Valles Caldera, the national preserve west of Los Alamos, offers skiing and snowshoeing on weekends throughout winter.

On Fridays through Sundays, some 15 miles of trails are open from the Valle Grande staging area, off N.M. 4. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fees are $10 per adult, $8 per child or senior, free for children 5 or under.

A guided snowshoe hike focusing on winter adaptations in animals is planned for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The preserve's monthly moonlight skiing and snowshoeing is scheduled for 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Visitors can choose between two groomed trails, up to four miles in length. Solar lights guide people to the trailheads. Bonfires are lit at the staging area and at the end of Missing Cabin Trail. Staff members will be on hand to pass out maps. The same fees apply as in the daytime.

Preserve staff cautions visitors to bring warm clothes, water and headlamps for the evening program. In snowy weather, four-wheel drive vehicles or chains are a must for the road to the staging area.

Hourlong sleigh rides (wagon rides if there is a lack of snow) are planned for 11 a.m., and 1 and 3 p.m. Feb. 10 to 12.

To reach Valles Caldera from Santa Fe, go north on U.S. 84/285. In Pojoaque, take N.M. 502 toward Los Alamos. At the White Rock intersection, drive south toward White Rock, then turn right at the first traffic light, to the truck route.

Once in Los Alamos, pass through the security checkpoint and go south on N.M. 501 toward N.M. 4. Turn right on N.M. 4. The trip takes a more than an hour.

The preserve maintains a website at www.vallescaldera.gov.

Trails will be open for skiing and snowshoeing as long as conditions permit, with a possibility of another moonlight event on March 3. Call 866-382-5537 for more information.