Wolf Creek

Colorado ski areas are admittedly so crowded these days, it's hard to enjoy the things that made Colorado so popular in the first place. At Wolf Creek, all of what makes skiing in this state so special is perfectly preserved. With 45 percent of the 1,600 skiable acres best suited for advanced and expert skiers, 430 inches of annual snowfall and virtually non-existent lift lines, Wolf Creek is where diehard skiers go to ski.

While Wolf Creek offers beginner terrain, it's predominantly around the base of the ski area and doesn't offer total beginners the sprawling mountain views like other resorts throughout the state. A ski area built for diehard skiers, Wolf Creek spans 1,600 acres and rises 1,604 vertical feet from the base and the bowl shape of the mountain is advantageous when a storm rolls in, acting as Mother Nature's mitt to catch feet of flakes. On average, Wolf Creek sees 430 inches of snow a year, which makes it one of the best places to chase powder days. Right on Wolf Creek Pass, this ski area tends to fall under the radar, which means the soft snow lasts days after a storm, so long as you're willing to work for it.

Intermediate skiers will be able to find terrain off of every lift that doesn't require exiting the comfort zone but Wolf Creek's expert terrain is really what most skiers come here for. The steepest lift-served terrain is all along the ridgeline but for the most exciting, continuous terrain, you'll need to throw your skis on your shoulder and hike to Montezuma Bowl. If you're looking for a good dose of adrenaline, Knife Ridge is aptly named. This is where you'll find the deepest stashes on the mountain, but not without a bit of physical sacrifice on your end to get there.

Because of Wolf Creek's massive snowfall numbers every year, there's almost never a bad time to go skiing on Wolf Creek Pass. If you're looking for a thriving resort town and luxury amenities, Wolf Creek is not the spot. This is one of Colorado's last great ski areas that doesn't accept an Epic or Ikon Pass, nor does it offer lodging around the mountain. Skiers come to Wolf Creek for one thing and one thing only, and that's to ski.

Wolf Creek is not necessarily easy to get to. 250 miles from Denver, the best way to get to Wolf Creek is by driving a car. Once you're down here, Pagosa Springs is just 23 miles down the road and 18 miles from South Fork. Wolf Creek doesn't offer any on-mountain lodging, so South Fork or Pagosa Springs are your best bet. While South Fork is closer and more of a straight shot, Pagosa Springs offers more dining and night life options to bring aprés back from the mountain.