Cockaigne Ski Area Ski Getaways

Cockaigne occupies an enviable bit of topography - it sits a mere 18 miles downwind from Lake Erie and 1100 feet higher than the lake. The result is pretty much what you'd expect, snow, to the tune of 275" a season on average. Nevertheless, 80% of the area's slopes and trails are further protected by snowmaking. So it's not unusual for Cockaigne to close for the season with all of its terrain open.

The 15 slopes and trails that make up the area's terrain range from wide (Is 300 feet wide enough for you?) to a very old-style New England 15 feet. The longest run, Johnny Cake, across Kandy Kaigne, to Sugar Plum Run, is just under three quarters of a mile. Three doubles and a surface lift provide the uphill capacity.

Coming down, you'll find nearly half of Cockaigne's terrain rated intermediate and another 40% rated for beginners. This makes it a fine place to take a younger family or a family that doesn't have a chance to get out on the slopes very often. With good snow cover and conditions almost a certainty, it's a good bet that everyone will have fun.

The name "Cockaigne" is reportedly Old French in origin, and means a "place of ease and delicacies," hence the delicious names of the area's trails, which include Jelly Roll, Marzipan, Peach Cobbler, and Macaroon.

There's a ﾽ pipe and terrain park, and the area between Sugar Plum and Kandy Kaigne is nicely gladed. Down at the base is a full service lodge with rentals, a cafeteria, and the snowsports school. Cockaigne leaves the lights on and the lifts running most every night, but it is closed on Monday.