2026-01-05T10:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 18 inches between 6,000 and 7,000 feet. 3 to 5 feet of accumulated snowfall above 8,000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge, Kings Canyon NP, Upper San Joaquin River, and Yosemite NP outside of the valley. * WHEN...From 1 AM Saturday to 10 AM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
China Peak (Sierra Summit) Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: January 1, 2026
A fresh New Year’s Day at China Peak (Sierra Summit) kicks off with promising snowfall on the horizon. China Peak (formerly known as Sierra Summit) ski resort is located in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
°F
°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
Summary
After an unseasonably mild overnight low of 39.8°F, the mountain is gearing up for a long-anticipated refresh. The current snowpack stands at 10.72 inches with a modest Snow Water Equivalent of 0.47 inches, but skiers and riders can look forward to a burst of winter magic — 9.62 inches of new snow is forecasted in the next 24 hours, with a total of 34 inches expected over the next five days. Conditions will evolve quickly, so early birds today can enjoy groomed trails with spring-like softness, while powder hounds should prep their gear for a deep weekend.
Local buzz highlights China Peak as a hidden gem for adventure-seekers, with reports suggesting excellent sidecountry opportunities for those venturing off the beaten path. Skiers are advised to check lift updates and trail openings frequently, as increasing snowfall may lead to fresh terrain openings and variable conditions. With the combination of exciting snowfall and fewer crowds compared to bigger resorts, China Peak is shaping up to be the perfect spot for both carving turns and discovering Sierra serenity as 2026 begins.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Nohrsc Tamarack Summit.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Nohrsc Tamarack Summit
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at China Peak (Sierra Summit).
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at China Peak (Sierra Summit)
Recent air temperature fluctuations at China Peak (Sierra Summit) impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
China Peak Ski Resort, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, has several prominent peaks and mountain aspects that make it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.
1. Mountain Ranges:
- The resort is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is one of the most iconic mountain ranges in California.
- The Sierra Nevada range stretches over 400 miles along the eastern side of California, with peaks reaching heights of over 14,000 feet.
2. Peaks:
- China Peak Ski Resort is located near the peak of 8,709-foot high Chinese Peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- The resort's slopes also offer access to other nearby peaks such as Kaiser Peak and Huckleberry Mountain, providing a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
3. Mountain Aspects:
- The resort's slopes are known for their diverse terrain, including groomed runs, tree skiing, and challenging expert terrain.
- With an average snowfall of over 300 inches per year, the resort offers excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions throughout the winter season.
- The resort's location in the Sierra Nevada range also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests, making it a picturesque setting for a day on the slopes.
The resort offers 1,679 acres of skiable terrain with 7 lifts and 45 trails, including the popular Exhibition and Ridge Run. The resort also has a snowboard park and a tubing area. An interesting fact is that the resort was originally developed in the 1950s by a group of local businessmen, and was sold to the current owners in 1989. For beginners, the High Trail and the Lower Academy runs are ideal for building confidence. Apres ski, the Peak Bar is a popular spot for drinks and live music.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 11 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 9242 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2143 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 430 Acres |
Established | 1958 |
Run Count | 45 Trails |
China Peak (Sierra Summit) FAQ
How much snow did China Peak (Sierra Summit) receive over the past day?
The ski area received -1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at China Peak (Sierra Summit) today?
Weather today, rain before 10am, then rain and snow between 10am and 2pm, then snow after 2pm. the rain could be heavy at times. some thunder is also possible. snow level 8800 feet lowering to 7400 feet in the afternoon . temperature falling to around 35 by 5pm. wind chill values as low as 31. south wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for China Peak (Sierra Summit) this week?
China Peak (Sierra Summit) is expected to receive up to 34.22" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
California ski resorts are gearing up for an impressive storm cycle, with the Sierra Nevada set to receive some of the heaviest snowfall in the West. Bloods Creek leads with a massive 179 inches in the past 24 hours and 92 inches forecasted over the next five days. This surge will significantly impact nearby Bear Valley Resort and Dodge Ridge, ... Read more
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