Wolf Creek Ski Area - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are trails for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts, and there are also plenty of non-skiing activities to enjoy, such as sledding, snowboarding, and tubing. The resort also has a number of restaurants and bars, as well as a spa and a fitness center. For those who want to explore the backcountry, there are a number of marked trails that lead into the wilderness. And for those looking for a truly unique experience, Wolf Creek also offers dog sledding and snowmobiling. In addition to winter activities, Wolf Creek Ski Area is also home to an 18-hole golf course, making it the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors all year round. 

In the early 1960s, a group of visionary entrepreneurs saw the potential for developing a world-class ski area in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. They purchased a piece of land near the small town of Pagosa Springs and started construction on what would become Wolf Creek Ski Area. The first lift was installed in 1963, and the ski area officially opened for business the following year.

Wolf Creek quickly established itself as a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding, attracting visitors from all over the world. The resort expanded steadily throughout the 1960s and 1970s, adding new lifts and trails. In recent years, Wolf Creek has undergone a major transformation, with the addition of a new base village and state-of-the-art snowmaking facilities. Today, Wolf Creek is one of Colorado's most popular ski areas, offering an unbeatable combination of natural beauty and world-class skiing and snowboarding.

Wolf Creek Ski Area is a great place to visit any time of year, but the best time to go is during the winter months. This is when the snow is at its deepest and the conditions are ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking, and there are plenty of trails to explore. 

1. Purchase a lift ticket in advance. Lift tickets can be purchased online or at the resort itself. However, buying in advance will save you money and time.
2. Dress in layers. The temperature at the top of the mountain can be much colder than at the base. Dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as needed.
3. Bring your own equipment. Renting equipment at the resort can be expensive. If you have your own gear, bringing it with you will save you money and ensure that you have equipment that fits properly.
4. Take a lesson. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier or rider, taking a lesson from one of the resort's certified instructors will help you improve your skills and enjoy your time on the mountain more.
5. Check the conditions before you go up. The conditions on the mountain can change quickly, so be sure to check the latest reports before heading up for a day of skiing or riding.
6. Be cautious of avalanches and other dangers on the slopes. There are signs posted throughout the resort that indicate which areas are safe to ski or ride in and which areas should be avoided due to avalanche danger.

1. It is best known for receiving more average annual snowfall than any other resort in Colorado, at about 430 inches per year. 
2. The ski area is situated on over 1,600 acres and has 65 trails with a variety of difficulty levels. 
3. In addition to its great skiing and Snowboarding conditions, Wolf Creek Ski Area is also home to some of the most magnificent scenery in Colorado. 
4. In addition to its great snow record, Wolf Creek also has one of the longest ski seasons in Colorado. The lifts typically start spinning in early November and don't shut down until late April.

With so much to see and do, it's difficult to know how much time you should allocate for exploring Wolf Creek Ski Area. As a general rule, we recommend allowing at least two full days in order to make the most of your visit. This will give you plenty of time to hit the slopes, check out the après-ski scene, and maybe even fit in some sightseeing.

The closest town to Wolf Creek Ski Area is Pagosa Springs, Colorado. From Pagosa Springs, take US-160 east for about 23 miles before turning onto CO-149 north. Continue on CO-149 for about 28 miles until you reach the Wolf Creek Pass. The ski area is located just south of the pass. You can also reach Wolf Creek Ski Area from the north by taking US-285 south from Alamosa, Colorado. After about 60 miles, turn onto CO-17 south and continue for about 3 miles before reaching the Wolf Creek Pass. The ski area is located just south of the pass.

The entrance fee for the ski area is $20 per person. This fee includes access to the ski area for the day, as well as a lift ticket. 

The ski area is open from 8:30 AM to 4:00PM.