Wolf Creek ski area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wolf Creek ski area |
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The ski area in summer, 2019
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 Wolf Creek ski area
Location in Colorado
Wolf Creek ski area
Location in the United States
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| Location | Mineral County, Colorado, USA |
| Nearest city | Pagosa Springs, Colorado |
| Coordinates | 37°28′20″N 106°47′36″W / 37.47222°N 106.79333°W |
| Top elevation | 11,904 feet (3,628 m) |
| Base elevation | 10,300 feet (3,100 m) |
| Skiable area | 1,600 acres (6.5 km2) |
| Runs | 77 20% Beginner 35% Intermediate 25% Advanced 20% Expert |
| Longest run | Navajo Trail - 2 mi (3.2 km) |
| Lift system | 8 total (2 High-Speed Quad, 1 Quad chair, 2 Triple chairs, 1 Double chair, 1 High Speed Poma Lift, 1 Magic Carpet) |
| Snowfall | 430 in/year (10.9 m/year) |
| Website | http://www.wolfcreekski.com |
Wolf Creek Ski Area (WCSA) is a popular place to ski and snowboard in southwest Colorado, USA. It's located on Wolf Creek Pass, between the towns of Pagosa Springs and South Fork. This ski area is famous for getting more snow than any other resort in Colorado. It receives about 430 inches (10.9 meters) of snow each year.
Contents
History of Wolf Creek Ski Area
The first ski lift at Wolf Creek Pass was built in 1938 by Kelly Boyce. It was a simple rope tow. The Civilian Conservation Corps, a group that helped people find jobs during the Great Depression, built a small warming shelter nearby.
In 1955, the ski area moved to its current spot. Wolf Creek got its first chairlift in 1974. By 1978, a group of owners, including members of the Dallas Cowboys football team, took full control of the ski area. By 1983, Wolf Creek had grown to include 5 lifts and 580 acres (230 ha) of skiable land.
Future Plans and Concerns
The future of Wolf Creek Ski Area is often discussed. A rich businessman named Red McCombs wants to build a large village next to the ski area. This "Village at Wolf Creek" would be a year-round resort for many people.
For many years, Mr. McCombs has tried to get permission to build a road to his property. This property is surrounded by national forest land. People in the community have sued the Forest Service several times. They believe the Forest Service did not fully study how the road would affect the environment. They also said the Forest Service held back information.
After the most recent lawsuit, the builders agreed not to start construction. They will wait until the court case is finished.
Why Some People Are Concerned
People who are against the village have several worries. They say the development could harm a very important path for wildlife. This path connects the Weminuche Wilderness and South San Juan Wilderness areas. They also worry it would change the quiet experience of the backcountry on Wolf Creek Pass.
Some people think the new village would compete with small businesses in nearby Pagosa Springs and South Fork. There are also concerns about rare wetlands called "fens" that could be damaged. Finally, they worry it would use too much water from the Rio Grande river system.
Why Some People Support the Village
On the other hand, people who support the "Village" believe it would help the local economy. They think it would bring more jobs and money to the region.
Wolf Creek Ski Area Statistics
Elevation Details
- Base: 10,300 ft (3,100 m) (This is the lowest point where you can ski.)
- Summit: 11,904 ft (3,628 m) (This is the highest point you can reach.)
- Vertical Rise: 1,604 ft (489 m) (This is the difference in height from the bottom to the top.)
Trail Information
- Skiable Area: 1,600 acres (6.5 km2) (This is how much land is available for skiing.)
- Trails: Wolf Creek has 77 marked trails.
- 20% are for beginners.
- 35% are for intermediate skiers.
- 45% are for advanced and expert skiers.
- Longest Run: The longest trail is called Navajo Trail, which is 2 miles (3.2 km) long.
- Average Annual Snowfall: Wolf Creek gets about 430 in (11 m) of snow each year.
Lift System
Wolf Creek Ski Area has 8 lifts in total to take skiers up the mountain:
- 2 High-Speed Quad chairlifts (These are fast lifts with four seats.)
- 1 Quad chairlift (A regular chairlift with four seats.)
- 2 Triple chairlifts (Lifts with three seats.)
- 1 Double chairlift (A lift with two seats.)
- 1 High Speed Poma Lift (A type of surface lift where you stand on your skis.)
- 1 Magic Carpet (A moving conveyor belt for beginners.)
