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213 - 1130 Sun Peaks Rd. Sun Peaks, B.C. BRANDI SCHIER Publisher brandi@sunpeaksnews.com
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HOLLIE FERGUSON Community Editor editor@sunpeaksnews.com
LIZ MCDONALD Community Journalist liz@sunpeaksnews.com
LOUISE HUDSON Contributor
BRAD HARRISON Contributor
05
THIS MONTH AT COUNCIL
A recap of recent Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Council meetings.
06
MEMORIAL FUNDRAISER HONOURS ROD BANDURA’S LEGACY
Musicians, community members and family packed into the Blue Grotto on Feb. 4 to support the Banduras after Rod Little Sky Bandura passed away.
08
SUN PEAKS MASTER PLAN UPDATE
Initiatives from expanding employee housing to increasing new snowmaking technology that will reduce the resort's water use on the list.
10
VETERANS SKI THROUGH PTSD WITH THE SUPPORT OF ADAPTIVE SPORTS
SUN PEAKS
‘The instructors at Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks are worth their weight in gold. They’re tolerant, patient, thoughtful, passionate, caring and have a lot of humour,’ says veteran George Dersch.
12
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF SUN PEAKS HEALTH ASSOCIATION?
After decades of dreaming, fundraising and planning, Sun Peaks Health Association met its objectives. The association’s board says it plans to end unless locals champion a new healthcare vision.
14
TOURISM SUN PEAKS AND SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP TALK TOURISM TRENDS
Technology, ethical consumption and guestcentric services are impacting tourism in Sun Peaks and other resorts around the world.
16
PARENTS FIRST, POWDER HOUNDS SECOND
One local is working to make it easier for visiting parents to hit the slopes and explore Sun Peaks.
18
THE SUN PEAKS ANTIQUES
CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF PROVIDING
A SAFE SPACE FOR OLDER SKIERS
Throughout their time on the slopes, the Sun Peaks Antiques have gained recognition for their community building on and off the mountain.
20
CONDITIONS REPORT: VARIABLE AVALANCHE CONDITIONS ACROSS B.C.
What you need to know to shred safely.
21
ARTZONE’S WORLD OF FOOD
CONTEST CALLS ALL LOCAL FOODIES
The contest offers locals an opportunity to explore other cultures through food.
22
VOLUNTEERS HELP CREATE A NOVEL TRAIL FOR NORDIC BUNNIES
The Nordic Adventure Trail was a community project, aimed at helping skiers ages four and five learn the basics.
24 EVENTS
Check out local and regional events happening soon.
25
PUZZLES
Can you tackle this month’s crossword? Plus, a new Sudoku and the answers to last month’s puzzles.
This month at council is a monthly version of This Week At Council, our bi-weekly newsletter where we recap recent Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Council meetings. Sign up for the newsletter at sunpeaksnews.com.
By Liz McDonaldOn March 5, council focused solely on discussions around the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, featuring a brief history and news about Sun Peaks Resort (SPR) LLP, Silver Star and the Canadian Ski Council teaming up to lobby the government. SPMRM will also engage regional governments on the overall impact on the interdependent economies.
Mayor Al Raine began with a brief history of engaging various ministries since the act took effect on Jan. 1, 2023. According to Raine, despite government officials telling SPMRM there can be exceptions for specific communities, there have been no changes to the act which would provide an exception for SPMRM, Apex Mountain Resort and Silver Star Mountain Resort, which are all impacted by the ban.
On Feb. 2, Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland announced a two-year extension of the ban to 2027, which was set to expire in 2025.
Raine said that relying on hotel developers to attract tourism to a seasonal resort is more challenging than attracting housing developers because hotel occupancy rates are often far below 100 per cent, making a return on investment questionable.
Based on the numbers from 2022, the economy of Sun Peaks’ sits around $140 million, and more than 35 per cent of that comes from out-of-country visitors, which works out to more than $50 million ($52,500,000 if we’re being exact).
Because of the financial impacts and lack of changes to the legislation, the Canadian Ski Council, SPR and Silver Star have engaged a third-party public relations firm to assist in lobbying efforts.
SPMRM will seek support from the City of Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District because of the impact of a dip in tourism due to the ban on the regional economy.
The municipality is currently reviewing development cost charges (DCCs) and preparing a proposal for public consultation and provincial approval.
The committee of the whole discussed updates to fees charged to developers and residents for infrastructure development and upgrades. The two financial tools used are development cost charges (DCCs) and existing benefit apportionments (EBAs). Development cost charges are fees paid by developers to pay for infrastructure needed to service new developments. EBAs cover a percentage of infrastructure improvement costs, and are charged to existing residents.
