50 years young
Lots of folks have already heard of Sun Peaks Resort, but many aren't quite sure what it really is. Since 1961, Tod Mountain, the original ski hill, has provided guests with a special air of welcome. Back in 1992, significant investments began by the new parent company, Nippon Cable Canada, and the mountain was renamed Sun Peaks Resort. Amongst those years of development and growth, was the evolution of a unique alpine community of local business owners and their families.
Sun Peaks is a community with a resort, not just another resort community. It has a village and residents who call Sun Peaks home. In terms of size, this ski resort is big: 2nd largest in British Columbia, 3rd largest in Canada. And yet it's not intimidating or crowded, with terrain that is suitable for everyone. It's a place where the environment is not only respected, but a place where both guests and residents share the natural surroundings together. And probably most importantly, it's a place where 'service' is not just a word but a mantra that embodies the Sun Peaks story – a story telling of feelings of perpetual welcome, a trait that distinguishes this special resort from others. The goal is to move the corners of mouths upwards.
Simply put, Sun Peaks Resort is Canada's Alpine Village.
What's keeping you from venturing here for your next ski vacation? We want to provide you with an easy, better understanding of Sun Peaks Resort and the fun you'll have here – it will quite possibly be your best vacation ever. Learn more here.
Getting to Sun Peaks is easy
Select the closest major city to you to find out how to get here.A few of you may think Sun Peaks is difficult to reach by car, and yet it is far from the truth. Ask anyone that has made the trip. Sun Peaks is actually a shorter and quicker journey than other interior BC resorts like Big White or Silver Star, and on easier roads. Save yourself valuable time and fuel. And the trip is all highway driving – no stop and go urban stuff like one tends to experience heading through Vancouver to Whistler. But, that can be said for Sun Peaks in general, where the locals don't like to waste valuable time getting to the slopes or waiting in lift lines.
Here are the details
From the Port Mann Bridge, the four-lane Coquihalla Highway will get you to Kamloops with no traffic lights. Alternatively, the Trans Canada Highway #1 offers a low elevation alternative without a mountain pass.
Here are the details
From the Port Mann Bridge, the four-lane Coquihalla Highway will get you to Kamloops with no traffic lights. Alternatively, the Trans Canada Highway #1 offers a low elevation alternative without a mountain pass.
| Port Mann Bridge to Kamloops | 3:19 | 327km | (4:11 to Sun Peaks, 386km) |
| Port Mann Bridge to Kelowna | 3:43 | 363km | (4:46 to Big White, 424km) |
A few of you may think Sun Peaks is difficult to reach by car, and yet that's far from the truth. Ask any fellow Seattle-ite who's made the trek themselves. Sun Peaks is actually a shorter journey than other interior BC resorts like Big White and Silver Star, and on easier roads. Save yourself valuable time and fuel. And the trip is all highway driving – no stop and go urban stuff like one tends to experience heading through Vancouver to Whistler. But, that can be said for Sun Peaks in general, where the locals don't like to waste valuable time getting to the slopes or waiting in lift lines.
Here are the details
From the US/Canada border crossing at Sumas, the four-lane Coquihalla Highway will get you to Kamloops with no traffic lights. Alternatively, the Trans Canada Highway #1 offers a low elevation alternative without a mountain pass.
Here are the details
From the US/Canada border crossing at Sumas, the four-lane Coquihalla Highway will get you to Kamloops with no traffic lights. Alternatively, the Trans Canada Highway #1 offers a low elevation alternative without a mountain pass.
| Bellingham to Kamloops | 4:06 | 202 miles | (4:58 to Sun Peaks, 239 miles) |
| Bellingham to Kelowna | 4:34 | 225 miles | (5:36 to Big White, 262 miles) |
Fly or drive? It's your choice. By air, both Air Canada and WestJet fly into the Kamloops Airport (YKA). And that Kamloops Airport is so darn convenient and easy – we have yet to meet a guest that would disagree. Your driver greets you at the baggage carousel and you're a mere 52 footsteps (yes, we counted them) to the airport shuttle. From there, it's only 45 minutes to the resort – not quite enough time to persuade your driver into giving up all their favourite powder stash secrets, but definitely a few.
By car, it's a day's drive to get here. But it's worth it, we promise. Think of is this way: the time you spend driving to the resort you get back each and every morning when you watch your kids ski right from your hotel door, while you roll over to sleep for another hour. Nice. No shuttles, no lift lines, just more 'me time.' Now that's what you call a holiday!
Here are the details
The drive takes 8 – 10 hours depending on the weather, but like we said, it's well worth the time.
By car, it's a day's drive to get here. But it's worth it, we promise. Think of is this way: the time you spend driving to the resort you get back each and every morning when you watch your kids ski right from your hotel door, while you roll over to sleep for another hour. Nice. No shuttles, no lift lines, just more 'me time.' Now that's what you call a holiday!
