Sun Peaks: The One Under The Radar Ski Resort You Should Visit This Season!
The slopes are groomed with great attention to detail at the Sun Peaks ski resort ©Reuben Krabbe
In a province where some of the world’s most renowned ski resorts are found, you might be surprised to find that British Columbia still has some hidden treasures in store. Located in the North Thompson region of BC’s South Central Interior and nestled amidst the majestic Monashee and Cariboo mountain ranges, Sun Peaks, with its charming ski-in-ski-out village, just happens to be one of the province’s best kept secrets, this winter wonderland managing to retain its sense of undiscovered charm.
While it is Canada’s second-largest ski area, as its 4,270 acres still fly largely under the radar, lift lines are a rarity, a plus factor that becomes undeniably apparent when you compare the lift capacity of 14,000 skiers per hour with a bed base of just over 5,000. The resort also offers some of British Columbia’s most challenging inbound skiing, and you can reach these fabulous slopes in the space of a day with direct flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver, followed by a short flight to Kamloops and a brief 45-minute transfer.
2024–25 News: Introducing the West Bowl Express Chairlift
Built by Doppelmayr, the $12 million West Bowl Express project will bring Sun Peaks’ chairlift count to eight ©Reuben Krabbe
An exciting development, the highly anticipated new West Bowl Express chairlift is scheduled to open for the 2024–25 ski season. This $12 million investment will provide access to a stunning alpine area on Tod Mountain. Previously only accessible by hiking, with the new high-speed quad chairlift, skiers will be whisked up to this sunny, south-facing zone—one of Sun Peaks’ highest elevation areas—in just six minutes, allowing exploration of newly groomed trails and powder-filled bowls.
Uncovering the Allure of Sun Peaks
Each chairlift at Sun Peaks has a green, blue, and black run from the top, meaning families with skiers of mixed abilities can all ride the lifts together ©Grant Gunderson Models: Trevena Family
One of the key factors that sets Sun Peaks apart is its remarkable diversity of terrain. The resort boasts a network of 139 runs, from gentle, beginner-friendly slopes to thrilling black diamond chutes and powder-filled tree skiing. All that and an additional 25 miles of cross-country trails.
What’s more, with a green run accessible from every lift, families can easily navigate the mountain together, making Sun Peaks an incredibly attractive destination for those seeking a shared winter adventure, in particular multi-generational groups of mixed abilities. For example, 5 Mile, an easy green cruiser, meanders all the way down to the base area from the Top of the World, allowing even advanced beginners the added excitement of shredding 2,700 feet of vertical.
Seasons of Sun Peaks: When to ski?
The perfect pit stop for spring skiers, located at mid-mountain, the Sunburst Lodge offers scenic views of Headwalls ski run and the surrounding valleys ©Grant Gunderson
The resort enjoys great snow conditions from mid-November to mid-April, and each month has its own unique allure. January delivers the deepest powder, with an average of nearly 100 cms of fresh snowfall, while February is beloved by locals, who revel in the bluebird skies and expanded lift hours.
As spring approaches, Peak Pride arrives (the resort’s Pride celebration weekend), and for foodies the “Sip, Savour & Ski,” festival is a chance to combine all things epicurean with some great ski. In late March and early April, Sun Peaks transforms into a skier’s paradise. Mild temperatures, long sunny days, and the celebratory retro-themed “Wonder Weekend” mark the end of the season.
The Sun Peaks Ski Experience
Look out for The Groomed with Fresh symbol, as this indicates that five centimetres or more of fresh snow has fallen since the run was groomed the evening before, providing the ultimate skiing surface ©Reuben Krabbe
At the heart of Sun Peaks Resort lie three magnificent mountains – Tod Mountain, Sundance Mountain, and Mount Morrisey – each one offering a unique skiing and snowboarding experience. Whether you are new to ski or adept at tackling terrain you will also want to explore with Sun Peaks Mountain Hosts.
Tod Mountain, the resort’s towering centrepiece, features everything from exhilarating black diamond runs on the North Face to the gentle, family-friendly slopes of the Village area. Thrill-seekers can test their mettle on runs like “Intimidator and Headwalls,” while those seeking a more relaxed experience can enjoy the picturesque views and well-groomed cruisers including Cruiser.
Sundance Mountain, to the east of the resort, is renowned for its exceptional groomers, glades and stashes. The Sundance Express chairlift opens up the powder-filled tree area, with runs like “Grannie Greene’s Glades” offering an unforgettable off-piste experience that will challenge even the most seasoned ski enthusiasts.
Rounding out the trio, Mount Morrisey provides access to more gentle terrain, with its wide, forgiving runs allowing newcomers to progress with confidence. A favourite with families and those who love fresh cord, the north facing slopes of Mt. Morrisey are filled with snowy cedars and some of Sun Peaks’ best intermediate groomers. Don’t be fooled by Morrisey’s mellow nature though, as there is steeper terrain. Tucked into the shady, skier’s left side of the mountain is the infamous Laundromat zone, which contains some of the steepest runs in the resort.
