FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - It's a moment skiers and snowboarders from across the Central Valley and beyond have waited for all spring and summer: China Peak Mountain Resort will turn on its lifts and welcome folks in for the first time this ski season Friday. It's all thanks to a pleasant sight for the region's premiere ski spot off Highway 168 near Huntington Lake; roughly two to three feet of fresh snow blanketed the mountain after the latest round of storms. China Peak President Tim Cohee says the last time he saw snow like it for opening day was 2010, the same year he bought the ski resort. "This is probably going to be the best start in a decade, I would say. The weather looks fantastic Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. So, this is going to be a really, really amazing opening weekend," Cohee said. Cohee says it's always a long road to get back to ski season after the snow melts and the summer heat recedes. It has been seven months of waiting and preparation that has led up to this point. Now, it's all excitement for him and his team. "You have mountain biking and concerts, and the marina is great but you know, what I've done now... This is 51 years. So, for what we've done for a long time here, to get a Thanksgiving start from an energy standpoint is really, really, really, really a lot more fun than not," Cohee said with a laugh. A large amount of snow is obviously not only good news for the resort but also a big win for skiers and snowboarders heading up the mountain. Cohee says they will open the top of the mountain as runs will be happening from top-to-bottom.  "The conditions will be amazing," said Cohee. "So, this is pretty unique. This doesn't happen that often anywhere in the Sierra, not just China Peak." Cohee says roads look good for the trek for those coming from the Valley Floor, the Bay Area, of Southern California, but he asks visitors to check Caltrans for the latest updates. The California Highway Patrol meanwhile, requests travelers to pack their tire chains, prepare for anything, and take it slow as they head up to the higher elevations. "Roads are still slippery and could be iced over based on the time of day you're going up there. Just take your time. Pack some extra food, some extra water, just in case," said CHP Public Information Officer Mike Salas. For tickets, a trail map, or more visitor information, visit the China Peak website.