Fee calculations are based on the existing use of infrastructure and projected growth. For example, if a sewer line needs to be replaced because of age, residents — the existing benefiters — will contribute towards the cost.
However, developers and residents would each bear part of the cost if the same sewer needs to be replaced and increased in size to accommodate future growth. If a project is only required for future growth, developers alone pay.
The breakdown of DCCs and EBAs for water, sewers, roads and parks projects is still being finalized and updated from the 2022 rates. Staff are discussing how to integrate DCCs for a new fire hall and how to earmark funding from DCCs for nonmarket housing.
Regular council on Feb. 20 included good news about emergency cost recovery, the award of a contract for an off-season tourism strategy, fines for business licence infractions and committee updates.
Emergency and Climate Readiness B.C. fully reimbursed landslide costs accrued by the municipality at $243,436.54. The rapid infiltration trench damaged in the landslide will also be reimbursed through insurance at $211,643.71, minus the deductible of $50,000. Discussions with the province regarding the cost of road repairs are ongoing.
Community stakeholders chose Stormy Lake Consulting and Cascadia Partners to research effective off-season attractions for Sun Peaks. The company was picked from 12 proposals and is contracted for $64,775. 80 per cent of funding for the project will come from a provincial grant through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program. The consultants will research successful attractions from Western North America, including ziplines, waterparks, concerts and more. They will evaluate a short list of options that could be financially successful in Sun Peaks, decide on the top three and propose financial plans for the top options. SPMRM, Tourism Sun Peaks and Sun Peaks Resort LLP chose the consulting firm.
Fines for 43 properties are headed to owners of short-term rental properties that don’t comply with business licence regulations. The properties were identified by Granicus, a software that polices vacation rental advertisements. Letters have been prepared to send to the owners. Additional properties are flouting the regulations but haven’t been confirmed by the software, which is why fines have yet to be assigned. Council discussed a desire to issue fines regardless of software confirmation to send a strong message to violators.
The love for Rod Little Sky Bandura resonated at Blue Grotto in Kamloops on Feb. 4.
Musicians, community members and family packed into the Blue Grotto to support the Banduras.By Liz McDonald
Rod passed away on Jan. 24, and a memorial fundraiser was organized to support the Bandura family. A lineup of supporters stretched out the door of the Blue Grotto on Victoria Street by 7 p.m. on a cold Sunday night. Many guests came with food to share, and the longstanding music haunt was standing-room only.
Rod was a father and grandfather, an internationally renowned musician, a member of Qayqayt (qiqéyt) First Nation, and part of the Margit Sky Project with his wife, Margit Gossage Bandura. Margit Sky Project is an homage to both the musicians' names.
A GoFundMe was created by one of Rod’s friends, Kenneth Kobayashi, to assist the family financially. Kobayashi created the fundraiser before Rod passed away.
Local musicians who worked with Bandura over his decades-long music career played throughout
the night. Performers included The Eh! Team, The Angie Heinze Band, Shattered Blue & Serious Dogs with guests.
The memorial started with a song performed by the Sage Hills Singers. Rod’s sister, Rhonda Larrabee, Chief of Qayqayt First Nation, gave a prayer, a land acknowledgement and a eulogy about her brother’s life and career.
Johnny Bandura, Rod’s son, spoke with SPIN about his father before taking the stage to perform.
Johnny said the outpouring of support at the memorial fundraiser showed how impactful his father’s life was.
“My father has been a big part of this community in Kamloops since the 1980s. And a lot of these musicians that are here tonight are people he's performed with since back in those days,” Bandura said. “When he passed, it left such a big dent in the music community here that I think they felt the need to do something to honour him.”
Johnny said his father, Rod, influenced him in many ways, from music to fashion and thought.
“He was a very humble person. And I would say, off stage he was giving back to the community as a whole. He ran the sweat lodge at the prison for years, helping men who were brushed aside from society,” Johnny said.
Part of Rod’s legacy is Music for the People, which he created with Margit Sky Project.
Described as “a concert experience of harmony and reconciliation,” the event brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to share culture and stories, with part of the proceeds from the annual event going to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
Rod’s musical resume includes playing in a band named Waskesu, which performed for prime ministers, at the Commonwealth Games and in shows at Much Music in Toronto.
Johnny received his first guitar from Rod at seven, which he recalls was put to use immediately by playing air guitar to Guns N’ Roses and jumping on a bed.
