Grooming Reports 2020-2021

2020-2021 Season Summary

Dates of Operation: December 28, 2020 to March 19th

Season Length: 81 days (11 weeks and 4 days)

———————————————————-

Friday Afternoon March 19th

That’s all folks. Recent warm temps opened up some of those large gravel patches on the road. Dec 28th to March 19th is an 81-day season. Not a record in terms of an overall season length but thanks to the groomers who were out there 7 days a week, we offered a record number of grooming days! We hope you all appreciated this resource, which provided a healthy, safe way to get out and enjoy the outdoors in the midst of this pandemic. We hope you all have a great summer, be safe, and we'll see ya when the flakes fly again!

The end of the road for the 2020-2021 Season. See you next year!!

Thursday Early Afternoon, March 18th

Our groomers were out this morning at 9:45AM and the snow was soft. They groomed all roads and beaches for skating. Classic track is pretty much gone on East Creek. There are some growing bare spots up East creek and on the FS road just north of East Creek. At 12:30 there was just enough width on the snow for one skier to shuffle to the next big expanse of snow. Skiers commented that skiing was still fast and good (minus these bare spots).

Tuesday Afternoon, March 16th

Our groomers were out on the trails before 9AM this morning. About 1 " of new snow allowed them to mix the top layer with the firmer hardpack which resulted in a great skating surface. They groomed all of the perimeter trails and East Creek. Sorry there is not enough new snow to reset the classic tracks.

Monday Eve, March 15th

Two groomers were out on the trails early this morning and they ground down the hard pack and mixed in the new snow from yesterday. This resulted in a very smooth and fast skating surface which was enjoyed by a few skaters from 9:30AM to noon. Great skiing is still available if you time it right!! 9AM to noon is still the best window before the snow transitions to slush. The classic tracks as slowly losing their form but they are skiable. A couple of bare spots are starting to grow. We’ll see what happens with this forecast which is calling for some snow.

Sunday Afternoon, March 14th

Vallecito picked up 1” last night and the groomer was out at 9:30AM. Just after he groomed it promptly snowed another 1”. Anyone else appreciating the super fast skiing we’ve had lately? This new snow today was like skiing in glue even if you waxed. Oh well, well take it. The classic tracks are in good shape due to cooler temps and lack of sun. We’ll see what happens this week since a little more season extending snow is in the forecast.

Saturday Afternoon, March 13th

The Saturday groomer started at 9am and buffed up the skate lanes on all trails. The campground trails have bare spots but these are easily seen. Flurries started at 11:30 AM. Skating on the perimeter trails was remarkably good with a soft top over firm base. Around 1:30PM an inch of snow fell. Classic tracks are fast yet in good shape. No rain fell today and conditions remain pretty darn good!! Update Sun AM- There is about 1” of new snow 6 miles SW of Vallecito, not sure about the status of the Sunday groomers but if the past helps predict, they usually get rolling by 10-ish on Sundays. No guarantees. Skaters will need wax with this new snow.

Friday Afternoon, March 12th (see update)

A lot of morning skiers are commenting about how well the conditions are holding up……..it being mid March and all. The groomer was out this morning from 10AM to noon (a little later compared to the past few days). He groomed the skate lanes on all of the trails. The surface did turn to mash potatoes in the afternoon with really high temps. The classic tracks are looking a little sad. Update Sat AM. Another groomer went out yesterday afternoon and reset classic tracks on the road, East Creek and the beach. He worked to erase the biggest skate marks and dog prints. Also (as of 8:20AM Sat) we just heard from our Saturday groomer who is heading to Vallecito to groom. Thank you groomers!!

Thursday Eve, March 11th

Today the groomers hit up the skating lanes on the FS road, East Creek, the beaches, Pine Point and North Canyon campgrounds. All went well until one machine broke down and is now in the shop— good thing we still have two sleds left. The skate skiing was very good around noontime. Several skate skiers and a few classic skiers were out enjoying these late season conditions. Come and get it while it lasts.

Tuesday Afternoon, March 9th

Our groomers started a little before 9AM this morning with temps in the mid 30's. They ended at 11:15AM with temps in the low 40’s. They groomed all of the skate lanes a couple of times. A few bare spots are developing especially on the campground trail. Otherwise still decent coverage with a few icy spots on the main road and east creek road. Classic tracks are deteriorating in the sun but still there on the main road and beaches. Last year we ended our season on March 5th, so here’s to skiing into the spring of 2021!

