Rocky outlook for China Peak

CHINA PEAK (KFSN) -- A storm would be welcome news up at China Peak.

The snow is missing, the slopes are rocky, and the ski lifts are silent. But there are signs of life at China Peak.

The lifts are getting more comfortable, the skis are getting engraved, and the ground is getting colder.

Winter seems far away, even at 7,000 feet above sea level, but ski season could be close.

"All it takes is one good storm and we're off and running, especially if we get some cold temperatures where we can supplement that with some snowmaking," said China Peak's Paul Gray.

They have 13 of these big snowmakers and 32 smaller snow machines ready to fill the slopes with snow, but right now it just doesn't make sense because of the way the weather is.

Two weeks ago, the prospects looked bright when the season's first big storm delivered more than 15 inches of powder. But nearly all of it melted under a warm sun. And even the approaching holiday isn't enough motivation to turn on the snowmakers.

Hope springs eternal, but a shallow creek is the water supply for the manmade snow. And experience tells managers up here people don't come unless there's been a recent snowstorm.

"I think there (are) some things in people's heads that think that manmade snow isn't good snow skiing and good snowboarding," Gray said. "I'd probably say the opposite."

A few minor updates are going up at the resort, like a deck area built for music and socializing, and a few new features on the mountain. But years of drought have made it harder to invest in major projects.

"Obviously the last couple of years haven't been stellar," Gray said. "You can kind of equate us to the farmers."

And like the farmers, China Peak is relying on a strong El Nino to bring a return of good times.