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Pagosa
Springs Area Recreation:
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
 by
Rosanne Haidorfer-Pitcher
The premier Ski Resort in the Pagosa Springs area is the Wolf
Creek Ski Area which boasts "The Most Snow in Colorado"
with an average snowfall of over 400 inches of mostly powder snow.
The Ski Area entrance is just 1 mile east of Wolf Creek Pass Summit,
with a base area elevation of 10,350 ft. The snow quantity and
quality regularly attracts snowboarders and skiers from around
the world.
This resort has always been known for abundant snowfall,
which is why the site was selected by the San Luis Valley Ski
Club in the late thirties and early forties for a winter ski area.
Six hundred acres of stunning terrain spread along a high alpine
ridge is the general layout for Wolf Creek Ski Area.
There are a number of peaks, chutes and ridges above the timberline,
which transform into areas of glades of all densities. The uniqueness
of Wolf Creek lies in the 1,000 acres between Horseshoe Bowl and
Water Fall area called the Alberta Lift area. This wilderness
provides everything from challenging double black diamond runs
of the Knife Ridge chutes, to a variety of intermediate terrain
where the abundant powder snow calls all your skiing or snowboarding
skills into action.
Groomed runs are also a part of the scheme, complementing
the excitement and challenge of the Alberta Lift area. The traditional
trails are the main core of Wolf Creek with 4 lifts servicing
500 acres of terrain all leading into the base area facilities.
The ski area facilities include: the Wolf Pup Building for children
ages 5 through 8, Base Camp for picnickers, the First Aid Room,
Wolf Creek Lodge (main day lodge), and the Pathfinder Bar. The
Prospector Grill opens daily for breakfast and lunch, the Sports
Center comprised of Treasure Sports & the Wolf Creek Rental offers
a selection of necessities along with skiing, snowboarding and
telemark rentals. The Ticket Office is also located in the base
area for lift and lesson purchases and as a ski area information
center.
The ski school at Wolf Creek can accommodate adults and
children with both private and group lessons. Classes are offered
at all levels and are made available to both skiers and snowboarders.
Other amenities at Wolf Creek include: free parking and shuttle
service from the parking areas, and courtesy phones to Pagosa
Springs and 800 numbers.
 Summer
2002 improvements start with the installation of the Gaz-x,
state-of-the-art technology for monitoring the snow pack through
avalanche control. The Gaz-x system will be set up in the Horseshoe
Bowl where a few exploders are managed through radio signals.
This method although costly is a safer and more reliable means
to avalanche control.
Click here to visit Ski
Rentals Page
Back to Main Recreation Page
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