75 miles E. of Durango, 65 miles W. of Alamosa

Wolf Creek is famous throughout Colorado as the area that consistently has the most natural snow in the state -- an annual average of 465 inches (almost 39 ft.)!

One of the state's oldest ski areas, Wolf Creek has terrain for skiers of all ability levels, but especially intermediates. Expert skiers often leave the lift-served slopes to dive down the powder of the Water Fall area. The Alberta Peak area offers extremely steep skiing and one of the most spectacular views of the peaks and pristine wilderness. Slopes are rated 20% beginner, 35% intermediate, 25% advanced, and 20% expert. Snowboarders are welcome in all areas of the resort.

In all, the area has 1,600 acres of terrain with 50 miles of trails, and a vertical drop of 1,604 feet from the 11,904-foot summit. The mountain has 50 trails served by seven lifts -- one quad, one detachable quad, two triple chairs, one double, a high-speed Poma, and a Magic Carpet. Wolf Creek Lodge is a day lodge with restaurant and bar service. The Sports Center offers ski sales, rentals, and lessons.

Contact Wolf Creek Ski Area, P.O. Box 2800, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (tel. 970/264-5639 or 800/754-9653 for the ski report; www.wolfcreekski.com). Lift tickets cost $52 for adults, $28 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over. The resort is usually open from early November through mid-April daily from 8:30am to 4pm.

Where to Stay -- Among nearby communities with lodging, dining, and other services are Pagosa Springs, 25 miles southwest of the ski area via U.S. 160, and South Fork, 20 miles northeast of Wolf Creek. For information, consult the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 787, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (tel. 800/252-2204 or 970/264-2360; www.pagosaspringschamber.com), or the South Fork Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce (tel. 719/873-5512; www.southforkcolorado.org).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.