Located less than an hour's drive from Kamloops, British Columbia, Sun Peaks Ski Resort proudly takes the title as Canada’s second-largest ski resort. Given the high-quality snow that falls here, the exciting European-styled pedestrian village and three different mountains to explore, this unique ski resort has a worldly reputation as a skier’s paradise.
If you’re itching to plan a trip to Sun Peaks but don’t know where to start, let this local guide inspire your inner child and lead you in the right direction.
The Resort
Sun Peaks offers 4,270 acres of skiable terrain spread over three distinct mountains, Mt. Tod, Sundance and Mt. Morrisey. It has a peak elevation of 7,060 ft (2,152 m) and a vertical drop of 2,891 ft (880 m). The entire resort is self-contained with lodging, restaurants, and amenities located at the base surrounded by 360° of ski terrain. The pedestrian-only village is ski-through.
Mt. Tod, located on the north end of the resort offers the largest vertical. You’ll find blue and black runs here with advanced tree skiing, steep groomers and some hikable freeride zones. This area holds the resort’s most advanced terrain so if you’re a top-notch skier, you’ll be right at home.
Sundance and Orient are where you go for blue runs and quicker laps that you can easily access right from the main village. This mountain also hosts the learning area, family zone and the resort’s 3 terrain parks. On the outskirts, you’ll find some milder gladed areas and Orient which is usually the quietest place on the mountain.
Mt. Morrisey is built for ripping groomers at high speed. Blue and black runs welcome fast skiers and snowboarders looking to lay deep carves into well-groomed runs. This area is also not very busy so it’s a great place to lap in quick succession.
Best Time to Visit Sun Peaks
The ski season at Sun Peaks is quite long. The lifts turn from late November to mid-April giving guests over 5 months to visit. Want to know the best time to visit? In my experience, it’s mid to late February.
By this time, the resort has built up a deep base and all of the expert alpine terrain has been filled in.
February is the snowiest month so if you’re looking to chase powder, this is your best bet. Additionally, February is the coldest month but it’s also the quietest time of the season to visit.
March is another strong month at Sun Peaks. You’ll have to contend with school holidays but the ski experience during March is top-notch. Visit mid-week to miss the crowds for both months.
Where to Stay at Sun Peaks
There is no shortage of accommodation at Sun Peaks. Accommodation location can be split into two areas: within the Pedestrian Village and outside of the village.
Sun Peaks Pedestrian Village Accommodations
The luxurious Sun Peaks Grand is located right at the base, steps from the lift, and in the heart of the Pedestrian Village. This hotel offers standard rooms as well as one and two-bedroom suites. Hot tubs, game rooms, two restaurants and a spa are a few of the many amenities you can enjoy here. You'll also get ski-in ski-out access from the ski valet located on the village walk level.
Sun Peaks Neighbourhood Accommodations
If you long to settle down in a quiet place outside of the main village, smaller neighbourhoods line the edge of the resort. Ski chalets, townhomes, and condos can be found here. Trappers Landing, located in the Upper Village, offers fully stocked two-four bedroom condos with hot tubs, fireplaces, and are even ski-in-ski-out.
Depending on your location, an In-Resort Shuttle can take you around the resort if staying outside the main village. There are no taxis available at this resort but accommodation is usually only a short walk away.
Off-Slope Activities
Sun Peaks offers spa experiences, ice skating, and tubing but one of the best activities to try is Nordic skiing. The resort has 23 mi (37 km) of valley and lift-access Nordic Ski trails to enjoy. If you’re a competent cross-country skier, Mt. Morrisey offers alpine Nordic trails which is an experience you don’t normally get as a nordic skier.
More than 20 bars and restaurants line the village for you to choose from. There isn’t much of a party scene here so Après is chill and evenings are quiet which means it’s an excellent place for families.
For a fun twist to downtime, take a five-minute drive from the village to try your aim at Cleavage Axe Co. The axe-throwing venue has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff who will help you hone your skills.
Lift Tickets
Day tickets at Sun Peaks range from $130 - $170 CAD depending on the day. Booking your tickets early allows you to enjoy a few discounts. 3 and 5 day options cost $126 and $110 respectively. Sun Peaks is also part of the IKON Pass which gives you a few days free depending on your pass type.
Packing for the Weather at Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks averages 20 ft (6 m) of snow annually but the colder and drier air generates the legendary champagne powder the resort is known for. Due to the resort's northern exposure, it can be quite chilly in the midst of winter, especially with regular winter storms blowing through a few days per week.
Packing for a ski trip in Sun Peaks means bringing a solid waterproof outer, multiple mid-layers and thermals to provide heat and allow suitable breathability. Cold snaps here can drive alpine temperatures below 0°F (-17°C) so having mittens over gloves and thicker ski socks are recommended.
Your ski and board choice should be something all-mountain / freeride oriented to provide the proper float in powder and performance on-piste. It’s not rare for people to bring an extra set-up.
Alternatively, you can also find rental shops at the resort to take advantage of big powder days.
What’s Next?
Sun Peaks is a marvellous place to spend a ski holiday. There’s something unique about this ski resort that’s just hard to describe. The high-quality snow, expansive terrain, affordable accommodation, vibrant village, and quieter atmosphere create an exciting yet friendly vibe.
It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge in the crisp and invigorating winter air of British Columbia’s interior mountains.
All photo credits: Sun Peaks Resort