Industry News
In a state renowned for plentiful powder days sandwiched between periods of beautiful bluebird weather, one Colorado ski area stands above the rest. Wolf Creek Ski Area, resting on the Continental Divide in Southern Colorado between the charming towns of South Fork and Pagosa Springs, is perfectly situated to capitalize on its unique microclimate that guides storms originating in the South or the West to its waiting slopes. With a base elevation of 10,300 feet, a peak elevation of almost 12,000 feet, and generally northern facing slopes, snow accumulates at Wolf Creek earlier in the season than any other resort and sticks around well into the warmer summer months.
Wolf Creek boasts an average annual snowfall of 430 inches, blanketing the 1,600 skiable acres and over 1,600 feet of vertical drop with fluffy powder. Hosting 133 named trails, the exceptional terrain variety allows ample opportunities for each level of skier and snowboarder to enjoy a plethora of challenges. Additionally, the 10 lifts spread across the mountain create a formulated lift and trail system making terrain easily accessible for everyone.
In addition to incredible amounts of powder, the other hallmark of Wolf Creek is the fact that its mountain operation is family-owned and managed. In an era of exorbitant ticket prices, dominating conglomerates, and changing mountain culture, Wolf Creek’s insistence on remaining independent of other ski passes, alliances, and buyouts offers old-school winter enthusiasts a much-needed reprieve from the hustle-and-bustle nature of other Colorado resorts. There is no 3-hour traffic jam to sit through on I-70, no wallet-emptying day-ticket price to pay at the window, and no crotchety ‘local’ enforcing ‘slow zones’ by threatening to cut passes.
The Pitcher family, full owners of Wolf Creek Ski Area since 1978, have preserved the soul of skiing and riding by understanding their local community and traveling clientele, keeping costs affordable for all patrons, and most importantly, ensuring a low-density ski experience where powder stashes can be explored days after a storm. As a 10+ year resident of Colorado’s front range, the most memorable days spent on my snowboard occurred at Wolf Creek, sending cliffs in the Waterfall Area or hiking up Alberta Peak to carve lines in waist-deep blower powder, followed by a Wolf Burger at the lodge.
So I recommend you consider Wolf Creek Ski Area as your next destination when the ‘powder-itch’ needs a scratch. You will discover for yourself a powder haven and the purist version of Colorado skiing, and if you ever worry if there will be enough snow, simply direct your attention to the Wolf Creek banner motto which states: “The Most Snow in Colorado” and enjoy a few untouched powder turns for me.
