The Ultimate Sun Peaks Ski Guide

Sun Peaks Village (photo by Adam Stein).

BY Adam Bisby

Last updated . 28 January 2020

A near-flawless village, activities galore and sensational sunny slopes make this three-mountain destination a complete ski package.

Why it’s legendary

You know a ski resort caters to families when there’s a public school upon its slopes. Such is the case with Sun Peaks which, in 2015, became Canada’s second-largest ski and snowboard destination after a 200-hectare expansion on two of its three mountains. The 1728 hectares of terrain and 122 runs will keep the whole family happy, with help from a much-awarded ski school, a wealth of alternative wintry activities including sleigh rides, ice-skating and a (literally) loopy tube park, and a picturesque village where accommodations, restaurants, shops and more are just steps from the slopes. Last but not least, 2000 hours of sunshine and nearly six metres of snow annually mean that even Mother Nature is on your side.

Who will love it

Perfectionists will appreciate the elegant layout, handy services and extensive amenities of Sun Peak’s award-winning village. Nestled in a picturesque alpine valley, the 7000-bed incorporated community evokes a traditional alpine hamlet, with edelweiss carved into snow-covered Swiss dormers and fairy lights lending a festive air all winter. The icing on this picturesque cake is ski-in/ski-out access to all three of Sun Peak’s mountains and most of its 11 lifts.

Three things you must do

1. Riding the Sunburst Express chairlift at 8am, a full hour before everyone else, has three principal benefits: you’ll blaze a trail through any pristine powder that fell overnight; you’ll get the first crack at Sun Peak’s renowned groomed runs; and after all that, you’re served a hearty breakfast at the Sunburst Mid-Mountain Restaurant. Plus, you’ve still got most of the day ahead of you!

Take a ride on the sunburst express chairlift.

2. Bookend your day of schussing and dining by boarding the Sunburst Express yet again for a fondue dinner with live music. After the meal you’ll don a headlamp and, with the starry sky as your backdrop, you’ll glide down the gentle five-mile run with a guide at your side.

3. Nordic skiers can take a high-speed chairlift up Mount Morrisey for a glorious glide down the winding Holy Cow trail – part of the resort’s 34-kilometre network – followed by a scenic rest-stop at the rustic McGillivray Lake Outpost warming hut.

Local secrets you should know

The new Gil’s terrain atop 2152-metre Mount Tod is the ideal place to pop off your skis or snowboard and ‘boot-pack’ up as locals do. These pristine slopes are now patrolled and avalanche-controlled just like the rest of the resort, the only differences being the lack of a lift and the extra helping of untouched powder.

Sun Peaks’ friendly Sun Hosts won’t take you up Gil’s – they generally stick to intermediate and beginner runs – but their free daily tours deliver superb local insights on when and where to find the best conditions.

Off the slopes

No genuine Canadian experience is complete without a little ice hockey, and Sun Peaks’ shuttle service to the Kamloops Blazers’ home games will give you a pro-level taste. A private charter picks guests up two hours before game time at the Sandman Centre arena – giving you time to dine at one of Kamloops’ downtown restaurants – and then returns you to the resort after the score has been settled.

Best après-ski hotspots

A lively mix of locals and visitors come to Bottoms Bar & Grill for drink specials and pub-style comfort food, while nearby Morrisey’s Public House adds an Irish twist to après, along with plenty of screens for sports fans. The Club, meanwhile, kicks the party up several notches with live music and DJs.

Pop in for a bevvie at Morrisey’s after your afternoon run.

Skiers will love

Skiing with Nancy Greene

The 1968 Olympic Champion, a Canadian senator and director of skiing at Sun Peaks takes part in the Sun Hosts program on many weekend and holiday afternoons. If you dream of skiing with a gold-medallist –and getting technique tips from one too – this is your chance!

Skiing with an Olympic Champion is surely on your bucket list.

Snowboarders will love

Sunny afternoons on the Burfield Chair

All alone on the west side of Mt. Tod, the Burfield climbs a stunning assortment of black-diamond terrain, bathed in glowing alpine sunlight more often than not. If your legs are burning after a stellar ride down, it’s nice to know that the ride up will take a leisurely 23 minutes.

Recommended places to stay

Budget

The Burfield

Ski-in/ski-out dorms and private rooms with a fully equipped kitchen, large lounge area and free wi-fi. Choose between the Hostel or the Boutique Hotel. Either one and you’ll be treated well.

Address: 1140 Sun Peaks Road