SNOW SPORTS INFO – WINTER 2011 – from Marcy Dorchester
Downhill and cross country (xc) skiing and snowshoeing are great aerobic sports to do
with friends. They are, however, snow dependent: Do a Snow Dance! With luck, we’ll
get snow here in the Sandias, the Jemez, and Santa Fe for day trips. Taos, Chama, Pagosa
Springs & Wolf Creek, Red River and Angel Fire are best overnight. Carpooling is
always appreciated, and one should always be prepared for wintry weather, both in
adequate clothing and a prepared vehicle. Since the weather determines our going,
having your backpack and snow clothes ready to grab and go, so you just have to add
water and food, is the best way to avoid forgetting critical items early in the morning.
DOWNHILL SKIERS: James Stewart, Ellen Dueweke & Steve Epstein attempt day trips
almost every weekend in ski season. Contact James: wartstew@yahoo.com or through
Meetup.
XC SKIERS: Jackie Hertel and Marcy Dorchester will lead some day trips & weekends
for xc ski & snowshoe. Depending on area, downhillers could sometimes join us.
Jackie: jhquickbeam@msn.com or through Active Boomer Singles
Marcy: Organizer, Active Boomer Singles Meetup
ABS Calendar: Chama Snow Play, XC & Snowshoe, Jan. 14-15; Chama Chile Classic.
Red River, Feb. 4-5, downhill area across from hotel & xc/snowshoe at Enchanted Forest.
Pagosa Springs (Wolf Creek always has snow) March 4-5, downhill, xc & snowshoe.
SNOWSHOERS: Tom Mizner plans to lead Moonlight Snowshoeing the closest
Saturdays to the full moon. The beauty is worth the cold – just dress in warm layers.
Contact Tom through Albuquerque Singles Meetup (Organizer), Boomers (AO)
For snowshoeing, you need waterproof snow boots & pants. Some use trekking poles
with added snow baskets. If worried about cold feet, get chemical hand & foot warming
packets, $1.50-2/each. A head lamp frees up your hands & is easy to direct.
RENTALS: REI has free pick-up & drop-off days. Lifetime membership is $20. & has
advantages: Only REI members can reserve equipment up to 30 days in advance & with
full prepaid rental via credit card. Rental discounts for members. Rates for 2011:
Back Country XC Ski pkg:
Members, $20 1st day, $10 add’l day; Non-members: $25 1st day/ $15 add’l
Snowshoes: Members, $15 1st day/ $7; Non-members, $20/$10
Sport Systems: owner Dwayne giving Boomers 15% off rental & ski services; 10% off
new retail items (mention Active Boomer Singles meetup & Marcy)
KAFB Outdoor Rec shop has great stuff, if you have access.
XC Skiers: Back Country skis highly recommended. These skis are shorter, wider, with
better control in a snowplow, more ankle stability, less falling down.
Here's the website of a place in Santa Fe that sells used ski, snowshoe and hiking
equipment at good prices: http://www.manta.com/c/mmgrdtb/used-cross-country-skis
Jackie H.
CLOTHING: This is where to ditch the blue jeans. NEVER wear cotton, which will stay
wet, putting you at risk for hypothermia. Layers are best for xc ski or snowshoe: long
underwear, silk or wicking synthetic; outer layers water- and wind-resistant, but you must
be able to move. XC skiing works both arms & legs, a perfect aerobic activity. It is wise
to pack extra dry wool socks & gloves, a thin balaclava or neck gaiter. Waterproof
gaiters are recommended to keep snow out of your boots & feet dry.
WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:
For snow reports on NM ski areas (can get auto-updates): skinewmexico.com
Google Wolf Creek for their snow reports (Southern Colorado, San Juan Mountains,
same as Chama & Cumbres Pass area – 3 hr. drive vs. 4 for Wolf Creek)
Jemez Mountains, Valles Caldera Preserve: vallescaldera.gov
Red River area, Enchanted Forest (groomed trails): enchantedforestxc.com
Cumbres Nordic Adventures (luxury yurt): yurtsogood.com
Southwest Nordic Center (Cumbres Pass & Taos yurts): southwestnordiccenter.com
Valles Caldera Preserve also has large yurts for 10-12; they shuttle you in & out