Monday Afternoon, March 8th

The Monday grooming crew was out between 8:30AM and 10:30AM. They made things nice and smooth so the skiing was great up to the noon hour when everything softens up. Our best guess is that the Tuesday crew will follow a similar schedule. With these warm conditions the best skating happens between 9:30-noon. If you ski too late it is sloppy/slow and you leave deep ruts, which freeze overnight (don’t forget a warmer wax). Classic tracks are getting a bit worn. Sounds like the forecast is all over the place after tomorrow, so let’s hope for moisture in the form of snow.

Sunday Afternoon, March 7th

Happy to be skiing in March!! The groomers were out this morning filling in the ruts from warm temps from the previous day. By 11AM they had a nice skatable surface. Temperatures were downright hot this afternoon, which makes for good ol’ mash potatoes by 2pm. With these conditions, our groomers are shooting to wrap up by 11:30 am, so 10-ish to noon-ish is a really good time for skating if you want to avoid those darn potatoes. Classic tracks are holding up in the shady areas and losing form in the sunny spots.

Saturday 11:15 AM, March 6th

Our Saturday groomer started at 8AM and hit up all major trails including the Pine point campground and Graham creek. The few bare spots are still easy to avoid. Skate lanes look great!! Classic tracks look pristine. Update- 5PM Things got pretty soft and mushy in places in the late afternoon with these warm temps.

Friday Mid-day March 5th

No grooming occurred this morning. But we were rescued mid-morning when one of the groomers, who happened to be up skiing, hopped on a machine and saved the day. The mid-day skaters had great conditions. The classic tracks look fantastic. Update at 7pm— Additional grooming occurred after sunset on the road, beach, and East Creek with attention to skate lanes as well as more classic tracks.

Thursday Night March 4th

Everything looks nice and fresh again with a little new snow. The skate lanes compacted well and new classic tracks were set everywhere except campground loops and classic only trail. A little more smoothing out tomorrow should make for great skating. Great conditions persist at Vallecito!! A friendly reminder to dog owners, please remove your dog’s waste from the trail.

Wednesday Night, March 3rd

A solo groomer was out this morning buffing up the trails and he hit the skate lanes on all trails. The skiing was fantastic for the mid-day skiers but started getting soft towards the afternoon. We’re waiting to see what shakes out with this storm before we attempt to set new classic tracks. Let’s hope this forecast brings moisture in the form of snow. Think snow!!

Tuesday Night, March 2nd

Today’s groomers replicated the strategy of the Monday groomers and had good results. The skating is excellent—fast and smooth with enough texture to hold an edge but not the deep chunks that slow you down. The classic trails on the beach are not great but with the forecast for snow Wed night they left them be. Hopefully new snow will come and allow us to reset the tracks.

Lost and found - 1 pair of prescription sunglasses found unharmed on the trail this morning - call 970-759-4335.

Monday Night, March 1

Welcome to March!! Mid-day skate skiers were treated to some fantastic grooming with fast and smooth conditions. The groomers hit the perfect window and it doesn’t get much better than this. Right now the best skating is from 11AM ish to -1PM ish. The classic tracks are a bit icy but soften in the afternoon. The Durango Weather Guy is starting to make noise about a Thursday storm which would be great since snowpack is dropping.

Sunday Eve, February, 28th

The skating lanes were groomed on all trails today. Whoa Nelly!! That’s some fast skate skiing, especially if heading downwind. The classic tracks are fast and holding up as well with the usual icy sections. Hope you enjoyed some great skiing at Vallecito this weekend.

Saturday Night, February 27th (Full Moon)

The skating lanes were groomed again today. Rumor has it that the skating was fast. New classic tracks were set Friday night and the tracks range from very good to shallow but all are skiable. Time to get out there while we have it. Don’t forget to howl at this glorious full moon!

Friday Afternoon, February 26th

A groomer was out on the trails this morning. It was 30 degrees at 10:15 am and 34 degrees at 1:30. Snow was quite hard at 10:30 and softened up nicely later on. Skate lanes on all trails were groomed. Classic tracks are holding up nicely.

