An old promotional image from the former Cockaigne Ski Area, which closed in 2011 following a fire that destroyed its iconic lodge.

CHERRY CREEK – The effort to reopen the Cockaigne Ski Resort has hit a snag and as a result the venue won’t be able to open for this coming winter season.

In early 2017 business partners Adam Pirtz and Isaac Gratto announced their $3.75 million plan to purchase, upgrade, and reopen Cockaigne in Cherry Creek by this summer, with the slopes being open for skiing by this winter.

However, the resort announced on Facebook that complications preparing slope lighting, snow-making systems and ski lifts means they will not be opening for the 2018/2019 Skiing and Snowboarding Season.

“We are disappointed and heartbroken to say that we will not be opening for the 2018/2019 Skiing & Snowboarding Season,” the post read. “Despite a lot of hard work and investment, we are not able to get slope lighting and lifts operational. There have been many people involved to this point, however, the scope of work that needs to be done on the slopes has grown significantly and is beyond the point that we can complete prior to this season.”

The resort was still planning to hold certain events, unrelated to skiing and snowboarding, for the winter.

“Our focus is on completion of the lodge and serving the community with a place to stop for food, drinks, and the family-friendly atmosphere that Cockaigne Resort strives for. Keep checking the website and social media as we look at potential snow-sport events and activities for this season. We are not giving up, we hope you don’t either,” the post said.

For decades Cockaigne had been a local ski destination in Chautauqua County until a fire destroyed the historic ski lodge in 2011 and the business folded.