Cuchara, Colorado — Following the conclusion of some drama this offseason, Cuchara Mountain is on track to have lift-serviced skiing for the 2025-26 season.
Opened back in 1981, Panadero (also known as Cuchara Mountain) had a short operational lifespan as a ski resort. A series of owners struggled to make it financially viable due to inconsistent snowfall, resulting in its shutdown in 2000.
After years of being abandoned, members of the local community purchased the property in 2017. Since then, community members have been working on adding various activities at Cuchara. Since 2022, the Panadero Ski Corporation (PSC) has officially been assigned to get Lift 4 operational, which serviced the beginner area.
For the past couple of years, the Panadero Ski Corporation has been able to have lift-serviced skiing, just not in the traditional way. They attached a sled to a snow groomer, allowing them to ski from the top of Lift 4. They’ve had a few successful seasons of the “Ski Bus” but are now focusing on getting the lift operational once again.
Cuchara has gotten a major boost recently thanks to a few grants. The first was a $250,000 grant from the state of Colorado. However, this can only be applied to operational costs. The one that can go towards fixing the lift is from a Department of Local Affairs grant that will go towards the lift repairs.
Nonetheless, there was some drama this spring regarding what could be developed on the land. In December 2024, Huerfano County met with Buckhorn Ridge Outfitters to discuss potential development plans at Cuchara Mountain. This idea included the addition of 20 tiny homes, a private event space, and a small restaurant/bar. However, this proposal faced strong opposition from locals, due to the ideas (particularly the tiny homes) not being present in Cuchara Mountain’s master plan. While they pledged to work with Pandadero to keep skiing operational, the ski corporation wasn’t a fan of the idea.
After a public survey process with the community, a few things became clear: they didn’t want overnight lodging on the property, and they overwhelmingly supported Panadero operating the ski area. Last week, Huerfano County signed a forty-year lease with Panadero Ski Corporation, securing the future of skiing at this underrated gem.
Next up on the docket is the Lift 4 repairs, with Panadero currently working on scheduling the repairs. A lift contractor from the Northwest is scheduled to help them out, pledging the fixes will be done in time for the 2025-26 season.
“We feel really good about where we sit,” said Ken Clayton, part of the Board of Directors of PSC, to Denver7. “Of course, then it’s a matter of getting the state down to run us through the acceptance test and the certification, but we’re on their schedule as well.”
In addition, Cuchara plans to have rentals on site for next season. Around 100 pairs of skis will be available for guests, subject to them passing the certifications.
Outside of the lift repairs, Cuchara Mountain is set to have a busy summer. Their disc golf course is already open for the summer. They will also host events, like a fundraiser concert and a disc golf tournament.
Image/Video Credits: Panadero Ski Corporation/Cuchara Mountain Park, Buckhorn Ridge Outfitters, Denver7