Here are the details
The drive takes 8 – 10 hours depending on the weather, but like we said, it's well worth the time.
| From Edmonton, just head West on the Trans Canada Highway/Yellowhead Highway |
| After going through Jasper and Mt. Robson Provincial Park (about 460km), you will transition south onto Highway 5 (Southern Yellowhead Highway) |
| Continue approximately 314km to the Sun Peaks Resort turn-off |
| Now it's just 23km to some of the best skiing in BC! |
Fly or drive? It's your choice. By air, both Air Canada and WestJet fly into Kamloops airport. And that Kamloops airport is so darn convenient and easy – we have yet to meet a guest that would disagree. Your driver greets you at the baggage carousel, and you are 52 footsteps (yes, we counted them) to the airport shuttle. From there, it's only 45 minutes to the resort - not quite enough time to persuade your driver into giving up all their favourite powder stash secrets.
By car, it's a day's drive to get here. May be a tad long, but it is worth it, really. Think of it this way: the time you spent driving to the resort, you get back each and every morning when you watch your kids ski right from your hotel door, while you roll over to sleep for another hour. Nice. No shuttles, no lift lines, just more 'me time.' Now that is what you call a holiday!
Here are the details
The drive takes 8 – 10 hours depending on the weather, but like we said, it's well worth the time.
By car, it's a day's drive to get here. May be a tad long, but it is worth it, really. Think of it this way: the time you spent driving to the resort, you get back each and every morning when you watch your kids ski right from your hotel door, while you roll over to sleep for another hour. Nice. No shuttles, no lift lines, just more 'me time.' Now that is what you call a holiday!
Here are the details
The drive takes 8 – 10 hours depending on the weather, but like we said, it's well worth the time.
| From Calgary, just head West on the Trans Canada Highway, you'll pass Canmore and Banff before crossing the Alberta/BC border |
| As you continue on the Trans Canada in BC, you'll pass Golden and Revelstoke |
| When you reach Kamloops (about 600km) you'll head north on Highway 5 (Southern Yellowhead Highway) |
| Continue approximately 20km to the Sun Peaks Resort turn-off |
| Now it's just 23km to some of the best skiing in BC! |
Most people are surprised to learn that Sun Peaks is serviced by both Kelowna and Kamloops airports. Like good wines, people have their own reasons for choosing their favourite habits. The fastest route (by a couple minutes) is often flying on the Air Canada or WestJet flights from Toronto to Kelowna... one direct flight, followed by a 3-hour or less shuttle ride to Sun Peaks Resort.
Others may prefer flying to Calgary or Vancouver, and taking a second brief flight into Kamloops so that they are left with a quick 45-minute shuttle ride to the resort. The total travel time is almost identical.
Regardless of which way you choose to travel, once you arrive at Sun Peaks, you will not have to worry about driving or schedules again... because you are on holiday. Heck, we even supply those 'Do Not Disturb' signs for your door. Enjoy!
Others may prefer flying to Calgary or Vancouver, and taking a second brief flight into Kamloops so that they are left with a quick 45-minute shuttle ride to the resort. The total travel time is almost identical.
Regardless of which way you choose to travel, once you arrive at Sun Peaks, you will not have to worry about driving or schedules again... because you are on holiday. Heck, we even supply those 'Do Not Disturb' signs for your door. Enjoy!
Once landed in Vancouver, you have the option to fly or drive to reach Sun Peaks Resort.
By air, it's a super-quick flight into Kamloops airport. And that Kamloops airport is so darn convenient and easy – we have yet to meet a guest that would disagree. Your driver greets you at the baggage carousel, and you are 52 footsteps (yes, we counted them) to the airport shuttle. From there, it's only 45 minutes to the resort – not quite enough time to persuade your driver into giving up all their favourite powder stash secrets.
By car, some of you may think Sun Peaks is difficult to reach. Yet the resort is actually a shorter and quicker journey (under 4 hours) than other interior BC resorts like Big White or Silver Star, and on easier roads. Save yourself valuable time and fuel. And the trip is all highway driving – no stop and go urban stuff like one tends to experience heading through Vancouver to Whistler. But, that can be said for Sun Peaks in general, where the locals don't like to waste valuable time getting to the slopes or waiting in lift lines. No shuttles, no lift lines, just more 'you time.' Now that is what you call a holiday!
By air, it's a super-quick flight into Kamloops airport. And that Kamloops airport is so darn convenient and easy – we have yet to meet a guest that would disagree. Your driver greets you at the baggage carousel, and you are 52 footsteps (yes, we counted them) to the airport shuttle. From there, it's only 45 minutes to the resort – not quite enough time to persuade your driver into giving up all their favourite powder stash secrets.
