CHINA PEAK, Calif. (KFSN) — As a snow drought impacts much of the western United States, the management at China Peak Mountain Resort are relying more on snowmaking machines to keep the slopes there open.<\/p>\n
“We’ve definitely been relying on it more than usual, but it’s also so much more advanced that it was in years past,” said Troy Cohee, the resort’s general manager.<\/p>\n
Regular skiers and snowboarders at China Peak are used to seeing snow well before they hit the slopes. But right now, the drive up the mountain has almost none at all — something experts say is being caused by the drought.<\/p>\n
“We’ve had a persistent ridge of high pressure over the area. Usually that means calm conditions over at least the mountains,” said Brian Ochs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n
Calm conditions mean less snow — something that means more work for the employees at the resort.<\/p>\n
“75 degrees and sunny down in Fresno — while that’s great — it’s not great for our business,” said Cohee.<\/p>\n
But despite the lack of storms, managers say business has been good, and that it’s all thanks to the snow making machines.<\/p>\n
Regulars there say they’re thankful they can still enjoy heading up and down the trails.<\/p>\n
“It’s soft, easy to do. No problem at all,” said Paul Peterson, who says he often skis at China Peak.<\/p>\n
Most people enjoying the several trails that China Peak has to offer agree — though it’s not natural snow, they’re still able to enjoy the sport.<\/p>\n
“They’ve been doing a really good job in the grooming,” said Garry Red, another regular at the resort.<\/p>\n
But the fun comes at a cost; the resort says they spend between $50,000 and 100,000 a year to use the machines. Still, they say they’ll do what they need to make sure people can continue enjoying their runs.<\/p>\n
“It just kind of shifts your focus a little bit more, right? The snowmaking’s going to become even more important,” said Cohee. “That’s just the way it’s got to be.”<\/p>\n
Forecasts predict it will snow again at China Peak within the next few weeks. Managers there say they’re hoping it provides some relief, so they can give the machines a bit of a rest.<\/p>\n
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