Top of the World
Elevation: 2,080m
Posted December 24, 2024
Search and rescue events early this season to locate missing skiers/riders out of bounds near Sun Peaks are a crucial reminder of the dangers that exist outside of the ski area boundary.
We are grateful for the efforts of numerous search and rescue teams, such as Kamloops Search and Rescue, who were able to successfully locate most of these guests, with the unfortunate exception of one guest who passed away outside of the resort, far from the ski area boundary.
We urge all resort guests to be diligent in staying WITHIN the ski area boundary, to make good choices, and to also obey in-bounds area closures. These closures and ski area boundary ropes exist for your safety. Don’t let the allure of the backcountry pull you in. Beyond the ski area boundary - marked by ropes and signage - is terrain that is unpatrolled, rugged, often not skiable, and can be extremely difficult to exit safely. Cellular service can be non-existent out of bounds, so you may have no way of calling for help.
The ski area boundary line that encompasses Sun Peaks’ in bounds ski terrain is marked by ropes and signage. A few backcountry access points are designated by larger signs containing vital information and reminders for those venturing into the wilderness. The backcountry, which is out of bounds and across ski area boundary ropes, should not be accessed by guests visiting Sun Peaks who are here to ski and ride resort terrain. Skiing and riding in the backcountry are only for those individuals who are trained, competent, and prepared for the environment and risks inherent with exploring beyond the resort area boundary. Going into the backcountry should never be done alone, or without communicating your plan to others.
In response to recent events, our teams are taking the time to review and bolster on-mountain signage and roping, while also increasing the visibility of safety messaging across various guest-facing communication channels. Guest safety is our top priority, and we take it seriously; we are doing everything we can to strongly advise guests to stay in bounds. We are looking at ways of ensuring that key safety information reaches guests even before they arrive at the resort.
Detailed and important safety information for skiers and riders can be found on our website here. This information covers in-bounds safety to consider when skiing and riding at our resort, as well as backcountry information. This is a good refresher for all guests to review, even if you have been an avid skier or rider at Sun Peaks for years.
We thank you for your cooperation in following these safety measures and for your support in helping spread the word to your family, friends, and our guests.
If you have any suggestion or comments on this topic, please fill out our online Guest Feedback Form.