staff report
CUCHARA— The Cuchara Mountain Resort, the hard-luck child of Huerfano County, broke more hearts last week when it was announced that it was up for sale. Again.
Bruce Cantrell, the current owner, tried unsuccessfully to develop the defunct ski area into a year-round resort. It never opened its doors.
Cantrell had purchased the resort from Mike Balloun in 2010, and announced with great fanfare that he would improve the ski trails, and install zip lines, a tubing hill, ice skating, and a conference center. It was anticipated the resort could employ up to 50 people.
The Cuchara Valley Recreational Metropolitan District (CVRMD) was formed to purchase the property, authorize and administer the bond issue and oversee the construction of the resort.
Cantrell’s finances, however, were not up to these dreams, so investors, government grants and loans were pursued, and fundraising events were held in La Veta.
Cantrell also sought to create alliances with non-profits within the county, such as with the Celtic Music Festival, the Alliance for Arts and Education (Fox Theatre), to secure non-profit status and funding for the project. He was unsuccessful, so formed his own non profit orgaization.
The 225 acre property, including the non-profit and recreation district, is now for sale for $4 million.
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