The Best Hotels and Lodgings to Book in Wolf Creek, Colorado   

When you stay at the Wolf Creek Ranch Ski Lodge, you’ll be so close to the slopes that – if the trajectory was right – you could probably hit a jump right into your suite. Most cabins and motel rooms have full kitchens so you can fill up on a full breakfast and make a fast break to the fresh powder. Skiing not on your agenda? Hang out at the ranch and explore the trail on horseback, with snowshoes, or zooming through on an all-terrain vehicle.

The Nightingale Motel is a funky little lodge in Pagosa Springs, half an hour from Wolf Creek. Built in the late-1800s as a house and medical clinic before being transformed into a motel in the 1940s, The Nightingale continues the century-long streak of hospitality. Sip on a few cocktails at its romantic bar, the Neon Mallard, before taking the fun next door at Mountain Pizza, where Neapolitan-style slices and a self-serve beer tap wall will keep things flowing.

There are some seriously retro – but sadly underused – motels in this part of the world, and this used to be one. But, thanks to a fresh renovation by owner Jess, it’s now a super-modern, stylish stay that cleverly retains that motel aesthetic. Artisan in-room amenities, such as bath products from ethical, eco-friendly brand Seed Phytonutrients, high-quality Tuft & Needle mattresses and organic cotton linens and towels add a touch of luxury, while patio fire pits encourage laid-back chats under the stars..

You don’t need to stay in the wilderness to get away from it all, just book a room at Sandhill Inn and Suites. A cozy king or queen suite will put you right to sleep, especially after a dip in the indoor hot tub. In the morning, tuck into a complimentary hot breakfast before heading out into Monte Vista in search of a second cup of hot coffee – we suggest Rain Brews. In fact, it’s probably the best place in town for an evening of fun, too, with 24 craft beer taps!

Rustic cabins, RV spaces, and tent sites – it doesn’t matter where you sleep as long as you follow the mountain call to Bruce Spruce Ranch. If you’re bringing a blizzard of friends on your ski trip, the five-bedroom Fari House is secluded, sleeps 15, and has a stocked trout pond only a football field away. Visiting with the family in the summer? A simple tent site will suffice if all you need is running water, a firepit, hot showers, and a game of horseshoes.

Fireside Cabins are actually on the riverside, offering private fishing access to any angler who wants to wind in a little peace and quiet. Float your way through Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Spring on a rentable inner tube or stay dry with a stroll along the San Juan River Walk downtown. And, of course, you’re always welcome to hang out with other guests at the communal firepit outside.

Escape the crowds of Wolf Creek and take it slow at Elkwood Manor Bed & Breakfast. Only 25mi (40.2km) from the resort, the five suites at Elkwood all feature king beds and fireplaces. You can spend hours on the old-fashioned wrap-around porch of this log cabin, your 180-degree view of the San Juan mountains only interrupted by the two cats who may join you for a spell. Did we mention breakfast and evening happy hour are also included?

Stop off in this South Fork dwelling and allow yourself to get snowed in. Keep the one-bedroom house all to yourself or get the whole gang together in the four-bedroom villa. The coffee maker and large dining room table in each house will help your crew play through a full game of Monopoly. There are also balconies in each villa in case someone wants to wait out their jail time staring at the mountains.