Sun Peaks

The interior British Columbia location ensures light dry powder snow at Sun Peaks ski resort, the kind that’s so dry you can’t make a snowball.

 

The resort enjoys consistent snow falls with regular top ups over the winter to provide knee deep turns for all. Expect an average season snowfall around 237 feet (6 metres) that is consistently supplemented with some of the best snow making around.

Sun Peaks Resort WEB CAM

Visit Sun Peaks Resort for live webcam update.

 

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The cute as a postcard village at Sun Peaks ski resort is inspired by the Austrian region of Tyrol.  With the sweetest pedestrian only lanes dotted with shops, cafes and restaurants, Sun Peaks is an intimate village resort with big terrain offerings.

 

Expect ski-in, ski-out accommodation and easy access to the chairlifts and ski school. The kind of village where the kids can make snow men while you’re sipping on a Baileys hot chocolate.

 

DISTANCE

It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk (in ski boots) from one end of the village core to the other. Townhouses and chalets are generally another 5-10 minutes’ walk from the village.

 

OUR ADVICE
Sun Peaks is fun, easy to access, and reliable with plenty of adventure activities on and off the snow and an intimate après ski scene for lovers of artisan brews and low key dining. The resort is first rate and reliable — consistently good snow, excellent quality accommodations, exceptional ski school and mountain operations.

Contact us for more information and the best package deals on offer.

The beauty of a purpose built resort is everything has been planned for. You’ll find a mix of ski-in, ski-out hotels and lodges from budget to luxe close to the slopes. Those who prefer self-contained lodging have a plethora of options with vacation homes and chalets with sweeping views or more cosy condominiums.

 

Around the perimeter of the village sits Sundance and Bella Vista Drives filled with vacation homes that ski access to the Morrisey Express Chairlift.

 

The Sun Peaks Grand Hotel  and Residence has pride of place at the slope side entrance to the village. It has both hotel-style accommodation, as well as studio, one and two bedroom luxury condominiums. It’s also pet friendly. Just saying if you’re a local, and can’t bear to part company with your pooch.  If you are bringing your four-legged friend, then you’ll also find pet friendly studios at Coast Sundance Lodge.

 

Contact us for the best deals on lodging to suit your needs.

#1.  Big mountains, intimate village. Canada’s 2nd largest ski resort, has a huge variety of terrain across three interconnected mountains. Each winter, these peaks are covered in the renowned light and dry powder snow, the Interior BC resorts are famous for.

 

#2.  Ease of access. One of the most appealing aspects of Sun Peaks, is the cleverly designed flow of the village and resort. Everything is within easy walking distance. The closest Interior BC resort to Vancouver with gateway airports at both Kamloops, and international airport Kelowna.

 

#3.  A Wine Festival with a twist.  Each year Sun Peaks plays host to the Winter Wine Festival. This event is a gem, the festival spans 10 days, bringing the best of local Okanagan wine and winter sports together, whether you are a snow enthusiast, wine buff, or an après skier.

 

#4.  Romance. Sun Peaks is a popular wedding and multi-generational snow vacation destination. The resort has some ideal venues for special events with a stunning chapel, perched mid mountain, overlooking this winter wonderland.

 

#5.  Racers ready. Sun Peaks established the Nancy Greene International Race Centre for the very best training facilities, terrain and technology. The Austrian Olympic Ski Team trained here before the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and each year, race groups across the competitive spectrum from school groups to Olympic athletes, make Sun Peaks their race training winter home.

 

Contact us for all your Sun Peaks vacation needs.

 

DESIGNATED TRAILS:

Sun Peaks Resort	#Total Trails	Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Tod Mountain Sundance Mountain Mt. Morrisey	100+	20%	55%	25%

ANNUAL SNOWFALL: 

Sun Peaks

237 in

600 cm

TERRAIN: RESORT AREA 

Sun Peaks

4270 ac

1728 ha

VERTICAL DROP: 

2984 ft / 88s m                    Longest Run: 5 miles / 8 km

Summit Elevation	7060 ft / 2152 m
Village Centre	4116 ft / 1255 m
Vertical Drop	2894 ft / 882 m

NUMBER OF LIFTS & UPHILL CAPACITY: 

Sun Peaks

12

12,000 people per hour. Crystal Chair upgrade to quad fixed grip in time for 2020-21 season.

