Backcountry Places to Explore
Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado
Wolf Creek Pass, located in south-west Colorado between South Fork and Pagosa Springs, has the best and deepest snowpack in the state (most years). It also has the best back country skiing in the state. So why should I broadcast this information? Believe me, I do it with great trepidation. By telling you about this area, I hope that you will discover and defend this unique, one-of-a-kind, backcountry ski area. I'm not going to "give away the farm." I'll just give you the basics and leave you discover the rest on your own.
Powerline Run (intermediate)
The Powerline run follows a powerline cut starting on an unnamed peak north-west of the Radio Tower (11,364') on the north side of the pass. Don't let the powerline turn you off to this amazing descent. After a gradual 500' climb, the powerline drops 1,800' back to highway 161 on the east side of Wolf Creek Pass. This is a great tour for beginning telemarkers because the slope angle is moderate and the powerline cut is, for the most part, sans trees.
The best way to do this tour is with a car shuttle, but you can hitchhike back up to the top of the pass. Park a shuttle car where the powerline crosses highway 161 (approximately 4 miles down the east side of the pass), and then drive up to the parking lot on the north side of the pass. From the parking lot, the route follows a drainage north-east up to a saddle. This trail is usually broken, but if not, follow the drainage, staying on the right side (Note: trail not marked). When the trail reaches the saddle, it crosses the road and heads east, south east (140 degrees) up to the unnamed peak. If the trail is not broken, follow the trail shown on the map. When you reach the top of the peak, you will see the powerline. It's all downhill from here. Follow the powerline down to the north-east. Warning: this run follows moderate terrain; if you find yourself in extremely steep terrain, you went the wrong way on the powerline. If this is your fist time, you might want to stick close to the powerline, but you will see that the fall line is sometimes better to the right or left of the powerline.
Lobo Overlook Slopes
The Lobo Overlook slopes are moderate, open slopes and a great place to practice your downhill turns. Plus, you can combine this tour with the Powerline tour for an all day outing. Follow the Powerline instructions up to the saddle and then follow the road for about a quarter mile until you come to a powerline going up and left (north-west). Follow the powerline up until the slopes open up and then take the easiest way to the top.