The Ski Mountain
In a world where many mountains are occupied with five-star base lodges, $20 parking fees and top-to-bottom slopeside bars, Wolf Creek is one of the few mountains left that puts extreme adventure above amenities. Tucked away in the towering San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado, Wolf Creek Ski Area is a place of breathtaking views, minimal crowds and more often than not, deep turns. Averaging 430 inches of snowfall each winter, Wolf Creek boasts the slogan “The Most Snow in Colorado,” and hosts plenty of terrain for extreme skiers.
The Mountain Experience
Holding true to its title as a “ski area,” the base features the basics: a small lodge, equipment rentals and the mountain’s Ski School home base. Wolf Creek is a no-frills ski area with a wilderness feel, meaning mostly low-speed lifts, punched (not scanned) lift tickets and a 20 mile drive to the nearest town. With eight lifts accessing 1,600 acres of varying terrain, it’s easy to explore and never duplicate the same run. Simply put, Wolf Creek is a place to discover skiing at its core.
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Current Snow Conditions
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Wolf Creek Ski Terrain
• Advanced: Because of the mountain’s different aspects, advanced skiers will no longer refer to Wolf Creek as a ski area but more aptly, a playground. Endless tree-packed trails and renown snowfall work together to create inbounds adventure that’s hard to beat. While many resorts rope-off extreme terrain, Wolf Creek leaves glades and chutes open making every run truly unique.
Seeking something off the beaten path? Alberta Peak (11,904 ft.) and the Knife Ridge are labeled “hike-to” classics with challenging descents. It’s advised to err on the side of caution and scope terrain as conditions can change from advanced to extreme quickly. Extreme skiers will be pleased to find plenty of chutes and cliffs off the Knife Ridge and in the Waterfall Zone. Make sure to rest, stay very hydrated and bring pocket snacks on deep powder days as steady hikes and long traverses will leave a skier exhausted.
• Intermediate: Progressing skiers will find intermediate terrain spread throughout the mountain. The Raven Chair offers easier groomed terrain, and more challenging and exposed trails are located off the “backside” of Alberta Lift. Trails like Serendipity feature ungroomed, generously spaced glades that don’t demand technical maneuvering. When conditions are hard pack, carve fast laps on Thumper, and when the powder is ripe, surf long runs on Pitches Gate.
Around the Mountain
APRES SKIING NEAREST SKI TOWN LODGING
• Beginner: Beginner terrain comprises 20 percent of the mountain’s acreage where newcomers can enjoy rolling groomers made of 100 percent natural snow. For those who have never clicked into a pair of bindings, the Nova Lift services terrain with a gradual decline and wide footprint. This area is free of fast moving skier traffic yielding a relaxed learning environment. For beginner skiers looking to explore while staying on mellower terrain, the Raven Lift provides access to multiple long, wide and rolling trails.
• Terrain Park: No.
COST SKIING WITH KIDS TRAIL MAP GETTING THERE
Best Advice
If you like to charge, then leave the kiddos at home because this is the place to forge your own path without parental responsibilities (unless your kids are chargers as well). Arrive at Wolf Creek prepared for varying weather conditions, well hydrated and with rested legs. Perched atop the massive Wolf Creek Pass, the mountain sees extreme changes in weather. A warm sunny morning can quickly turn into an mid-day blizzard without much warning. Management is upgrading to several high-speed lifts, but most lift rides are slow and exposed to the elements – high winds, beaming sunshine and cold – dress appropriately. With a base elevation of 10,300 ft., proper hydration and nutrition are essential for avoiding day-ending altitude sickness. The general terrain drastically degrades from steep pitches to flat, exhausting traverses.
Tip: Keep an eye on Wolf Creek’s event calendar for Local Appreciation Days where everyone (not just locals) can redeem a discounted lift-tickets.
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Après Skiing
Wolf Creek doesn’t have much of an apres scene, but neighboring towns Pagosa Springs and South Fork have a few options. If passing through South Fork, hit the Shaft Bar and Grill. If staying in Pagosa Springs, take a dip in the hot springs, check out the Pagosa Brewery and grab some breakfast at the Pagosa Baking Company. If you want something on the hill, the base’s Pathfinder Bar will suffice for a rewarding beer.
Nearest Ski Town
Durango is the nearest true ski town, with charming main street, nightlife and more – 84 miles away. Pagosa Springs is the nearest town.
Lodging
Wolf Creek doesn’t offer lodging at the mountain, but Pagosa Springs and South Fork have several affordable lodging options. Use the “Lodging Choices at Pagosa Springs” box above and right to find Pagosa Springs’ best lodging choices and deals
SKI TERRAIN SNOW CONDITIONS TERRAIN PARK
Skiing With Kids
If your kids are new to skiing, enroll them in ski school or a private lesson. They’ll receive the attention and skills needed to keep up with mom and dad. Depending on your child’s ability level, it’s possible they’ll grow tired of the approximate 600 acres that comprise beginner and intermediate terrain.
Lift Tickets and Season Pass Cost
Lift Tickets are very affordable – CLICK HERE. Season Pass Information HERE.
Driving Directions
By Patrick Shehan
