The Polis administration, together with the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), has officially thrown its support behind the resurgence of Cuchara Mountain Park in Huerfano County, an initiative that marks a significant enhancement to ski accessibility in the region as announced in a recent statement.
With reported funding to the tune of $250,000 granted through the Colorado State Outdoor Recreation grant (COSORG), and drawn from the U.S Economic Development Administration (EDA) State Tourism Grant, this large-scale infrastructure project is set to reopen the ski area after a prolonged dormancy since 2000 the Cuchara Mountain Park will herald its new beginning on December 14, ready for the 2024-2025 ski season, the intention is to intensify local economic prosperity offering seven ski runs suited for children, beginners, and families as the non-profit Panadero Ski Corporation takes the helm in managing operations.
"Outdoor recreation is a lot of fun and core to who we are as Coloradans. Thanks to a state and local partnership during the 2024-2025 ski season, Coloradans will have new ski opportunities in Huerfano Country," said Governor Polis, as per OEDIT. The OREC Director, Conor Hall, also lauded this development, stating, "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."
The COSORG grant has been instrumental not just to Cuchara Mountain Park, the scheme has awarded more than $3.7 million to 49 projects across 27 counties, underpinning approximately 413 jobs directly, with more in indirect benefits impacts felt widely, enhanced efforts are geared towards making outdoor recreation more inclusive, catering to diverse groups including BIPOC youth, cancer survivors, and Spanish speaking communities.
