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Story Starters

Sun Peaks Story Starters help you uncover what makes Sun Peaks… Sun Peaks. Whether you are intrigued by our mountain lifestyle, captivated by our charming alpine village, curious about the personalities who call Sun Peaks home, or yearning to discover the foundations from which Sun Peaks has grown, we want to be sure you have the inside scoop to share Sun Peaks with your audience.

Sun Peaks is a resort community located in the interior of British Columbia. Located just 45 minutes from Kamloops, it is the second largest ski area in Canada and a year-round destination for guests in search of a welcoming, accessible, stress-free mountain experience. Consistently recognized as one of the top ski resorts in North America, thanks to its massive terrain and confidence inspiring design, Sun Peaks offers a European-style ski-in, ski-out, pedestrian village with locally-owned and operated shops, restaurants and lodging. Spring, summer and fall offers guests a wide range of leisure activities, featuring an 18-hole, par 72 Graham Cooke-designed golf course, a lift-accessed downhill mountain bike park, cross-country mountain biking, alpine hiking trails, and a year-round line up of concerts, events and festivals. Sun Peaks has been recognized for its environmental policies and practices, as the first resort in North America and the only resort in Canada to earn the ISO 14001 designation for environmental management. Sun Peaks can be accessed from airport gateways in Kamloops (45 minutes) and Kelowna (2.5 hours), and by car, with only a four-hour drive separating Sun Peaks from Vancouver, B.C.

Winter Activities & Adventure

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Frozen Thrills: Unleash the Adventure of the ultimate ice fishing experience

Enjoy the winter sunrise, some mid-day blue skies or a stunning sunset out on the hard water on a fully guided ice fishing adventure with Elevated Fishing Adventures. Join your local guide Campbell for a uniquely Canadian experience on one of the many mountain lakes surrounding Sun Peaks and try your hand at catching a few of the hard-fighting and great-tasting wild Rainbow Trout. Everything from pick-up to drop-off is provided including door-to-door transportation to and from the lake, a heated ice fishing tent, a hot beverage and all the fishing gear you need. But the most valuable part is the knowledge of an experienced guide, making it easy for anyone to learn as they go with absolutely no experience required. With a little luck and a little skill, you could take home some fish for the frying pan.

Leave the skis behind

While many visitors are passionate about skiing and snowboarding, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan a memorable getaway into the Sun Peaks mountains without skis or a board in tow. There’s tons to keep you as busy as you want to be in our great outdoors and plenty of great indoor options, too! 

  • Take a dog sled tour through the Sun Peaks forests for a unique adventure. Odds are you’ll meet your new best friend along the way too, because meeting the dogs (and puppies if you're lucky) is a huge part of the experience. #3: Don’t sink – snowshoe!
  • Snowshoeing is a terrific alternative to skiing and snowboarding that allows you to explore a bit further off trail without ski boots or a chairlift. Rentals and trail maps are available at the Activity Centre in the Village Day Lodge, and different tours are offered to show you more of the area on foot. 
  • Schedule some time to kick back and relax during your busy day in Sun Peaks, so there’s time to slow down and enjoy your surroundings - and each other. Treat yourself to a spa treatment, take a yoga class, or hop in your accommodation's hot tub such as the Sun Peaks Grand's slope-side spa.

Off the beaten path with Bodie Shandro

Prepare to venture off the beaten path with Sun Peaks Backcountry Tours and Avalanche Training. Owner Bodie Shandro, has upwards of three decades of backcountry experience and is a professionally certified CSIA Level 3 Ski Instructor, CSGA Ski Guide, Wilderness First Responder, and Avalanche Canada Licensed AST provider. Guests can choose from an array of courses and tours, including a two-day Avalanche Canada AST1 course that’s offered every weekend.

Thrilling Snowmobile Tours with Mountain Man Adventures at Sun Peaks

Looking for an adrenaline-packed winter adventure? Mountain Man Adventures, a family-run business nestled in the heart of Sun Peaks, offers exhilarating two-hour snowmobile tours designed for thrill-seekers and families alike. Set against the backdrop of British Columbia’s breathtaking wilderness, these tours provide a journey through the stunning Sun Peaks backcountry, where guests will conquer diverse trails and enjoy awe-inspiring panoramic views.

