Snow Play Weekend in Chama (xc-ss)

High Country, Ho! I've booked a 3-bed suite & 6 more rooms at Chama Trails Inn, right opposite the High Country Restaurant. Friday and Saturday nights, Jan. 16 & 17, 2009. (Hotel is opposite the turnoff to Pagosa Springs. Owners are Chester and Starla Santo, who've become my friends over the years.) XC skiers and snowshoers of all levels are welcome. Get away to sleepy little Chama. The village is at nearly 8000 feet. We'll ski & shoe days at 10K, so bring lots of warm layers. Hot tub at the hotel. Cost should be approx. $80-90 for lodging both nights, plus meals. Things close early up there, so I'm suggesting a Friday night finger food potluck in suite 16 (quiet party central) or eat dinner on the way up (3 hrs. as crow flies; allow 4 from ABQ). Big dinner together Sat. Breakfasts out, trail lunch & snacks. Ojo Caliente a worthy side trip, not too far out of the way, en route home (my car, anyway). Bring a bathing suit for hot tubbing, & rubber sandals. Cost for Ojo is $22. on weekends. I've done group ski trips to Chama for 14 years. The champagne powder and serene landscape keep calling me back. UPDATE: This is the weekend of the 36th Annual Chama Chile Ski Classic, which will be Sun. Jan. 18: xc ski & snowshoe races for all ages & abilities. Check it out at www.chamaski.com - you can enter the race or be a cheerleader! There's also a hot air balloon rally this weekend, which is why I can't expand the number of rooms. Ski & snowshoe rental: REI offers free pickup & dropoff days; also check Sportz Outdoorz.