X-Country Ski/Snow Shoe- Aspen Vista near Santa Fe Ski Area

Ski Santa Fe is reporting 12" of new snow from 12/27 to 12/29. This will be an out and back x-country ski/snow shoe along the road from Aspen Vista. This road climbs gradually from an elevation of 10,000 feet to the Electronic Site near the top of the ski area at 12,000 feet. Hopefully there will be adequate snow coverage in the lower section for the skiers. We will likely not climb all the way to the top where the antennas are located.

The plan is to meet at the Sullivan Field parking lot at 7:00 AM on Saturday. Those coming from White Rock can meet us at 7:15 AM at the Y. Those coming from Santa Fe can meet us at 7:45 AM at Fort Marcy compound or the trailhead at 8:30 AM. Please let Jeff know if you plan to attend and if you would like to carpool. He will help to coordinate driver groups. We will climb as far as the group is able, with the goal of getting back to the cars by 3:00 PM. It is 6 miles to the top. We will likely do about 10-11 miles total, round trip. We will set a turn around time of 12:30 PM. For those wanting to do a shorter trip, they can turn around earlier.

The weather forcast is partly sunny, with a high near 32. West wind 15 to 20 mph. I recommend bringing a minimum of three layers for all body parts including feet, head and hands: light wicking layer, thermal layers and outer wind layer. It will be cold on parts of the trail exposed to the wind.

We will find a sheltered place for lunch a little before our turn around time.