Skiing: Sierra Summit sale closes

After a brief delay due to the issuing of a new 40 year Special Use Permit by the United States Forest Service, the purchase of Sierra Summit Mountain Resort by ski industry veteran Tim Cohee closed on Friday, May 21. As had been reported over the past few months, Cohee immediately returned the resort to its former name, China Peak.

"These types of transactions always have challenges at the very end," said Cohee, who has a history with China Peak, having been a member of the Snow Summit Ski Corporation management team when the resort was purchased in 1982, and until recently a member of the parent companies' Board of Directors. "The Forest Service, specifically our local district team of Nancy Woolsey and Ray Porter in Prather, did a masterful job of moving our permit through the various levels, completing the process in three weeks, an amazing time frame given the amount of documentation necessary."

Cohee, a 36 year ski industry veteran who spent the past 17 years as President of the well known Kirkwood Mountain Resort near Lake Tahoe, has indicated he will focus on providing a higher quality experience for the 2010/11 season, including overall service levels, food quality and an overall friendly vibe. "China Peak is a great mid-sized mountain, among the best in the country. While we don't have the fancy lifts and facilities found at the larger resorts, there's no reason we can't duplicate their passion for friendly staff, good food and good times. We hope to give the resort a fresher look for next season, and think our customers will enjoy the energy we bring to China Peak."

A celebration party was held at the Sequoia Brewing Company on May 15, where over 1,000 loyal Fresno skiers enjoyed the introduction of the Sequoia Brewing Company's newest brew, China Peak Pilsner. "This is a great time for Fresno skiers, as we are all big supporters of the type of atmosphere Cohee is known for creating as a resort operator," said long time China Peak skier and Shaver Lake businessman Jim Huebner. "He is a big skier, as is his entire family, and we're all looking forward to the return of China Peak."

Season Passes are on sale now at skichinapeak.com, as is Cohee's new Peak Club (skichinapeak.com/peakclub), a membership offering for individuals, families and corporations.