WOLF CREEK PASS — Winter returned to the Wolf Creek Ski Area on March 31 with a gusty storm dropping 10 inches of fresh cold powder. The late March storm boosted the all-natural midway snow depth to 158 inches and year-to-date snowfall to 480 inches. According to the National Weather Service, there is a 50% chance for more snow on Wednesday.
Statewide, the snowpack is at 140% of the average versus 97% at this time last year.
"Conditions in the American West are way better than they were last year at this time," said state climatologist Russ Schumacher at a recent joint meeting of the Water Availability Task Force and the Governors Flood Task Force.
Although Spring is officially here, conditions at Wolf Creek were the best that winter offers with stellar powder turns. Wolf Creek Ski Area will celebrate the last week of the season with special local appreciation rates. The finale begins with the Easter Bunny's visit and the annual Easter egg hunt. All lifts operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with 100% of the mountain open through Sunday, April 9, the official last day of Wolf Creek's 2022-2023 season.
Lift tickets will be at Local Appreciation Rates through Sunday, April 9 - $62 for adults, $43 for seniors, and $32 for children. Everyone is considered a local; no ID is required.
The Easter Bunny and Egg Hunt will occur Easter Sunday at 12:30, April 9, at Wolf Pup Hollow. An Easter Bunny Fun Race on Saturday, April 8, will be the last race of the 2022-2023 ski season. The Fun Race is free with the purchase of a lift ticket and is open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and ability levels.
Lunch specials, homemade breakfast, and tasty local brews are available through Easter Sunday in the Wolf Creek Lodge, Prospector Grill, and Pathfinder Bar. Ski School, Ski Rental, Boarder Dome, and Treasure Sports will remain open thru Sunday, April 9. Noel Sports is also having an end-of-the-season Spring Blowout Sale.
As the ski season winds down, the sport's economic impact in Colorado should be noted. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the ski industry contributes $1.2 billion to the Colorado economy annually. The industry trade group, Colorado Ski Country USA, estimates 46,000 year-round equivalent jobs are created by the sport.
