Winter Trail Etiquette

Several cross-country skiers and snowshoers on the Cerro La Jara Loop.

NPS

With proper preparation and know-how, winter can be a magical time to visit parks. Many National Park Service sites groom ski and snowshoe trails to provide high-quality recreational opportunities during the winter months. At Valles Caldera, trails are groomed approximately 3 times per week when conditions are right throughout the winter. Here's what every visitor should know about etiquette on groomed trails.

Quick Tips

Respect the Track!
Groomed trails have designated lanes for snowshoeing and skiing. Please use the lane designated for your activity. If you aren't snowshoeing or skiing, please avoid groomed trails.

Be Kind, Be Aware
Allow others to pass by stepping out of your designated lane. Be aware of your surroundings so you can see and/or hear other trail users approaching.

Leave No Trace
Please do not litter. Keep all pets on leash, and pick up their waste.

Trails are groomed for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

NPS

Respect the Track!

With all the possible winter activities at Valles Caldera, knowing which trail to use can be confusing. Here are some general rules:

• The two ski tracks in the snow are intended for classic cross-country skiing. Please do not use snowshoes or skate skis on the track.

• Do not use skis wider than the track even if you want to get extra “sendy.”

• Do not use herringbone technique (that v-shaped or “reverse pizza” uphill motion) on the track.

• Snowshoers and skate skiers should use the groomed trail beside the track.

• Never walk, even with microspikes or tall boots, on the groomed trails or tracks. There are plowed walking areas near the Cabin District.

• Let the groomer do their work! After grooming, the snow needs about two hours to “set” before skiing is advisable. Talk to a park ranger about the grooming schedule.

• If you fall on the track or on the groomed trail, don’t worry, it happens to all of us! But please smooth out any holes or dents from the fall!

• #PlanLikeAParkRanger: Be sure to call the park, visit our website, and/or stop by the Entrance Station to discuss trail conditions before heading out. This will ensure you are on the right trail!

Two cross-country skiers enjoy the groomed ski track near the Cabin District.

NPS

Be Kind and Be Aware!

Passing Protocol

• If you are approaching a slower skier in the track, say “hello” and ask to pass. The slower skier should step out of the track to the right to allow a safe pass.

• Snowshoers should step aside to the right to allow skate skiers to pass.

• Step out of the track and groomed trail while stopped to prevent collisions and accidents.

• Do not stop at the bottoms of hills or in blind corners.

• Uphill skiers yield to downhill skiers because it's easier to stop while going uphill!

Courtesy to Others

• You may like to play music on bluetooth speakers but remember that not everyone else likes the noise. If you are listening to music on headphones, you may not hear other skiers or people around you.

• If you see other people improperly using a trail, provide some friendly guidance as to correct use. Remember that many people are new to winter sports and may be unaware of etiquette.

A park ranger leads a group of snowshoers on a hike on a groomed trail.

NPS

Leave No Trace

• Do not leave any garbage or trash behind.
• Dogs are allowed on the La Jara trail, which is groomed. Please bring bags to pick up dog waste.
• Be aware that coyotes use the trail and leave waste as well! You do not need to bag coyote waste!
• Keep all pets on leash!

Let’s all work together to create a fun, rewarding, and adventurous winter recreation season here at the Valles Caldera.