NORDIC SKIING: 

Sun Peaks Resort offers 22 miles (37 km) of impeccably groomed and track set trails which are accessible right from the village and your accommodation.  Cross-country ski or snowshoe with the entire family — including the dog, on the pet-friendly route to the McGillivray Lake outpost warming hut. For the adventurers, access the 10.5 miles (17km) of stunning backcountry trails and wilderness from the summit of the Morrisey Express Chairlift. The resort also hosts a Nordic Festival each March, with a family-oriented series of cross-country races.

 

NIGHT SKIING: 

Not offered, just lots of après activities!

 

SEASON DATES & OPENING HOURS 

Sun Peaks is usually open from late November to mid-April each year.

 

WINTER HOURS OF OPERATION 

9.00 am – 3.30 pm Note: These times are provided by the ski resort and can vary based on external conditions, day of the week, school, and public holidays.

 

Contact us for all your Sun Peaks vacation needs.

Sun Peaks Resort is 31 miles (50km) from Kamloops. From Vancouver by road, the resort is 235 miles (407 km) from Vancouver.

 

FLY:

Sun Peaks is conveniently positioned in the Interior of British Columbia, with two airport gateways – the regional airport, Kamloops (YKA) and international airport, Kelowna (YLW). Many of the major airlines have daily direct flights from many major cities, or direct connections from: Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, and Calgary, ensuring Sun Peaks is easily accessible from anywhere in the world.

 

Air Canada, WestJet, and Central Mountain Air and their code share partners ensure straightforward connections from the USA, UK, Australia and Asia.

 

The resort’s airport shuttle service meets all flights from Kamloops. It usually takes just 60 minutes door to door. If you are flying into Kelowna, shuttles must be reserved 72 hours prior to arrival, as they do not meet all flights. Remember to let them know if children need a booster or car seat.

airport shuttles:

DRIVE:

The best, easiest, and most direct route to Sun Peaks Resort is via Highway 5 North, exiting at Tod Mountain Road by Heffley Creek, BC.

 

If you are considering a road trip to take in other ski resorts and the spectacular alpine scenery; Whistler is only 4.5 hours away via Highway 99, some 221 miles (357 km), Silver Star is  just 2.5 hours, 119 miles (191 km) and Big White (via Kelowna) is 3.5 hours by road, 168 miles (271 km) . The resort also offers shuttle bus transfers to these three resorts.

 

SNOW HOW TIP:
Some GPS providers and Google Maps suggest an alternative access route to Sun Peaks — it is a dirt back road route off of Highway 1 near Pritchard, BC, and Chase, BC. This route is not recommended for winter travel.

 

For the latest information about road conditions, closures, travel advisories and webcams, please visit the Drive BC.

 

SNOW HOW TIP:
Winter tyres or chains are mandatory from October 1 to April 30 each year. Winter tyres can be requested for rental cars also. Look for the snowflake symbol on the tyre. Enterprise Car Rental are our preferred car rental company, purely based on positive past experiences, and offering a fleet of vehicles with winter tyres.

 

GETTING AROUND SUN PEAKS:

Sun Peaks Resort operates a regular loop shuttle around the resort, from 8.20am – 4.00pm daily, with a scheduled shuttle service every 30 minutes, starting from the Village Day Lodge. 

 

TAXI:

There is no taxi company in the resort, however Kami Cabs operate from Kamloops and will drive to Sun Peaks.

 

BIKES:

Fat Biking is available at Sun Peaks. These bikes are intended for off-road cycling with wider, over-sized tires to handle the snow. Fat biking is only permitted on the designated multi-purpose trails.

 

OTHER GROUND TRANSPORTATION:

The Kamloops Ski & Ride Shuttle Bus is available to everyone travelling to and from Kamloops and Sun Peaks, on the weekend. Pick-up and drop off locations are located throughout Kamloops, and no advance reservations are required.

 

Contact us for all your Sun Peaks vacation needs.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY TERRAIN PARK

Sun Peaks’ giant 10 acre (4 ha) top-to-bottom Rockstar Energy Terrain Park runs the entire length of the Sundance chairlift. It does not disappoint. Oozing a myriad of jumps, rails, boxes and features; it’s groomed to perfection each night — ready for you, each day. Dedicated snowmaking allows the park to open early each season, with the ops team constantly changing up the park, to keep you on your toes.

 

THE PLATTER PARK 

The Platter Terrain Park is accessed with the Village Platter and open later into the evening, featuring a rotating mix of small features that are fun for just about anyone.

 

BILLABONG TRIPLE LINE 

This zone is definitely for the thrill seekers. Extra-large features set the challenge, and sure to please the more advanced riders. Look for the zone, located skier’s right near the bottom of the park, and easy to spot from the chairlift.

