Winter Activities

A person cross-country skiing through History Grove

Winter is a spectacular time to visit Valles Caldera National Preserve. The park has miles of trails for the adventurous skier and snowshoer. Remember that you are traveling in an environment with unpredictable wildlife, changing weather conditions, deep snow, and snow covered streams. Your safety is not guaranteed. Be prepared for any situation and know the limits of your ability. With a little bit of preparation, many exciting activities await you. Be sure to layer up with insulating, waterproof clothing, wear sunglasses, use sunscreen and carry water.

 

Cross-Country Skiing

Picture yourself gliding through an open valle or a silent forest full of fresh, white snow. Cross-country skiing is a rejuvenating sport that pairs physical exercise with the beauty of nature. You will need skis and poles with large baskets. Waterproof pants or gaiters help keep you warm and dry. In general, terrain and deeper snows on north slopes make for better for cross-country skiing, but you are welcome to strap on your skis throughout the park.

Cross-country skis are not available for rent within the park.

 

Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy snowy conditions at Valles Caldera.

NPS/L. Ray

Snowshoeing

Winter snow depths at Valles Caldera average between 8 and 12 inches, which is too deep to hike comfortably. Snowshoeing is a great alternative! It's as easy as strapping snowshoes on your boots and grabbing a couple of poles. No training is necessary, and, if you can hike, you can snowshoe. Most park trails can be explored with snowshoes. A few pieces of equipment are essential: you will need a pair of snowshoes and waterproof boots. Poles are helpful for maintaining balance, but optional. Waterproof pants or gaiters help keep you warm and dry.

The Valle Grande Bookstore has a limited number of snowshoes and poles available for rent.

 

To preserve trail conditions and promote safety for all winter recreationists, snowshoers should avoid walking on ski tracks.

NPS

Some Important Tips:

• There are no groomed trails. All unplowed roads and trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• None of the streams have bridges. Carry a USGS topographic map and a compass and know how to use them. Cell coverage is very limited in the backcountry.
• Snowshoers and hikers should avoid trampling ski tracks. Instead, hike parallel to the tracks to form another "lane." See graphic.
• Talk with park rangers before you leave on any trip. Some park areas could be closed to skiing or snowshoeing to protect wildlife.
• Include allowances for limited daylight, snow conditions, temperature extremes, and the number of people in the group, their experience and physical condition.
• Learn as much as you can about winter survival.
• Narrow racing skis are great for groomed trails, but provide little surface area to break trail.
• Dress properly and know about layering for severe winter temperatures to prevent chilling and overheating.
• Remember, safety is your responsibility.
• Information EVERY visitor needs to know.

 

Seasonal Conditions

Snow volume varies from year to year, so check our Current Conditions page for up-to-date information. The ski and snowshoe season usually lasts from mid-December to mid-March. The trails are open all year to hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Vehicle access during the winter season (Nov. 15 to May 14) is limited to the Cabin District. Backcountry Vehicle Permits are still required to access this area; check in at the Entrance Station to obtain this free pass to drive to the Cabin District.