Vallecito Nordic Skate Clinic--There are some spots open for the skating clinic with Gunnar Conrad and Jen Amstadter tomorrow, Saturday, February 27th. If you are interested contact vallecitonordic@gmail.com

Thursday Afternoon, Feb 25th

A solo groomer was out today to buff up the skate lanes. All major trails done with multiple passes, minor trails with at least 1 pass. Snow is in excellent condition and skate lanes start softening around 10:30AM. Classic tracks are great – A wax tip from the groomer who is a classic skier: “Waxable classic skiers should consider klister.”

Tuesday Eve, February 23rd

The Tuesday groomers started at 9:15 AM and groomed all of the skate lanes wrapping up by 11:30 AM. They left the classic tracks alone since they were set so nicely yesterday. Still good skiing with variable conditions on the roads. The best conditions for skating are on the beaches.

Monday Eve, Feb 22nd

Groomers were out at 8:30 AM and they worked for several hours to break up the hard surface, which eventually softened as temps warmed. All trails were groomed for skating and they skied nicely at sunset. The beaches have the best skating while the main road and East Creek are a little more variable with freeze-melt conditions. Classic tracks were also reset (both sides of the road, East creek, beaches, connections Brad’s cabin and the Classic trial). So if you’re a classic skier you’d better get out there because those tracks look oh so pretty.

Sunday Eve, Feb 21st

Two groomers were out this morning manicuring the surface on the FS road, East Creek, beaches, Pine Point and Burnt Meadow. Good skating with the most consistent ice free conditions can be found on the beaches. Classic tracks are a little blown in on the beaches and icy on other sections with a southern aspect. Pretty darn good out there.

Saturday Afternoon, Feb 20th

All skating lanes were groomed this morning. Afternoon skiers were treated to sunshine, warm temps, and excellent skating conditions. Classic tracks are getting icy and starting to lose their form especially on southern aspects. Warm weather and longer days mean we’re back into the familiar freeze-thaw cycle with icier conditions in the morning (before grooming) and soft snow in the afternoons. Enjoy!!

Friday Afternoon, February 19th

It was 11 degrees at 10 am when the groomers showed up, maybe 35 degrees by 2pm, and 22 degrees at sunset. These are perfect grooming and skiing temps with very little freeze/thaw cycling. The main road, East Creek and the beaches were groomed with 2 passes with special time and attention to erase deep footprints from a walker. The skating is great and should remain good all weekend. Classic tracks are holding up, a little icy on south facing sections. Good luck to all of the racers at the Pine Needle Langlauf at the Durango Nordic Center.

Thursday Eve, February 18th

Groomers were out today and buffed up the skating lanes on all trails and connectors. The skiing is excellent!! Tired and weary at the end of the day, the groomers we were greeted by the sight of vegan/ gluten-free/ chocolate peppermint cookies with a thank you note from Deb and Mike for grooming. Thank you guys so much!! Gratitude and full bellies go a long way.

Thursday Morning, February 18th

A solo groomer was out yesterday at 10 AM with 0 degree temps. He worked in the inch of new snow from the previous night on all trails. Skating was very good and should be excellent as it firms up in the next day or so. No report on classic tracks but they should ski in nicely with the new snow. Another burst of snow came late in the day so expect fresh snow on top of the groom this morning.

Tuesday night, February 16th

A collective round of applause is in order for the crew of groomers who worked diligently over the last 3 days so that we can enjoy fine skiing!! Also thanks to you and your on-going memberships, we have 3 operational snowmobiles (knock on wood), which allow us to have 3 person crews for these big storms. Today groomers were out and worked in another 4” that fell last night. All trails are groomed and skating and classic tracks were reset everywhere. The surface is slightly soft but cold temps last night and lots of grooming are setting things up nicely. Time to get out and enjoy winter in our backyard!

Monday Eve, February 15th

The groomers have put in 40 hrs in 2 days working this storm. Today they worked three snowmobiles and finished roughing in, rolling, and laying down corduroy. Classic tracks were set on the road. The skating surface was soft in the afternoon but with dropping temps at sunset it firmed up nicely. Trails are ready for a final groom out tomorrow. Wait, what's that you say? It's supposed to snow again tonight. Oh well, we love the snow.

