10 Sep 2013
Story Ideas

Tourism Sun Peaks

 

 

New Family Ski Camps

Perfect for families looking to expand their skiing skills while on vacation, Sun Peaks Resort is offering two new family ski camps this winter. Continuing the strong tradition of ski racing at Sun Peaks, the two day Family Race Camp will have every member of the family improving within a safe learning environment. The camp also includes entry into the popular FridayRace Series so entrants can test their newly acquired skills in a live setting. The camp runsWednesday to Thursday from January 8 to March 20, 2014. Guests can also choose to discover challenging terrain beyond the corduroy, working to improve turns on steeps, glades, powder and moguls in the three day Off-Piste Camp. Dedicated coaches blend technical instruction, local knowledge and skiing tactics to develop all-mountain skills increasing confidence and taking guests' skiing to the next level. This camp runs Monday toWednesday from December 23, 2013 to February 19, 2014.

 

New Guided Backcountry Snowshoe Adventure

Explore a beautiful 12 kilometers of snowshoe trails starting from the central village leading out through snowy backcountry forest and meadows arriving at the stunning frozen McGillivray Lake. Lead by an experienced local guide, hikers learn about the environmental surroundings and history of the area. The journey treks through the natural habitat of the Canadian lynx, the wolf, the snowshoe hare and other elusive creatures. Once at the lake, guests enjoy a picnic lunch and hot apple cider at the McGillivray Lake Outpost, the hub of Nordic and backcountry activity at Sun Peaks. Not for the faint of heart, the five hour tour includes over 1,500 feet of elevation gain on the journey to McGillivrary Lake. The challenge is rewarded by epic views and a taste of true Canadian wilderness.

 

Enhanced Flights in Western Canada for Sun Peaks
This summer, Canadian air carrier West Jet announced they will adding one more daily flight from Calgary to Kamloops, making for two daily flights to ski loving city. They also announced they will be adding a brand new Vancouver to Kamloops route, just in time for the upcoming winter season. The Kamloops airport is a short and beautiful 45 min shuttle or drive to Sun Peaks' world class resort.

 

16th Annual Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival Creates New Events

Six news events will join the highly anticipated Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival this year. From wine basics in 'Wine 101' to learning to blend wines in 'Assemblage', there is something for every level of wine enthusiast. Other new events include 'Comforts of Grilled Cheese & Wine', 'Snowshoes, S'mores & Mulled Wine', 'Crescendo: The Symphony of Taste' and 'A Conversation with the Chef'. Literally nowhere else offers a showcase of skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and other outdoor recreation liberally blended with wines of the Okanagan. There are 19 events this winter, including the flagship Sun Peaks Progressive Tasting presented by WestJet which involves over 20 wineries and hundreds of guests.

 

 

The Best Connected Ski Resort in British Columbia

British Columbia is home to some of the best skiing in the world, and Sun Peaks' geographic location is optimal for more than just great snow conditions – it's also the best connected ski destination in B.C. With shuttles departing regularly to the nearby ski resorts of Silver Star, Big White and Whistler Blackcomb, it's easy to plan the ultimate Canadian ski holiday using Sun Peaks as a base. Day trips to Revelstoke Mountain Resort depart every Thursdaythroughout the winter season, with lift tickets included in the package price. Plus, Sun Peaks is the closest B.C. Interior resort to Vancouver, Edmonton and Seattle, making for easy drive or a convenient connecting flight with airport transfer.

 

Skiing with an Olympic Champion and Canadian Icon

It's not everyday skiers get to cruise the slopes with an Olympic champion – well, at Sun Peaks it's every weekend-day! A resident of Sun Peaks for almost two decades, gold medalist and now Canadian Senator, Nancy Greene Raine meets guests at the top of the Sunburst chairlift every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm. She showcases her favourite areas, the best snow and her extensive local knowledge of the resort and its history; lucky guests may even slide away with a ski tip or two! Nancy also meets guests every Sundaynight at the Welcome Reception in the Hearthstone Lodge to socialize and sip hot apple cider. Take a stroll through Nancy Greene's Cahilty Lodge lobby to view her Olympic and sports career memorabilia, including her torch from the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games! 

