Why Wolf Creek Ski Area?

Deep powder, no lift lines, and homemade green chile

If you are looking for a uniquely Colorado ski experience, look no further than Wolf Creek Ski Area in the San Juan Mountains.

This family-owned ski resort has a little something for everyone, including skiers like my husband who love tree skiing. Powder here tends to be light and dry, and with an average of 465 inches per season, there’s a lot of it. Locals tend to be powder-hounds who love getting out when the mountain’s runs are covered in exquisite, freshly fallen snow.

Hugely popular with locals, visitors to Wolf Creek Ski Area are treated to a ski resort that’s a bit of a throwback to a time when lift lines in Colorado were nearly non-existent. On and off the mountain, the vibe here is 100 percent laid back.

Wolf Creek Lodge offers dining that’s affordable and delicious. My favorite meal is the Santa Fe-style green chile, but there’s a lot of scrumptious comfort food to choose from at the lodge. Grab a beer at Pathfinder Bar and enjoy your meal on the sun-drenched deck.

Interestingly, Pathfinder Bar serves up more Colorado craft beer than other resorts around the state. While some are serving Canadian beer on the mountain, Wolf Creek serves up beer from Ska Brewing, San Luis Valley Brewing Co., Three Barrel Brewing and more. This fits nicely with the intense Colorado-feel of the place.

The base of Wolf Creek Ski Area is at 10,300 feet above sea level, so despite all the snow that falls here you need to come prepared for skin-burning sunshine as well. We enjoyed a bluebird day on our visit last winter and I got a few more freckles on my face to prove it.

A full day of skiing at Wolf Creek in the 2017-2018 season will only set you back $70, which is a bargain when compared to resorts closer to Colorado’s Front Range that are charging more than twice that. A half day is $55 and a beginner lift ticket is just $28. For more information go to WolfCreekSki.com.

A major bonus of taking a ski vacation here is that Wolf Creek Ski area is just 30-minutes from what I consider to be one of the best hot springs towns in Colorado. Pagosa Springs offers three different venues in which tired skiers can soak, but we favor The Springs. This hot springs destination offers 23 soaking pools in a resort-like setting.

Kip’s Cantina is a tradition among locals and visitors like myself. It’s a must-stop whenever we’re in town whether it’s for apres ski or summer music on their patio. I’m a fish taco gal, but my husband has tried nearly everything on the menu over the years and it’s all good.

Fireside Inn Cabins is an ideal home away from home when visiting Pagosa Springs and Wolf Creek Ski Area is just a 20-minute drive away. Open year-round, these cabins, which range from studio size to two-bedrooms and are far from rustic featuring flat-screen televisions small kitchenettes. It’s also a dog-friendly and horse-friendly property with a fantastic hot tub.