Welcome to the Parker-Fitzgerald Cuchara Mountain Park
We will not be able to open lift-served skiing this winter.
After giving it our all this summer and fall to get Lift 4 certified for this winter, we fell just short of our ambitious goal. We have plans to still have activities on at CMP this winter. Stay tuned for details. We will share any updates on that here or you can sign up for our newsletter.
Free backcountry access is open! Come earn your turns as you explore our terrain and public lands on snowshoes or skins and ski or ride down. The recommended route uphill is highlighted in yellow on the map.
Check out condition updates and our webcam here
*All visitors must follow our uphill policy and, remember, terrain and conditions can vary and change quickly with the weather. Enter at your own risk, and please follow all posted signs and warnings. Watch out for unmarked obstacles.
Our Story
Reviving a historic ski area
The original ski area on Baker Mountain closed in 2000 after nearly 20 years of operation and hosting up to 22,000 visitors a year, leaving behind 50 acres of the base area and an abandoned infrastructure including the entirety of Lift 4. In 2017, when Huerfano County community members rallied together to raise the funds needed to purchase the entire base area and open Parker-Fitzgerald Cuchara Mountain Park to the public.
Learn more about the history of the park.
Working to make the dream come true
After 3+ years of working on repairing Lift 4, in 2022, Huerfano County officially entered into a partnership with the nonprofit organization Panadero Ski Corporation to manage park operations and amenities including restoring lift service and ensuring Cuchara Mountain Park continues to provide fun, affordable, family-friendly year-round outdoor recreation and educational opportunities for everyone.
Learn more about Panadero Ski Corporation.
Support our mission
Do you love Cuchara Mountain Park? Please consider donating to help maintain and expand offerings at the park to provide affordable, family-friendly year-round outdoor recreation and education opportunities for everyone. CMP is run by a local grassroots, 501c3 nonprofit. Any amount, small or large, will directly go toward services like lift access, grooming, and future access to rentals, ski school, year-round youth and educational programs, and the development of more hiking and biking trails.
Fun. Affordable. Family Friendly.
Cuchara Mountain Park is a Huerfano County Park comprising nearly 50 acres of the base of the old ski area. We’re home to a number of outdoor summer and winter activities like snowshoeing, XC skiing, hiking, disc golf, a bike playground, sledding, mini golf, and more. Access to Cuchara Mountain Park is free unless you're riding the LIft (once we are certified).
Lift 4 and Lift-Served Skiing and Snowboarding
Lift access is not open at this time. While Lift 4 is up and running, we are waiting on certification from the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board before we are cleared for riders.
When open, Lift 4 will unlock 300 additional feet of vertical terrain including seven epic groomed runs, perfect for beginners, families, or anyone looking to cruise laps. Lift tickets will be available for a nominal fee, most likely the lowest in the state.
Uphill and Backcountry Use
While Lift 4 is not open yet, you can come "earn your turns" to access the trails within Cuchara Mountain Park and the 230 acres with 1,500 ft of vertical on USFS land that comprises the rest of the old ski area. Uphill access is free with the agreement to adhere to our Uphill Policy. Please read this policy before visiting for your safety.
Sledding and Snow Play
Sledding and playing in the snow is a community tradition at Cuchara Mountain Park. But, for your safety, these activities must take place only in designated areas. THERE IS NO SLEDDING ON THE SKI TRAILS. These activities are free, but you must agree to our Sledding and Snow Play Policy
Planning a visit to CMP?
Check out our Operational Status and FAQ pages. We also have information on how to get here, local lodging and food/drink, and more under the Plan Your Visit tab.
Founding Partners
Thank you to our partners for supporting our mission of facilitating affordable skiing and outdoor recreation at Cuchara Mountain Park
Corporate Partners
Local Partners
Locations in Trinidad and Denver, Colorado
La Veta, CO
Partner Organizations
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