Adventure Passport Resort Challenge #20: Independence Day at Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Summit Elevation 11,904 feet
Vertical Drop 1,604 feet
Average Annual Snowfall 465 inches

Date Skied/Logged: March 6, 2006
New Snow: 0
Weather: Warm and sunny
Snow Conditions: PP

The 20th leg of the Adventure Passport: Ski Resort Challenge took us to Wolf Creek, where it’s been 20 years since Angela last skied! On this day, we were on our own—a perfect opportunity to use the Passport as a last-minute, pocket tour guide. You want the quick summary? Wolf Creek is why I snowboard.

Wasting no time we headed directly to the areas we had been reading about. The Alberta lift was built in an area previously accessible only by snowcat, where no trails are cut. Thankfully, owner Davey Pitcher chose to leave the area as is—a natural, glade skiing paradise. We exited the base area on a cat track that sneaks out behind the lodge and follows the resort’s lower rim until depositing you at an outpost in the tundra. A gorgeously pristine plateau, Alberta Park is perfectly suited for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and yes…embarking to the Alberta lift.

Maybe we were overcome with summit fever. Maybe it was the allure of the 1000 acres of beauty and adventure passing beneath my chair. Maybe it was the fact that there was not another skier in sight, but we were practically hyperventilating with anticipation. (Then again, maybe that was the lack of oxygen at nearly 12,000 feet).

Disembarking the Alberta, we felt our hunger for vertical footage unsatisfied. We continued on foot, navigating a steep hike on Knife Ridge that begins at the top of the lift. This exposed ridge creates the upper rim of the entire Alberta area. Numerous lines and varied terrain are accessible from any point along the hike. Go as far as your lungs and desire take you, then drop into paradise whenever you choose.

This is the best riding we have ever experienced—anywhere. We had sweet rolling turns on Serendipity, then hit Simpatico and explored Area 54 in search of alien life. Posy, Bankshot, or Gyro are not your typical glades. These are honest-to-goodness, touch-the-sky pine trees. They are well-spaced and hold onto the white stuff for long periods. We felt good, the snow felt good, and we probably had the best day that we’ve had all season. Plus, Wolf Creek has some of the state’s best terrain.

This is why I snowboard!

Utterly exhausted, we forced ourselves back to civilization at the base area. Though hard to tear ourselves away from our own personal glory, we were meeting Pitcher for lunch! It’s not every day that you get to hear the personal history of a 3rd generation Coloradan and ski resort owner. Pitcher has the true Colorado spirit, heart, and work ethic: an independent pioneer standing steadfast in the face of 21st century ski conglomerates. Pitcher’s grandfather, Otto Mears, was instrumental in building roads in southwestern Colorado. His great uncle carried US Mail on wooden skies. And Pitcher’s father took over a fledgling ski area and created what we know as Wolf Creek: land of the huge dumps.

The energy here reflects history, family, and rugged mountaineering. Therefore, after our lunch we felt obliged to ride Pitch’s Gate, paying homage to one of Colorado’s great ski pioneers.

By the Book

• Green—Kelly Boyce Trail: this wide trail also provides access to backcountry skiing. Pitcher says a bus will shuttle you back to the base camp. Ask for details before attempting!
• Blue—Navajo Trail: we hit this a few times making our way back to the base. Great views and access to the famous Waterfall area!

• Blue—Serendipity: this is just a blast and a great place to get your tree runs in before moving onto the black and double diamond runs.
• Black—Waterfall area: there are several choice runs here from Waterfall Gully to Sunshine. Lots of short advanced runs that funnel you back to Alberta lift.
• Black—Horseshoe Bowl: beautiful terrain; be prepared to do some hiking. Your reward is fresh tracks amidst a saucer-like bowl. Casa Del Sol, the solar powered warming hut sits atop the bowl for those needing a breather.

Local Favorites

• Hiking: what Wolf Creek lacks in lift served vertical, your feet can make up for with your feet.

• Snow: yep, just snow. The first year Kingsbury Pitcher owned this ski resort, they received 800 inches of white stuff, prompting the Wolf Creek slogan “the most snow in Colorado.”

Our Favorites

• Anything off of Alberta Lift: blues to double diamonds?. It’s all good
• Knife Ridge Hike: conquer your fear of heights, because the views are stunning and from the ridge you can access the most vertical on the mountain.

For more information about the Passport to Ski Areas of Colorado, or to purchase your own copy please visit www.adventurepassports.com