Sun Peaks Resort
Sun Peaks
The Golden Jewel of the Thompson-Okanagan
Sun Peaks Resort is far more than just a ski hill; it is a meticulously designed mountain community that captures the spirit of the Austrian Alps in the heart of British Columbia. Situated just 45 minutes from Kamloops, the resort serves as a year-round sanctuary for those seeking a "slow-burn" holiday—where the rush of the downhill is balanced by the tranquility of a car-free village.
The resort is famous for its "three-mountain" layout. Unlike many resorts that sprawl linearly, Sun Peaks’ village sits at the base of Tod, Sundance, and Morrisey mountains. This allows visitors to literally ski or walk into the village center from almost any direction, creating an incredibly convenient and immersive atmosphere where your car stays parked for the duration of your stay.
In the winter, the resort is bathed in "champagne powder," a dry, light snow characteristic of the BC interior. With 137 runs and 13 lifts, there is enough terrain to satisfy expert glade-runners and beginner families alike. Because of its massive acreage relative to its bed count, the slopes rarely feel crowded, offering a sense of private mountain ownership that is hard to find at larger North American hubs.
When the snow melts, Sun Peaks transforms into a vibrant green playground. The "Sunburst" chairlift remains active, whisking hikers and mountain bikers up to 6,000 feet to witness the legendary alpine blossom season. From the 18-hole Graham Cooke-designed golf course—the highest in BC—to the weekly outdoor concerts, the resort proves that the mountains are just as magical under the summer sun as they are under a blanket of white.
A Legacy of the Peaks: The History of Tod Mountain
The story of Sun Peaks began in 1961 with the opening of Tod Mountain. Originally a rugged, locals-only ski hill, it was famous for the "Burfield Chair," which at the time was one of the longest chairlifts in North America. For decades, it remained a hidden gem for hardcore powder hounds who braved the steep terrain and basic facilities of the original Burfield Lodge.
The real transformation began in 1992 when the Nippon Cable Company purchased the mountain. They envisioned a world-class, multi-season destination. This sparked a massive development phase that saw the birth of the pedestrian village, the addition of the Sundance and Mt. Morrisey terrain, and the rebranding of the area as "Sun Peaks Resort" to reflect its status as one of Canada's sunniest ski destinations.
Throughout its growth, the resort has maintained a deep connection to Canadian skiing royalty. Senator Nancy Greene Raine, an Olympic gold medalist and Canada’s "Female Athlete of the 20th Century," served as the resort’s Director of Skiing for years. Her presence, along with her husband Al Raine, helped shape the village's welcoming, family-oriented culture that persists today.
In recent years, Sun Peaks has achieved historic milestones, officially becoming Canada’s second-largest ski area after Whistler Blackcomb. Despite its growth, the community remains committed to environmental sustainability, being the first resort in North America to receive the ISO 14001 designation. It stands today as a testament to how a rugged backcountry peak can evolve into a sophisticated international destination without losing its rustic charm.
Dining and Après-Ski Delights
The Sun Peaks village is a culinary hub where you can travel the world without leaving the pedestrian walkway. From the iconic Voyageur Bistro, which celebrates Canadian fur-trading history with local bison and berries, to authentic Italian pastas at Bella Italia, the dining scene is surprisingly diverse. For a quick slope-side refuel, don’t miss a "Mountain Beaver" pastry—a local take on the classic BeaverTail—at the village bakery.
As the sun sets, the "après" culture takes over. Bolacco Café offers a cozy European coffee house vibe, while Morrisey's Public House provides a traditional Irish pub atmosphere with live music and local BC craft ales. For a truly unique experience, book the "Fondue Dinner and Starlight Descent," where you enjoy a Swiss-style meal mid-mountain before skiing down a freshly groomed run under the stars with a headlamp.
Accommodation Options: Slope-side Living
Accommodation at Sun Peaks is designed around the concept of "ski-in/ski-out." The Sun Peaks Grand Hotel serves as the village centerpiece, offering four-star luxury, a heated outdoor pool, and the most central access to the lifts. For those seeking a more boutique feel, Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge offers a warm, home-like environment with kitchen-equipped suites that are perfect for longer stays or families.
Beyond the main hotels, the resort is dotted with luxury townhomes and private chalets. Many of these, such as the Echo Landing or Crystal Forest developments, offer private hot tubs and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Whether you prefer a modern condo with floor-to-ceiling windows or a rustic timber-framed lodge, the village layout ensures you are never more than a five-minute walk from the heart of the action.
Nearby Attractions and Regional Wonders
While Sun Peaks is a destination in itself, its location in the Thompson-Okanagan region makes it a perfect base for wider exploration. Just 45 minutes away lies the city of Kamloops, where visitors can explore the BC Wildlife Park or tour the burgeoning "Monte Creek" winery district. In the summer, the nearby Shuswap Lakes offer world-class houseboating and water sports, providing a perfect "surf and turf" holiday combination.
For those looking for a quieter nature experience, the nearby McGillivray Lake is a hidden sanctuary. In the winter, it is a popular destination for Nordic skiers and snowshoers, while in the summer, it offers tranquil paddle-boarding and fishing opportunities. The drive to the lake often provides sightings of local wildlife, including moose and deer, making it a favorite for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
The Nordic Network: Beyond the Downhill
While the alpine runs get the glory, Sun Peaks boasts an world-class Nordic skiing network. With 34km of impeccably groomed trails and an additional 12km of backcountry routes, it is a haven for cross-country enthusiasts. The "Holy Cow" trail is a must-do, offering a scenic descent from the top of the Morrisey chairlift back to the village, blending lift-access convenience with Nordic tranquility.
The Magic of the Alpine Blossom Season
If you visit in late July or August, you will witness the "Alpine Blossom" phenomenon. The meadows on Tod Mountain erupt into a carpet of Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, and Arctic Aster. It is widely considered one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in North America. The resort hosts a dedicated blossom festival, allowing hikers to take guided tours to the best viewing spots at the summit.
A Community Built on Snow
What truly sets Sun Peaks apart is its sense of community. Unlike "corporate" resorts, many of the shops and restaurants are owner-operated by locals who live on the mountain year-round. This creates a genuine, friendly atmosphere where the person tuning your skis in the morning is often the same person you’ll see at the pub in the evening. It’s this "mountain village" soul that keeps visitors returning year after year.
Explore More Canadian Resorts
If you enjoyed carving through the powder at Sun Peaks Resort, you’ll find incredible terrain and unique alpine villages at these other world-class Canadian destinations, or, for more inspiration on top-tier destinations across the globe, visit my Ski Destinations page.
Big White, BC: Renowned for its "snow ghosts" and family-friendly, ski-in/ski-out village atmosphere.
Kicking Horse, BC: A thrill-seeker's dream featuring steep chutes and some of the most vertical terrain in North America.
Lake Louise Skiing, AB: Offers breathtaking views of the Victoria Glacier alongside over 4,200 acres of skiable terrain.
Mont Tremblant, QC: Experience a touch of European charm in the heart of the Laurentian Mountains.
Mt Norquay, AB: A local favourite in Banff known for its great night skiing and historic racing runs.
Silver Star, BC: Famous for its colourful mid-mountain village and exceptional groomed Nordic and alpine trails.
Sun Peaks, BC: Canada's second-largest ski area, offering a quaint pedestrian village and sun-drenched slopes.
Sunshine Village, AB: Boasts an incredibly long season and high-altitude terrain that sits right on the Continental Divide.