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Sun Peaks is a fantastic ski resort for all abilities. I had the pleasure of instructing here during the 2016/17 season and I am looking forward to getting back. Close to the city of Kamloops in British Columbia, Sun Peaks is one of the few resorts in Canada with a village feel. The Sun Peaks Village is at the base of the slopes which allows ski in and out access from a range of accommodations. Although expert terrain is on offer Sun Peaks is particularly popular with families.
Not as well known as some other Canadian resorts Sun Peaks is actually the 2nd largest in terms of skiable terrain. With over 130 runs and no lift lines you can feel that you have the mountain to yourself especially Monday - Friday. The layout of Sun Peaks also allows for this feeling of being alone with the runs spread amongst three peaks. The more advanced slopes are found on Mount Tod and Mount Morrisey, with the more amiable terrain on Sundance Mountain. With Mount Morrisey being slightly out of the way and with some traversing necessary it is often even quieter than Mount Tod but with access to lots of advanced terrain with steeps, trees and bumps.
What stood out for me at Sun Peaks was the quality of the grooming, that meant runs were always in a good condition and enough runs were left untouched for those who prefer untamed freeride, especially under the Burfield Chair. The Burf is one of the slowest lifts on the mountain with a 27minute run from bottom to top. But what this means is that the runs are skied nowhere near as often as those under the high speed chairs. This means the Burf remains one of the best places to go in search of fresh snow. In total Sun Peaks has 11 lifts including 5 quads, 1 triple chair, and 5 button lifts/Tbars.
I know that in the following I may be slightly biased but I believe that Sun Peaks Ski School is one of the best in Canada. Offering its instructors daily training twice a day means that they produce quality instructors. This means the lessons they deliver are great value. This added to terrain that is suitable for all abilities means Sun Peaks is not just a great resort to learn how to ski/board, but also to improve your technique as an expert.
At the base of the slopes there is a purpose built lodge with rental shop and bar. However if you want better rental equipment make your way to Elevation Ski and Bike in the Village which offers up to date equipment and demo's. I would especially recommend Elevation for snowboarders which gives you the best service in my experience. The rest of the village is filled with restaurants, bars and a great chocolate shop. My favourites would be, Mountain High Pizza, Morrissey's Bar (for the shuffleboard and music) and Bottoms for the poutine!
Getting to Sun Peaks is simple with access from Kamloops Airport, which connects with Calgary and Vancouver. If arriving in Kamloops and wanting a transfer to sun peaks check out Doug at Mostly Mental Shuttles via mostlymentalshuttles@hotmail.com They were always great with me and offer a reasonable price.
Whilst in Sun Peaks make sure you have a go at Fat Biking. This was a new activity for me but was a great way to spend a down day. It gives you a great chance to explore the nordic trails and a slight change of pace. Other notable activities in Sun Peaks are ice skating, the tube park, outdoor swimming at the Grand, dogsledding and some great nordic skiing.