by Tracy Chamberlin

The owners of Wolf Creek want to bring more powder to the people, and they have a plan for doing that. They just want to know what the people think first.

Wolf Creek CEO Davey Pitcher and his staff are holding a series of public meetings over the next week to get feedback on their vision for the ski area’s future. The meetings are not part of any formal process under the National Environmental Protection Act or through the Forest Service. Rather, they are community scoping meetings, “just to get a sense of whether we’re on the right track or not,” Pitcher said.

The first gathering is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Durango Public Library. Three meetings follow in Pagosa Springs, Wolf Creek and Creede.

According to Pitcher, Wolf Creek isn’t a resort, and it isn’t in the real estate business. Instead, the love of skiing is the concept that drives future ideas. “We want to preserve our personality and not try to mimic other ski areas,” Pitcher added.

Just the Facts What: Wolf Creek public meetings Times and locations: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tues., March 6, Durango Public Library;  6:30-7:30 p.m., Wed., March 7, Pagosa Lodge in Pagosa Springs; 2-3 p.m., Thurs., March 8, Wolf Creek Lodge For info.: www.wolfcreekski.com or 264-5639 for details

The Pitcher family has been running Wolf Creek since the 1970s, and the last time it saw a facelift was more than 10 years ago. The vision for the next phase of the ski area will take it through the next 10 to 20 years. This includes off-site parking, expanded terrain, new and upgraded lifts, and improved facilities.

The idea of off-site parking was first considered when the Alberta Lift and Tranquility parking lots were built. It’s not just about adding more parking spaces, but working with guests’ concerns.

A proposed bus system that would shuttle people from parking lots on either side of the pass addresses some drivers’ apprehension about navigating Wolf Creek Pass. With ticketing available at the lots, guests would be shuttled directly to the base area where they could hit the slopes as soon as they step off the bus. The buses would run during peak times; however, the ski area will look at the cost-effectiveness of running the buses on a daily basis.

Wolf Creek is also looking to expand its skiable terrain into two areas of the San Juan National Forest: the “Matchless” pod and the “Pass” pod. The areas are not designated as permitted skiable terrain, but that could change under the San Juan Public Land’s forest management plan, which is currently being revised.

The Matchless area, past the easternmost edge of the ski area, will offer “wild terrain,” according to Pitcher, while the Pass will offer intermediate to beginner terrain off the top of the pass.

“More and more people are getting equipment and wanting to get out and explore,” Pitcher said of the Matchless expansion.

In the Matchless area, guests would have the sense of skiing in the backcountry without some of the inherent dangers. Wolf Creek could provide avalanche mitigation and patrol. The plan is to clear minimal, if any, trees to enhance the experience while minimizing environmental impacts. “The idea is to figure out the terrain on your own, not to have trails,” Pitcher added.

Access would be provided via a low-capacity tram, which would require only four towers, reducing its effect on the environment.
The Pass area encompasses a north-facing slope at the top of Wolf Creek Pass, which would provide early-season skiing. It would expand the beginner and intermediate 4  terrain offerings and include a lodge at the base for guests, snowmobilers and ski patrol.
Although snowmobilers have been enjoying the area for years, patrollers have not always been able to quickly respond to incidents. The Pass expansion would offer easier access and quicker response times.

In addition to the Matchless and Pass lifts, Wolf Creek is seeking to add or reconfigure many of its existing lifts.

The Bonanza lift, already in operation, would be moved 800 feet up the ridge and replaced with a detachable chair for easier loading and unloading.

The Storm lift, a new addition, would be built to the east of the Knife Ridge, an area that is currently accessible only by hiking. It will operate during storm cycles, allowing skiers and riders to enjoy it and pack it down, reducing the avalanche hazard. After the storm subsides, the lift will close. Guests then have to hike to the area to search out any stashes. The idea is to reduce traffic and make the powder last longer.

Another new addition, the Sunset lift, would open up the far eastern side of the ski area near Spooner Hill, which is included under the ski area’s existing permit. Groomed skiing, a new facility and a terrain park are also planned here.

The Elma and Meadow lifts are also planned as a way to avoid the long, flat tracks back to the top and bottom of the Alberta lift. Guests would spend less time getting to the runs and the lifts, and more time skiing.

New facilities will be required to accommodate theses new lifts and expanded terrain, but new construction isn’t the only way. The Sports Center and the top of the Alberta lift are all on the list for an upgrade.

These ideas and more are the focus of the public meetings. Pitcher and his team plan to offer detailed maps and videos, and are up for any questions and comments to let them know if they’re on the right track.

Although it will be some time before Pitcher and his team can start any construction, for now, they just want get the conversation started.
“If it’s to move forward, we’d like a consensus,” Pitcher said. “We certainly have time on our hands.”

To take part in the online survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WolfCreekSkiSurvey.