Cockaigne Resort, located at 1493 Thornton Road, Cherry Creek, said it will not open for the upcoming season. P-J file photo

CHERRY CREEK — Cockaigne Resort ski lifts have been certified by the state.

The resort reopened Dec. 27 with its certified J-Bar surface lift and aerial lift to service two main hills, several timber runs, the terrain park and the learning hill. The second aerial lift serving Macaroon will be open for February skiing. The resort will once again offer the Snowmobile Adventure Park – a controlled hill and peak specifically designed for snowmobile activities.

“This project is the culmination of a vision inspired by historical awareness and a desire by the entire community to once again experience the gift of this amazing regional destination.” said Rex Butcher, Cockaigne Resort owner. “The safety of our guests is the beacon for each decision related to the lifts — no corners cut in providing the safest products for decades to come. While it has taken longer than originally anticipated to refurbish and adapt the pre-existing lifts to modern codes — it has been our amazing team and the resounding local support that has energized Cockaigne Resort to the realization of this much anticipated endeavor.”

Cockaigne’s lodge hosts ski patrol, ski rentals, a pro shop, retail, ticketing, two food venues: The Base Pub — a loft hillside restaurant for amazing evening dining by reservation — and The Quick Turn Cafe for guests seeking to quickly return to park activities.

“All great endeavors begin with a vision aligned with the passion of those involved,” said Jason Spain, Cockaigne Resort general manger. “The passion demonstrated by our great regional community to restore and improve Cockaigne Resort is one I have learned each day through the individual stories of each guest. Family outings — learning to ski, family celebrations and milestones shared at Cockaigne — each engrained in the fiber of their family and the history of Cockaigne.”

Spain said there is no doubt that the entire region is behind the revitalization of Cockaigne Resort, located at 1493 Thornton Road, Cherry Creek. He said the recreation of Cockaigne is the result of the endurance and passion of Butcher.

“After many discoveries often compounding the difficulty of bringing the project to a successful conclusion, it is Mr. Butcher’s complete dedication to the resort that has been the inspiration to all associated to push on until the vision is realized,” Spain said. “We welcome everyone back to Cockaigne Resort — we look forward to serving you for generations to come.”

January is National Learn to Ski Month and Cockaigne Resort is offering half off lessons and ski rentals weekdays throughout the month of January. Also the resort is offering one all access season pass, ticket bundle packages and individual tickets for the coming season.Tickets can be purchased online at www.cockaigne.com and in-person at the outside ticket windows located at the entry to the lodge. Visit Cockaigne’s website or follow the resort on Facebook to discover the latest news and guidelines for visiting the resort during the time of COVID-19 compliance.

Cockaigne Resort is once again open for skiing for the first time since the fire that destroyed the Austrian pavilion lodge in January 2011.

According to the website, the resort is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3-10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.