Ski Sun Peaks Holidays

Get to know Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks has seen a lot of careful development since the 1990s which has transformed it from a local ski hill into Canada's second largest resort, with three mountains. The town has retained its small and quiet feel and the runs are wonderfully empty compared to the popular Rockies resorts. Sun Peaks is in British Columbia, only a 45-minute drive from Kamloops and less than an hour by air from Vancouver. It's also easily accessible from Calgary and Edmonton airports.

Sun Peaks' three mountains

Skiing in Sun Peaks gives you access to three great mountains which offer a variety of runs and terrain on each. Sundance and Morrisey Mountains are the best for blue runs and provide some fantastic easy glades for intermediate skiers. Tod Mountain is also good for intermediates but has higher octane black runs for experienced skiers and riders. Black bowls like Crystal Bowl are a great challenge for more ambitious skiers.

Sun Peaks village

The quiet and friendly village of Sun Peaks has a pedestrianised centre and pretty pastel-coloured buildings, making it lovely to walk through and spend time in. Most of the accommodation is slopeside with ski-in, ski-out access so it's perfect for family groups. There are around 40 different shops and restaurants, so although it isn't the largest ski village there is still enough to keep you occupied. The quieter town suits families preferring to be away from a loud après scene.

Stats on terrain & runs

Sun Peaks has plenty to keep skiers and riders of all abilities entertained. The resort has access to three mountains with 4,270 acres of skiable terrain. That's the second largest ski area in Canada after Whistler! There are 12 lifts and 135 trails with 17 gladed areas, providing a real variety of terrain. There are also over 37km of groomed and track set Nordic ski trails. As its name suggests, Sun Peaks boasts over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.

Runs for all levels

The terrain at Sun Peaks is particularly suited to early intermediates and family groups, with very quiet slopes during the week. The slopes are pleasantly wooded and Mt Tod's summit offers views of the rolling terrain.

• Beginners: 10%
• Intermediate: 58%
• Expert: 32%

The best hotels

The heart of town

Our top choices for hotels are all along Creekside way, in the heart of the resort and right by the lifts to the slopes. The Coast Sundance Lodge offers a quiet location, while Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge is set in beautiful scenery. The Sun Peaks Lodge is a charming hotel right in the centre. The Sun Peaks Grand Hotel is an imposing and luxurious hotel, just a few minutes from the village, with beautiful uninterrupted views onto the surrounding mountains.

The East Village

The East Village area of the resort will see a brand new 4-seat, fixed-grip lift for Winter 18/19. This new addition will provide improved mountain, village, and ski-in, ski-out access from the East Village Area making this a great choice of place to stay for a skiing holiday in Sun Peaks. It's also got good access to beginner and intermediate runs.

Lift passes, lessons & gear

Lift passes

Your lift pass is essential for your Sun Peaks skiing holiday - you can't access the slopes without it! Buy in advance to save money on in-resort fees and save hassle once you arrive in Sun Peaks. One pass will give you access to the three mountain peaks. Simply decide the number of days you'd like to ski or ride during your holiday. You can quickly book lift passes for your group online or over the phone with our advisors.

Ski lessons

Sun Peaks boasts an excellent ski school, but it's not just for beginners! A wide range of skill levels could benefit from booking a day or two of ski lessons. The lessons help you to orientate yourself around the ski area and build your confidence. The instructors will explain all the runs and ski areas to you as well as take you to hidden parts of the mountain. You also enjoy priority lift boarding when you are with an instructor.

Equipment hire

Save time and hassle by hiring ski and snowboard equipment ahead of time. When you hire with us, we'll make sure your vouchers and equipment are ready and waiting for you when you arrive for your Sun Peaks ski holiday. Choose from three different equipment levels to suit beginners through to experts, from good quality and reliable through to the highest spec and latest season. Hire your skis, poles or snowboard with us or choose a package including your boots.

Top 3 winter activities

Dogsledding tour

From the instant you harness these beautiful animals to your sled to the thrilling moment the pines begin racing past, this quintessential Canadian experience will stay with you for a lifetime. Guided and self-driven tours start with a brief interactive kennel tour and instruction on how to handle, harness and drive the sled. Your team of Alaskan Huskies will lead you through tree-lined trail and plains of snow on an exciting timeless mode of transport. Call us to book.

Guided ice fishing

Enjoy the winter sunrise, mid-day blue skies or stunning sunset over a frozen lake on a fully guided ice fishing tour. Join your local guide for a uniquely Canadian experience on one of the many mountain lakes surrounding Sun Peaks as you try your hand at catching a hard-fighting, great-tasting rainbow trout. No previous fishing experience is required. Give our experts a call to book your excursion.

Snowmobile tours

Are you a thrill seeker and adventurer? Then Sun Peaks has the activity for you! Exciting snowmobile tours are perfect for individuals and families, racing through the backcountry, over frozen lakes, and across snowy meadows. You'll enjoy gorgeous views of the region as well as experience an unrivalled thrill! The evening Wiener Roast includes a campfire cookout on the McGillivray Lake Cabin. Ride solo or double up with two riders on one mobile. Call us to book.

Know before you go

Opening and closing dates

Like many Canadian resorts, Sun Peaks boasts a long ski season. The Winter 2018/2019 season opened on 17th November 2018 and closes on 14 April 2019. This is a shorter season than you'll find in Whistler and the in the Rocky Mountain ski resorts of Banff and Lake Louise. However, the Sun Peaks season sees a great amount of snowfall. Plus you'll get to enjoy the famous light, dry, fluffy powder that Interior BC is known for.

When to go

Any time of the season is a great time to visit Sun Peaks. Whistler is twice as big as Sun Peaks, but it accommodates three times as many people per ski season. This means that throughout the year, Sun Peaks is a much quieter option without the crowds. December is usually the coldest month, with average temperatures around -9.5°C, while April is the warmest month, averaging around -1°C. December and January are usually the snowiest months.

Average snowfall

Over the course of the season, you can expect an average annual snowfall of 6m! This is more than the amount of snow you'd see in the Rockies resorts but it's the same dry, fluffy champagne powder that Banff and Lake Louise boast. The resort is less chilly than the Rockies' resorts too, with average temperatures of -9.5°C in December, -6.7°C in January, -6.1°C in February, -3.9°C in March and -1.1°C April.

Unmissable events

Savour the Sun and Savour Bubbles are every wine lover's dream. From 7-9th December you can join in wine tastings and food pairings from local winemakers. The Holiday Kick Off Weekend (13-16th December) is a family favourite, with Christmas tree lighting and a Christmas jumper contest. Wine and Dine (11-20th January) opens up Sun Peaks' best restaurants with special menus. The Air Nation festival (22-24th January) sees big air tricks by snowboarders in the Rockstar Energy Terrain Park.

Speak with our experts

Thinking of skiing in Sun Peaks? It's an excellent choice. You'll get all the variety and perfect conditions of Whistler, Canada's biggest resort, but without the crowds. Just give our friendly ski experts a call and we'll help you with your booking. You can book flights, hotels, transfers, lift passes and equipment. Just tell us your skill level and how many days you want to ski or snowboard for and we'll find the perfect package for you.

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