In the 1980s began a project to protect the slopes of Peñalara Peak, including the cirque and the lakes. On June 15, 1990, the Community of Madrid declared the zone a Natural Park of the Peak, Cirque, and Lakes of Peñalara by the law 6/1990. From 1998 to the beginning of the 21st century, the old Valcotos ski resort that occupied a large part of the protected area was dismantled. The ski lifts were removed and the slopes reforested. This pioneering action also brought about an improvement of the facilities at Puerto de Cotos.