Wolf Creek Skiing Guide (2024 Season)

Hiking Trails

Mar 9

Wolf Creek Ski Area is actually known for getting the most snow in Colorado, but because Wolf Creek Ski is located 4+ hours from Colorado Springs and Denver, you’ll rarely find a crowd or line on these lifts.

The mountain at Wolf Creek has plenty of runs for experts and backcountry skiiers.

Additionally, Wolf Creek Ski is a great mountain for beginner’s with three bunny slopes five green (easy) ski routes that make it easy to progress to more challenging runs as you become more comfortable.

My first time learning to downhill ski was at Wolf Creek Ski, so I know from experience how incredible this mountain is to learn on.

In this post, you’ll find important information about Wolf Creek Ski and learn tips for those of you making your first trip to the mountain.

- Getting to Wolf Creek Ski Area
- Lift Tickets and Rentals
- Ski Lessons
- Wolf Creek Ski Map
- Weather at Wolf Creek Ski Area
- Tips - Skiing at Wolf Creek
- Essential Skiing Gear
- Wolf Creek Lodging
- Restaurants at Wolf Creek

Directions to Wolf Creek Ski Area

The 2 major airports closest to Wolf Creek Ski Area are:

Santa Fe Regional Airport: 3.5 hours from Wolf Creek Ski Area
Denver International Airport: 4.5 hours from Wolf Creek Ski Area

South Fork is the closest town to Wolf Creek Ski Area, but it is very small so we recommend the 30-minute drive to Pagosa Springs where there are a lot more restaurants, hotels, and things to do.

Wolf Creek Resort is 1 mile east of Wolf Creek Pass on CO-160. The climb up and down from the pass can be difficult during a snowstorm; so be sure to adhere to the state’s tire and chain laws.

Tickets - Wolf Creek Ski

Most popular resorts are charging $150+ for a one day pass. Compared to these resorts, Wolf Creek’s lift tickets are very inexpensive.

Regular Rates:

$89 - All Day
$73 - Half Day (12:30 - 4:00)
$58 - All Day Senior
$44 - All Day Child (under 13)

Expect to pay ~$10 more during Peak Dates:

Dec 18-23, 26-31; Jan 13-14; Feb 16-18; Mar 10-16

More information on their daily rates and special discounted dates.

Rentals - Wolf Creek Ski Area

Renting skis at Wolf Creek is super quick and easy.

The ski rentals are located in the Sport Center next to the ticket counter and the snowboard rentals are located in the Boarder Dome (uphill from the ski rentals).

Ski rentals include skis with bindings, boots, and poles. Snowboard rentals include the board, bindings, and boots.

The staff is great at getting you fitted if this is your first time and answering any questions.

There are 5 levels of ski rentals available at Wolf Creek:

$22 - Children 12 and under
$27 - Basic
$40 - Sport
$53 - Performance
$66 - Premium Demo

There are 4 levels of snowboard rentals at Wolf Creek:

$32 - Children 12 and under
$43 - Basic
$56 - Performance
$66 - Premium Demo

Ski Lessons at Wolf Creek Ski Area

Wolf Creek has a few options for ski lessons if you want some guidance before you hit the slopes.

Group lessons start at $104 for 2 hours (includes lift ticket for bunny slopes). Private lessons are also available, but those will cost $120+ per hour plus the cost of a lift ticket.

There are also special clinic days throughout the season.

Wolf Creek Ski Map

Beginner Tips - Skiing at Wolf Creek

The Nova Lift is located front and center behind the ski rentals. Start here for a few bunny hill options.
Once you get your feet under you at the bunny slopes (or if you don’t need to start on the bunnies), try the trails all the way on the right of the map.
The Raven lift has almost exclusively green runs. The easiest runs are the Kelly Boyce Trail and Bunny Hop. As long as you choose left at every split, you will end up on green runs great for beginners.
Work your way left on the map as you build confidence. The Bonanza Chair has great green and blue options and allows for longer runs.

Wolf Creek Ski Routes for Beginners —

Kelly Boyce Trail: easiest trail outside the bunny slopes, this is a great place to start if you’re new to skiing.

