Wolf Creek Ski Area, atop the Continental Divide between Pagosa Springs and South Fork, was the first Colorado ski area to open this season — with a COVID-reduced operation plan that doesn’t allow food service, ski rentals, or gift shop sales.
However, the weather has been cooperating.
A recent series of storms delivered 38 inches of new snow to the north-facing mountainside, bringing its season total to 77 inches. Wolf Creek was the only Colorado ski area to open in October this year, cranking up the lift wheels three days before Halloween.
Seven lifts are now running, providing access to about 98% of the mountain.
Keystone was the only other Colorado ski area open last weekend. Breckenridge will start operating three lifts this morning, reporting a base of 18 inches of machine-made snow, but will be open only for season pass holders between November 13 and December 7. Loveland opened on Wednesday — marking just the third time in the past 25 years that Loveland has failed to open in October. Reportedly, Arapahoe Basin just quietly opened for the season.
In the meantime, Wolf Creek is the envy of Colorado ski country. According to this morning’s snow report, the settled depth at the summit is 50 inches, 45 inches at midway.
From the Wolf Creek website:
Lift tickets are now at regular rates. Regular rates apply every day of the season except during Peak Rate Dates. Regular Lift ticket rates will be $80 for adults, $50 for seniors and $41 for children. Please visit the eStore at WolfCreekSki.com to pre-purchase and view Peak Rate Dates and Prices.
Pre-purchasing lift tickets is preferred and can be done by visiting the eStore; purchases must be made prior to 8:00pm. Lift tickets can also be purchased the morning of at the Ticket Office with a credit card only; cash will not be accepted. Skiers and boarders should bring their own water, snacks and lunch.
Colorado State Guidelines require wearing face masks and social distancing in all indoor and outdoor public places. This includes buildings, in the base area, and riding a lift. Masks are required outdoors while in the base area and while in ticket and lift lines. Tickets will not be sold to anyone without a mask or face covering. Any guests refusing to follow Colorado State Guidelines will be asked to leave…
Visitors coming to Wolf Creek should be aware of Colorado’s quarantine requirements in case of exposure. Any guests who test positive or been exposed to COVID-19 must extend their stay at their own expense to complete isolation or quarantine.
Guests should be aware of Wolf Creek Ski Area’s Pre-Season COVID-19 plan.
If you’d like to subscribe to Wolf Creek’s email updates, click here. Wolf Creek is taking applications for several departments including lifts, retail, food and beverage, ski school and ticket office. Check out the Employment Page to download an application.