FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – After the latest round of snow, mountain communities in Fresno County have seen a rush of visitors looking to get in on the wintry action.

At China Peak Friday, it was the picture-perfect snow day, one that pulled in people from all over.

“I would lose my job for a day like this any time,” said snowboarder Nick Delgiorgio, visiting from Morro Bay.

The latest conditions on the mountain are stellar, an improvement after a recent dry spell for the resort.

“The base was definitely starting to show some scars before this big storm. So, now, depending on where you are, you’re standing on four feet, six feet, maybe eight feet of snow,” said China Peak General Manager Troy Cohee.

Cohee, who welcomed us out to share the latest on the conditions, told us the nonstop work to get everything up and running was well worth it for the weekend and beyond.

“It’s going to take us all the way to the end of the season, that’s for sure. This was just a massive storm,” Cohee said.

Meanwhile, in the town of Shaver Lake, stores and restaurants were shoveling out from the latest storm, one that left some inoperable for days.

“We were pretty much shut down because of the snow and the power outage,” said Paula Angus, manager of Hungry Hut.

Now, Hungry Hut and others are ready for some big business themselves.

“Bring some snow gear and an appetite and have fun,” she said.

However, if you do plan to head up the mountain, it doesn’t matter what you’re driving. You still have to have tire chains.

Caltrans was stationed near the beginning of the four-lane section of Highway 168, ensuring drivers at least carried them, as those with two-wheel drive vehicles were required to put them on.

“I had kind of seen it coming, you know?” laughed Merced County resident Isaac Garcia, who was required to stop himself.

And if you think you can get away with not bringing them, Caltrans won’t let it, or you slide.

We witnessed several drivers having to pull U-turns as a result.