Wolf Creek ski area near Pagosa Springs will be the first in Colorado to open this season thanks to a winter storm that dumped 14 inches of snow on mountains in the southwest part of the state.
The Nova and Lynx lifts, which offer skiers and snowboarders access to two beginner runs and a training area, are expected to run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, Wolf Creek spokesperson Rosanne Pitcher said Wednesday. The ski area will continue to be open on weekends until weather permits more of the mountain to be accessible.
“The 14 inches was great. When it first came down it was kind of light. It’s gotten a lot heavier overnight,” Pitcher said. “Right now, the groomers are grooming it up and the ski patrol is out looking. There’s a possibility we can open another lift and there will be more runs.”
The competition to be the first ski resort to fire up the chairlifts is fierce each fall. Closer to the Front Range, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone Resort and Loveland Ski Area began making snow this week and reported up to a foot of fresh powder in some locations following Tuesday’s storm.
All three hope to open in October, though none has announced an official season start date.
For those visiting Wolf Creek, the Upper Lodge will be serving a limited menu of eats, and the Pathfinder Bar will be open. Ski and snowboard rentals, along with private lessons, will also be available.