Nordic
Vallecito Nordic Ski Club
Volunteer groomers maintain about 15 kilometers of classic and skate trail along Vallecito Reservoir, welcoming controlled dogs while separating snowshoers and funding every pass with memberships rather than trail fees.
01 / CLUB PROFILE
About Vallecito Nordic Ski Club
Vallecito Nordic Ski Club maintains roughly 15 kilometers of classic and skate skiing along the shores of Vallecito Reservoir northeast of Durango. The trail system began in 1995 with three volunteers, an old snowmobile, and a piece of chain-link fence; today's grooming still depends entirely on volunteer labor. Memberships and donations pay for snowmobiles, grooming equipment, fuel, repairs, and operations rather than a mandatory ski ticket.
The club works under permits and partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service, Pine River Irrigation District, and Bureau of Reclamation. Well-controlled dogs are welcome on Nordic trails, while walkers and snowshoers are directed to a separate path and bikes are excluded. Snow variability can shorten a season dramatically, so candid grooming reports and early financial support are central to planning.
02 / WHAT STANDS OUT
At a glance
- 01Approximately 15 kilometers follow the shores of Vallecito Reservoir
- 02Volunteer grooming tradition began in 1995 with improvised equipment
- 03Dogs are allowed under control; snowshoers use a separate prepared trail