* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 feet possible. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Sierra Nevada south of Yosemite to Lake Isabella area. * WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Warm overnight temperatures and a snowpack depth of just 0.79 inches mean conditions remain limited at China Peak Mountain Resort this December 19, 2025. China Peak (formerly known as Sierra Summit) ski resort is located in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Wind
Humidity
With a Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) of only 0.06 inches, natural snow coverage is sparse, and trails are not yet fully operational. While early-season skiers may find some groomed beginner terrain accessible, the overall base remains too thin for advanced or off-piste adventures at this time. No significant snowfall is forecasted in the next 24 hours, though a cold front later this week may bring a welcome shift.
Despite current limitations, local buzz is building as skiers look off the beaten path for adventure. A recent feature encourages visitors to explore lesser-known areas of the resort, offering a more intimate mountain experience while awaiting better snow conditions. Resort crews continue snowmaking operations where possible, preparing for the season's first big storm. Visitors are advised to check the latest lift and trail statuses before heading up and to plan for variable conditions throughout the day.
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.
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).
Recent air temperature fluctuations at China Peak (Sierra Summit) impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
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 |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, a 10 percent chance of rain after 4pm. snow level 7500 feet. mostly sunny, with a high near 51. south southeast wind around 5 mph becoming west southwest in the morning. A snow storm is incoming, with 3 to 5 feet possible forecasted.
California’s Sierra Nevada is bracing for a major snow event, with the heaviest snowfall expected in the central and southern Sierra. Leavitt Lake and Sonora Pass are forecast to receive up to 127 cm and 119 cm of snow respectively over the next five days, positioning nearby resorts like Bear Valley and Dodge Ridge for significant powder days. Mammoth Mountain, ... Read more