FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets & Access
How does ticketing work? What’s Included in the Festival Pass?
Tickets can be purchased through our website or through Eventeny beginning in January. Early-access and general-sale dates will be posted on our website and social media.
Festival Pass
A Festival Pass includes:
- All festival talks and presentations
- The keynote address
- The Friday night film
- Other general festival programming listed as included in the schedule
One Festival Pass covers the full weekend, so there’s no need to purchase individual tickets for talks or presentations.
Children 15 and under do not need a Festival Pass for included programming at Ski Hi.
Into the Field: Guided Festival Experiences
Into the Field experiences are small-group outings offered throughout the weekend, including guided birding and wildlife tours, photography experiences, special-access opportunities and other place-based programs.
Because space is limited, these experiences require a separate ticket.
Unless otherwise noted, you must have both a Festival Pass and an Into the Field experience ticket to participate.
Children participating in an Into the Field experience also need their own experience ticket.
We recommend booking early, as many experiences have limited capacity and may sell out.
Standalone Workshops & Events
Some workshops and special events are ticketed separately and do not require a Festival Pass. These will be clearly identified in the festival schedule.
If you have additional questions or need further ticketing assistance, email ticketing@mvcranefest.org and we will be happy to assist you!
Do I need a Festival Pass to purchase Into the Field Guided Experiences?
Yes. Into the Field: Guided Festival Experiences require both a Festival Pass and a separate experience ticket.
Because these experiences have limited capacity, each participant — including children — needs an individual Into the Field ticket.
Standalone art workshops do not require a Festival Pass unless otherwise noted.
Does my child need a ticket?
Children 15 and under are free for programming included with the Festival Pass at Ski Hi.
Children do need their own ticket for Into the Field: Guided Festival Experiences and for any separately ticketed workshop or event that requires one.
Is seating reserved for talks or the keynote?
No. Seating for talks, the keynote and other general festival programs is first come, first served.
The guided experience I want is sold out. Is there a waitlist?
We don’t currently offer a waitlist for Into the Field: Guided Festival Experiences.
Because experience tickets are refundable, availability may change as the festival approaches. We recommend checking the ticketing page periodically for newly released spots.
If several spaces open up, we may also notify our email subscribers.
Subscribe to festival emails to stay in the loop.
What is the refund policy?
Festival Passes are non-refundable. Your purchase helps cover festival operating costs and supports the conservation and education work of the Friends of the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuges.
Into the Field: Guided Festival Experience tickets and other refundable ticketed events may be canceled for a refund up to 7 days before the festival. After that deadline, tickets are non-refundable.
If the festival cancels an event, ticket holders will receive a full refund or credit. Tickets may also be transferred to another attendee by updating the attendee information before the event.
If you’re unable to attend and your ticket is no longer eligible for a refund, we appreciate your purchase as support for the festival and the Friends’ work.
Cranes & Guided Experiences
Do I have to book a guided experience to see the cranes?
No. The national wildlife refuges remain open to the public during the festival, and you do not need a Festival Pass or guided-experience ticket to see cranes on your own.
Crane-viewing guides are available at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge and at the festival information booth at Ski Hi. Stop by during the festival for current information about where cranes are being seen.
Where do Into the Field experiences meet?
Meeting and departure locations vary by experience.
Some Into the Field experiences depart from the Ski Hi Complex, while others may meet at locations elsewhere in the San Luis Valley. Always check the location and instructions listed with your individual ticket before heading out.
Do not assume your experience begins at the refuge, even if the refuge is part of the outing.
Are Into the Field experiences appropriate for children?
It depends on the experience. Some are family-friendly, while others may involve early mornings, longer walks, extended time outdoors or other requirements.
Any age, mobility or participation guidelines will be listed with the individual experience.
What should I bring for an outdoor experience?
March weather in the San Luis Valley can be cold and change quickly. Dress in layers and come prepared for outdoor conditions.
Depending on your experience, you may also want:
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sturdy footwear
- Water
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Camera
Check your individual event listing for any additional recommendations.
Festival Logistics
Where do I check in?
The Ski Hi Complex is festival headquarters and the main location for festival information.
Some events and Into the Field experiences take place or depart from other locations, so be sure to check your ticket and event details before you go.
Is there an entrance fee for the Craft & Nature Fair?
No. The Monte Vista Craft & Nature Fair is free and open to the public.
No Festival Pass is required.
Are the wildlife refuges open during the festival?
Yes. The Monte Vista, Alamosa and Baca National Wildlife Refuges remain open to the public during the festival.
You do not need a Festival Pass to visit the refuges or watch wildlife on your own.
Are dogs allowed?
Pets are not permitted on Into the Field experiences, at special ticketed events or at the Craft & Nature Fair.
Service animals are permitted where required by law.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. You can present your ticket on your phone.
Where can I find maps, lodging and dining information?
Visit our Plan Your Visit page for refuge information, crane-viewing resources, lodging, dining and ideas for exploring the San Luis Valley.
For festival venues, meeting locations and event details, visit Festival Information or check the individual event listing.
