As current proprietors of the family-owned Wolf Creek Ski Area east of town, Rosanne and Davey Pitcher are closely tied to Pagosa Country winters. Together, with their two children, Keith, 20, and Erika, 17, they have certainly logged many more hours on the slopes than the average skier.

Now in pursuit of his own dreams, Keith works and attends college at the Santa Barbara City College, with studies in marine biology. As a youngster growing up in Pagosa Springs, he carved many a turn at Wolf Creek, while often assisting with family operations there.

Erika is a senior at Pagosa Springs High School, with a particular aptitude toward art. She is a soccer player and competitive swimmer, the 100-meter butterfly is her preferred challenge. Like her brother she, too, helps out at the ski area, by selling lift tickets, tending to the on-site sport shop or assisting dad at the base area. Erika hopes to advance her education, perhaps at an art school in Washington or northern California.

Sometime after Todd and Jann Pitcher took over ski area operations in 1976, until moving to Pagosa in 1987, Rosanne and Davey worked part time there, while spending summers in Santa Fe. Shortly after their arrival here, they assumed Wolf Creek management and have shared it since.

Per their particular mountain management philosophy, the Pitchers utilize only green power purchased from a regional energy supplier who, in turn, buys it from two wind farms located near Medicine Bow, Wyo. Used mountain-wide and year-round, the higher-priced energy softens the annual environmental impact similarly to removing 241 autos from area roadways.

The Pitchers strive to keep the cost of skiing affordable to consumers. Again this season, lift ticket prices remain unchanged, while several local appreciation days, college days and special seniors programs further reduce prices. Meanwhile, a new, more user-friendly website better assists guests in planning and managing their time on the slopes.

When asked what Wolf Creek’s future might hold, Rosanne quickly explained that each season presents unique challenges, and their focus typically includes running the safest, best possible operation to achieve high attendance.

“We enjoy living in Pagosa,” she added, “and we hope each year is successful in order to continue running it (the mountain). And, we hope to move forward on future endeavors.”