Bring Your Energy To Sun Peaks’ Terrain Park
Spanning over 435,600 square feet, Sun Peaks’ impressive terrain park extends from the top to the bottom of the Sundance run ©Catheryne Bossé
Sun Peaks goes all out for freestyle enthusiasts too with its 10 acre top to bottom terrain park. Including three distinct zones (basic training, flight school & drop zone) and more than 45 finely-tuned features, there’s something for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The layout starts with easiest at the top, mid level features in the middle and expert at the bottom.
Its beginner-friendly zones offer a safe and progressive environment to develop their skills. Packed with small jumps and rails and gentle jibs and boxes, these areas allow novice riders to build confidence and move forward at their own pace.
At the top end of the scale, the park’s expert-level zones are a magnet for seasoned freestyle athletes who come to showcase their high octane moves and push the boundaries of what’s possible on the mountain.
The Powder Ventures Ski and Snowboard Cross Course will be a brand new addition for 2024-25. Its dirt-based construction will allow the park to open earlier in the season without the reliance on snowfall and snowmaking. Part of the same project, some of the terrain park’s existing features will be refined to bring them up to a higher competition level.
Ski-through Village & Ski-in-Ski-Out Stays
Sun Peaks features a pedestrian-friendly, ski-through village perfect for families ©Grant Gunderson
Beyond the slopes, the resort’s charming, pedestrian-only ski-through village adds to the allure of Sun Peaks, the ambience in sharp contrast to its big terrain. After a day on the mountain, there’s nothing quite like a stroll amongst its shops and restaurants, with the opportunity to indulge in local cuisine, browse artisanal goods, and soak up the community vibe.
Inspired by the quaint mountain towns of Europe, there is also a range of cosy, ski-in/ski-out accommodations, including the luxurious Sun Peaks Grand Hotel.
Around 250 steps from the lift, we feel Sun Peaks Grand is still a solid first choice. Our favourite option is The Residences, these homes-away-from-home featuring one and two bedroom suites and full kitchens with a washer and dryer.
Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge, operated by Bear Country Lodging, is in a fabulous location at the top of the village. The company also manages private homes, including the Kookaburra lodge, the most luxurious and closest to the village; Trappers Landing; and the Crystal Forest Condos.
Embracing the Great Outdoors
With its curving lanes, Tube Time is a ride unlike any other you might find in a lift-accessed tube park ©Zuzy Rocka
While Sun Peaks is undoubtedly a skier’s and snowboarder’s paradise, the resort’s appeal extends far beyond the slopes, by offering a wealth of immersive winter activities that cater to the adventurous spirit. From guided snowshoe tours and dog sledding excursions to exhilarating ice skating on an NHL-sized rink and horse-drawn sleigh rides, there are endless ways for visitors to discover this off-radar resort. You can even hop on an evening shuttle to Kamloops to watch a Kamloops Blazers WHL hockey game.
Early learners will delight in Sun Peaks Sports School, which provides exceptional ski and snowboard lessons for children as young as three. Additionally, the relatively new Bears’ Lair Adventure Zone – complete with bear characters hiding amongst the trees – and the ever-popular Tube Park offer a delightful mix of thrills, keeping the whole family entertained long after the lifts have closed.
Delight in Sun Peaks’ Après-Ski
Sun Peaks offers everything from lively ski saloons and cosy cafes to fine dining for families, couples and even food aficionados ©Zuzy Rocka
After a thrilling day on the slopes, Sun Peaks’ vibrant village is home to a wealth of dining and entertainment options to suit every taste and mood.
Located in the lower lobby of the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre, Mantles Restaurant gets a nod of approval from us. As for late night drinks and dining, we can happily recommend “Bottoms,” which as you might have guessed, is located at the bottom of the village by the base. Dubbed ” a classic ski hill saloon,” the bar has a great atmosphere and a good selection of beers and cocktails, and there’s nothing better than a White Russian cocktail served with maple syrup for that added Canadian Twist. Ideal for night-owls, you can expect a spirited atmosphere that extends well into the evening.
Families seeking a more relaxed, kid-friendly vibe will find plenty of options in the village too. Capones Italian Kitchen is the place for upscale Italian cuisine, while the little ones will delight in the fun kids menu at Masa’s Bar and Grill, the restaurant located in the Village Day Lodge.
Skiing Sun Peaks’ groomers at golden hour on sun Peaks ©Reuben Krabbe
For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Sun Peaks promises an unforgettable ski experience. Whether it’s carving pristine tracks through untouched powder, exploring the charming village, embarking on a thrilling array of snow-based activities, or soaking up the abundant sunshine native to Interior BC, this captivating resort is even more magical because so many have yet to explore its slopes. And that’s all the more reason to add in a visit this ski season.
For more information and to start planning your tailor-made ski holiday to Sun Peaks, contact our team of experts today on 020 8776 8709 or email ski@frontier-travel.co.uk.
