Trails
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Where are the Nordic trails?
The Sandia Nordic Ski Club maintains approximately 5 miles of trails in the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque. The trails are accessible from Hwy 536 (Sandia Crest Hwy) at the 10k and Ellis Trailhead parking areas and also from the Sandia Peak Tram via the Service Road. From the 10k trailhead cross the highway to the south and enter the lower meadow. From the Ellis Trail upper parking area, head east just past the red gate where you will find the north entrance to Sandia Nordic’s Klaus Trail. Klaus will take you south to the upper terminal of the Sandia Peak Tramway. Approximately 1/3 of the way from the north entrance, the Sandia Lower XC loop branches off Klaus to the east and takes you to the 10k parking area.
Be Prepared for Mountain Conditions
The Sandia Nordic trail system courses altitudes ranging from 10,000 – 10,350 feet. The effective oxygen level at these altitudes is reduced by roughly 30% from sea level. Be sure that you are fit for these conditions and that you carry water and food with you on the trail.
The temperatures can vary from -20 F (record low) to 50 F (record high) during the winter skiing months. The average winter temperatures are 15 F (low) to 28 F (high) and are usually pleasant for cross country skiing. High winds are often present on the mountain.
Be sure to dress in layers that can be adjusted according to the air temperature and the degree of exertion. While skiing these trails, it can rain or snow so a wind breaking, water repellant but breathable, outer layer is suggested. Also, sun protection for skin and eyes is strongly encouraged.
Information for Skiers
Ski at Your Own Risk
Cross country skiing has inherent risks which include, but are not limited to, exposure to the elements, unanticipated hazards on ski trails (such as fallen trees, ice, exposed rocks or other trail users), the potential to be hit by a falling tree or tree limb especially during high winds, and inconsistent quality of the trail due to changing weather patterns and multiuse by hikers, snowshoers, and wildlife.
The trails that Sandia Nordic Ski Club grooms are still in development. Certain sections of the trail system are steep with limited visibility when turning; there are also sections of the trail system with side hill grades that exceed the USFS cross country ski trail design parameter 8% threshold. These sections are marked in black on the accompanying map and should only be skied by advanced or expert skiers.
Be prepared to encounter a variety of skiing conditions. The trails include both shaded and sun exposed areas that can range from bare soil or rocks, to slush, to icy conditions within a short distance depending on time of day and season. Club trails are usually groomed for both skate and classic skiing. Have at least basic familiarity with ski equipment, technique and safety maneuvers.
Currently, there is not a designated direction for skiing. Please be aware of basic trail etiquette when encountering other skiers. It is customary for uphill traffic to give way to downhill traffic. Periodically, skiers may encounter grooming equipment working on the trail. In this case, simply step safely off the trail for machinery to pass.
Sandia Nordic does trail maintenance throughout the year to help level the trails and keep them clear of hazards. The Club invests considerable effort to make the trails as safe as possible but cannot guarantee the safety of the trails or trail users. Skiers who use the trails that Sandia Nordic maintains do so at their own risk.