Snowboarding and skiing provide weekend getaway

As the chairlift rises, the wind blows colder and harder. Danielle Arndt, ‘26, prepares to hop off the lift and carve her way down her favorite run. At China Peak, there are 1,200 skiable acres and a whopping 45 runs to choose from – ranging from the easy greens to the double blacks for those who want a challenge.

Up Highway 168 China Peak lies next to Huntington Lake with a base elevation of 7,030 feet. Opened in 1958, China Peak was the original name for the resort, however, in 1980 ownership changed, and so did the name. The newly-named Sierra Summit prevailed until 2010 when the name was changed back to China Peak.

The friendly staff at China Peak directs you where to park and can lead you wherever your heart desires on the property. China Peak also has a lodge for you to stay the night for some multi-day trips. Located near chair 1 is the ticket booth where you can purchase your lift pass for $133 but don’t forget your gear! That will be an additional fee to rent costing your wallet another $69. If you plan on going up to China peak over five times this year, it is cheaper to get a season pass than to continue buying day passes with every trip.

China Peak offers beginner lessons for novices for an additional fee. People can also choose to get on the bunny hill if they are not quite ready to go to the top. For those not taking lessons or skiing on the bunny hill, it is officially time to get on the lift. From the bottom of the hill, you can either get onto chair 1 to the very top or chair 6 to the halfway point.

Sophomore Delaney Meyers took ski lessons at China Peak when she was younger and first starting out. She enjoyed learning with her instructor as well as with her parents and getting resort food afterwards. She definitely recommends them, especially to beginners who do not know where to start.

“The ski lessons at China Peak were definitely helpful, I remember learning a lot of the basics through the instructor, and practiced them with my parents after lessons,” Meyers said.

Speaking of the halfway point, that’s where you can find Buckhorn Bar and Grill. Buckhorn often has live entertainment, and the air is filled with good spirits. They offer a grill that serves delicious foods like a hot, gooey grilled cheese and drinks, including steamy hot chocolate. Buckhorn is also equipped with a restroom. Be warned the bathroom up at Buckhorn is very small and often has a line.

Buckhorn is not the only place to grab a bite. Located at the bottom of the hill is base camp, which provides various snacks, foods, and drinks. (You can take a look at the menu here.)

China Peak has very spotty service for your phone, but if you need service they will gladly provide WIFI at the bottom of the hill. This gives many the opportunity to unplug and get in-touch with nature. Having appreciated it more as a busy high school student, Arndt has discovered that China Peak is a quick getaway away from school and a temporary relief from life’s busyness.

“China Peak is so special to me. It’s where I grew up going to the snow and found my love for snowboarding,” Arndt said. “It’s a place full of fond memories and challenged me as my abilities advanced. From bunny hill to academy, and now the face or anywhere I want to ride, this was the perfect place to learn the slopes.”

My Opinion

I spend a great deal of time up at China Peak over the winter season, and I can say I love it. It is only an hour and a half drive from Fresno and gives you an excuse to get out of town. The drive up is scattered with amazing views. On your way down, you can view the sunset over Fresno. Similar to Metalmark, China Peak is a place for me to disconnect from my phone as well. It feels refreshing not to worry about what’s going on in your life. You really get to live in the moment!