The winter recreation season at the Valles Caldera National Preserve will begin on December 26, 2009, according to the Preserve. Currently closed to the public since the summer recreation season ended, the Preserve’s gates will be open daily December 26th through January 3rd, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Subsequently, the gates will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 5 PM through March 21, 2010, upon which public access will be closed until the summer recreation season begins (usually in May). The gates will be closed on weekdays during the winter.
The Preserve will be offering two free public appreciation days during the winter recreation season, on December 28th and 29th, during which skiing and snowshoeing will be available to the public for free.
On all other days, skiing and snowshoeing will be offered at the following prices: $10 per adult, $8 per senior (62 years and over), $5 per child (6-15 years) and free for children 5 years old and younger.
Other special events will be offered this winter:
- A New Year’s Eve celebration will be held on Dec. 31 from 6 PM to 1 AM, featuring fireworks, hot cider, and refreshments. Admission to this event will be $25 per adult, $20 per senior (62 years and over), $15 per child (6-15 years) and will be free for children 5 years old and younger.
- Moonlight skiing and snowshoeing will be offered from 6-10 PM on January 30 and February 27. Admission will be $15 per adult, $12 per senior (62 years and over), $10 per child (6-15 years) and will be free for children 5 years old and younger.
- Hour-long sleigh rides will be offered on certain days during the winter recreation season. Check the Preserve’s reservations page for more detailed schedules. Sleigh rides will cost $30 per adult, $24 per senior (62 years and over), $15 per youth (6-15 years) and will be free for kids 5 years and younger.
