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Wolf Creek, Spring break style.

Wolf Creek is one of those areas that has a following. Those who claim it as there home mountain love the slow pace. It’s also very popular with boarding enthusiasts and those challenging their skills. While the resort looks to be small like many things small they can be complex. By exploring the terrain and the many different slopes one gets the feeling that you’re missing the point of Wolf Creek. 

The yearly toll of who gets the most snow in Colorado usually goes to Wolf Creek. A southern resort perched on a high pass. Situated in the right geographical spot it normally gets dumped on. Average years see over 400 inches which rivals many Utah ski resorts. On one occasion we experienced nearly 36 hours of continuous pow! This year that snow 

missed  the Creek by miles. But still has dumped over 300 inches. to date..

This unofficial snow stake is normally twice as high! 

Throughout the season Wolf Creek hums along with little activity until Spring Break. So the best time to ride or ski isn’t near that week of madness where the Texas Rangers, my term for those living in Texas who attempt to ride or ski. 

With storm after storm rolling across the southern portion of Colorado Wolf Creek is the one place where face shots and deep snow are found. But it’s not just deep. It’s the challenging terrain you find. Heading over to the Alberta lift one can access the Knife Ridge shoots. These are mostly short but raise the hair on the back of your head. The area bellow is dotted with tree skiing and some open glades. For those inclined you aren’t restricted to just inbounds. But be aware that jumping into the back side of the divide you’ll not find good communication, support, and a serious hike back out. 

If you can find your way there are lots of cliffs to jump to raise your blood pressure. A relatively new food truck at the bottom of Alberta lift has enhanced the pleasure on good powder days and those sunny spring adventures. But lest you think this is the only area to access the  Diamonds you’d be wrong. Head over to Treasure Stoke or D. Boyce lifts and you’ll begin to see why Wolf Creek isn’t just a small area. Diving off either lift into steep drops like the Alberta Face or Holly Mosses will get you your Thrill Badge. For those looking to feel as if you are off piste you can hike the ridge. With names like Boundary Bowl or Glory Bowl you know it’s going to be a thrill. Even on days when the lower slopes are skied out the Bowls remain soft. 

You’ll find plenty of untracked powder and the drop off the ridge will get your thrill on. For those hearty souls you can make the climb to Alberta Peak. Remember this ski areas base rests at 10,300 feet with a peak elevation at 11,900. That’s one reason for its snowfall and its ability to keep good snow conditions. It’s also why there isn’t a need for snow making. But the point is, are you really in as good shape as you think. I followed a patroller up the ridge to the bowls. That was an exhausting experience. 

My second trip up was with an 18 year old track standout. Our days consumption of a hot dog and large burger reminded us that those tasty treats might have been left to the end of days activities. But lest you think once you leave the top you’ll find mundane runs think again. Found in the trees, runs through the Water Fall’s area will either boost the stoke or have you asking what was I thinking,  

But a true wonder in the ski industry is Wolf Creek’s grooming.  Some of the best in Colorado. For those who stick to groomers you’ll find expertly groomed runs. Fun switch backs or rollers that make in bounds fun for everyone. One of the areas wide open green runs that runs off the Raven Chair is a great place for intermediate to beginners to advance. But for those seeking fun off of the Bunny Hop drop down Gun Barrel or Thumper. Both will put a smile on the most advanced skier’s face. 

If the snow is deep Thumper is a fun bump run turned into a paradise of tricks and excellent lines to run through. 

Wolf Creeks allure begins when you arrive. Little secret, lifts open around 8:30 so arrive early. The drive up the pass can be a slow slog but if you miss the typical family van or horse-powerless Subaru you’ll get a nice up front parking spot. Wolf Creek provides a shuttle that runs all day. One nice fact is if you know where the cut around is you can make a 

b-line directly to the Alberta lift bypassing the need to use the lifts at the base. But that assumes you have your pass. The website is a little cumbersome and needs refinement but it works. The RFDI lift pass is actually pretty smooth. Unlike its bigger rivals Wolf Creek installed pass checking stalls. No need for the harassment of someone scanning your body for a pass. Just put the card in your outer pocket and the scanner picks it up. But as those selling passes tell you, take a picture because if you loose the pass it’s the only way to get a new one. 

The base area is still small. It houses all the typical functions of a ski area. Stand alone ticket office with the lodge off to one side. Hint, the only bathrooms are on the backside of the lodge at the bottom. There is a on mountain lodge at the top of the Raven Chair.  You can get rentals but don’t expect much more. The only real ski shop is in Pagosa Springs, the Ski and Bow Rack. It’s a full service place with an expert boot fitter. 

Fun fact, Wolf Creek has a short but fun semi slalom course for the fam to enjoy who is the fastest on the mountain. Bragging rights are best left to the lodge with a beer. The bottom lodge has typical fair and they don’t seem to care if you BYOF- that’s bring your own food! 

All things being equal Wolf Creek is a value driven resort. Tickets are mostly still less than $100 a day and that’s nice. The owner has added lifts and hopefully we will see more facilities. But on the horizon things may change. A big dollar land owner next to Wolf Creek is hunting for someone in the Forest Service to approve his building permit. Likewise Wolf Creeks owner would love to see on mountain lodging. But to date this plan has been rejected. The area is a critical water shed and breeding ground for many species of wildlife. My personal opinion is we have enough growth that has ruined ecosystems in Colorado. Development in this area wouldn’t be good and it could destroy the natural beauty of the area. Plus added traffic on the 160 pass would make the I70 through central Colorado look tame. But big developers have their eyes on this area for its open land. Additionally there isn’t a large enough airport to bring in large crowds. The nearest is over in Durango. But Durango has its own ski resort and the open area concept at Silverton. 

Lodging, Wolf Creek has no on mountain or near mountain lodging. Most of those looking for a place to stay choose Pagosa Springs. A 20 minute drive from the resort Pagosa is still a small Colorado mountain town. The San Juan River runs through and around Pagosa. This provides year round opportunities for those looking for a winter and summer distraction. The main attraction in town is a hot springs resort. Summer or winter the resort is open. This popular resort is idea for those who like soaking in various hot springs fed tubs. The near by river allows for tubing. 

• For those not wishing to access the spa one can walk back up river from a paved walkway that runs up to the nearby park or sidewalk in town. A new hotel association with the spa is currently under construction. Its completion date is scheduled for 2025. This will provide a much needed addition to the slim lodging in the area. While Pagosa has many rental properties and timeshares most lodging is modest. 

Food and drink, there are lots of little and appealing joints to refresh oneself in Pagosa. From the  Meander Riverside Eatery 

with views of the San Juan next to the near by Ice cream Shop to Boss Hogg’s you’ll find something for the entire family. Some are a little pricey but to be fair they are a mountain town. 

For those wishing to eat in your condo there are numerous grocery stores and a newer Walmart located near the lakes. Summer months are usually nice with plenty of options for entertaining one’s self. A local golf course that winds through the lakes is a local favorite. There are plenty of places to hike and a popular water fall that is just off the road to Wolf Creek. 

But coming to this area you realize how unspoiled and just how beautiful nature can be.