Skiing, construction still unknown

by Shane Clouse
CUCHARA- The skiing season for the Cuchara Mountain Resort is still up in the air. Last year, there was free cross country skiing. Bruce Cantrell, who owns the resort, has said skiing depends on the snow this year.
Recently, Cantrell was awarded a low-interest loan from the USDA via San Isabel Electric Association in the amount of $720,000 to install the new zip line which will run from the top of lift four and down over the demolished warming hut. When asked when the construction of the new zip line would begin, Cantrell said, “at this time, I have no comment, but will keep you in the loop.”
San Isabel Board President Don Keairns explained why San Isabel backed the resort. Keairns said, “I think it would be a great thing for this community for the resort to open, and of course San Isabel can sell them electricity.”
The Cuchara Mountain Resort has had its run of hardships in the past. With its failed attempts to be included under local umbrella 501(c)3 tax exempt organizations, and a failed real estate deal for a convention center with the county, the resort has had an uphill battle to be able to open this year.
The demolition of the warming hut was suspended in December of 2010, and it still sits in a state of ruin. With the zip line to run overhead, it would make sense that the demolition of the warming hut be the first project completed.