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Fresno County Mountains See Surge of Visitors After Latest Snowfall
China Peak resort and Shaver Lake businesses welcome crowds seeking winter fun
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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After a recent round of heavy snowfall, mountain communities in Fresno County, California have seen a rush of visitors eager to enjoy the wintry conditions. At China Peak ski resort, the fresh powder has drawn crowds of snowboarders and skiers, while businesses in the town of Shaver Lake are also benefiting from the influx of snow-seekers, though some were temporarily impacted by power outages from the storm. Officials are reminding drivers to carry tire chains as required to access the mountain roads.
Why it matters
The heavy snowfall in Fresno County's mountain regions is a boon for the local tourism industry, providing a much-needed boost after a recent dry spell. However, the influx of visitors also raises safety concerns, as officials work to ensure drivers are properly equipped to navigate the snowy roads.
The details
At China Peak, the resort's general manager Troy Cohee says the latest storm has provided an ideal base of 4-8 feet of snow, which should sustain the resort through the rest of the season. In the town of Shaver Lake, businesses like the Hungry Hut restaurant were temporarily shut down due to power outages from the storm, but are now ready to welcome the surge of snow-loving customers. Caltrans is stationed along Highway 168 to enforce the requirement for drivers to carry tire chains, turning away those who do not have them.
- The latest round of heavy snowfall hit the Fresno County mountains in recent days.
- China Peak was in operation and welcoming visitors on Friday.
The players
China Peak
A ski resort located in the Fresno County mountains.
Troy Cohee
The general manager of China Peak resort.
Shaver Lake
A town in the Fresno County mountains that is home to various businesses catering to visitors.
Hungry Hut
A restaurant in Shaver Lake that was temporarily shut down due to power outages from the recent snowstorm.
Caltrans
The California Department of Transportation, which is enforcing the requirement for drivers to carry tire chains to access the mountain roads.
What they’re saying
“I would lose my job for a day like this any time”
— Nick Delgiorgio, Snowboarder (KSEE/KGPE)
“The base was definitely starting to show some scars before this big storm. So, now, depending on where you are, you're standing on four feet, six feet, maybe eight feet of snow”
— Troy Cohee, General Manager, China Peak (KSEE/KGPE)
“We were pretty much shut down because of the snow and the power outage”
— Paula Angus, Manager, Hungry Hut (KSEE/KGPE)
“Bring some snow gear and an appetite and have fun”
— Paula Angus, Manager, Hungry Hut (KSEE/KGPE)
“I had kind of seen it coming, you know?”
— Isaac Garcia (KSEE/KGPE)
What’s next
Caltrans will continue to monitor the mountain roads and enforce the tire chain requirement to ensure the safety of drivers accessing the Fresno County mountains.
The takeaway
The heavy snowfall in Fresno County's mountain regions has provided a much-needed boost to the local tourism industry, with ski resorts and businesses in towns like Shaver Lake welcoming crowds of visitors seeking winter fun. However, officials are urging caution and preparedness, as drivers must carry tire chains to navigate the snowy roads.