Valentine’s Day Storm (Afternoon update 2/14)

A winter wonderland! The grand total from our storm was probably in the 16”+ range - maybe more out at Pine Point. The groomers packed with just snowmobiles on the main road, East Creek, classic trail, and campgrounds. The poor visibility and drifting deep snow prevented any packing on the beaches. Several skiers enjoyed touring on the classic trail and campgrounds (beautiful). This will certainly take 3 days to get back to our usual form and expect soft conditions in the meantime. A crew will be back on it tomorrow. The road from the dam is plowed. Here’s to getting back to 100% snowpack on the Vallecito snotel gauge.

Sunday Morning, February 14th

Happy Valentine’s Day. As of 6AM there was 14” six miles SW of VNC and still coming down. No word from the groomers but this could take some time for the crew to get access (the road from dam might not even be plowed) dig out, and start the process of packing and rolling. Please be patient since a big snow like this can take 3 solid days of grooming fully pack out. Stay tuned for updates later in the day.

Saturday Afternoon, February 13th

Two groomers were out on the trails this morning. They hit the FS road, East Creek, campground trails, the beaches, and Brad's connector. Light snow started falling at 11am. The big mid-day crowd was treated to 1” fresh snow on top of a freshly groomed surface. How pleasant to quietly float in the new snow whether classic or skating. Seems like big snow is in the forecast. The Durango Weather Guy https://durangoweatherguy.com says “Bring it on!!”. The newest member of the VNC groomer team says, “Happy Snow!!”.

Friday Afternoon, February 12th

Our morning groomer was out at 10:30am and found 1 inch of new snow. He was able to fill the dog prints with 2 passes on East Creek, beaches and the main road. It’s a little hard to recognize the place with fresh snow. The skate skiing is great with new corduroy although you’ll want some wax. 40 degrees at 1pm. Classic tracks were set on the road, East Creek and the beach. It could be double pole paradise Saturday AM if it doesn't snow and fill them in. (Latest forecast shows this next storm is delayed to later Sat).

Thursday Afternoon, February 11th

Last Bluebird Day for a bit. Winter is supposed to return and we are crossing our ski tips hoping for snow. All trails were groomed today. Yahoo for no mechanical issues with our equipment!!

Wednesday Eve, February 10th

There was good skiing at sunset and it was just starting to freeze, 31 degrees at 6PM. No reports from the groomers but there was evidence that they groomed today since the skating was good and there were remnants of corduroy. Skiing was soft but fast. It seemed like all trails were groomed except the campgrounds. Again we suggest that skiers attempt to ski late morning or early afternoon when the skiing should be best and would follow the grooming. Classic trails are still holding up - but icy or soft - depending on time of day.

Tuesday Eve February 9th

It was 26 degrees at 9AM when the groomers hit the trails. They groomed the main road, E. Creek, beaches and the campground trail. By mid-day it was 44 degrees and too warm to groom. The window for grooming is very short under these conditions. If the temps and snow remain similar, we suggest that skiers attempt to ski late morning or early afternoon when the skiing should be best and would follow the grooming. Classic trails are still there but icy or soft depending on time of day. At sunset the skate skiing was very good and just starting to set up. Some new snow would help but it looks more like just a dusting is forecast.

Monday February 8th

The groomers dutifully ground away on a very hard surface this morning. Perhaps this is payback for having such perfect conditions for all of January. A New Englander might ask, "what are you complaining about?” The groomers made several passes to grind the surface flat and bring up some "Fuzz" to help the skis track. Trails in the sun were softer than shady slick spots on the road. The classic tracks are all are square, a bit icy, so they left them be.

Sunday February 7th

The groomers are out almost daily working these March like conditions. While we have plenty of base, a few inches of fresh snow would make this a lot easier. Classic tracks are holding their form on the road and are icy elsewhere. Thanks to mid-day grooming efforts the skating was a lot softer today. Best to ski in the afternoons before the refreeze around 4PM. Hoping for snow vs. rain later in the week. Only 2 cars in the parking lot at 5PM. Hmm, was there something on TV? :-)

Saturday Eve February 6th

Calling all classic skiers!! The groomers have dedicated special attention to resetting classic tracks on all trails (except the campgrounds) and both sides of the main road. So if you are a classic skier it is time to head up to Vallecito. The tracks at sunset were very good. Early in the day the groomers made passes on the beach to loosen the solid hard pack base for skating. Towards the end of the day the conditions for skate skiing were icy, chunky, and hard packed, with the exception of a very narrow groomed skate lane on the road. Please use caution walking in ski boots to/from cars on the icy road.

