A Beautifully Snowy And Under-The-Radar Colorado Resort Was Called America's 'Best Small Ski Area'

It's known that Colorado has some of the best skiing in the U.S. While the state might be best known for destinations like Aspen and the iconic resort town of Vail (which some locals love to hate), it also has some fantastic smaller ski spots. In fact, Wolf Creek Ski Area in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado was ranked "the best small ski area in North America" on the 2023-2024 Visitors' Choice Awards for popular ski and snow report website OnTheSnow.com.

This family-owned resort has 10 lifts (including some high-speed ones) that give you access to 1,600 acres of skiable terrain with a 1,604-foot vertical drop. The 133 runs at Wolf Creek range from beginner to expert, and there are more than 6 miles of cross-country ski trails. The mountain can get over 400 inches of snow every year, which is more than any other Colorado resort. Wolf Creek offers kids and adult beginner lessons for both skiing and snowboarding, as well as specialty clinics for refining your skills.

The prices at this resort are a bargain when you compare them to the high costs at places like Vail. When you work up an appetite, there are a few different dining options on the mountain. You can sit down and enjoy some yummy classics like burgers, brats, pizza, breakfast burritos, and chili, or grab a quick energy bar and get back to the slopes.

The elevation of Wolf Creek Ski Area is 10,300 feet at its base and goes up to 11,904 feet. Take a day or two to acclimate to the altitude, especially if you're coming from sea level, and make sure to wear sunscreen.

The ski area doesn't have any overnight lodging, but there are a couple of small mountain towns nearby. One option is to stay in Pagosa Springs, which is an amazing hot springs destination with great stargazing. It's about a 30-minute drive up Wolf Creek Pass to the resort. If the weather is clear, drive carefully and make sure you have good tires. There's also a shuttle that runs between Pagosa Springs and the resort, just make sure to reserve it online.

You could also choose to stay at South Fork, which is about a 25-minute drive to the mountain. Both towns have a range of accommodation options, from chain motels to private cabins. Wherever you choose to stay, you're pretty much guaranteed to have an epic time at Wolf Creek Ski Area. With its range of terrain, epic snow levels, decent prices, and tasty food, it's easy to see why it's so beloved.