Chris and Taryn, the founders of Mountain Man Adventures, have called Sun Peaks home since 2010 and are proud to share their love of adventure with the community. As a small, family-run business, they bring a personal touch to every experience, making each tour not only thrilling but heartwarming.

Summer Activities & Adventure

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Elevate Your Spirit

Imagine breathing in fresh mountain air, surrounded by a stunning wildflower meadow, as you take part in a 45-minute outdoor yoga session that nourishes both body and soul. This one-of-a-kind adventure begins with a scenic ride on the Sunburst chairlift, followed by a gentle hike through stunning alpine landscapes. Your destination - an en plain air yoga studio where you will can connect with nature and yourself under the guidance of an experienced yoga instructor. 

Perfect for yogis of all levels, this unforgettable experience is designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. After your practice, enjoy a peaceful return hike to the charming Sunburst Lodge, completing your alpine escape.

Discover Thrills at Sun Peaks Bike Park

Sun Peaks Bike Park is a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts, offering two chairlifts, over 83 kilometers of diverse trails, and nearly 600 meters of lift-access vertical across Tod and Sundance mountains. Whether you’re a seasoned downhill rider or a beginner looking to build confidence, the park has something for every skill level. From machine-built cruisers to challenging singletrack descents, plus a dedicated Progression Park, riders can explore trails that suit their style. For those looking for a bigger challenge, tackle the Altitude climb for an additional technical descent and soak in the legendary mountain biking history of Sun Peaks.

Discover the Beauty of Sun Peaks - 17 Hiking Trails and Lift-Access to Alpine Adventures

Sun Peaks offers outdoor enthusiasts 17 designated hiking trails, ranging from easy, scenic strolls to challenging summit hikes with stops at Tod Lake. Start your adventure in the village or hop on the Sunburst chairlift, which takes you to mid-mountain at 6,000 feet above sea level. From there, explore breathtaking alpine vistas and vibrant wildflower meadows. When you’re done, give your legs a break and take the chairlift back down. Don’t miss the stunning Alpine Blossom Season, peaking between mid-July and mid-August, when the meadows burst into a kaleidoscope of wildflower colors and sweet aromas.

Arts & Culture

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Sun Peaks: A Vibrant Hub for Arts and Culture in the Mountains

Sun Peaks is not just a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, but also a flourishing hub for arts and culture. The village comes alive year-round with a blend of artistic expressions that reflect the natural beauty surrounding it. From intimate gallery showcases featuring local artists to live performances that fill the village with music, Sun Peaks offers a dynamic cultural landscape.

ArtZone Sun Peaks is a non-profit community organization whose mission is to promote the growth and accessibility of arts and culture in Sun Peaks. The CREATE Arts & Craft Festival hosted by ArtZone takes place each September filling the village with a weekend of music, art displays and workshops for all.

Community

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The Heartbeat of Sun Peaks: A Community Rooted in Adventure and Connection

Sun Peaks community is more than a resort town—it's a vibrant hub where adventure, culture, and a close-knit lifestyle intertwine. As Canada's second-largest ski area, Sun Peaks draws visitors from around the world for its renowned slopes and year-round activities. But beneath the surface, it's the people who truly make Sun Peaks extraordinary.

From longtime residents who’ve built their lives in this alpine paradise to newcomers drawn by the spirit of exploration, Sun Peaks is a community defined by nature. Local businesses, artists, and athletes collaborate to create a rich social fabric. With sustainability at the forefront, Sun Peaks’ commitment to preserving its natural surroundings ensures this community will flourish for generations to come.

