Monday, January 19: 

As of 3:00 PM today at the West Elk Trails trailhead, temperatures were 32°F with brilliant sunshine and no wind — a classic Colorado blue bird afternoon.
Groomers were out today focusing on shoveling snow onto bare patches throughout the trail system. Once most dirt and rocks were covered, crews shifted to leveling and grading the trails, followed by a beautiful corduroy groom on Eric’s Loop, Highway 819, Kay’s Loop, and the East Cutoff. Classic track was also set along Highway 819, Kay’s Loop, and the East Cutoff.
Current trail base depth is sitting at approximately 1–3 inches. A few areas of exposed dirt and rocks remain, but most have been covered. These thin spots are limited; however, with continued sunshine expected throughout the week, some areas may become more exposed. Skiers should remain aware and keep an eye out.
On Sunday, volunteer backcountry skiers headed out on James’s Loop and were the first skiers of the season to break trail from the Cowboy Cabin to Mansfield Ditch. Volunteers also placed trail markers at key intersections along James’s Loop, and the trail is now fully tracked from beginning to end.
Aside from a few isolated thin sections, snow conditions are smooth, level, and skiing fast, making for a great day on the trails.
Another stretch of warm, sunny weather is ahead, so enjoy these conditions while they last — and let’s hope for a few more snowstorms before January runs out.
Please remember: these trails are groomed and maintained for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing only. Kindly avoid hiking on the groomed surface in boots or shoes.

Enjoy the trails — and don’t forget to do your snow dance. ❄️🕺🎿

• Hwy 819
  Groomed, track set
• Kay’s Loop
  Groomed, track set
• East Cutoff
  Groomed, track set
• Eric’s Loop
  Groomed
• Zeus’s Cutoff
  Groomed, lots of brush
• James’s Loop
  Tracked

Remember!
Skis or snowshoes only
West Elk Trails Etiquette & Rules

Click here to download and print West Elk Trails map

Have you donated to West Elk Trails?

Show your support!

DONATE TODAY!

Suggested voluntary contributions are only $50 per individual and $95 per family (includes couples). 
West Elk Trails Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible!

Or mail checks to:
West Elk Trails Inc, PO Box 129, Silt CO 81652

Find West Elk Trails Inc on Facebook

Friday, January 16: 

As of 3 pm today at the West Elk Trails trailhead parking lot, the temperature was 26°F with overcast skies and a chilly 5–10 mph wind.
Groomers were out today grading the trails to a smooth, level surface and setting classic track on Highway 819, Kay’s Loop, and the East Cutoff. Crews also spent the day shoveling snow onto thinner sections of trail, filling in larger bare or weak spots with snow shoveled from off the trail.
Additional trail markers and map signs were installed at key intersections along the main trails. Signage is still limited, but it will continue to be added as snow depths allow the signs to stay upright and securely in place.
Current trail base depth is approximately 2–4 inches, with some thinner sections. These areas were addressed where possible, and remaining thin spots are limited, but skiers should stay alert and keep an eye out.
Aside from those isolated areas, snow conditions are very good. The trails are smooth, level, and skiing fast, making for an enjoyable outing.
With another stretch of warm, sunny weather ahead, now is the time to get out and enjoy these excellent conditions while they last. Bring your skis or shoe shoes, bring the stoke — and don’t forget the puppy dogs. ❄️🐾🎿

• Hwy 819
  Groomed, track set
• Kay’s Loop
  Groomed, track set
• East Cutoff
  Groomed, track set
• Eric’s Loop
  Groomed
• Zeus’s Cutoff
  Groomed, lots of brush
• James’s Loop
  Tracked

Remember!
Skis or snowshoes only
West Elk Trails Etiquette & Rules

Click here to download and print West Elk Trails map

Have you donated to West Elk Trails?

Show your support!

DONATE TODAY!

Suggested voluntary contributions are only $50 per individual and $95 per family (includes couples). 
West Elk Trails Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible!

Or mail checks to:
West Elk Trails Inc, PO Box 129, Silt CO 81652

Find West Elk Trails Inc on Facebook

Monday, January 12: 

As of 3:30 PM today at the West Elk Trails trailhead, temperatures were 38°F with brilliant sunshine and no wind — a classic bluebird afternoon.
Groomers were out today grooming the trails to a smooth, level surface, setting classic track on Highway 819, Kay’s Loop, and the East Cutoff. Crews also spent time adding trail markers and map signs at key intersections along the main trail system. Signage is still limited, but it will continue to be added each week as snow depths allow the signs to remain upright and securely in place.
Current trail base depth is sitting at approximately 5-6 inches, with some thinner sections and a few spots of exposed dirt and rocks, primarily on direct south-facing trails. These areas are limited, but skiers should remain aware and keep an eye out.
Aside from those isolated spots, snow conditions are very good. The trails are smooth, level, and skiing fast, making for enjoyable and efficient laps.
With a stretch of warm, sunny weather ahead, now is the time to get out and enjoy these excellent conditions while they last. Bring your skis or snow shoes, bring your stoke — and don’t forget the puppy dogs. ❄️🐾🎿

• Hwy 819
  Groomed, track set
• Kay’s Loop
  Groomed, track set
• East Cutoff
  Groomed, track set
• Eric’s Loop
  Groomed
• Zeus’s Cutoff
  Groomed, lots of brush
• James’s Loop
  Tracked

Remember!
Skis or snowshoes only
West Elk Trails Etiquette & Rules

Click here to download and print West Elk Trails map

Have you donated to West Elk Trails?

Show your support!

DONATE TODAY!

Suggested voluntary contributions are only $50 per individual and $95 per family (includes couples). 
West Elk Trails Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Donations are tax deductible!

Or mail checks to:
West Elk Trails Inc, PO Box 129, Silt CO 81652

Find West Elk Trails Inc on Facebook