book and we'll do our best to match your preference, but we can't guarantee a balcony.

Do the bathrooms have bathtubs?

After recent renovations, almost all of our accommodations have showers only. The Mountain Chalet and the Two Bedroom Suite still have a bathtub. If you need a tub, call 575-776-8540 before you book.

Do you have accessible rooms?

We don't have ADA-compliant rooms. Please call 575-776-8540 to talk through your mobility needs, so we can tell you whether we can accommodate them or recommend a nearby property that can.

Do you have creek-side rooms?

Yes! Several rooms sit right along the creek — you can fall asleep to the sound of the river.

Is there air conditioning in the rooms?

At 9,350 feet, air conditioning is rarely needed. We provide fans for the occasional warm summer day.

Are there coffee makers in the rooms?

Yes — every room has a coffee maker with coffee included. There's also coffee in the lobby.

Location & Activities

What is your location?

How far is it to the lifts? Are you ski-in, ski-out?

Neither property is ski-in, ski-out. Alpine Village Suites is about 100 yards from the first main lift, an easy walk in ski boots, and close to the village restaurants, shops, and activities. Cottam's Lodge is 1.5 miles down the road, about a 5-minute drive, with free parking; its guests can use the hot tub and sauna at Alpine Village Suites.

Is there a property map?

Yes — here's the Alpine Village Suites property map.

What is the elevation of Taos Ski Valley?

The base area sits at 9,350 feet above sea level.

Any tips for the altitude?

Drink plenty of water and give yourself time to acclimate.

How far is Alpine Village Suites from downtown Taos?

We are 19 miles from downtown Taos, about a 35-minute drive away.

What should I do if I've lost an item?

Lost something in your room? Contact us and we'll check. For items lost elsewhere in Taos Ski Valley, call 888-262-8398.

Skiing & Winter

When is ski season?

Taos Ski Valley is usually open for skiing from late November to early April, weather permitting.

Can I rent ski equipment at the hotel?

We don't rent equipment, but there are trusted rental shops steps from the hotel. For skis, snowboards, and gear, we recommend Cottam's Ski Shops, where our guests get a 15% discount.

Do you sell or discount lift tickets?

No, we don't sell or discount lift tickets. Buy them directly from Taos Ski Valley at skitaos.com; buying at least 72 hours ahead usually saves money.

Do you offer ski lessons or ski-and-stay packages?

No. We're independently owned, so you book each piece separately: lodging with us, rentals at Cottam's Ski Shops (with the guest discount), and lift tickets, lessons, Children's Ski School, and Ski Week through Taos Ski Valley at skitaos.com. We can't reserve resort lessons for you.

What can non-skiers do in winter?

Snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, and snowmobile tours. Cottam's Ski Shop next door rents snowshoes, the sledding hill is free with no ticket needed, and the ice rink is within walking distance of Alpine Village Suites.

Dining & Groceries

What restaurants do you recommend?

  • Quick breakfast: Black Diamond Espresso for pastries, quiche, and espresso drinks, and Cid's Mountain Market for grab-and-go breakfast burritos and sandwiches in winter.
  • Sit-down breakfast: Blonde Bear Café and 192 at The Blake.
  • On the mountain: The Bavarian, a ski-accessible lunch favorite on the back side of the mountain, with weekend dinners and reservation-only sleigh ride dinners.
  • Upscale dinner in the village: 192 at The Blake, and the Blonde Bear Tavern across the street at Edelweiss Lodge and Spa.
  • Casual: DALEEE TSV, right out our back door, for lunch and dinner, and Hondo Restaurant at the Snakedance Condominiums.

Village hours change by season, so check before you go.

Where can I buy groceries?

Cid's Mountain Market and Bumps Market are within walking distance of Alpine Village Suites and carry essentials like eggs, milk, bread, and cheese. Larger supermarkets and Walmart are in Taos, 35–40 minutes away.

Summer & Outdoors

What activities are available in the summer?

Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, scenic chairlift rides, and cultural events are all nearby. For the events calendar, see skitaos.com and taosskivalley.com. Ask the front desk — we're happy to help plan your day.

What hikes do you recommend?

Williams Lake is a popular intermediate hike, about 4.2 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Wheeler Peak, New Mexico's highest peak, is for more experienced hikers. Gavilan, Long Canyon, and Italianos are other favorites.

Where can I go fishing? Do I need a license?

The Rio Hondo runs right beside Alpine Village Suites, with small beaver ponds nearby; it's narrow, so it suits fly fishing best. The Rio Grande, the Red River area, and Eagle Nest Lake are other options. You'll need a New Mexico fishing license, which you can buy online.

About Us

Who manages Alpine Village Suites?

Garrett Cottam manages Alpine Village Suites and Cottam's Lodge. Learn more about our family.

When was Alpine Village Suites built?

Alpine Village Suites was built in 1995 and opened for the 1995–1996 winter season.

Employment

Are you hiring?

We're always looking for great people. Visit our Join Our Team page for current openings and to apply.

Have a question we didn't cover? Contact us — we're happy to help.