Excellent news for all you western New York skiers and snowboarders, Cockaigne Ski Resort in Cherry Creek is set to reopen for the first time since it closed in 2011. Cleveland.com reports the resort will feature 13-15 trails and slopes, three lifts, plus a brand new snowmobile adventure park (connected to a 400-mile network of nearby trails).
The resort had been operating continuously for over four decades up until the lodge was destroyed in a fire in January 2011. New owners purchased the property in 2017 and hoped to reopen last season but updating chairlifts, lighting and snowmaking equipment proved more costly and time-consuming than initially planned.
The resort receives a healthy dose of lake effect snow (located 20 miles south of Lake Erie) with an average of 275 inches per winter and has a modest but serviceable 430 feet of vertical drop.
Love to hear of little mom and pop resorts like this getting a new lease on life. Best of luck to Cockaigne!
ABOUT COCKAIGNE RESORT
Cockaigne began it’s operations in Cherry Creek, NY in the winter of 1966. The famous ski lodge was built as the Austrian Pavilion for the World’s fair in New York City in 1964 and then moved to Cockaigne in 1966. Cockaigne was the best place for family fun and winter events for over four decades up until the lodge was destroyed in a fire in January 2011.
Here’s a news clip with the new owners:
