GENERAL INFORMATION
Trail Grooming Training Day November 15th at 10 am on top of Wolf Creek Pass. Call 970-264-7225 to confirm.
PAGOSA NORDIC CLUB MEETING November 18th, 5:30 PM at Town Hall. Events, trail grooming are on the agenda.
GROOMED NORDIC TRAIL ETIQUETTE:
Please be respectful of other trail users. Trails are shared with all ability levels. Some trails are muti-use and you may experience snowmobiles.
Yield the right of way to the downhill traffic and the slower skier, but don't count on it.
When overtaking other skiers call out to make them aware of your intentions.
Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or where you might not be visible to others.
Assess your ability and then select a trail. Trails are designated Easiest (mostly flat),
More Difficult (mild hills) and Most Difficult (steep hills).
Skate skiers please do not skate over the classic set tracks.
Snowshoers please walk to the far right of the classic set tracks. Please do not walk in the classic set tracks or in the middle of the skating lane when possible.
Garbage is your responsibility. Please pack it out.
Please keep your dog under control. Remove dog messes from the trail.
Trails are not patrolled, assume your own risk.
If you see a fellow skier in need, take the time to stop and help.
And last but not least, Enjoy Yourself!
GEAR TO REMEMBER:
Bring extra clothing for weather changes. The weather can change multiple times in a short period of time.
Water and some snacks.
Sunglasses/Goggles & Sunscreen. Colorado Sun is very intense reflecting off the snow.
Your Dog, Don't forget something to remove droppings from the trail.
Remember your dog must remain under your control at all times.
Bring a friend and tell someone where you are going and when you plan on returning.
OFF TRAIL/BACKCOUNTRY TIPS:
- Don't get lost. Carry map and compass. Always know where you are. When visibility drops in storms, fog, or lowlight, landmarks disappear causing familiar settings to look unfamiliar.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
- Assess your ability and energy level and then select your route. Poor planning can result in unplanned overnights and possible rescue.
- If you are lost, you are lost! Stay put, go into survival mode and await rescue. If you keep traveling while lost you may travel out of the search area and eliminate the possibility of rescue.
Protect yourself - purchase a Colorado Outdoor Search and Rescue Card which provides search and rescue insurance for $3 per year. For info call 970-247-4874 or check with a local sporting goods retailer.
- Ski under control. Perfect a good snowplow (wedge). Use boots with good ankle support for digging in ski edges during snowplow and turns.
- Dress in layers of synthetics. Use a wicking layer against your skin, then fleece layers for insulation, then a weather breaking shell for storm conditions. Avoid cotton, especially against the skin, e.g., cotton T-shirts. They get wet from sweat and stay wet.
- Carry energy foods and energy drinks.
- If you plan on traveling off the trail, be prepared for an unplanned overnight
Learn how to avoid avalanches.
AVALANCHE HAZARDS:
Most Groomed trails are in no-low avalanche hazard areas.
Back Country Trails are sure to have some avalanche hazard exposure, so please be educated, prepared and equipped for such.
If venturing of the beaten path into the back country it is recommended to bring:
a Topo Map, compass, avalanche awareness, Snow Shovel, Avalanche transceiver, avalanche probes, a friend, ect....
Check the avalanche report before heading out. Conditions can change overnight.
NORDIC TRAIL MAP DISCLAIMER:
Most trails are groomed for Skate Skiing, Classic Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing. Please Note: Nordic ski track maps are "Not for actual navigation, use an actual TOPO map for terrain navigation."
Trails shown on maps are general locations.
Trails may change course, be omitted or added due to current snow conditions.
Trail conditions can change through out day depending on the weather.
Icy conditions can exist in patches even following grooming on the same day.
Trail distances are approximated.
Some areas are multi use, you may encounter snowmobiles.
Trails are not patrolled, By using the Nordic Groomed Trails you assume your own risk.
Visit our web page for up to date trail status & conditions.
West Fork Groomed Nordic Ski Trails:
Groomed for snowshoeing, classic cross country and skate skiing.
GREAT family and beginner area !!
Drive 12 miles east of Pagosa Springs on Highway 160. Look for the Bruce Spruce Lodge sign on the left side of the road ( ¼ mile past the slanted walled cabins on the left). Turn left onto west fork forest service road.
Coyote Hill Groomed Nordic Ski Trails:
Groomed for snowshoeing, classic cross country and skate skiing.
New area this year !! GREAT family and beginner area !!
Drive 6.3 miles north of highway 160 on Piedra Road (CR ). ¼ mile past North Pagosa Blvd the trail head is just after the cattle guard on the Right.
Turkey Springs Groomed Nordic Ski Trails:
Groomed for snowshoeing, classic cross country and skate skiing.
This is a multi use area, you may encounter snowmobiles on some trails.
Drive 6.3 miles north of Highway 160 on Piedra Road (CR ). ¼ mile past North Pagosa Blvd the trail head is just after the cattle guard on the Left.
Williams Fork Groomed Nordic Ski Trails:
Groomed for snowshoeing, classic cross country and skate skiing.
GREAT family and beginner area !!
Drive 24 miles north of Pagosa Springs on Piedra Road (CR ) turn right on Williams Creek Road.
Parking on the right.
Reservoir Hill Groomed Nordic Ski Trails:
Groomed for snowshoeing, classic cross country and skate skiing.
Located in Down Town Pagosa Springs.
Highway 160 to Down Town Pagosa Springs. Turn south at the Hot Springs Blvd traffic light.
drive over bridge, turn left on to San Juan St. Parking on Left.
Walk up hill to trail head.
Yamaguchi Sports Complex & Town Park Practice Field Groomed Nordic Ski Trails:
Groomed for snowshoeing, classic cross country and skate skiing.
These trails are located in Down Town Pagosa Springs. These trails will be groomed pending snow conditions. The Practice Field and Yamaguchi Sports Complex are great for families and beginners.
3 km of beginner terrain Groomed for Skate Skiing with set tracks for Classic Cross Country Skiing
Located in Down Town Pagosa. Turn south at the Hot Springs Blvd traffic light.
Practice field First Left (before Bridge) onto Hermosa Street and parking is on the right is parking for the town. Located in the heart of down Town.
Yamaguchi Sports Complex Follow Hot Springs Blvd Past Town Hall and turn Right on Apache Street then Left on S. 5th Street and a couple blocks is parking. Located along the banks of the San Juan River on the south end of town.
~ Volunteer info:
Pagosa Nordic Club is looking for volunteers to assist with Trail Grooming, Marketing, Fund Raising, Administration, Events, Ski Instruction and more. If interested in being part of this great amenity for our community, please contact us at: www.pagosanordic.com, pagosanordic@gmail.com, 970-946-7225 or Pagosa Nordic Club, Po Box 5261, Pagosa Springs, Co. 81147