SAM Magazine-Shaver Lake, Calif., May 24, 2010-The purchase of Sierra Summit Mountain Resort by ski industry veteran Tim Cohee closed last Friday after a brief delay, due to the issuing of a new 40-year Special Use Permit by the United States Forest Service. As SAM reported earlier, Cohee immediately returned the resort to its former name, China Peak.

"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 said.

Cohee 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 company's board of directors. A 36-year ski industry veteran who spent the past 17 years as president of Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Cohee has indicated he will focus on providing a higher quality experience for the 2010-11 season, including overall service levels and food quality. "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," he said.

A celebration party was held at the Sequoia Brewing Company on May 15, where more than 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," said longtime China Peak skier and Shaver Lake businessman Jim Huebner. "We're all looking forward to the return of China Peak."

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