No!!!
Don't go to the dark side! You didn't need those knees anyway!
"pajama parties in the middle of the runs"... 
I liked that Taos was snobby like that... I guess I should applaud the populist decision, but... Nope. Not that I ski OR snowboard anyway!!!!
I'd like to think populism was at the heart of the change, but...alas. Instead, I think it was the almighty dollar. Too many families with snowboarding kids simply weren't coming to Taos. The last time I ski'ed there, on a beautiful Saturday with great snow, I almost had the mountain to myself. As to yourself, Maggie, it's time! (fat chance I know!)
Yeah, was kinda kidding there 
I'm recalling all the pissed-off snowboarders I knew who hated Taos: "But snowboarding's for the people!"
Um, sure.
They had *2000* boarders show up for the opening day!
I'm helping Daryl and some other cats (who are in Taos right now) on a documentary on the opening. It's been fascinating, talking to some members of the family that owns the mountain, pissed off skiers, etc.
It's about money, yes, but my sense is this family has been watching the culture of snowboarding very carefully. One of the things I've learned is there's a generational split already in place for snowboarding.
I had no idea. I bought th 2,000 weed infused Gen X'ers shredding everything to dust as well.
The simple fact is a lot of life long skiers have discovered snowboarding as not juts an "alternative" but a whole new way of approaching getting down a hill. I have a friend there now, a 51 year female chiropractor (!) who is a *hard core* snowboarder...after nearly 40 years of skiing.
She will never go back there, as she says, because what snowboarder offers her physically and emotionally has been way beyond anything she found pounding moguls.
I think the Taos folk have handled this brilliantly. By holding back they've set things off on their terms. And set themselves apart in a way that's really compelling.
The short money was always there for the grabbing. Going long ball takes discipline and thought.
My friend making the case to me at 50 years of age that its easier on the joints has really made me seriously consider taking it up. I love to ski, but it can be wrenching.
...ran into a coupla folks last night who were there for opening day. They believe that 2,000 number is a stretch...
Commenting by HaloScan