 

FUN FACT:
Snowboarding was invented in the 1960’s and started out as “snurfing”. Yes, you read that right. A fellow named Sherman Poppen, an engineer living in Muskegon, Michigan, strapped two skis together and added some rope for steering. His wife called it a snurfer, or snow surfing. Riders have come along way since then.

 

Contact us for all your Sun Peaks vacation needs.

Sun Peaks Snow Sports School has a well-respected reputation within the ski industry.  Like all resorts, they pride themselves on the calibre of their snow-pros. The fact that many of the instructors are long-term employees, is testament to a well-run, professional Snow Sports School.

 

Sun Peaks’ terrain is the perfect classroom for all levels of ability — for skiers, boarders and Nordic skiers. If you are a beginner you won’t be intimidated by the easy learning terrain, and you are certain to quickly gain confidence.  If you are more experienced, you have an extensive timetable of specialist lessons and camps to challenge your ability.

 

COVID-19 Policy: The resorts’ products, programs and prices may change or vary for the upcoming 2020/21 season as they continue to act in accordance with the instructions of the BC Ministry of Health and other Government officials.

 

FUN FACT:
One of the points of difference we like about Sun Peaks is their unique Race Training Centre, which offers “best in class” training facilities and certified race snow-pros for individuals; snowsports school teams and groups; and elite athletes.

 

Sun Peaks have a vast selection of improvement lessons and programs. Here are a just a few.

Guided Gil’s Backcountry Tour	Sign up for a private tour of Sun Peaks’ legendary backcountry with a certified ski guide and instructor. Learn the safest routes, best lines, and local secrets while improving your technique in Sun Peaks’ famous dry powder. Suitable for intermediate to expert skiers and riders.
Heli-cat Warm Up Camp	Warm-up and fine tune your powder skiing technique while developing the necessary backcountry skills before your Heli or Cat skiing destination. The two day camp is designed and instructed by a CSIA certified instructor, Canadian Ski and Heli ski guide. Learn about avalanche awareness, companion rescue, tree wells and backcountry hazards — all invaluable skills to take with you into the trip of your lifetime.
First Tracks	A must do! For the first 50 earlybirds keen to get the fresh power stashes or carve up the corduroy, enjoy an early morning 90 minute session with your snow-pro. Great value and great fun.
Family Fun 2 Day Race Camp	Professional race coaching, with a maximum of four per group. Includes video analysis, lift line priority, gate training, Friday Race Series entry, and après party.
Super Group Lessons: The Green Scene | Cruise the Blues | Performance Lesson	A two hour lesson with a maximum of three students per group with our top instructors, you will take your skiing or riding to the next level.
Weekend Freestyle Program	Taught by certified Freestyle Coaches, and available for all ability levels teach the fundamentals of Freestyle skiing and snowboarding in a fun and safe environment.

KIDS PROGRAMS

For the tiny tots and children, Sun Peaks Snow Sports School provides the fun-filled ultimate snow playground for kids, 3 years and older. The focus is on fun, and it’s the perfect place for kids to be introduced to snow sports; gain confidence; and improve their snowboarding and skiing. With lots of activities on and off snow, your kids will be hooked.  For example…

 

Sun Tots Private Lesson with Child Minding

The Sun Tots program is the best option for introducing children ages 3 to 7 to the world of winter sports. Programs provide young skiers (3–6 years) and snowboarders (3–7 years) with a very positive first experience by building self-confidence through encouragement. All Sun Tots lessons provide a one-to-one student to instructor ratio with child minding arrangements.

The Sundance Childminding Centre is a home-away-from-home for children 18 months to 5 years old. Each day is jam-packed with a mixture of indoor play and outdoor activities (weather permitting).

 

ACTIVITY NIGHTS AT THE SUNDANCE KIDS CENTRE

If the kids (ages 3 -12 years) still have energy to burn, then they can now wrap up an exciting day on the mountain with their very own après! Activities include: Scavenger Hunts, Crafts, Movies & Popcorn, and more.

 

SNOW HOW TIP:
Best to register in advance for child minding prior to your vacation to ensure availability.

 

Contact us for all your Sun Peaks snow school needs.

We often recommend bringing your own boots, but save the stress of travelling with your own skis and boards. At Sun Peaks you have a great choice of rental gear with more than a handful of different outfitters — providing the latest technology, the best in boot-fitters, and every conceivable accessory and gadget you may need.

 

From skis, snowboards, snowblades to swimsuits and goggles, from wax and scrapers, to t-shirts and boots, from jackets and pants to mugs and batteries, they have it all. Some of the stores are true ski-in, ski-out, which makes it, oh so convenient.

