Sunpeaks
Sun Peaks is a world-class ski resort located in British Columbia, Canada. It is one of the largest ski resorts in the country, offering over 4,200 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains. With its long ski season, deep powder, and variety of runs suitable for all levels, Sun Peaks has become a favorite destination for skiers from around the world.
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Sun Peaks is situated about 45 minutes north of Kamloops, a city in the interior of British Columbia. The resort is easily accessible by car or shuttle from Kamloops, which has an airport with connections to major Canadian cities. The resort is also just a short drive from other major cities in British Columbia, such as Vancouver and Calgary, making it a convenient destination for skiers from all over North America.
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One of the biggest draws of Sun Peaks is its reliable snowfall. The resort typically sees over 200 inches of snowfall each year, with the snowiest months being December through March. This consistent snowfall, combined with the resort's extensive snowmaking capabilities, means that the ski season at Sun Peaks typically runs from late November to early April.
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Sun Peaks is made up of three distinct mountains: Tod Mountain, Sundance Mountain, and Mt. Morrisey. Each mountain has its own unique terrain and character, offering skiers and snowboarders of all levels a wide range of options. Tod Mountain is the largest of the three mountains, and is known for its challenging terrain and long, steep runs. Sundance Mountain, on the other hand, is more beginner-friendly, with gentle, rolling slopes perfect for those just starting out. Mt. Morrisey is somewhere in between, offering a mix of challenging runs and more forgiving terrain.
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One of the unique features of Sun Peaks is its abundance of glade skiing. Glade skiing, also known as tree skiing, involves skiing through forested areas with ungroomed runs and natural obstacles. Sun Peaks has over 500 acres of glade skiing, making it one of the best resorts in North America for this type of skiing. The glades at Sun Peaks are known for their powder stashes and natural jumps, and are a must-try for any advanced skier or snowboarder.
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Another highlight of Sun Peaks is its impressive lift system. The resort has 12 lifts in total, including three high-speed quad chairs and one gondola. This means that skiers and snowboarders can spend more time on the slopes and less time waiting in line for lifts. The lifts at Sun Peaks are also strategically placed to provide access to the best terrain on each mountain, making it easy to explore all that the resort has to offer.
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In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Sun Peaks offers a variety of other winter activities. The resort has over 30 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, as well as snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog sledding. There are also plenty of dining and shopping options in the village, making Sun Peaks a great place to spend a day off from the slopes.
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When it comes to accommodations, Sun Peaks has options to suit every budget and preference. The resort has several hotels, condos, and vacation rental properties, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious ski-in/ski-out chalets. The village at Sun Peaks is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with most accommodations located within walking distance of the lifts and village amenities.
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See the Sunpeaks Gallery
The resort village is located at the base of three mountains: Tod Mountain, Sundance Mountain, and Mount Morrissey. The village is located about 40 minutes northeast of Kamloops and about 4 hours northeast of Vancouver. Sun Peaks has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, and this article will explore the fascinating history of this beautiful mountain resort.
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The area around Sun Peaks has been home to the Secwepemc people for thousands of years. The Secwepemc people are part of the larger First Nations community in Canada and have lived in the region for at least 10,000 years. The Secwepemc people were hunters, fishers, and gatherers who lived off the land. They had a deep connection to the land and the natural environment and had a rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
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The first non-Indigenous explorers arrived in the area around Sun Peaks in the early 19th century. In 1811, the famous explorer David Thompson arrived in the region and mapped the area. The first settlers arrived in the area in the late 19th century, and by the early 20th century, the area was being used for mining and logging. The first permanent settlement in the area was the town of Heffley Creek, which was established in the early 1900s.
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Skiing first came to the Sun Peaks region in the 1930s when a group of Vancouver skiers discovered the area around Tod Mountain. The group was led by J. Douglas Campbell, who was the president of the Vancouver Ski Club. Campbell and his group were impressed with the area's deep snow and challenging terrain, and they began to explore the mountain. The Vancouver Ski Club built a ski cabin on the mountain, and the area became a popular destination for skiers.
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In the 1950s and 1960s, the area around Tod Mountain continued to attract skiers, and a small ski resort was established. The resort had a few lifts and a lodge, but it was mostly a local ski hill. In the 1970s, a group of investors purchased the ski resort and began to expand it. The new owners added more lifts, runs, and lodges, and the resort began to attract skiers from all over the world. In 1974, the resort was renamed "Sun Peaks" after a nearby peak that had a sunny aspect.
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In the 1980s and 1990s, Sun Peaks continued to grow and expand. The resort added more lifts, runs, and lodges, and the village at the base of the mountain began to take shape. The village was designed to be a pedestrian-only area with shops, restaurants, and hotels. The resort also began to offer summer activities, such as mountain biking and hiking, to attract visitors year-round.
In 2003, Sun Peaks hosted the World Ski Championships, which brought international attention to the resort. The event was a huge success, and it helped to establish Sun Peaks as one of the premier ski destinations in North America. Since then, the resort has continued to grow and develop, and it is now one of the largest ski resorts in Canada.