Atop Wolf Creek Pass between South Fork and Pagosa Springs is one of the state's highest (10,600 feet at its base) and oldest resorts (70 years old this season), and lift tickets are just $50. It's also the snowiest (465 inches a year). And it's 100% open, there's plenty of untracked powder right now, despite the latest storms in the state passing it by.
What's new this season:
The green Raven's Nest building at mid-mountain, with water-free bathrooms and a mini-kitchen serving soup and sandwiches.
Mark the date:
Local Appreciation Days, when everybody gets $31 lift tickets--whether you're a local or not. No ID required. Next up: January 13, 27, and 31; February 7 and 24.
Where to eat and sleep: In Pagosa Springs, do it up at the swank Springs Resort ($129 and up includes unlimited hot springs soaks) or go on the cheap at the Pinewood Inn with rooms from $49. There's good Baja-style Mexican, a happening atmosphere, and surfboards on the wall at Kip's.
Overheard:
"There's some amazing powder near the bottom of the Alberta Lift. I think I was the first person to hit some of that stuff down there all season. And some of it was fucking deep." - goateed snowboarder
"Midland is like Pagosa, Odessa is like South Fork." - Texan at the bar at Kip's Grill
