×

Smooth Skiing: Cockaigne Ski Resort Officially Sold

P-J file photo

Cockaigne Ski Resort is now owned by Cockaigne Development, LLC.

Andy Goodell, state assemblyman for Jamestown and lawyer who represents the former owners of Cockaigne, said the final documents have been completed. Adam Pirtz and Isaac Gratto are now the owners of the beloved ski area.

Goodell said the plan is to rebuild the lodge and have the ski resort open for the 2018 season.

“This is great news for our county,” Goodell said.

Goodell said in the past, the ski resort employed anywhere form 150-200 seasonal employees. The re-opening of the ski facility will bring that employment back to Chautauqua County.

“That employment in Chautauqua County is very important because it dovetails with the summer employment,” he said.

Goodell said in this way, people can work seasonal summer jobs and also find gainful employment during the winter months. He said it also adds opportunities for young adults who are just getting into the work force.

“That’s very valuable,” Goodell said.

Efforts have been made to sell the facility since 2011. After a fire in January 2011 that destroyed the Austrian Pavilion lodge, the ski resort opened 10 days later to finish the season but did not reopen thereafter. It had previously been open for 45 years.

See tomorrow’s edition for the more on the sale of Cockaigne.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today