*Update*

Since publishing this story we've learned that while abandoned in 2000, the park was purchased in 2017 by the Cuchara Foundation and donated to Huerfano County to be used as a public park and copious amounts of progress have been made to the park since.

The park currently welcomes guests by providing "affordable, family friendly, outdoor recreation," according to Cale Dancho of Panadero Ski Corporation.

*Original Article*

It's widely known that Colorado is full of ski resorts. Whether they're world-class mountains like Vail and Aspen, or smaller resorts like Powderhorn just outside of Grand Junction, the ski industry is a huge part of the state.

However, you may not know that there's what you may consider a 'ghost town ski resort' in Colorado that has been closed and abandoned since the year 2000.

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Keep scrolling to learn about Colorado's abandoned Cuchara Mountain Park and what the future may hold for the forgotten ski resort.

What Happened to Colorado's Forgotten Ski Resort?

In southeastern Colorado lies a ski resort that hasn't been active for over 20 years. Just outside of the town of Cuchara, Colorado, the now-closed Cuchara Mountain Park sits abandoned and unkempt. But what happened?

Cuchara Mountain Park first opened in 1981 as not only the closest ski resort for many Coloradans that lived on that particular side of the state but was also one of the least expensive of its day.

Unfortunately, after over 20 years of fun, affordable skiing, Cuchara Mountain Park was forced to close down in 2000.

However, there is a glimmer of hope that Cuchara may once again serve the needs of skiers and boarders in southeastern Colorado.

Will Colorado's Forgotten Ski Resort Ever Reopen?

After over two decades of seeing virtually no visitors, a strong effort is in place to reopen Cuchara Mountain Park. In fact, according to the ski resort's website, this past year saw almost enough funds raised to bring the resort back to life, which will likely mean that one more season will be all it takes to be able to fund the rebirth of Cuchara.

While Cuchara is off-limits to the public, if you're curious as to what the resort looks like today, you can take a virtual tour below:

See Eerily Abandoned Colorado Ski Resort that May Reopen Soon

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

Take a virtual tour of Colorado’s forgotten ski resort, Cuchara Mountain Park, which despite being abandoned for over 20 years may be reopening soon.

Smoke Shacks are Secret Manmade Huts on Colorado Ski Mountains

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

If you’re not a ski bum or a ‘local’ in a ski town, you may not know about the secret, manmade huts on Colorado ski mountains known as ‘smoke shacks.’

Flashback: What it was Like Skiing in Aspen in 1965

Take a look back in time to what it was like to ski in Aspen back in 1965.

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