Lakefront Cabins on Vallecito Lake near Durango, Colorado
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Winter at Elk Point
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Main Lodge deck covered in snow with list of things to do in winter

We're open YEAR-ROUND at Elk Point Lodge!

And winter just might be the best season to visit!

Whether sitting next to the fireplace and watching the snow fall,
or getting outside to play in the powder,
there are plenty of ways to enjoy winter at Elk Point!

WHAT IS A WINTER STAY AT ELK POINT LODGE LIKE?

Winter at Elk Point Lodge is a little different than a summertime stay.

Only cabins 4, 5, 6, and 7 are open year-round,
as they are the best insulated and have adequate heating.

Cabins 4, 6 and 7 are all 2-bedroom and Cabin 5 is a 3-bedroom.

To stay warm, each of these cabins has propane heater as well as a wood burning stove.
Your first bundle of firewood is complimentary!

Bookings in these cabins between November 1 and March 31,
also include access to the hot tub at Hummingbird Cabin!

Cabin 5 Snow

Overview of Winter Activities

  • Go for a snowshoe hike right from your doorstep!
  • Nordic ski on the 15km of groomed trails hosted by the Vallecito Nordic club
  • When the lake is frozen over, head out onto the lake for some ice fishing!
  • Ice skate at the seasonal Vallecito rink or right on the lake! When the ice is smooth enough and the snow isn't too obnoxious, we keep a spot cleared for skating.
  • Build a snowman!
  • Stay in & cozy up in your cabin next to your wood stove with some hot cocoa!
  • Shoot some pool or do a board game in our festive holiday decorated main lodge
  • Head to Durango for the Polar Express Train ride with Durango & Silverton Railroad
  • Or head up to Purgatory resort to get in some turns or take in the après ambiance!

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Cross Country Skiing

If you're a nordic skiier, you want to be at Elk Point during winter!

Either head over to the groomed trails provided by Vallecito Nordic Ski Club or just wander across the snow-covered lakebed.

Or even explore the paths through the closed National Forest Campgrounds!
(pictured to right: xc skiing through Vallecito Creek Campground)

Don't have your own skis or don't want to bring them?
No problem!

Skis can be rented at many sports shops in Durango.

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At Vallecito Nordic you will find approximately 15km of nordic trails groomed for classic and skate skiing along the beautiful shores of Vallecito Reservoir!

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Ice Fishing

They don't stop biting at Vallecito!

January and February are prime time
for ice fishinghere at the lake.

Vallecito also hosts an ice fishing tournament
toward the end of February.

Rainbow and Brown Trout, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch are all still swimming around under the ice!
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Snowshoeing

Winter is no reason to not hit the trails!

Snowshoeing is an incredibly accessible way to enjoy the mountains in wintertime.

You can snowshoe right from your cabin or hit the local trails. Try heading out onto the frozen lakebed--ensure the ice is thick enough first--or explore the winding woods surrounding the lodge. 


Want to up the magic factor?
Plan to head out on a full moon night!


Snow shoes can be rented at many sports shops in Durango.


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Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Daytrip up to Purgatory or over to Wolf Creek ski areas.
World class downhill awaits you at our two nearest resorts.

From Elk Point, Purgatory Resort is a one hour and ten minute drive
and Wolf Creek is one hour and forty-five minutes. 
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A note about Altitude Sickness

Vallecito lake sits at 7800' elevation.

Even a 1500' change to this height of elevation can cause symptoms,
so please be aware of your own limitations.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of age or physical ability.
Below: Views while Nordic Skiing near the top of the lakebed along one of the many tendrils of Vallecito Creek.
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