Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia started its season off on November 20th, and it’s an important one. The mountain celebrates its sixtieth anniversary this season. To commemorate the occasion, the mountain has spent big on improvements across the mountain. Here are some of the changes guests at Sun Peaks Resort will see this season:
Crystal Chairlift: A loading conveyor has been added to the Crystal Chairlift. Here’s Sun Peaks’ explanation for how they work: “Skiers and snowboarders will make their way into the lift maze as normal and up to the closed conveyor gate. When the gate releases, you’ll glide onto the conveyor which will carry you to the designated loading spot. You’ll be positioned exactly where you need to be for the chair to pick you up, eliminating the need to rush to the loading spot or for the lift operators to brace the chair. “
Retirement of the West Bowl T-Bar: The t-bar didn’t operate last season, and Sun Peaks Resort has decided to permanently close the lift. The trails will still be regularly groomed and skiable. Sun Peaks plans for a lift replacement and will reveal more details in 2022.
Nighttime Activities: New lights have been added to the Village Platter, and will be open till 7 pm daily. This area includes a beginner slope and a small terrain park. Night lights have also been added to their complimentary toboggan area, which will now be open in the evenings as well.
Dining: A grab and go kiosk has been added to the Sunburst Lodge, a massive dining tent was added next to the Umbrella Cafe for additional seating, new entrances were added to The Annex Food + Drink, and Masa’s Bar + Grill has added a new draft system with twenty taps, including their sixtieth-anniversary collaborative brew.
Real Estate: Powder Heights is Sun Peaks’ latest real estate development, and is now for sale. These two to three-bedroom homes include “large modern kitchens, gas fireplaces, large outdoor spaces with hot tub hookups and propane BBQ connections, and room for four seasons worth of gear.” The houses will provide direct access to the Orient and Morrisey chairlifts, groomed nordic trails, their Graham Cooke-designed championship golf course, and their downhill and cross-country biking trails.
Nordic Skiing: Various trails were widened, and drainage systems were improved on numerous trails. A Yellowstone Track Systems roller/compactor was purchased to improve surface quality. A new trail section was added to Whiskey Jack to connect to a short beginner loop trail. The En Garde trail was shortened to allow for their new snowmobile access route, which will accommodate the East Village construction.
Backcountry Experiences: Local legend Bodie Shandro has started a backcountry company devoted to backcountry tours and avalanche training. Sun Peaks Backcountry Tours and Avalanche Training includes courses involving tree wells, backcountry touring, avalanche skill training, companion training, guided backcountry tours, and heli-cat trip preparations. You can learn more about the various programs here.
Image Credits: Sun Peaks Resort