Friday Afternoon February 5th

Thanks to the grooming effort today, things have improved. We’re not back to the usual amazing ski conditions at Vallecito but it is skiable, if you survive walking over the ice from your car (please use caution). The groomers hit the perfect temps on East Creek and were able to put one skate lane on the beaches and the road. Some effort was put into setting new classic tracks, which came out better than anyone expected under these conditions. Tracks were set along the beach, most of the road and East Creek. Seems like we’re slowly recovering from our mid-week thaw.

Thursday February 4th

Tough conditions!! The groomers were out at 9am with 16 deg temps. They scratched at the icy hard pack surface with two passes on the Main Rd and the Beaches and raked the pine needles out at Pine Point. Our equipment is only able to penetrate the hard pack where the sun can soften the surface. Current skating conditions are a mix of ice and very hard pack. Perhaps best to ski during the warmest part of the day until we can work a little texture into this icy surface. The classic tracks are icy. Please ski with caution.

Wednesday Eve, February 3rd

Did we fast-forward to early March? It stayed above freezing last night but in the early morning the base was firm enough to actually groom. Skate lanes were hit once. The top 2 to 3“ was super soft in the afternoon. Colder temps later this week should put a stop to the premature spring conditions. Stay tuned for winter to resume.

Tuesday Afternoon, February 2nd (Groundhog Day)

Rumor has it one of the groomers saw their shadow this morning so expect 6 more weeks of winter. All trails were groomed for skating. Classic tracks were set a few days ago on all trails except the campground trails. Classics are holding up even though they are getting a bit icy in spots. It got a little warm today but the surface is still firm with great skiing. Precipitation (hopefully all snow) is forecast, so the groomers left the tracks as is.

Monday February 1st

Happy February!! Two groomers were out this morning hitting all of the skating lanes at least twice. Classic tracks are holding up. It is a good day to ski! Here’s to being operational for 35 days!!

Saturday, January 30th

A beautiful, sunny day with superb views!

Another 1 1/2" of new snow this morning, just enough to
fill in the classic tracks especially on the beach with wind-blown snow.

But the new snow also helped smooth out the skate lanes.

All the skating lanes were groomed
Classic tracks were reset on the beaches, Burnt Meadow, and the east side of the road.

Sunday there will be a more skate lane grooming starting mid-morning.
It should be great skating the next few days.

Friday, January 29th

All things skating were groomed today. The classic tracks are holding up very well so weren’t touched. We are expecting some snow Friday evening, then a sunny Saturday. Two people will be grooming starting about 8:30 or 9:00 AM. If you give them a bit of time, depending on the amount of new snow, they will have the skating lanes packed again. Expect soft skating. Again, depending on the new snow, the classic tracks may just need to be skied in by the early morning crowd or, if we get good dump, be reset. Sunday morning there will be grooming and things should be great after the sunny Saturday.

Thanks to Drew Barber at Vallecito Steel Works, 970-759-1719, a welding and custom fabrication shop across the reservoir, who donated time and materials to fix our Tidd groomer.

Have a wonderful weekend at Vallecito!

Thursday Evening, January 28th
There were three people out grooming today. They groomed all the skating lanes. Groomers reported that everything is starting to smooth out nicely. Doug Allen set classic tracks up East Creek, Pine Point, Beaches, Princess and the short Classic only track.

Not too many people and 🐶 🐕 🐩 out today so the newly groomed areas and tracks should have an opportunity to set up overnight for great skiing tomorrow!

Reminder about dogs as the weekend approaches:

Aggressive/ Uncontrolled dog incidents are becoming too frequent on our wonderful shared trails.
Please leave aggressive dogs at home.
Dog owners are LEGALLY LIABLE for the actions of their pets.
Aggressive Dog incidents should be documented (photos, names, phone numbers) and reported to the La Plata County Animal Control (970) 385-2900.
See our Dogs page for more information.

Wednesday Eve, Jan 27th

Good snow and good skiing. All trails have been groomed. Still kind of soft, but improving daily. Classic tracks will be set tomorrow. A big shout out to Drew Barber at Vallecito Steel Works, 970-759-1719, a welding and custom fabrication shop across the reservoir, who graciously donated his time and materials to fix our Tidd groomer. We’re back in action with all of our equipment. Thank you Drew and other local businesses who support Vallecito Nordic Club.