 

Not forgetting the Snow Limo for the not so athletic guests, still keen to get on the mountain.  Get grandma and grandpa out and about. This is a terrific mode of transport to experience the snow and see the mountain first hand. Available for rental, with your  limo guide.

 

SNOW HOW TIP:
The Sun Peaks Grand Hotel offer ski-in, ski-out, ski valet and storage, including heated dryers for your boots.  

SHOPPING

Sun Peaks’ village exudes a European ambience. The pedestrian snowbound village, makes for a relaxing stroll amongst the interesting variety of quaint stores, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes.

 

Get your sweet fix at the Candy Vault and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, or browse the Lone Wolf Gallery for local artisan pieces. Of course, you have plenty of choice for sporting and outerwear, souvenirs, along with groceries and a liquor store.

 

Retail stores with apparel and equipment for skiers and snowboarders, après ski gear, gifts and  souvenirs	√
Equipment hire and rentals – skis, snowboards, snowshoes, Nordic gear, helmets, clothing, snow bikes	√
Boot fitter – expert team guarantee comfort & fit	√
Art Gallery with local artisan goods	√
Kids gear, candy store and souvenirs	√
Repairs and tuning open daily	√

ON MOUNTAIN

Here are a few of our favourite on-mountain activities:

 

Dog Sled Tours	Before heading out on your exhilarating dog sled adventure at Sun Peaks, you will learn everything you need to know about dog sled tours in Canada. All sleds are guided. Guests may be given the option to drive the sled, daylight and safety permitting.
Alpine Fondue & Starlight Descent	A night ride by chairlift to the top of the mountain, slap up fondue dinner, then ski down with headlamps, following a guide of course!!  A signature experience, you must do. Must be intermediate or better skier, and over 13 years.
Sun Host Mountain Tours	Join a complimentary tour, and get the low-down on the resort’s vast terrain as well as interesting facts and history about Sun Peaks. They’ll be happy to share their favourite secret stashes. Tours depart twice daily for all ability levels.
Snow Biking, Fat Biking and Segway Tours	Enjoy the fast growing sport of snow bikes during your next visit to Sun Peaks Resort. No experience necessary, join a tour led by experienced guides. Suitable only for guests 12 years and older due to the size of rental snow bikes available. Lift tickets are not included, guests are required to provide their own Alpine Sun Peaks lift tickets valid for the day of their tour.   Explore the winter wonderland of Sun Peaks Resort, and enjoy the fresh mountain air on an eco-friendly off-road off-piste guided Segway tour or fat bike.  Fat bikes are intended for off-road cycling with wider, oversized tyres to handle the snow.  Fat Bikes are permitted on the Nordic trails that have been specially designated multi-use.

 Contact us for more information regarding these and other activities.

OFF MOUNTAIN

For those days when you feel like a change of pace, or perhaps you have non-skiers and riders in your group, here are a few of our favourite ideas:

 

Ice Hockey Tour	Get up close to the action with the Kamloops Blazers, the local Western Hockey League team. The resort organizes everything — game day tickets, and transportation to the indoor ice rink in Kamloops. The arrangements allow time for you to arrive at the arena an hour before the puck drops, so you can dine at one of the many downtown Kamloops restaurants.   SNOW HOW TIP:  Locals always call it “hockey” never “ice hockey”.
Guided Ice Fishing Tours	Your local guide is certain to deliver a uniquely Canadian experience on one of the many frozen mountain lakes surrounding Sun Peaks. Everything from pick-up to drop-off is included — door to door transportation to and from the lake; a heated ice fishing tent; a hot beverage and all the fishing gear you need. The most valuable part is the knowledge of an experienced guide, making it easy for anyone to learn as they go, with absolutely no experience required. With a little luck and a little skill, you may well catch your dinner.
Contact us for all your Sun Peaks vacation needs.

The intimate size of Sun Peaks Village, is no barrier to the choice of après ski dining and entertainment options around the resort. The resort is seriously family-friendly — everything from traditional Italian Mediterranean kitchen, to sushi and a steakhouse.

 

At Voyageur Bistro in the Village, you can savour superb Canadian game, locally themed produce and ingredients; Bison, berries, bannock and local fish are all featured on the menu; paired with award winning local Okanagan wines.

 

The must do event on the culinary calendar is the Sun Peaks Okanagan Winter Wine Festival, usually held in March each year.

 

The Bluebird Market has a ready supply of all your grocery needs, prepared take-away meals, deli specialties and local produce for those who like to après at home.

 

Contact us for all your Sun Peaks vacation needs.