“Great snow, friendly locals.”
Wolf Creek Ski Resort
Near the southern border of Colorado, on the south side of the mountains, Wolf Creek Ski Area averages 430 inches of snow each season. That is the most in the state. On the western side of Wolf Creek Pass, where the ski area is located, is Pagosa Springs. It’s a great place to stay with hot springs and decent food, just 30 minutes away. On the eastern side, South Fork is about the same distance. It is a less expensive and more typical Colorado small-town experience.
I was lucky this past Wednesday. Wolf Creek had received a recent 24″ on top of an 80″ base, and an area called Horseshoe Basin had been closed for most of the recent snowfall. The nights remained very cold, so the snow quality was excellent. I had some great runs on untouched powder.
When describing a ski area, my perspective is that of a better skier that spends his time going from one good shot to the next and less about trails. Call it skiing areas rather than skiing trails. If you are reading this, I guess that you view skiable terrain like this as well. Wolf Creek has two main sections, in my opinion, the upper areas that require hiking and the lower trails that are all lift accessed. The one notable exception is the Waterfall Area with its cliffs, trees, and steeps. Hiking Alberta Peak gives excellent views and accesses some fun terrain. A hike up and out along the Knife Ridge will give you access to a ton of shortish chutes and shots. Keep going on the Ridge, and there is a snowcat that will take you to Horseshoe Bowl. To check and see if the cat is running, they post information at the bottom of the lifts and the Ridge on the patrol shack.
I’ve found the best skiing to be just skier left and skier right of the bowl. One great thing about the mountain is the locals’ willingness to share beta on what is skiing well. The place is very friendly.
Bonus: Go skiing on a Locals Appreciation Day for a 20/21 Season $58!
