To some extent, abandoned ski areas are pretty cool. They’re filled with history, fun to explore (if you’re allowed to, don’t be trespassing please!), and just generally fascinating places. But leaving abandoned ski areas abandoned is a lot less cool than managing to reopen abandoned ski areas two decades after their abandonment.
Cuchara Mountain Park, located on the eastern slope of Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado, is one of those super cool situations where an abandoned mountain is looking very close to reopening.
According to The Denver Post, Cuchara went silent in 2000, but supporters of the mountain have been working to raise money to get the lifts moving once again. Initially, the group hoped to have lift-served skiing open by 2022, but fundraising last season just fell short of their goal. This year, however, they’re confident that they’re closer than ever.
Currently, Cuchara Mountain Park does offer free uphill access, but, upon the reopening of the lifts, the area will supposedly offer daily passes for under $50. If you’re interested in contributing to the organization’s effort, you can do so here.
Image Credit: Panadero Ski Corporation via Instagram