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?
How do I find out about snow conditions?
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?
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?
Q: When will the Preserve be open for skiing and snow shoe activities?
A: Winter activities on the Valles Caldera National Preserve will begin on December 22, 2011, weather permitting, and, if the snow stays, will end on March 4, 2012. Please visit our calendar for exact days the Valle Grande Staging Area is open.
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 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
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: How do I find out about snow conditions?
A: Check out the
Snow Report, Follow us on
Twitter, or call us at 505-216-2690.
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: Five-Day Passes are available for $40.00 per adult, $32.00 per senior,
or $32.00 per youth. Five-Day Passes can be used by one person on five different
days or by up to five people for one day (a great way for a group to enjoy a day
on the Preserve for less).
Back to top
Q: What areas of the Preserve will be open for these activities?
A: There are over 37 miles of trails to choose from ranging from easy to
difficult. Almost 80% of our trails are groomed for both cross-country skiing and
snowshoeing. We use snowmobiles and grooming equipment to lay down a corduroy-patterned
trail for snowshoers and a two-track trail for skiers. Adventurous cross-country
skiers and snowshoers also have the option of trekking off the beaten path to create
their own trails throughout the 13,000 acres open to winter recreation.
Back to top
Q: Are there any “after dark” skiing opportunities?
A: Yes, this year we offer
moonlight skiing and snowshoeing events if snow conditions permit. The moonlit
events begin at 6 PM, and you must be back at the staging area by 10 PM. Reservations
are not required and permits may be purchased at the Valle Grande staging area.
These are nights on or close to the full moon and allow for well-illuminated night
skiing. We do recommend bringing a headlamp in case there is cloud cover.
Back to top
Q: Are there any free days offered?
A: Yes. The
Coyote Call Trail and surrounding area on the south side of the State Highway
4 are open for skiing and snowshoeing, free of charge, everyday during daylight
hours. Please assist us in providing this free area by observing rules and posted
signs, signing in/out on the trailhead register, and obtaining permits for any activities
conducted on the north side of State Road 4. The Preserve also offers a free
Public Appreciation Day and
Winter Trails Day each year.
Back to top
Q: Do you have rental equipment available?
A: Yes. The Preserve now has a limited number of snowshoes and poles available
for rent. Rental fees are $15 for adult-sized snowshoes and $10 for youth-sized
snowshoes. Currently, snowshoe rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis,
but we hope to have rental reservations available online in the future. Unfortunately,
the Preserve does not have cross-country skis for rent. Please check local directories
for a complete list of all providers.
Back to top
Q: Will there be groomed trails?
A: Yes, we have over 29 miles of groomed 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 miles 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: May I stay overnight on the Preserve?
A: No, there are no overnight accommodations on the Preserve this winter.
We are working to upgrade our infrastructure and hope to include overnight accommodations
in future winter seasons.
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
recreation@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 snowmobiles allowed on the Preserve?
A: The only snowmobiles allowed on the preserve are those used for the administrative
duties required to run our programs and to groom trails. No recreational snow mobiles
are allowed at this time.
Back to top