Uphill Policy Waiver

Bring Receipt to the ticket window.

Cuchara Mountain Park Winter Uphill & Backcountry Access Policy

We welcome all backcountry enthusiasts to explore Cuchara Mountain Park (CMP) in the winter! Whether you're here to earn your turns via uphill skiing, split boarding, snowshoeing, or just winter hiking, you are considered an uphill user. This applies even if you are just using the park for backcountry access to the USFS land above.

For the safety of all park users and yourself, all uphill and backcountry winter users must agree to, follow, our Uphill Policy.  

All participants MUST agree to the Uphill Policy! You can do so by selecting one of the options Waiver or Donate to "purchase". 

Uphill Map, includes everything in the darkened US Forest area.

Uphill Access

Your free uphill waiver is your agreement to follow the policy and is required for all uphill travel in CMP.

• Uphill waivers are FREE, but a $10 donation is suggested to help with the continued maintenance and operation of Cuchara Mountain Park.

Safety and Responsibility

Your safety is your own responsibility. Please be advised:

• CMP Ski Patrol is NOT on duty outside of operating hours.

• Terrain outside of the park, and within the park outside of operating hours, is not patrolled, maintained, or cleared of hazards. This is true backcountry skiing—be aware of natural and man-made obstacles.

• Call 911 for all emergencies. Be prepared to give your exact location.

• Always check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) for current avalanche conditions. (Link to CAIC)

• NO sledding is allowed on ski runs in CMP.

• Motorized vehicles are NOT allowed in CMP, with the exception of authorized operations and maintenance vehicles.

Uphill Travel Rules: Be Seen, Stay Clear

All uphill users must adhere to the following rules to ensure safe operations:

• Visibility is mandatory in the dark: Use a headlamp and wear reflective clothing so mountain operations (like snowcats and snowmobiles) can see you!

• Always stay on designated routes during designated times.

• When ascending, stay far to the uphill right side of runs to maintain visibility and avoid machinery/downhill skiers.

• You MUST obey all posted signs, ropes, and closures. Do not enter closed terrain.

• If leaving the park to access USFS backcountry, please only exit and re-enter at the marked gates.

• BE AWARE: As a skier or snowshoer, you assume the inherent risks of the activity under the Colorado Skier Safety Act. Always follow the National Ski Areas Association Responsibility Code.  Cuchara Mountain Park will not be responding to medical emergencies.

Designated Access Times

Non-Operating Days or Before/After Operating Hours (Mornings & Evenings)

• You may use any open runs for uphill travel, but stay as far looker’s right as possible.

• BE AWARE: Mountain operations (grooming, snowmaking) may be conducted at any time. Uphill access may be restricted for safety reasons.

• Use extreme caution! Operational conditions are variable and include unmitigated avalanche hazards and low visibility.

During Winter Operational Hours

• Uphill access is restricted to designated routes only (Check maps).

• Always BE AWARE of downhill skiers, other park users, and mountain operations.

• The mountain may be closed to uphill access during race training, special events, or heavy grooming/snowmaking periods.

Skin Track Etiquette & Dogs

Respect your fellow backcountry enthusiasts and the mountain:

• DO NOT boot pack (walk directly) in the set skin track—it ruins the track for others.

• Please fill in your snow pits and practice Leave No Trace.

• Dogs: Are allowed outside of CMP operating hours but must be under control. No dogs are allowed on the mountain during operating hours unless you are passing through to USFS backcountry. If so, they must be on a leash, and you must stick to the far looker's right. Always clean up after your pet!