Izzyisms

Don’t Panic, Drive South

Amie Engerbretson off the High Traverse at Taos Ski Valley, NM. Photo: Liam Doran
“Amie Engerbretson off the High Traverse at Taos Ski Valley, NM. We had been skiing chalk for a few days in mid-March and were about to head home when a massive storm popped up on the forecast. We changed our travel plans, and it went totally bottomless for two days straight.” Photo: Liam Doran
Words: Michael Israelson

Hang with skiers long enough and you are sure to hear the controversial question: “What’s the best hill you’ve skied?”

The answer comes with either bravado or humor. Standards exist. Objective heavyweights.

Jackson belongs on every list touted by true skiers. Lots of vertical. Legendary steeps. Cold as balls. You don’t roll into a hill like that without having paid your dues.

Alta. The High Church. Designed by Norwegian ski god Alf Engen. Steep. Fall line. More snow than your hill.

Sun Valley. Old school. Warren. Hemingway. Trains. Movie stars.

Years ago, when our Puro Suino Crew first toiled through these same lists, Chevalier lobbed a curve ball.

“It would be hard to argue against Taos being in the top three,” he said. 

“Top three?” we fired back.