CHINA PEAK, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Unfavorable weather is forcing China Peak to close less than a month after opening.

The Fresno County ski resort announced Friday that it will be closed starting Sunday, Dec. 21, due to the forecast. They will reopen on Christmas Eve.

The announcement comes amid predictions of heavy showers in the valley and feet of snow in the Sierra.

According to KSEE24 Chief Meteorologist AJ Fox, showers will start in the Sierra this weekend, with areas above 9,000 feet expected to see snow. But starting on Tuesday, he says the snow line will drop.

By Christmas, he says we can expect snow down to 6,000 feet – 1,000 below the base of China Peak.