SUN PEAKS RESORT, B.C, CANADA
6 REASONS TO VISIT THIS WINTER PARADISE
By By Krystal Kehoe
A man leans into a turn below me, his knees bent and right arm extended. He lets out an enthusiastic “yeeeeoww!” as he plants his ski pole in the snow and shifts his weight for another. There is a light breeze as the chairlift moves past the trees into the alpine. The view opens to the right and I can now see to the edge of the world. “Wow” I whisper.
I’m sitting alone on the Crystal chairlift at Sun Peaks, my home mountain. And, even though I have the opportunity to see this view more than most, it still summons a reaction out of me. I am one lucky woman.
The reasons I come here are the same reasons Sun Peaks should be on every winter-enthusiast’s bucket list. Here’s what sets this destination apart:
The Terrain
There’s something for everyone.
With 4,270 acres of skiable terrain, Sun Peaks claims the title as Canada’s second largest ski area. It’s home to everything from a welcoming learning zone, to smoothly groomed corduroy runs, to deep steep sections. One of the things that sets Sun Peaks apart is that it has a beginner run from the top of each chairlift, so parties of varying ability can ski together.
The Village
Park your car and stay awhile.
Three mountains – Tod, Sundance and Mt. Morrissey – make up Sun Peaks and surround the village. The European-style, ski-through village will awe even the savviest of travellers and was designed with convenience in mind. Visitors often park their cars for the duration of their stay.
The Snow
Like a glass of bubbly.
Sun Peaks is located in the interior of British Columbia, just a 45-minte flight from Vancouver and a short ground transfer.
The interior is famous for its light, dry powder that stays fluffy long after a snowfall. It’s what people call “easy-to-ski.” While knowing how to ski is essential, this light stuff makes turning a breeze and a lot of fun too too!
Leave the Crowds Behind
Really!
The ample amount of skiable terrain means that Sun Peaks has uncrowded slopes and a relaxed atmosphere. As an added bonus, its latest investment will see a new lift open in the east village and an increase in capacity on Sundance chairlift this season. It’s not unusual to get a trail or two all to yourself on any given day
Non-Ski Activities
Spend time off the slopes.
There is plenty to do in Sun Peaks other than ski. It’s home to some authentically Canadian experiences. Feel the breeze on your face as you’re pulled behind a dogsled team, or spend an evening snowshoeing under the stars.
A Great Line-Up of Events.
Sun Peaks is home to countless events that keep the village lively, from regular ski races and live music to events that span several days, like the annual Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival. The 10-day festival features 17 events featuring B.C. wines.
For me, Sun Peaks is a place that gets better and better the more I experience it. Not only do I cherish my childhood memories of skiing with family, but I also continue to enjoy new experiences as an adult while this destination continues to grow.