Tuesday Eve, Jan 26th

Holy cow, there is a lot of snow out there!! The groomers reported another 6” fell last night and another 4” today. We’ve lost track of the 4-day total but about 55+ total groomer hours were dedicated to keeping up with this prolonged storm. Today all of the trails were rolled and machine packed. Soft corduroy was set on the main road and beaches. The skating surface is currently soft and will take a couple of days to firm up. The firmest skating surface is on the campground trails. Winds kicked up this afternoon causing some drifting on the beaches. No classic tracks were set yet but stay tuned. Dog owners; please do your part to keep this new fresh snow clean and remove your dog’s waste from the trail. Also, please see Friday’s report about aggressive dogs.

Monday update, 2PM Jan 25th

The groomers are keeping up with the snow at Vallecito. Two groomers were out rolling and packing last night’s 8” of snow. They hit all of the trails. They even managed to set a classic track on the Main road. The firmest skating surface is currently on the campground trails and it is skiable but soft elsewhere. As of 2pm the road in is plowed. More snow is forecast tonight.

Monday early morning, Jan 25th

All of your snow dancing seems to have worked! If you hung out by the fire (or shoveled) yesterday then you were very wise. Florida Rd closed for a period yesterday afternoon, which caused many skiers to be re-routed- hence the low number of cars. Our groomers were greeted by 5” of snow so they packed the all of the trails and things were looking good only to have to deal with mechanical issues on the last lap. They didn’t get to set the classic tracks, which would have been buried anyway by heavy mid-day snow. More snow came over night (probably 7+”) and more is on the way so bear with us as we work to keep up. Looks like we’ll get a break mid-week and then more snow next weekend. Hang in there groomers, we’re cheering for you.

Saturday Eve, Jan 23

The groomers knocked down about 3” of very dense new snow this morning. This made for soft and slow skiing with periods of snow squalls leaving about 1” on top of a groomed surface at sunset. Given the forecast of more intermittent snow, the groomers held off resetting classic tracks. At least we can stop shoveling, since we’ve now got a healthy amount of snow with more on the way. Here’s to an ever-increasing snowpack!!

Friday Eve, January 22

This morning the ski conditions were a little chunky and icy in spots due to warm temps yesterday afternoon. The groomers were on the trails this afternoon so a few lucky skaters were treated to fresh corduroy skiing. Mother nature is expected to erase all of that along with many kilometers of great classic tracks with more snow forecast tonight. We will take the moisture. It looks like on/off snow is forecast until Tuesday, so please be patient with the volunteer grooming crew as they try to keep up. In the meantime, here is an important message from the VNC board and volunteer groomers.

Aggressive/ Uncontrolled dog incidents are becoming too frequent on our wonderful shared trails.
Please leave aggressive dogs at home.
Dog owners are LEGALLY LIABLE for the actions of their pets.
Aggressive Dog incidents should be documented (photos, names, phone numbers) and reported to the La Plata County Animal Control (970) 385-2900.
See our Dogs page for more information.

Thursday Eve January 21

Now this is winter!! The groomers were out all morning and into the afternoon. The skate lanes are getting firmer and setting up nicely especially in places with sun exposure like the beaches and East Creek. Classic tracks are set everywhere except the campground trails. When we get a big snow like the last storm it can take 3 solid days of grooming to get it to this state. So if you hadn’t had the chance to make a donation there is no time like the present. Membership More snow is on the way and our groomers are taking a collective breather.

Wednesday Eve January 20th

“When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels” Our grooming angels choose to make ski trails and we sure appreciate it. All trails have been groomed for skating. The depth and consistency of the snow from this storm made for big challenges with our grooming operation. The surface started firming up at sunset but some ruts from afternoon skiers remain, which will be removed at next grooming. Classic tracks have been set on both sides of the Main road and East Creek and were setting up nicely at sunset. A new snowshoe trail has been set (follow signs). The skating should be better tomorrow and will be excellent until our next influx of moisture on Saturday. Time to get out there!!

