It’s not a chairlift, but instead a much different ride that has returned to Colorado’s ski scene.

Nonprofit Panadero Ski Corp. calls it a “ski bus” — an open-air, 22-passenger trailer with long skis instead of wheels pulled uphill by a snowcat. The nonprofit overseeing a ski area revival in Cuchara recently announced selling weekend tickets for $40 and season tickets for $200.

That’s pending conditions that allow for the ski bus to run. 

Panadero’s treasurer, Ken Clayton, said conditions last season only allowed for five days. That hints at elements that historically plagued the old ski area before it was abandoned in 2000. (The base area is now Cuchara Mountain Park, formed in 2017 after Cuchara Foundation’s purchase and transfer to Huerfano County.)

An upgraded snowmaking system has the small team of staff and volunteers overseeing the slopes feeling optimistic.

“We can make much more snow in the same amount of time,” Clayton said. “We’re sitting much better than we were last year.”

A priority remains unchanged since Cuchara Mountain Park was established: getting the lift known as Lift 4 in working, certified order. Clayton said the goal is to finally load passengers this summer, a season Panadero Ski Corp. envisions for hiking, mountain biking, concerts and other events.

The lift is central to the winter vision. “Second best right now is the ski bus,” Clayton said.

He said last season’s five days sold out, while others passed on buying a ticket and continued to earn their turns. After snowstorms, enthusiasts have hiked to the top of Lift 4 and skied down five beginner and intermediate trails.

Panadero is in agreement with Huerfano County, the mountain park’s owner, to operate through much of spring. That agreement came after contentious meetings last year, as trust between county officials and the nonprofit came into question.

Also discussed then was the possibility of the county returning park ownership to Cuchara Foundation, which is closely tied to the nonprofit. Sides have continued those talks this month.