Colorado’s Snowiest Ski Area Is Reopening With Five Lifts and 54.5% of Its Terrain
Wolf Creek Ski Area will reopen for weekend operations on November 14-15 following historic flooding that damaged roads and infrastructure throughout Southwest Colorado. The reopening comes through coordination with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), which will temporarily reopen Wolf Creek Pass to allow skiers and snowboarders to access the mountain.
The resort will operate Saturday and Sunday before closing again on Monday morning as road crews continue repair work.
Wolf Creek Will Open 54.5% of Its Terrain
Five lifts will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, including Treasure Stoke, Bonanza, Tumbler, Lynx, and Nova. Together, those lifts will provide access to approximately 54.5% of Wolf Creek’s terrain. Additional lifts could reopen as staffing allows, while the Magic Carpet will be available for children enrolled in the Wolf Pup and Rider programs.
Lift tickets will be offered at local appreciation rates of $73 for adults, $55 for seniors, and $36 for children. The Ski and Snowboard School, rental facilities, and Treasure Sports will also be open.
Dining options will include the Upper Lodge, Pathfinder Bar, and Continental Espresso Bar atop the Treasure Stoke lift. The Base Camp Picnic Building will also be available.
According to Wolf Creek’s November 12 snow report, the mountain has a 21-inch midway snow depth and 39 inches of snowfall year-to-date. Early-season conditions are described as excellent but variable. Skiers should expect unmarked obstacles, rocks, and potentially open water on any trail.
Wolf Creek Pass Travel Will Require Extra Caution
Getting to the mountain will require additional planning. CDOT will reopen US Highway 160 over Wolf Creek Pass at 7 a.m. Saturday, November 14, but the highway will close again Monday, November 16, at 6 a.m. so contractors can resume extensive repair work ahead of a planned permanent reopening for Thanksgiving.
Travelers should anticipate construction bottlenecks, alternating traffic, reduced speed limits, and winter driving conditions. Two work zones along The Narrows, between South Fork and Wolf Creek Summit, will involve full stops and potential delays of up to 20 minutes at each location. Between Pagosa Springs and the ski area, motorists will also encounter approximately 10 miles of shifting traffic patterns and reduced lanes.
CDOT recommends allowing up to 40 additional minutes for travel. Incoming winter weather could also result in safety-related highway closures. For the latest road conditions, visit COTrip.org.
We’re very glad to see that Colorado’s snowiest ski areas is making a comeback this weekend. A lot of ski mountains are open this weekend, making it truly feel like winter has started.
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