Tuesday afternoon, Jan 19th

Bring on the moisture!! The groomers were out early braving the storm rolling and packing the 1 foot of fresh snow. Most trails have had an initial packing. They struggled with some changing/challenging conditions in the afternoon and will pick it up tomorrow. Skating will be very soft until at least Thursday and they will try to get some classic tracks set tomorrow afternoon- no guarantees! Thank you groomers for volunteering your time and your hard work so we can get out and ski on this badly needed snow. Looks like more snow later in the week. On a different note, here is an important message from the VNC board and volunteer groomers.

Aggressive/ Uncontrolled dog incidents are becoming too frequent on our wonderful shared trails.
Please leave aggressive dogs at home.
Dog owners are LEGALLY LIABLE for the actions of their pets.
Aggressive Dog incidents should be documented (photos, names, phone numbers) and reported to the La Plata County Animal Control (970) 385-2900.
See our Dogs page for more information.

Monday Eve (MLK day) Jan 18th

A couple of groomers hit the skating lanes on the road and beaches. They also did some pre-storm shoveling not only to tempt the snow gods but to offer better coverage. Skiing is still good but steadily getting harder and harder and a bit slick in places. Some new snow will help.

Sunday Eve, Jan 17th

Happy early MLK day!! Everything except the campground trails were groomed this morning. The skating is holding up well but warm temps are making springlike (icy) conditions in the late afternoon. Classic tracks are getting rough but are still holding up well on the FS Road. Use caution crossing the ice flows where the new bypass trail crosses Graham Creek. We are hopeful for snow.

Saturday Night, Jan 16th

The beaches, east creek, and the road were all groomed this morning for skating. Classic tracks were reset on North Beach and the new beach bypass trail. Classic tracks on the road are only 1 day old so they are skiing nicely, tracks elsewhere are icy. Warm temps are causing some icy in sections in the afternoon. Big crowds today and big smiles all around.

Friday Eve, Jan 15th

Happy Friday! Two groomers were out on the trails today and they focused on East Creek, the FS road and the beaches. They then ripped up the icy, debris filled classic tracks on the FS road and reset them out and back. The hill between Burnt Meadow and Pine Point has been shoveled. Descend that hill slowly since we were not able to run the groomer over the new snow and it was only ski packed. Many people are commenting about how well the snow is holding up and how great the skiing is at Vallecito. Keep your ski tips crossed for snow.

Thursday Eve, Jan 14th

All of the skating lanes were groomed this morning including the new connector loop between the North Beach and South Beach. Big winds have started to blow in our classic tracks on the Beaches and we’re hoping we can reset them next week if we end up getting snow (fingers crossed). The classic tracks on the road are holding up. Beware of thin coverage on the hill between Burnt Meadow and Pine Point. Otherwise the skating is darn good.

Wednesday Eve, Jan 13th

Vallecito was groomed again today. All trails were groomed including the new South Beach/North Beach connector trail, which is starting to set up nicely. The old trail to Brad’s is also open and has good coverage due to recent shoveling. Sorry we cannot reset classic tracks until we receive new snow. The classic tracks are holding their form but are icy and are best on the road and beaches. Please use caution when descending the hill between Burnt Meadow and Pine Point where thin coverage and gravel exists near the Pine Point FS Information/Regs sign. Elsewhere the skiing is good, especially the skate skiing, which is fast and smooth in open areas.

Wednesday Eve, Jan 13th

Tuesday Eve, Jan 12th

Grooming at Vallecito continues! We groomed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Today the groomers braved 1 degree morning temps and the skate lanes came out perfect. They also focused on better ways to connect with South and North Beaches by shoveling/snow farming and packing in a new connector trail between North and South Beach. This new trail may be soft for a few days. Thin areas of have been shoveled elsewhere. Please use caution where small gravel is emerging on the steep hill between Burnt Meadow and Pine Point. The classic tracks are still holding their form but are icy on south facing slopes. Best classic is on the FS Rd and the Beaches. With these efforts the skiing remains good and perhaps we stirred up the snow gods and goddesses.

Saturday Eve, Jan 9th

Our groomers were out bright and early this morning laying down fine corduroy. We hope you enjoyed it. Minor dirty spots are emerging in certain sections and there are sections with woody debris under big trees all of which is avoidable. Groomers have shoveled the worst sections. Otherwise in the open areas the skating is very good. Classic tracks are holding their form but slightly icy in sunny areas. A slight flurry broke out at sunset so cross your fingers.

