La Veta, Colorado — It’s shaping up to be a historic season at Cuchara Mountain Park. The Colorado ski area, which hasn’t seen lift-serviced skiing since 2000, is about to have one of its chairlifts operating.
Denver7 was the first to report that Cuchara has received an acceptance test from the State of Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board. This was the major barrier Cuchara needed to overcome to operate Chair 4 this ski season.
Closed since 2000, the non-profit Panadero Ski Corporation has stepped up in recent years to revitalize the ski area.
For the past few years, they’ve transported skiers to the top of Lift 4 via a sled towed by a snowcat. This service had 1,200 guests last winter. While this was a memorable experience, the ultimate goal has been to reopen Lift 4. Thanks to significant funding received from Colorado, work has been ongoing to make the chairlift operational.
It should be noted that this is only a small portion of its former skiable network. Lift 4 services nine inbounds trails (easy and intermediate terrain) and 50 skiable acres. The other terrain on the mountain is accessible by skinning up.
In terms of an opening date, it seems likely to be around New Year’s. Recently, it’s been too warm to make snow. Colder temperatures ahead will likely change that, and a snowstorm would also help out. We’ll keep you posted here at Unofficial Networks as to when it reopens.
Congrats to the crews at Cuchara Mountain Park and the Panadero Ski Corporation for all their hard work in bringing this place back to life.
Image Credits: Cuchara Mountain Park (Panadero Ski Corporation)
