Wolf Creek Opens Early on Natural Snowfall
The mountain near Pagosa Springs begins operations this weekend following a storm that deposited 20 inches of powder, becoming the third Colorado resort active for the season.
By Grace Almasi ·
Wolf Creek Ski Area near Pagosa Springs will begin operations this Saturday, October 31, marking the third Colorado resort to open for the 2026-27 winter season. The mountain relies entirely on natural precipitation for its snow base, a distinction that sets it apart from the Front Range resorts that have opened in recent days.
A storm system that recently battered southern Colorado brought heavy rain to lower elevations, causing flooding that forced evacuations and washed out bridges and roads. The event caused an estimated $65 million in damage to state highways. At the higher elevation of Wolf Creek, however, the precipitation fell as snow. The storm deposited 20 inches of fresh snow on the mountain, providing a sufficient base for an early start to the season.
The resort announced the opening schedule on Thursday. Skiers and snowboarders will have access to the Treasure Stoke, Bonanza, and Nova chairlifts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day through November 3. These lifts serve approximately 30% of the mountain. The Upper Lodge will remain open during this period, serving burgers, fries, chili, soups, and a salad bar, while the Pathfinder Bar will offer a full drink menu.
Conditions on the mountain will vary due to the natural nature of the snowpack. An announcement from the resort noted that guests should expect a mix of groomed runs and off-piste terrain. Operators warned that skiers and riders must watch for rocks, unmarked obstacles, and possible open water on any trail.
Wolf Creek follows Arapahoe Basin and Keystone Resort in opening this week. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, while Keystone welcomed its first guests on Friday. Unlike those two locations, Wolf Creek does not use artificial snowmaking equipment to create its terrain.
The mountain sits at a base elevation of 10,300 feet with a summit at 11,904 feet. Management plans to close the resort on Wednesday and Thursday of each week for the foreseeable future. It will reopen on weekends until snowfall becomes reliable enough to support daily operations and open additional terrain.
