Increasing Access to Colorado’s Iconic Slopes: Polis Administration Supports Reopening of Cuchara Mountain Park in Huerfano County

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the largest infrastructure project to receive funding through the Colorado State Outdoor Recreation grant (COSORG). Panadero Ski Corporation received $250,000 to support operational expenses related to Cuchara Mountain Park, a small ski area in Huerfano County which closed in 2000 and will reopen for the 2024-2025 ski season on Dec. 14.

"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," said Governor Polis

Non-profit Panadero Ski Corporation is dedicated to bringing skiing and year-round recreation to Cuchara Mountain Park. The community-based ski hill will provide access to seven runs perfect for kids, beginners, and families. Once operational, nearby businesses can extend their operating hours, maintain summer seasonal employees through the winter, and improve the local communities' access to services. For updates and to plan a trip, visit www.cucharamountainpark.org.

"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," said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT's Executive Director.

Today's COSORG grant was made possible by funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) State Tourism Grant. In total, COSORG awarded more than $3.7 million to 49 projects in 27 counties. Approximately 413 jobs have been directly supported, with indirect benefits impacting hundreds of jobs. The awarded grants have also supported efforts to make the outdoor recreation industry more inclusive and accessible, through outdoor experiences for BIPOC youth, cancer survivors, and Spanish speaking populations, among others.

"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," said OREC Director Conor Hall.

About the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) provides a central point of contact, advocacy, and resources at the state level for the diverse constituents, businesses, and communities that rely on the continued health of the outdoor recreation economy. OREC's mission is to champion industry, communities, and people to come to life through Colorado's great outdoors.

About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire-and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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