Article From National Geographic
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/travel/ski_vacations.html
Ski Vacation Almanac: How to Ski All Year Long
Text by Porter Fox Photograph by Aaron Black/Outdoor Collection/Aurora
"Ski season" may be one of the great misnomers in winter sports, followed closely by "winter sports." If you have a yen for locking into your bindings and owning the slopes whenever the mood strikes (and vacation days permit), there's no time like the present, no matter the time of year. So tear out these pages and tuck them in your boot bag. Because somewhere, right now, the slopes are calling, and our perennial ski guide is the only answer you need.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
9. Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado
An odd phenomenon takes place each November at Wolf Creek Ski Area: It snows like mad. Powder-starved skiers from New Mexico to Texas converge on the 1,600-vertical-foot (488-vertical-meter) ma-and-pa hill—85 miles (137 kilometers) east of Durango and 10,300 feet (3,139 meters) above sea level—to partake in the largest annual snowfall in Colorado. When CEO Davey Pitcher opened the hill on October 29, 2004, there was a 30-inch (76-centimeter) base at the summit, and he charged $38 a day for a lift ticket, versus the standard $43. Early birds should point their boards to the right side of the trail map for 500 acres (202 hectares) of open bowls, gullies, and glades served by six lifts.
The First Run of the Season: Alberta Face, off the Treasure Chair, is the steepest shot with consistently ample coverage.
The Digs: The western-style rooms at High Country Lodge ($75; www.highcountrylodge.com); they're close to the hill, and breakfast is included.
The Local Brew: Lizard Head Red Ale at the Bear Creek Saloon and Grill (+1 970 264 5611).
Start Here: www.wolfcreekski.com