After more than two decades of dormancy, Cuchara Mountain Park in Huerfano County is one step closer to welcoming skiers back to its slopes.
The ski area recently cleared a significant regulatory milestone by successfully completing a state-required lift acceptance test. The lift, which hasn’t operated in 25 years, serves approximately 50 acres of skiable terrain spread across about six runs.
A local nonprofit organization has been leading the effort to revive lift-powered skiing at Cuchara. With the acceptance test now complete, the group is setting its sights on reopening the lift to the public by New Year’s Day.
Only a few items remain before opening can become a reality. Crews must finish minor maintenance work and complete routine housekeeping tasks. The final, and most unpredictable requirement is Mother Nature, as the mountain will need a solid snowfall or two to provide adequate coverage.
If all goes according to plan, Cuchara Mountain could soon see its first lift-served turns in a quarter century, marking a major milestone for the community and a hopeful new chapter for the historic ski hill.