Bunny Hop > Easy Out: Fun and easy cruise through the woods. Take your first right off the Raven Lift, then hang to the right to find Easy Out.

Divide Trail > Turnpike > Powder Puff: Most challenging green run at Wolf Creek. You can get some good speed but have plenty of space for wide turns.

Turnpike > Legs: Longer, with a challenging steep section towards the end. Legs is nice for the last run before a break because it ends near the parking lot.

Weather - Wolf Creek Ski Area

January and February are the best time of year to ski at Wolf Creek because you’ll have the best fresh powder days and avoid the high crowd season from the holidays and Spring Break.

Every month from November to March, Woof Creek Ski gets over 50 inches of snowfall, needless to say, there are plenty of powder days throughout the season. Thankfully, Wolf Creek Ski is pretty far south and the sun still shines heavily here keeping most daily highs above 30°F throughout the winter season.

Wolf Creek Ski Area usually opens in late October and closes in early April. The opening and closing dates shift depending on that season’s snowfall.

Check the Wolf Creek Snow Report before you head up to the mountain as the ski area often has different (and much snowier) weather than down in town.

Essential Gear - Ski or Board

Baselayers: merino wool pants and a long sleeve is ideal if it isn’t too itchy for you or try a warm synthetic layer if it is. Avoid cotton since once you sweat it won’t dry, leaving you colder.
Midlayer (optional): depending on how cold it is you may want an insulated jacket or hoodie between your baselayer and outer layer.
Waterproof Jacket: we wear our ski jackets when it’s dumping snow or very cold and our hiking down jackets when there’s bluebird skies.
Ski Pants: whether it’s pants or bibs, just make sure they are waterproof.
Merino Wool Socks: do not double layer your socks, just get one great pair of winter socks and your feet will thank me later.
Waterproof Gloves: you can find a decent pair of gloves off Amazon but these O.R. mittens are incredible at keeping your fingers warm.
Ski Goggles: these goggles are great for the price
Beanie and/or Helmet
Neck Gaiter: this gaiter wicks moisture and is very comfortable

Sunscreen
Winter Boots: his and her Bogs are the most comfortable and warmest boots when walking to the ski rentals or around town.

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Wolf Creek Lodging

Unlike many Colorado resorts, Wolf Creek has no lodging on site. Most people choose to stay in Pagosa Springs 30 minutes west of the ski area.

There are also a few options in the small town of South Fork 25 minutes east of the ski area. We highly recommend staying in Pagosa Springs because it has great restaurants and numerous fun winter activities.

The Nightingale: Pagosa Springs has one of the cutest mountain downtowns in the country, and The Nightingale’s location is perfect for exploring the local shops and restaurants. It is an old motel that has been remodeled in a trendy, hip fashion.
Club Wyndham Pagosa: The Wyndham has standard lodge or condo-style options for you to choose from, many of which have lake views. These condos are located uptown near the grocery stores and closer to popular trails for Nordic skiing and OHVs.
The Springs Resort and Spa: There is nothing quite like soaking in a natural hot spring after a day on the mountain. The Springs offers 25 different hot springs with various temperatures and mineral contents.
Rooms are more expensive ($300+ per night), but each room includes 24-hour soaking access for up to 4 people. We’ve listed our favorite hot springs around town from free to paid.

Restaurants at Wolf Creek Ski Area

Wolf Creek Lodge is the main cafeteria-style restaurant at Wolf Creek. The lodge is up the stairs from the ski rental building at the bottom of the lifts.
Prospector Grill is the go-to spot for a tasty hot breakfast like biscuits and gravy or a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. It is located next to the ticket office.
Raven's Nest at the top of the Raven Lift has 2 dining options: Raven’s Grill offers sandwiches and drinks, while Raven’s Roost (upstairs) has pizza and a full bar.
The Continental Espresso Bar is a unique experience at the top of the Treasure Stoke lift. Sip a gourmet coffee and munch on pastries while soaking in the impressive views of this Continental Divide summit.