Frequently Asked Questions
Skiing and Snowshoeing
When will the Preserve be open for skiing and snow shoe activities?
Do I need a reservation?
Where do I go to participate?
Do I need a four wheel drive?
Are season passes available?
What areas of the Preserve will be open for these activities?
Are there any “after dark” skiing opportunities?
Are there any free days offered?
Do you have rental equipment available?
Will there be groomed trails?
What should I bring?
Where do I park and how are the roads?
How do I find out about snow conditions?
May I stay overnight on the Preserve?
May I bring my dog?
I still have questions. What should I do?
Will my car be safe?
Are snow mobiles allowed on the Preserve?
Facility Rentals
How can I reserve a night in the bunkhouse and how much will it cost?
What dates will be available for overnight stays?
Where is the bunkhouse and what is the terrain like?
How much will my overnight stay at the bunkhouse cost?
If I only bring 2 people, will the cost of renting the bunkhouse decrease?
May I bring more than 13 people even though there are only 13 beds?
Where do I go to check in and out?
What happens if there is not enough snow to ski to the bunkhouse?
Are there any restrictions as to where on the Preserve I can go?
What if I just can´t make it on the day I have reservations?
What happens to my security deposit?
Are there any services for taking our food or belongings to the bunkhouse?
What do we do in the event that someone is hurt or needs help?
Q: When will the Preserve be open for skiing and snow shoe activities?
A: The winter season will begin December 27, 2007 and run through March 30, 2008, weather permitting. Normal hours of operation will be from 9am-4pm Saturdays and Sundays.
A: Reservations are not required. You are welcome to show up spontaneously on any date that we are open and ski or snowshoe anytime between 9am and 4pm.
Back to top
Q: Where do I go to participate?
A: The main gate to the Preserve will be open during business hours and is located at mile marker 39.2 along State Highway 4, 18 miles west of Los Alamos or 20 miles east of Jemez Springs. Proceed through the main gate and down the snow packed road approximately 2 miles to the Valle Grande staging area.
Back to top
Q: Do I need a four wheel drive?
A: We strongly recommend either four wheel drive or chains. Much of our road is steep, one lane and north facing. We will plow roads and maintain as well as possible but winds and blowing snow may cause drifting and icy conditions. Please proceed slowly and cautiously at your own risk. Uphill traffic has the right of way.
Back to top
Q: Are season passes available?
A: Not yet, but we are working on providing this opportunity in the near future.
Back to top
Q: What areas of the Preserve will be open for these activities?
A: This season we are opening over 11,000 acres for winter activities including over 11 miles of groomed trails.
Back to top
Q: Are there any “after dark” skiing opportunities?
A: Yes, this year we will offer three moonlight and three dark night skiing and snowshoeing events. The moonlight nights are scheduled for January 19th, February 23rd and March 22nd from 6:30-10pm. These are nights close to the full moon and allow for well illuminated night skiing. Dark nights are scheduled for January 5th, February 9th and March 8th and each participant should provide their own headlamp or flash light.
Back to top
Q: Are there any free days offered?
A: Yes. There are three public appreciation days scheduled. On January 21st and February 18th all skiers and snowshoers will be permitted on the Preserve free of charge. Additionally, Coyote Call Trail and surrounding area on the south side of State Highway 4 is open daily during daylight hours, free of charge.
Back to top
Q: Do you have rental equipment available?
A: No. Please check local directories for a complete list of all providers.
Back to top
Q: Will there be groomed trails?
A: Yes, we will groom many trails that lead to our more popular destinations. You are welcome to strike out on your own or stay on the groomed trails. Winds may cause snow drifting at times. We will do our best to groom trails in between snow storms but weather will determine how well and how many of our trails are groomed.
Back to top
A: Come prepared for unpredictable winter weather including white-outs. Wear layered clothing. Bring sunscreen, hats, gloves, and plenty of food and water for the amount of energy you will be exerting. Click here for our checklist.
Back to top
Q: Where do I park and how are the roads?
A: The main gate to the Preserve will be open during business hours and is located at mile marker 39.2 along State Highway 4, 18 miles west of Los Alamos or 20 miles East of Jemez Springs. Proceed through the main gate and down the snow packed road approximately 2 miles to the Valle Grande staging area. You will be directed on where to park.
The Valle Grande staging area is located approximately two mile inside the Preserve along a north facing, often snow packed and icy unpaved road. We will plow road when weather permits but four wheel drive and/or chains are recommended and may at times be required. On windy days drifting snow can make the road sometimes impassable, even if it has recently been plowed.