By car, some of you may think Sun Peaks is difficult to reach. Yet the resort is actually a shorter and quicker journey (under 4 hours) than other interior BC resorts like Big White or Silver Star, and on easier roads. Save yourself valuable time and fuel. And the trip is all highway driving – no stop and go urban stuff like one tends to experience heading through Vancouver to Whistler. But, that can be said for Sun Peaks in general, where the locals don't like to waste valuable time getting to the slopes or waiting in lift lines. No shuttles, no lift lines, just more 'you time.' Now that is what you call a holiday!
A charismatic village
The first thing many people notice is the size and scope of the resort village. This alpine village is "ski-through" and built for ease and convenience. Our guests begin to realize how vastly they have underestimated the experience. It's Sun Peaks Resort, and it's so much more than they imagined. There are boutique hotels with spacious suites located in the heart of the village and private luxurious chalets nestled in the woods or perched on the side of the mountains. Nearly all the accommodation flows together with a system of intermountain trails and gravity-enhanced flow.
There are upscale contemporary condos and simple, warm bed and breakfasts. And speaking of breakfasts, Sun Peaks boasts over 20 cafés, restaurants and bistros, delis, grills and bars to choose from. Savoury pizzas, fresh fruit smoothies, sizzling steaks, a variety of international cuisines and some of our immediate region's finest local produce are all part of a Sun Peaks taste sensation. There's a little bite of heaven here for everyone.
Click here for a complete list of village amenities.
Its big, really big
Well, there are three mountains bursting with more terrain than any resort in Washington or British Columbia (other than the mighty Whistler). And the beautiful thing is anyone and everyone can enjoy that terrain together. Close to 4,000 acres of bumps, steeps, glades, bowls and endless groomers. The runs are strategically cut and lifts are carefully planned so that your Sun Peaks experience is filled with ease. It's a place where comfort and relaxation combine with fun. Fun, after all, is why we all go on vacation.
And what about the snow you ask? Each year Sun Peaks is one of the first resorts to open in the Pacific North West – a sure testament to the plentiful dry powder and early season snowmaking. Thanks to its geographic location in the BC Interior, Sun Peaks is protected from the mild, coastal weather by the Coast Mountains. Prevailing storms come from the Pacific Ocean and rise, and then cool, as they pass over the Coast Mountains before reaching the resort. The result is light, dry fluffy (and easy-to-ski) snow famous to this region.
Click here to see a full interactive map on SunPeaksResort.com.
Spend money wisely
So don't be fooled by 'last minute' offers that seem like a better deal but are actually riddled with restrictions that don't suit you or your schedule. Those "36% off" e-blasts tend to offer the same value as Sun Peaks' every day low price, without the need for a sale!Have a season pass at other western Canadian ski resorts? Click here to check out the special deal you receive on lift tickets.
Check out the specials page for great values and stay when YOU want to stay. Or, call any one of the welcoming team at 1.800.807.3257 to chat about your options and they'll be happy to build you a customized package that fits your ski vacation needs.
Quality family time
Sun Peaks is the kind of place you only tell your best friends about. The ease and convenience of the ski-in and ski-out accommodation is obvious unless it's your first time here. The resort is encircled by three mountains which makes it extremely easy to sample a huge variety of terrain and activities, and yet conveniently drop back to the village and accommodation at a moment's notice.Some people love Sun Peaks because it feels so safe. The kids can roam amongst the shops and even ski or tube at night while mom and dad watch from the restaurant or hotel window. Others adore it because of the unique ski experience - every chair lift presents trails for every ability level.
But once you discover Sun Peaks, you know the kids love it because of the whoopee trails, and the ice cream shop!
The real facts
| Long Season | November 19, 2011 to April 9, 2012 |
| Skiable Terrain | 3,678 acres: 122 trails, 12 glades, 2 alpine bowls |
| Skiable Vertical | 882m (2,894') |
| Annual Snowfall | Close to 6m (close to 18') |
| Annual Sunshine | 2,000 hours |
| Lift Access | 11 including 5 quad chairlifts |
| Terrain Type | 10% novice, 58% intermediate 32% expert |
| Groomed Terrain | 30% daily |
| Terrain Park | 9 acres with zones for all abilities |
| Nordic Terrain | 31 km trackset trails, over 14km back-country trails |
| Guest Referral Rate | 93% |
| Accolades | Best Ski Resort in Canada (next to Whistler), Condé Nast Traveller Magazine 2010 Canadian Ski Council "Industry Recognition & Excellence Award" 2009, 2010 |
| Winter Activities | Bungee Trampoline Cat Trax Groomer Rides Dogsled Tours Helicopter Tours Ice Skating Kamloops Blazer Hockey Games Lift Accessed Tube Park Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub Photo Shoots Snowmobile Tours Snowshoe Golf Snowshoe Rentals & Tours |
| Hotels & Condos | 9 hotels within the Village, hundreds of condominiums and vacation homes |
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Boutiques & Shops | 21 |
| Environment Savvy | Sole Canadian all-season resort to be certified ISO 14001 |
Enjoy some eye candy
