1st Day or 1,000th: Take Your Turns to New Heights

Whether it’s your first time gliding on snow or you’ve been hitting the slopes for 50 years, there’s likely to be some aspect of skiing or snowboarding where you’re still a “beginner”. Maybe you’re eyeing up the backcountry for the first time, looking to leave the groomers behind and master moguls, or even lucky enough to be eagerly awaiting your first heli-ski trip.

Whatever your goals for the season or your ability level, our Sports School has a program to boost your skills progression:

Beginner to... Skiing or Snowboarding 

If you’ve been thinking about learning a new winter sport, now is the time to take the plunge!

Never Ever Day on Friday, January 26, is the perfect time to give skiing or snowboarding a go. You’ll get equipment rental, a beginner lift ticket, and four hours of instruction for just $25!

Can’t make Never Ever Day? Sports School has plenty of daily lesson options for first timers and beginners. With two dedicated beginner areas plus green runs from the top of every lift, Sun Peaks is the perfect place to learn. Lessons are available for kids as young as three, so get them started young and you'll have some mini mountain masters in no time.

With technology at our fingertips, you can even learn to snowboard online. Watch & Ride, the world’s first virtual snowboard school, was filmed here in Sun Peaks. In-depth technique videos will help you improve all aspects of your riding, while discounts on in-person lessons in Sun Peaks will help you practice your new knowledge on the slopes.

Beginner to... Advanced Terrain and Off-Piste

Dreaming of leaving the groomers behind and discovering the world of deep powder, tree skiing, and steeps? Sports School will give you the tools to turn the whole mountain into your playground.

Take a hike and discover the bottomless turns of our legendary Gil’s area, with a Guided Gil’s Backcountry Tour, or spend longer amongst the snow ghosts during a three day Beyond the Groomers camp. Both programs will help you improve your technique in fresh powder and other off-piste terrain, while showing you some of the best stashes.

Intermediate and advanced skiers/snowboarders can also tune up their technique with the help of our top instructors during a Private Lesson, Mogul Camp, or Super Group: Performance Lesson. You’ll be faster and more confident in all terrain, unlocking the full potential of our three mountains.

Beginner to... The Backcountry

If you’re eyeing up a trip into backcountry terrain, it’s crucial to get the necessary training and gear before you go. 

Our two day Introduction to Backcountry Camp is a great starting point for those interested in exploring the backcountry. The camp is run by an experienced backcountry guide and introduces you to the basics of terrain assessment, avoidance of hazards such as tree wells and avalanches, overnight survival, and companion rescue, along with exploration of the Gil’s area.

After the Introduction to Backcountry Camp, the next step in your education is to complete an Avalanche Skills Training (AST) Level 1 course. Courses are regularly offered both in Sun Peaks (the next course starts February 10) and other communities, with Avalanche Canada providing information on course availability.

Please note - the completion of an AST Level 1 course and having the necessary rescue equipment (beacon, probe, and shovel) should be considered the minimum requirements before heading into the backcountry. Sun Peaks Resort recommends travelling with a professional guide or experienced backcountry partner at all times while in backcountry terrain.

Beginner to... The Terrain Park

Got a grom who won’t stay out of the park? Sign them up for our Weekend Freestyle Programs. Our certified freestyle coaches will teach them the techniques needed to improve in the Rockstar Energy Terrain Park, help them hone their skills, and ensure they stay safe.

With a full day program on Saturdays and half day program on Sundays, there’s flexibility to fit your schedule. Programs are open to both skiers and snowboarders.

Beginner to... Heli-Skiing

You’ve worked hard for your heli or cat-skiing trip of a lifetime, so let Sports School help you make the most of it! Our two day HeliCat Warm Up Camp is taught by a heli-guide, so they know exactly what tips will help improve your dream trip even more. Enjoy deep, champagne powder in Gil’s while fine-tuning your turns, building strength in your legs, and getting your ski groove back.

Sun Peaks is the perfect stop to warm up before heading north to our friends at Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing or east to the multitude of heli and cat-skiing options available in the Interior of BC. 

Do these programs sound interesting? These are just some of the camps, clinics, and lessons offered by Sun Peaks Sports School. Head to our Explore Sports School page or call the team at 250.578.5505 to discover the perfect lesson type for you.