Locals hoping to revive the former Cuchara Valley ski area say their plan could add 600 jobs in Huerfano County, which has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.
The $14 million plan by the Cuchara Valley Recreational Foundation proposes a mountain coaster, a tubing hill, a zip line, a reservoir for snowmaking, and a half-pipe for snowboarders and skiers on about 47 acres.
The plan envisions turning an old office building into a convention center, luring a developer to build a 70-room hotel and renovating a restaurant.
Organizers said they also may add about 300 condos and single-family homes on 193 acres to help pay for the project. A later phase could add advanced skiing and biking on national forest land, perhaps even skiing accessed by helicopter, but that would require federal approval.
“It would be a major boost to our economy if it happens,” said Huerfano County Administrator John Galusha. The Associated Press
