Wolf Creek Attractions

By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Rockies.com

Wolf Creek has 465 attractions; each of them one of the inches of snow they get annually. With such an incredible amount of powder piling up on their slopes, it’s not hard to understand why this ski resort in southwest Colorado is well rated.

A snowboarder plows through fresh powder at the Wolf Creek Ski Area.

Much cheaper than its northern Rocky Mountain neighbors, Wolf Creek lodging can be found in Pagosa Springs or in South Fork. The ski resort is in between the two towns in the Rio Grande National Forest.

Along with getting a record-breaking amount of snow, Wolf Creek is also one of the oldest ski resorts in Colorado. Wolf Creek Ski Area celebrated its 70th year during its 2009/2010 ski season.

The resort’s base is at 10,350 feet and its highest summit is at 11,900. The terrain has chutes, ridges, glades, groomed runs and a bunny hill. 20% of the terrain is considered easy, while 35% is intermediate, 25% is advanced and the last 20% is for experts only.

Ski Wolf Creek to explore the 1,000 acres called the Water Fall Area. Tons of glades are open to intermediate and advanced skiers. Plunge down the chutes below Knife Ridge, or if you’re more timid, stick to the groomed runs in this area serviced by the Alpine Lift.

Take the Nova or Raven chair lifts if you’re new on the mountain or head to the Bonanza and Treasure Triple Chairlift to reach the tough terrain.

The ski school is open to children as well as adults, skiers or snowboarders. The tiniest, 4-year-old skiers will get to ride the magic carpet instead of the lifts as part of the Wolf Pup Program.

For a day off the slopes, try the 10 kilometers cross-country ski trails at Wolf Creek. There are two loops that take you through meadows and trees and past a reservoir. It is a free, beautiful, and serene way to see the Rocky Mountains in real time. Snowshoers are also welcome on the trail.

Wolf Creek hosts a variety of events throughout the season including fun races and telemark skiing clinics. They also have different appreciation days for groups like locals, seniors, and college students. Check out their ladies ski and snowboard programs!

For the environmentally conscientious, you can rest easy at Wolf Creek. The Wolf Creek ski area focuses on renewable energy, purchasing 100% of its power usage year-round from a green power energy supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission and SLVREC, despite the fact that the wind-generated energy is more expensive.

Other southern Colorado Rockies excursions in the area include snowmobiling, rafting on the Rio Grande River, trophy hunting and gold medal fishing, four-wheeling, horseback riding, catching a play at the Creede Repertory Theatre, shopping and dining in the surrounding small towns, or playing a round of golf at the Rio Grande Club, an 18-hole championship course.