Friday Evening, Jan 8th

All trails (except the campgrounds) have been freshly groomed. If you’re thinking the skiing at Vallecito might not be that great due to the lack of recent snow, think twice.! The FS Road, East Creek and the Beaches are fantastic. The classic tracks are skiing well but a little icy in some spots. These conditions are where Vallecito really shines due to the northwesterly aspect, which offers good shade from the mid-day sun. Snowshoers check out the new snowshoeing and walking trail. (Follow signs at trailhead). Have fun out there and remember to social distance, especially during high use weekend hours.

Thursday Afternoon, Jan 7th

The groomers were at it early again this morning. They worked to smooth out the skating lanes on the beaches, the FS Road, and East creek. They’re leaving the campgrounds alone due to thin coverage in the trees. The classic tracks are very good and just starting to get a little glazed. Even though we haven’t had snow in a while, the skiing is excellent especially in open areas like the beaches, the FS Road and East creek. Think snow!!

Monday Eve, Jan 5th

Our groomers were out there early today. They groomed all of the trails for skating and reset the classic tracks. The classic tracks look fantastic, so if you are a classic skier it’s time to get out there and kick and glide. The skating surface was fast and smooth at sunset. The skiing is quite good right now- just be aware of thin areas under trees as well as few pine needles. We could use some more snow to cover those thin spots in the trees, so time for another snow dance.

Sunday Evening, Jan 3rd

Another day of big crowds at Vallecito. Thanks to our Sunday groomers for cleaning up the skate lanes this morning. The South Beach is finally dog print free and smooth. The skiing is excellent all around and coverage is holding up with only minor visible dirt spots just beginning to emerge in a few places but our groomers did some shoveling to cover them up. Classic tracks are holding up. Please remember to social distance, giving each other a wide birth especially on narrower trails. Consider standing to the side of trail when resting to allow other skiers to safely pass with 6’ distance.

Saturday Evening, January 2, 2021

Celebrate winter!! The groomers hit the trails this morning and covered all of the skating lanes erasing all of the dog tracks. Each grooming makes the skating surface firmer, faster, and smoother. The classic tracks are holding up nicely. Some thin sections are developing on the campground trails and thank you groomers for your shoveling. Please be mindful of 6 foot social distancing to keep us all safe.

Thursday, New Year Eve

Happy New Year!! All of the skate lanes were groomed this morning. It’s really shaping up and firming up. Classic tracks are set everywhere except Pine Point and Burnt Meadow. The groomers also used a snowmobile to set a new snowshoe/foot traffic trail starting at the bottom of Old Timers Campground. This trail passes through the gate and follows the lake bed below/west of the main road and South Beach and continues on a meandering loop just short of Brad’s cabin. We are hoping this might lure some of the walkers off the groomed ski trails in order to reduce grooming time removing deep footprints. Those of you who like to snowshoe, give it a try, and perhaps some walkers will follow.

Wednesday, Evening Dec 30th

Our groomers found 2-3 inches of fresh snow at the trailhead this morning and 2 degree temps. All trails were groomed. Classic tracks were reset on both sides of the main road out to Pine Point back to Old Timers plus the Campgrounds/Princess Meadow. At this point there are classic tracks everywhere except the Burnt Meadow. The skiing is soft but it is starting to firm up. Here’s to sliding into the new year!

Tuesday, Evening December 29th, 2020

We had another 6-8” of snow last night. Groomers were out bright and early this morning and after grooming all day they said the surface is still soft. They also set classic tracks on the main road (both ways), East Creek Road, the Classic Trail and both South and North Beaches. Another crew of groomers will work it again tomorrow. The surface should start to set up for good skating by tomorrow afternoon. It’s been awhile since we’ve groomed the beaches, so it’s time to get out there and enjoy the sun and the view. Enjoy!!

Monday, December 28th, 2020

Your snow dances paid off! We got about 8"of dense, 29 degree snow. Perfect conditions for packing snow and setting a solid base. A sole groomer hit ALL of the trails with the roller (even North and South Beaches). More snow is expected tonight and a crew will hit it again tomorrow. It might be a few days to get this new snow fully rolled and groomed. Expect soft conditions and thin coverage in the trees. Classic tracks might be limited until we get some more snow- stay tuned. As of 3PM the road from the dam was not plowed (4 wheel drive is needed). Welcome to the 2020-2021 Ski Season!!