SAM Magazine—Cherry Creek, N.Y., Oct. 26, 2023—Officials at Cockaigne Resort announced on Monday that the ski area, including food and beverage operations, will not open for the 2023-24 season. The 462-acre property, including a 10,000-square-foot lodge built in 2019, has been for sale on-and-off for the past year, and was relisted this summer at a reduced $3.5 million. 

“It is with sadness that we share that Cockaigne Ski Resort will not open for the 2023-24 season,” said a post on the ski area’s Facebook page. “To all of our past team members, ski clubs, jelly rollers, season pass holders and guests, extended family and friends—thank you for your support over the years and for being the true spirit of skiing.”

The announcement follows more than a decade of ups-and-downs for Cockaigne, including a mild 2022-23 winter that delayed opening until Jan. 28. In 2011, the ski area closed after its base lodge was destroyed by fire. In 2017, Adam Pirtz and Isaac Gratto of Cockaigne Development, LLC purchased the ski area, updating lifts, lighting, and snowmaking, and reopening during the winter of 2020-21. 

The operation had received financial assistance in recent years from both the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency and the state of New York, according to WKBW News. 

"Anytime a ski area closes it is a sad day for us all, but Cockaigne has risen from the ashes before and with the investment in the facility, new base lodge, maybe there is a buyer out there,” said Scott Brandi, president of the Ski Areas of New York. “It sits in the snow belt of Lake Erie and is 20 minutes from Jamestown, so we are hopeful that a buyer will see its potential.” 

Cockaigne, which averages 175 inches of snow per year, offers 15 trails, three lifts, and a snowmobile adventure park, as well as a stage for outdoor entertaining and an airstrip. According to the listing, snowmaking and grooming equipment, rental skis, and kitchen equipment are available for an additional cost.

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