A contract is reportedly in place between two investors and Cockaigne owner Jack Van Scoter for the purchase of Cockaigne Ski Area. P-J photo by Jimmy McCarthy

CHERRY CREEK — Activity at Cockaigne Ski Area ended in 2011 following a tragic fire at the Austrian Pavilion ski lodge.

Sitting vacant for a number of years now, snowsport activities may very well be returning to the slopes located in the town of Cherry Creek — an area that sees no shortage of snowfall, being cushioned within the Lake Erie snow belt. And equipment maintained since its closure may be headed back into service.

A contract is in place between two investors and Cockaigne owner Jack Van Scoter for the purchase of Cockaigne Ski Area. That’s according to Kevin Sanvidge, administrative director and CEO with the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency, who said the two investors are in the process of submitting an application to the IDA for a tax lease, a payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) agreement and financing through the Al Tech Revolving Loan Fund for their project.

The agreement hasn’t been finalized, however. Andy Goodell, the attorney who’s leading the sale, told The Post-Journal things are moving, but “aren’t there yet.”

Cockaigne opened in 1966 after a group of men purchased and fulfilled their dreams of constructing a four-season recreational area.

The ski area operated for 45 years before a fire destroyed the Austrian Pavilion lodge on Jan. 24, 2011.

Cockaigne consists of more than 1,500 acres of land and features numerous trails of various difficulty levels. The overall layout of Cockaigne is designed to cater to families and also possesses a reputation among area schools that formerly brought students to ski and snowboard.

“It’s a prime area. It’s a great ski area,” Sanvidge said. “There’s so much history there and so many generations of families that started to ski there.”

Along with the ski area purchase, Sanvidge said the investors are looking to build a new lodge and buy The Grainery Restaurant across the street from the ski area.

One investor resides in state while the other is from out-of-state, according to Sanvidge.

From an economic development point of view, Sanvidge said it’s exciting to have outside investors come to the area and believe in what’s happening in Chautauqua County. Sanvidge said the ski area is also part of the county’s snowmobile trail system.

“It used to be a big stop there for snowmobilers at the lodge,” he said.

Within their application, Sanvidge said the investors are looking at potentially building condominiums or a hotel in the future to make it a year-round-destination.

William Young, Cherry Creek town supervisor, issued a letter to the community Friday following the passing of several recognized residents and the Trillium Lodge fire that occurred last week. In the letter, he noted his hopes that the sale of Cockaigne, when finalized, will be a “major boost and positive influence.”