TL;DR
China Peak Mountain Resort, following a remarkable winter with 701 inches of snowfall, is embarking on a transformative journey towards modernisation. In a recent episode of the Storm Skiing Podcast, Tim Cohee, the President of China Peak, shared exciting news about the resort's expansion, including the addition of two new lifts over the next two ski seasons. The first upgrade involves replacing the Canyon chairlift with a fixed-grip quad from Jackson Hole, increasing capacity and initiating a comprehensive chairlift network update. Furthermore, plans are underway to replace the Firebowl T-bar with a fixed-grip quad chairlift obtained from Taos Ski Valley, with some components repurposed for the inactive Firebowl and Dodge Ridge's Chair 5.
China Peak Mountain Resort is set to undergo a modernisation process after experiencing a record-breaking winter with an impressive 701 inches of snowfall. In a recent episode of the Storm Skiing Podcast hosted by Stuart Winchester, Tim Cohee, the President of China Peak, discussed the resort's rise and the Cali Pass, making the podcast a worthwhile listen. One particularly fascinating revelation was the announcement that China Peak will be introducing two new lifts over the next two ski seasons.The first lift scheduled for replacement is the Canyon chairlift (6), which will be upgraded to a fixed-grip quad. This chairlift, previously known as the Thunder Quad at Jackson Hole, will increase capacity from the base area and mark the beginning of China Peak's ongoing chairlift network modernisation.
In 2024, the Firebowl T-bar will be replaced by a fixed-grip quad chairlift obtained from Taos Ski Valley, formerly known as Lift 4. The majority of this lift will be installed at Firebowl, an inactive t-bar that has been non-operational for several years. The remaining lift towers and chairs will find a new home at Dodge Ridge, replacing Chair 5. The existing double chairlift at Dodge Ridge has a quad drive system, simplifying the replacement process.Looking ahead, there is a possibility of installing a new detachable chairlift. Tim mentioned that they are considering replacing the Summit Chairlift (1) with a detachable six-pack. This option has become feasible thanks to the recent acquisition of China Peak, Dodge Ridge, and Mountain High by the California Mountain Resort Company. The consolidation of these resorts creates additional revenue streams, paving the way for further investments in the future.
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