 

Discovering a Nordic Gem

Sun Peaks' expansive Nordic network continues to be discovered by both new and experienced cross county skiers, including Australian Nordic Olympian Ben Sim. “From the moment I arrived at Sun Peaks, I realized they take their Nordic skiing very seriously,” he says. “The length of the groomed, trackset and backcountry trails really impressed me, and being able to access the chairlift to venture into different areas is something I will remember.” As Sun Peaks' fastest growing winter activity, guests are practicing the ultimate cardio sport and calorie burner as a way to enjoy nature and stay active in the winter. Last season's new Nordic Centre will continue service the new wave of Nordic enthusiasts and act a hub for all things Nordic at Sun Peaks. Once a month in February and March, guests can depart on the guided Moonlight Nordic Ski and Chocolate Fondue under a full moon featuring a hearty meal and live entertainment in a cozy cabin. Sun Peaks also offers a myriad of lessons and clinics for newbies to tried and true Nordic skiers.

 

Growing Confidence with Every Turn - The Ski Sisters

As a Sun Peaks ski guide for 10 years, Laurie White recognized a need on the slopes. “A lot of women were not having fun on their ski vacations… they were left in the dust by impatient husbands and speedy children.” So The Ski Sisters was born! A certified ski instructor, Laurie began teaching women blending ski techniques with confidence building and soon her pupils were flying down intermediate and advanced runs with their own ski stories to share during après. Entering its fourth winter season with ever increasing number of participants, The Ski Sisters has helped hundreds of women reclaim the mountain and their ski vacations.

 

Creating Lasting International Friendships

Steve Cooper of Interschools Australia has been skiing at Sun Peaks for almost a decade. Organizer of the 8th Annual Sun Peaks Family Cup 'All Nations Celebration' (January 1 – 15, 2014), he says there's no better place to host the multinational winter celebration. Families from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States, Canada and others have proudly waved their country's colours and formed lasting international family friendships over friendly competition. Over the course of 15 days, the fun, recreational events and activities include downhill and Nordic races, tubing and skating parties, snowshoe tours, social get-togethers, dinners and more. As an added bonus for adults, the Sun Peaks Family Cup overlaps with the renowned 16th Annual Sun Peaks Winter Festival of Wine (January 11 – 19, 2014), celebrating the pairing of award winning B.C. wines with outdoor winter recreation.

 

A True Taste of Canadian History

Last December, the newly launched Voyageur Bistro in the Kookaburra Lodge opened its doors to Sun Peaks' guests. During its first season in operation, the restaurant developed a reputation for excellent French-Canadian inspired meals, quintessentially Canadian hospitality and its historical Canadian décor. Filled with interesting artifacts from Canada's early history, including three antique canoes hanging from the rafters, every inch of the restaurant tells a story. From fur traders pelts to top shelf Canadian spirits, patrons come in for more than just a meal. Owner and operator Kevin Tessier takes inspiration from his summer business, Northwest Voyageur Canoe Tours, on nearby McGillivray Lake.

 

Realizing the Dream of a White Christmas

As the snow begins falling in Canada, the Christmas spirit settles in at Sun Peaks. During Santa's Alpine Visit (December 14, 2013) the village's snowy walkways glow with soft lights and restaurants serve samples of holiday inspired treats. Adults mingle and enjoy hot mulled cider, while kids rush to sit with Santa and have their wish lists recounted. Carolers sing in the background while guests give snowshoes a try or meet the friendly canines of Mountain Man Dog Sled Adventures. Local vendors sell perfect handmade Christmas gifts and souvenirs. Kids can ski with Santa closer to Christmas Day and there's nothing like ringing in the New Year with friends and family in the winter wonderland of Sun Peaks with a spectacular fireworks display and the famous torchlight descent, led by Sun Peaks' own Nancy Greene Raine.