Back to top
Q: How do I find out about snow conditions?
A: Check out the Snow Report or call us at 505 661-3333.
Back to top
Q: May I stay overnight on the Preserve?
A: Yes. We are renting the bunkhouse this year for overnight stays. Facility Rental Details and FAQ's
Back to top
A: No, due to wildlife concerns, no pets are permitted on the Preserve. Please do not plan to leave your pet in a vehicle in the parking lot. Registered assistance dogs are permitted.
Back to top
Q:I still have questions. What should I do?
A: You may send your questions by e-mail to info@vallescaldera.gov or call us toll free at 1-866-382-5537.
Back to top
A: The Preserve cannot be held responsible for your vehicle or contents and you must assume all risk when leaving it in our parking area.
You may park your vehicle at the Valle Grande staging area. Staff will be in the vicinity during business hours and the gates will be locked after hours. Cars should be left locked.
Back to top
Q: Are snow mobiles allowed on the Preserve?
A: The only snow mobiles allowed on the preserve are those used for the administrative duties required to run our programs. No recreational snow mobiles are allowed at this time.
Back to top
Facility Rentals
Q: How can I reserve a night in the bunkhouse and how much will it cost?
A: Call 1 866 382-5537 to reserve your night. The nightly rate for the bunkhouse is $480 with a $150 security deposit. In addition to the rental fees you will need to purchase a day use pass ($10) for each of our participants for each day they are there. Lottery Details
Back to top
Q: What dates will be available for overnight stays?
A: The following weekend dates will be available on the web site.
| Date |
|---|
| January 5th |
| January 12th |
| January 19th and 20th |
| January 20th |
| January 26th |
| February 2nd |
| February 9th |
| February 16th and 17th |
| February 23rd |
| March 1st |
| March 8th |
| March 15th |
| March 22nd |
| March 29th |
Q: Where is the bunkhouse and what is the terrain like?
A: The closest yurt is located at the base of Redondo in the headquarters area and is approximately 2 miles from the Valle Grande staging area. Maps will be provided at check in and trails are marked with blue diamonds. The terrain is open valles with gradual elevation changes along the way. Participants should be in excellent physical condition but there is no technical skiing required.
Back to top
Q: How much will my overnight stay at the bunkhouse cost?
A: Each night will cost $480 for up to 13 people.
Back to top
Q: If I only bring two people, will the cost of renting the bunkhouse decrease?
A: No. The cost for renting the bunkhouse will be $480 per night regardless of how many people, up to 13, you invite.
Back to top
Q: May I bring more than 13 people even though there are only 13 beds?
A: No, the maximum number of participants allowed will be 13. We hope this will provide everyone a quality experience that allows time for solitude, reflection and quiet.
Q: Where do I go to check in and out?
A: you will check in and out from the Valle Grande staging area. It is located two miles north of our main gate, near mile marker 39.2 on state highway 4. Driving directions from Los Alamos, Jemez Springs, Santa Fe and Albuquerque are provided here. The road into the preserve may require a four wheel drive or chains. A staff member will check you and your party in, provide a brief safety orientation and discuss the routes with you. Check in times will be between 9am-1pm unless special arrangements are made in advance. Check out will be required no later than 3pm on the day of your departure.
Back to top
Q: What happens if there is not enough snow to ski to the bunkhouse?
A: If conditions are such that there is not enough snow cover to skiing or snowshoeing to the bunkhouse all reservation proceeds will be refunded in full. No other refunds or changes will be allowed.
Back to top
Q: What if I just can´t make it on the day I have reservations?
A: The Valles Caldera Trust has adopted a no refund, no change policy in order to keep our staff small and fees at a minimum. Once you have paid your fees all proceeds will be used to further programs at the Preserve.
Back to top
Q: What happens to my security deposit?
A: Staff will check the facility on the following your visit. If the facility has been cleaned and left undamaged your deposit will be refunded. If there is damage or if clean up is required you will be notified and further payment may be required.
Back to top
Q: Are there any services for taking our food or belongings to the bunkhouse?
A: No. Come prepared to haul your gear to the facility.
Back to top
Q: What do we do in the event that someone is hurt or needs help?
A: We will provide a safety orientation before you depart on your trip including emergency contacts. Cell phones work sporadically and only in certain areas of the Preserve and can not be relied upon for emergency use. Keep in mind that this activity involves adverse risks and that emergency care could easily be 2-24 hours away. All participants should be in excellent physical condition and have the proper equipment and clothing for extreme winter conditions.
Back to top