China Peak Relies on Snowmaking Machines to Stay Open During Drought

California resort uses advanced technology to keep slopes accessible despite lack of natural snow.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As a persistent snow drought impacts much of the western United States, the management at China Peak Mountain Resort in California are relying more on snowmaking machines to keep the slopes open and accessible for skiers and snowboarders. The resort has invested heavily in snowmaking technology to supplement the lack of natural snowfall, spending between $50,000 and $100,000 annually on the machines. While the natural snow has been scarce, managers say business has remained strong thanks to the artificial snow, and regulars are grateful they can still enjoy the slopes.

Why it matters

The reliance on snowmaking machines at China Peak highlights the growing challenges that ski resorts in the western U.S. are facing due to climate change and drought conditions. As natural snowfall becomes less reliable, resorts must increasingly turn to energy-intensive and costly snowmaking operations to maintain their operations and appeal to winter sports enthusiasts.

The details

China Peak's general manager Troy Cohee says the resort has been relying on its snowmaking machines more than usual this season, but notes the technology has become much more advanced in recent years. Meteorologist Brian Ochs attributes the lack of snow to a persistent high pressure system over the region, which has led to calm, dry conditions in the mountains. Despite the snow drought, Cohee says business has remained strong, crediting the snowmaking machines for keeping the slopes accessible. Regulars like Paul Peterson and Garry Red say the artificial snow is still enjoyable, and they appreciate the resort's efforts to maintain the trails through grooming.

  • Forecasts predict it will snow again at China Peak within the next few weeks.

The players

Troy Cohee

The general manager of China Peak Mountain Resort.

Brian Ochs

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Paul Peterson

A regular skier at China Peak.

Garry Red

Another regular skier at China Peak.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've definitely been relying on it more than usual, but it's also so much more advanced that it was in years past.”

— Troy Cohee, General Manager (abc30.com)

“We've had a persistent ridge of high pressure over the area. Usually that means calm conditions over at least the mountains.”

— Brian Ochs, Meteorologist (abc30.com)

“It's soft, easy to do. No problem at all.”

— Paul Peterson (abc30.com)

“They've been doing a really good job in the grooming.”

— Garry Red (abc30.com)

What’s next

Forecasts predict it will snow again at China Peak within the next few weeks, which managers say will provide some relief and allow them to give the snowmaking machines a break.

The takeaway

The reliance on advanced snowmaking technology at China Peak highlights the growing challenges that ski resorts across the western U.S. are facing due to climate change and drought conditions. As natural snowfall becomes less reliable, resorts must invest heavily in energy-intensive snowmaking operations to maintain their operations and appeal to winter sports enthusiasts.