Culinary

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Sun Peaks welcomes Chef Kartik Kuma

Born in Singapore but raised in India, Chef Kartik Kumar has been changing the culinary landscape at restaurants and resorts around the globe for over 25 years. Born in India and trained in some of the world's finest kitchens, Chef Kartik is known for his dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and sustainable cooking practices. At Sun Peaks, Chef Kartik’s focus is on guiding new chefs to do their best work where he oversees food preparation for Sun Peaks’ resort-owned restaurants, including Mantles Restaurant and Lounge, Morissey’s Public House, Cafe Soliel, Masa’s Bar and Grill, Annex Food and Drink, The Umbrella Cafe, Sunburst Bar and Eatery. Having cooked for the Dalai Lama, then Prince Charles and met Mother Theresa and Sir Edmund Hillary, Kumar said he’s happy to take a step back and teach.

Bobbe Lyall's Ohana – Where Every Bite Feels Like Family

Have you ever bought grocer­ies from a store that is owned by one woman who oversees daily operations, hand se­lects her produce, and fosters personal relationships with the farmers that grow her food? Bobbe Lyall is a long-time Sun Peaks local and launched Ohana to offer hyper-local organic produce, rangeland meats, and international cheeses to the Sun Peaks community. With a wide selection of groceries, daily specials, and specialty gift baskets, there’s something here for the whole of Ohana.

Alpine Fondue and Starlight Descent

As the day winds down and night falls, an exclusive après-ski adventure awaits at Sun Peaks. Hop on the Sunburst Express chairlift to a gourmet fondue feast at the Sunburst Bar + Eatery, where you’ll create your custom plate from a selection of local culinary delights. After dining, step into the crisp alpine air and descend the freshly groomed 5-mile run under a starry sky. Guided by starlight, this unforgettable journey blends gourmet indulgence with the thrill of a private night ski.

Step into BC’s famous craft beer scene at Sun Peaks

British Columbia is building an international reputation as a paradise for craft beer lovers, with new breweries popping up all over the province and no shortage of tasty regionally-brewed drops being produced. 

Whether you’re after a refreshing IPA or a complex winter ale to complement a hard day of skiing, here are some recommendations of where to discover BC craft beer in our village:

  • With 16 taps, slopeside Masa’s Bar + Grill has one of the biggest selections of draft beer in Sun Peaks. There’s plenty of BC beers to choose from here, but for a truly local taste we recommend the White IPA from Iron Road, Kamloops’ newest brewery, or one of the rotating taps from Red Collar Brewing Co. 
     
  • It’s no surprise that the biggest selection of craft beer in the village resides at the Sundance Liquor Store, and its collection of top notch BC beers rivals that of much larger outlets. With offerings from 30+ BC breweries there’s almost too much to choose from.
     
  • Newly renovated, Cahilty Creek Kitchen and Taproom has fully embraced the BC brewing scene along with its new look. 16 draft taps offer plenty of beer options, with Hoyne Brewing Company’s Dark Matter a must-try for those who have yet to sample this iconic drop.

Family

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The Ultimate Family Playground - Where Mountain Adventures meet Village Fun

From the on-mountain experience to the friendly and central village, families love Sun Peaks! The resort’s many dining options cater to all ages and in addition to kids menus at your favourite restaurants there’s no shortage of their favourite treats; ranging from healthy and organic to dripping with cheese or chocolate. 

Explore the mountain together throughout the year with progressive biking, hiking and alpine sightseeing trails in the summer and a full bevy of ski runs from each chairlift so you can ascend together, take your plunge of choice, and meet up in the central village for another lap.

Golf

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Swing High: Tee Off at British Columbia's Highest Golf Course at Sun Peaks Resort

The Golf Course at Sun Peaks Resort welcomes guests to test their swing on the 18-hole, 72-par Graham Cooke-designed course. At 1,200 metres above sea level, it is British Columbia’s highest elevation course, offering golfers of every level the serenity of panoramic views, fresh mountain air and even the chance of meeting Sun Peaks wildlife on the links. 

History

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Nancy Green, Sun Peaks’ ‘Tiger of the Slopes’

Nancy Greene's connection to Sun Peaks Resort runs deep, both as a celebrated athlete and a passionate advocate for the resort's growth. After winning Olympic gold in 1968 and becoming a national icon, Greene joined Sun Peaks in 1994 as its Director of Skiing. Her presence immediately elevated the resort’s profile, helping to transform it into a renowned destination for winter sports enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond her public role, Greene has made a lasting impact on the local community, fostering a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that attracts visitors of all ages. Her hands-on involvement, from skiing with guests to promoting new initiatives, has shaped Sun Peaks' identity as one of Canada’s top ski resorts. Thanks to her efforts, Sun Peaks has grown not only as a ski destination but also as a hub for outdoor recreation and year-round mountain culture.

