Huerfano County, Colorado — It’s been a solid start to the season for the Cuchara Mountain Park. The lost ski area has once again become a community recreation hub thanks to the work of various community members.
Early November snowfall helped them create a solid snowpack for the season ahead. It led many to enter the backcountry to ski the powder, including YouTuber Colorado Camera.
Then came Cuchara’s great week in December. It started with Colorado Governor Jared Polis announcing a $250k grant to Cuchara Mountain Park and the Panadero Ski Corporation (who operates the park) that will go towards operational expenses on the mountain. Part of this money will go towards getting Lift 4 operational once again, which has become one of the fundamental goals of the Panadero Ski Corporation. Later that week, their ski season officially began.
On Saturday, December 14th, they opened up the Ski Bus. First operated during the 2022-23 season, Cuchara has a snow groomer that carries a sled up the slope. Skiers and riders then get to explore the terrain around Chair 4. When they reach the bottom, they wait for the Ski Bus to pick them up again.
Compared to other Colorado ski areas, riding the Ski Bus is very affordable. A day ticket to ride the groomer only costs $40. For people that frequent the mountain, a season pass is only $200. While it’s not chairlift serviced skiing, this style of uphill transportation allows for quality snow conditions and a lack of crowds, which is definitely something you can’t say about I-70 skiing.
Image/Video Credits: Panadero Ski Corporation/Cuchara Mountain Park, Colorado Camera