No clue what they're doing, but they're having fun!

Yes, this area receives a lot of snow and yes, winter lasts a full third or more of the year. But winter should not be feared; it should be praised and anticipated with joy.

Vehicles and Roads
First, you should realize that snow is nothing new to this area and we are well prepared for it. The state, county, city and private business owners move into action quickly when snow falls. Roads are cleared of heavy snow leaving a thin layer of compact snow. Travel slows but continues.

Most everyone has a four wheel drive vehicle for slick roads. A good tip is to have an extra set of wheels for your vehicle with studded snow tires mounted. These can be put on for the entire season or swapped on and off as weather dictates. Some vehicles have full size spare wheels and they are cheap from salvage yards.

In a severe blizzard, the roads may be closed for short periods. The only common closure is on Wolf Creek Pass when the state uses a cannon to cause deep snow to avalanche for safe removal. In such conditions the pass may be closed for a couple of days. As a bypass, traffic goes to Chama, New Mexico and travel on Highway 17 east back to HWY 160 in the San Lewis valley.

Curing Cabin Fever
Cabin fever is a well-known condition that affects people hiding from winter in their homes. The only cure for cabin fever is to get outside and learn to like snow. Fortunately, the area has a great many ways to help. There are clubs, organizations and loose knit groups of friends you can join. There focus is to enjoy winter.
 
Snowmobiling 

There are hundreds of miles of snow trails open to snowmobiles in Pagosa Country.

It is easy to try a snowmobile before buying one. There are several snowmobile tour companies offering tours with a knowledgeable guide to help you explore our amazing snow country. The Wolf Creek Trailblazers Snowmobile Club has weekly rides and there are several groups who ride as the notion arises. The trailblazers groom trails and many trails are opened by more adventuresome riders. These open and groomed trails are announced daily on KWUF radio.

Snowmobiling has changed in the last several years with machines being more reliable and now there are machines specifically designed for deep snow and mountainous terrain. There is a wide variety to snowmobile riding from easy cruises on perfectly flat, groomed, interstate like trails, to breaking new trails while zooming through the forest faster than you should be going! Some people try to see how many miles they can ride in a day while others pack a picnic lunch and have a casual ride.

Cross Country Skiing 
While enjoying the outdoors, a sense of quiet solitude remains with you at all times when you're skiing through the excellent powder the area has to offer. With so much wilderness, it's easy to explore and create new trails, and when you find that special, secret route, you'll be awed at the isolation. The Continental Divide is the backbone of a system of trails covering half a million acres in the Weminuche Wilderness. There is infinite back-country skiing in the area.

Good friends and dogs on the ski trail, can it get any better?

Several local snowmobilers are cutting trails through the backcountry for cross country skiers to explore and enjoy. Many trails are broken by other skiers, and you can take advantage of their hard work if you happen to ski such a trail. Don't hesitate to be adventurous; sometimes the best trail is the one you discover for yourself.

With mountains and valleys, streams and forests, it's no wonder Pagosa Country is considered a cross-country skier's paradise. There is an active cross-country ski trail making effort in the Pagosa area. Several trails are groomed deep into the forest. Approximately half of the miles groomed are designed for beginners. Cross-country ski trails are also listed on KWUF radio.

Take Along Cameras and Safety
The winter views are also excellent for the skier or snowmobiler with camera equipment. Local amateur photographers have taken breathtaking shots of wildlife, scenery and nature in the winter. A good tip for photography is to have a light reducing filter for the camera lens because the sun reflecting off snow can be blinding for the camera as well as you.

With the solitude and peace you'll find in the snowy forests, it's important to take along the proper supplies and equipment. Avalanche danger is very real in Pagosa Country. Check weather conditions before leaving and consider purchasing an emergency avalanche beacon to aid rescuers should you become trapped by an avalanche. It is always a good idea to ski or snowmobile with friends as the smallest problem out in deep snow can become very serious very fast.

Other Activities
Other activities include snowshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing, ice hockey, snowboarding and downhill skiing at Wolf Creek and Purgatory Ski areas. Winter is also a time when many church and civic organizations have events, plays, socials and other activities that rescue everyone from cabin fever.
 
Pray for Snow!
While the San Juan winter must be respected, it can also be a source of great pleasure. Many locals wake up each morning during fall and switch on the Weather Channel hoping, if not praying, for predictions for snow. It is a wonderful, awesome, inspiring and fun season.

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