Pet-Friendly

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Pup-friendly Sun Peaks

The winters in Sun Peaks are nothing short of magical, and we know how special it is to create lasting memories with your loved ones, and that those memories should include every member of the family. Here are three tips for a pup-friendly Sun Peaks getaway:

  • Accommodations for pets are plentiful- from hotels to condos and chalets. If you're looking for something in the heart of the village a hotel stay would be right for you. If you’re looking for something where your furry friend can stretch their legs, a townhome or chalet would be a great fit.  Unsure? Check out this guide to help pick the perfect spot.
     
  • For the energetic pups, the Nordic trails are calling. With six pet-friendly trails, there is plenty of terrain for you and your four-legged friend to explore. There are sections of trail where your pet can be off-leash and sections where they must be on a leash. Make sure you abide by all signage and pick up after your pup.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through our winter wonderland this season and explore our snowshoe trails. These pet-friendly trails allow the whole family to make memories together while discovering Sun Peaks from a different perspective. Grab your snowshoes and embark on an adventure that you won't forget any time soon.

Ski & Snowboard

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Master the Mountain Before It Opens with Private Lessons at Sun Peaks

One of the most unique winter experiences in Sun Peaks is the First Tracks Private lessons. During the lesson, students have exclusive access to the Crystal chairlift for an entire hour of uninterrupted skiing or riding. Expert instructors guide guests around some of the finest untracked snow before the mountain opens to the public. All skiers/riders must be 19+ and ride at an intermediate/expert level.

Master the Backcountry at Sun Peaks: Perfect Your Powder Skills Before Your Heli or Cat-Ski Adventure

Sun Peaks Resort is conveniently located amid some of the finest heli and cat-skiing destinations in the world! Warm-up and fine-tune your powder skiing technique in Sun Peaks legendary Gil's terrain while developing the necessary backcountry skills before your heli or cat skiing destination. Introduction to Backcountry camps teach invaluable skills such as avalanche awareness, companion rescue, tree wells and backcountry hazard recognition while exploring Sun Peaks' vast off-piste terrain with a certified Canadian Ski Guide.

Nordic Skiing

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Sun Peaks, A Hidden Treasure for Nordic Skiers

With more and more outdoor enthusiasts discovering our pristine trail network, Sun Peaks has quietly evolved into a favourite Nordic destination. Its unique location provides plenty of sunshine and perfect elevation for dry snow and consistent temperatures.

Impeccably groomed and track-set trails are accessible right from the village and your hotel. Truly unique to Sun Peaks, experienced Nordic skiers can hop aboard the Morrisey Express chairlift for exceptional access to seemingly endless backcountry terrain and scenic mountain views off the Holy Cow trail. Or ski with the entire family—including the dog—on the pet-friendly route to the McGillivray Lake Outpost warming hut.

Sustainability

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Sun Peaks Resort Expands Organic Waste Recycling Initiative to Boost Community Sustainability

In 2019 Sun Peaks Resort LLP ran a pilot project and partnered with Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Utilities to collect and treat all organic waste from their food outlets and treat it using biosolids from the community to create soil and/or fertilizer. The pilot was a success and Sun Peaks Resort is now in talks with the Thompson Nicola Regional District to expand the program for all independent restaurants and food outlets within the community using their larger regional treatment plants.

Sun Peaks Resort Reduces Water Use by 64% amid BC's Hottest Summer on Record

As British Columbia entered what would become the hottest summer on record, Sun Peaks Resort had already taken proactive measures earlier in the year to significantly reduce water consumption on its golf course. By implementing a comprehensive range of strategies and innovative initiatives, the resort successfully cut water usage by millions of liters. These efforts led to an impressive 64% reduction in overall water consumption by August 2023, demonstrating Sun Peaks’ commitment to environmental stewardship and resource conservation during a critical time.

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