CHINA PEAK, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Some are calling it a Christmas miracle, China Peak Mountain Resort was covered in several feet of fresh snow Wednesday and Thursday.

“We’ve got the goods. It just totally dumped here,” China Peak General Manager Troy Cohee said.

The ski resort opened November 28, relying entirely on manmade snow.

Now, the clouds have finally begun making it for them.

“We saw as much as six feet at the top. And depending on where the wind blew it, maybe as deep as eight feet. But down here was more in the three-four foot range,” Cohee said.

The fresh snow drew a crowd Friday, keeping staff busy plowing parking lots and helping guests.

Cohee says they have plenty of instructors to teach new skiers like Adwoa Cordis who traveled from New Orleans.

“This is my first time on skis in over 25 years. I’ve only been probably two or three times ever. And the kids, it’s their first time on skis. And just with one lesson, we’ve been out here about an hour and a half and they’ve already picked it up. The teachers are super patient. The snow’s amazing, the weather’s amazing. It’s the best of California,” Cordis said.

Roads up to China Peak were clear Friday, but the Torres family pulled over to put their chains on anyway. 

YourCentralValley.com observed about half of visiting cars using chains.

“It feels really good whenever we’re cruising the streets and you see the snow plows going through, knowing that the streets are going to be nice and safe. So, yeah, I feel safe driving the road,” Ronny Torres said.

Torres clipped the chains on, but only because his five-year-old son Jett didn’t feel like doing it himself.

“I know how to put the chains on, but I’m gonna practice. Then we’re gonna go skiing tomorrow,” Jett said.

Jett spoke of his expertise in many areas, including snowman construction.

“You get a big snowball and a medium snowball and a little one. And then you get coal and put it for the mouth and the eyes,” Jett explained.

The snow at China Peak was slushy Friday, perfect for building a snowman – but less ideal for skiing.

However, resort representatives say the upcoming cold temperatures will pack it in, giving people a smooth ride.