Skiing and snowshoeing
Winter activities on the Valles Caldera National Preserve will begin on December 7, 2012, weather permitting, and, if the snow stays, will end on April 21, 2013. Visitors will have several options for getting out in the snow. 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.
Activities
Day Passes
New Year's Eve Celebration
Moon Light Skiing
Free Trails
Free Days
Snowshoe Rentals
Day Pass
Day use permits are available at the Valle Grande staging area located two miles
down the main Preserve road. Day use permits are valid from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. No
reservations are required. Cost of permits is $10 per adult, $8 per senior (62 years
and older), $5 per youth (5-15 years old), and free for kids (under 4 years old).
Five-Day Passes are available for $40.00 per adult, $32.00 per senior, or $32 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).
No pets are allowed on the Preserve, only working assistance animals are allowed.
The Preserve will be open for skiing and snowshoeing activities on the following
dates from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM:
Calendar
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Snowshoe Rentals
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.
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Moon Light Skiing
Moon light skiing and snowshoeing will allow the visitor a chance to experience
the magic of the Preserve after the sun goes down. All moonlight events occur on
a Full Moon night, or as close to one as we can plan. Walk-in registration is welcome as parking permits.
Purchase your Moonlight Skiing and Snowshoeing Permit at the Valle Grande Staging
Area starting at 5PM and enjoy the full moon, bonfires, and the stars until 9pm.
No permits sold after 8:30PM. The cost is $15 per adult, $12 per senior (62+), $10
per youth (5-15 years old), and free for kids (under 4 years old).
2012-13 Moonlight Event Dates: December 28th, January 26th, and February 24th. Visitors
should come prepared for high elevation, winter mountain weather and night conditions.
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Free Trail
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.
Parking space is limited for these free events, so please car pool. Please use extreme
caution if crossing the highway. No pets are allowed on the Preserve, only working
assistance animals are allowed.
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Free Days
Two free days will be offered this season, Public Appreciation Day on December 15th
and Winter Trails Day on January 12th! Bring the whole family out to take advantage
of the skiing opportunities on the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Free skiing
and snowshoeing will be offered from 9:00AM-4:30PM out of the Valle Grande staging
area.
Parking space is limited for these free events, so please car pool. No pets are
allowed on the Preserve, only working assistance animals are allowed. Check in and
check out at the Valle Grande staging area are required to take advantage of this
opportunity.
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New Year's Eve Celebration
Visitors can get an early start on 2013 by enjoying the Fourth Annual New Year’s
Eve Fireworks Celebration in the Valle Grande. The festivities begin at 5:00 p.m.
and will include skiing, snowshoeing, bonfires and will end with a fireworks display
beginning at 8:00 p.m. Ticket reservations are required to enjoy in all the events
that include reserved parking, a skiing/snowshoeing permit, food, and a raffle ticket
for a door prize.
Reservations are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and youth, children
four and younger are free. Visitors who want to see only the fireworks can take
the family for a $20 per vehicle cover charge at the main gate the night of the
event while parking is available. Admission into the Preserve will close at 7:45
p.m.
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