Hello Skiers,
On Sunday, February 26, I will lead an outing to the Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP). I will lead a Class I tour on the History Grove Trail beginning from the check in station.
1. A self-led Class I tour follows the 1.5-mile trail around Cerro La Jara at the check-in station in the west end of Valle Grande. There is also a Class I trail to a pond NE of the check-in station, and one may ski anywhere in the meadows surrounding the parking lot. These routes have very little elevation change.
2. I will lead a Class I tour to the history grove (1.5 miles one-way) and cabin area. The RT distance is about 4 miles, and the elevation change is 200 feet. There are no groomed trails this year due to a staff shortage. We will be descending 200 feet in elevation returning; therefore, skiers on this tour must be able to ski down easy to moderate slopes.
The 2-mile dirt road from NM-4 to the check-in station is plowed, and it can be snow packed or muddy, depending on the temperatures. 4WD or all-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, but front-wheel drive vehicles can also be driven, if the road is not too muddy.
Bring ski equipment, lunch, drinks, and snacks. Dress warmly, because in the mornings the temperatures in the bottom of Valle Grande can be low.
Skiers are encouraged to bring MaxiGlide or some similar wax to put on ski bottoms in warm conditions to prevent the formation of ice on the bottom of the skis. Maxiglide is usual available at REI for about $15 for a small plastic container. It has the consistency of lard.
Meet on the west side of the Target parking lot at the intersection of Paseo del Norte and I-25N at 8 am.
If we are meeting you at the Home Depot on US-550 west of Bernalillo, we should be there about 8:30. We meet on the WEST side of the shed display on the WEST side of the large HD parking lot.
Please email me if you have questions.
Michael Arndt