China Peak to open Nov. 12 after heavy snowfall in Central California

LAKESHORE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Skiers and snowboarders will enjoy one of the earliest openings of China Peak in its 60-plus-year history.

Managing partner Tim Cohee says perfect conditions have led to the incredible start, and the resort continues to make snow ahead of opening day Saturday.

"Even though the snow fell on Tuesday and Wednesday, it's cold, snow will be mid-winter snow," he said.

Cohee says he is fortunate to have the highest employee return ever but is still planning to hire dozens more.

To put the early start in better perspective, it's the earliest China Peak has opened since 2010, a year in which the resort received 65 to 70 inches of snow.

But even then, Cohee says the resort opened closer to Thanksgiving.