Governor Jared Polis of Colorado and the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that $250,000 of infrastructure funding will go to Panadero Ski Corporation through the Colorado State Outdoor Recreation grant, providing support for operational expenses at Cuchara Mountain Park.
“Outdoor recreation is a lot of fun and core to who we are as Coloradans. Increasing access to our high country recreation is great for Coloradans and helps to strengthen our local economies. Thanks to a state and local partnership during the 2024-2025 ski season, Coloradans will have new ski opportunities in Huerfano Country” – Governor Jared Polis
Cuchara Mountain Park is a smaller ski area in Huerfano County that closed in 2000. Work through Panadero Ski Corporation and the county will allow the area to reopen on December 14 with a Ski Bus for the 2024/25 ski season. Seven runs will be accessible for kids, beginners, and families as the season begins, bringing more people into the area while supporting local businesses.
“We are thrilled to support the reopening of Cuchara Mountain Park in Huerfano County. When community-based recreation areas thrive, local economies do too. Nearby businesses can expand operating hours, seasonal jobs become year round, and quality of life improves for residents. That’s an incredible win for our rural communities” – Eve Lieberman, OEDIT’s Executive Director
COSORG has awarded more than $3.7 million to 49 projects in 27 counties across Colorado, directly supporting 413 jobs while indirectly benefiting hundreds of other workers.
“In Colorado, we are lucky to live in a state that has no rival when it comes to our iconic natural landscapes. By offering beginner-friendly and affordable skiing and snowboarding, Cuchara will help ensure that more Coloradans can access outdoor recreation and become life-long skiers and riders.” – OREC Director Conor Hall
When Cuchara Mountain Park’s Lift 4 is open to the public, it will likely offer some of the lowest lift ticket prices in Colorado. Until the lift is actually open, skiers and snowboarders are welcome to earn their turns to access the area’s 230 acres with 1,500 ft of vertical, as long as they adhere to the Uphill Policy. You can learn more about Cuchara Mountain Park here.