By 14, he strung the instrument and asked his dad for advice.
“He showed me two things – Jingle Bells and the chromatic scale. So that's what I learned first. From there, he kind of just let me figure it out on my own. That's kind of how he did things,” Johnny explained. “He wasn't a big teacher in that sense. He never gave people guitar lessons or did anything like that. He was more of an inspiration to people.”
The songs Johnny chose to play for the night hold a personal connection to Rod and Johnny’s musical relationship. Johnny performed The Weight by The Band and Knocking on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan.
Johnny said he chose The Weight because it was a song they played together that was initially unknown to Rod.
“I would change the lyrics in it and kind of Weird Al the song, just to mess with him because he's such a perfectionist,” Johnny said. “It was kind of funny.”
Knocking on Heaven’s Door was another song the two played together, and Johnny felt it was appropriate given Rod’s passing.
While many people know of Rod for his music, Johnny said he will hold his memory as a father first and foremost.
“I know a lot of people here want to remember him as the musical legend that he was. But to me, he'll be the guy that used to lend me five bucks when I was 12 years old to go play video games or who bought me a skateboard or my first guitar at seven years old,” Johnny said.
He’ll also remember him “as a really great grandfather to his grandchildren.”
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Initiatives from expanding employee housing to increasing new snowmaking technology that will reduce the resort's water use on the list.
By Liz McDonaldSun Peaks Resort (SPR) LLP’s Master Development Plan (MDP) update on Dec. 6, 2023, covered a lot of terrain, with a changed vision for the East Village, including five parcels of land for employee-restricted housing, along with increasing green space, updating lift infrastructure and much more.
The East Village will focus on higher-density accommodations on a smaller landbase because Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) mapping showed that terrain towards McGillivray Lake would be costly to develop and service due to its elevation, according to Darcy Alexander, chief executive officer for SPR.
A benefit of higher-density real estate is increased green space, which will expand Sun Peaks’ recreational footprint. According to Alexander, there will be 100 hectares of added recreational space.
The failed Olympic bid for Vancouver, which included Sun Peaks, means short-term priorities for SPR will take longer.
The Olympics didn’t change the overall plan for the resort, but they would have supplied infrastructure by necessity, allowed for core construction of sewers and roads and provided access to grant funding for the projects, Alexander said. Development in the East Village would have been accelerated, as well as capabilities for snowmaking and infrastructure on Mt. Morrisey.
A third skier base is no longer in the plans because of LIDAR mapping, but a second base will be developed in the east if a backroad from Chase is developed.
The backroad to Chase that has been in the MDP since its origin has no timeline.
The road would be instrumental for emergency evacuations from forest fires which impact our region yearly, and would provide travel links to the Chase, Little Shuswap and First Nations bands.
“The priorities of roads in the province are hard to come by for building from scratch because they're expensive,” Alexander said. “So it's really a funding question and a bit of a political question as to when that goes in.”
Residents can also expect the resort to expand Sunburst Bar + Eatery in the coming years, as the West Bowl expansion will attract more visitors.
Alexander didn’t commit to which lift will come after the West Bowl Express, which is slated to start spinning for the 2024-2025 ski season, but he pointed to the Sunburst, Sundance, Orient and West Morrisey chairlifts and the Transvalley Connector chairlift.
Sunburst Express is 30 years old and will either be upgraded or replaced in the next five to seven years, as it’s a high-volume and well-visited part of operations.
Sundance Express is eventually getting six seats, up from its current occupant level of four riders per chair, and Orient will also.
The long awaited West Morrisey chair is also still in the plan, but Alexander said when it’s chosen comes down to pragmatic planning, and if the aging Sunburst lift needs upgrades, that will take priority.
“West Morrisey’s got beautiful terrain for the locals and the expert skiers, and I appreciate that very much. The good news is you can still ski it today, but you can’t return-cycle ski like you would with a lift there. It's just going to be the pragmatics of what
needs to be done first for the operation overall.”
Another change is redesigning the Transvalley Connector.
“The new version is just really a transportation lift to go from one side of the valley to another, from the Mt. Morrissey side to the Orient side,” Alexander said. “All these higher-density parcels out east will now have ski access to this Trans-Valley connector.”
The resort has also refined where snowmaking operations go. Snowmaking will increase as the resort grows to the east, specifically on Sundance, the lower Orient and Mt. Morrisey, which is necessary for lower elevation segments.
To meet snowmaking needs, the resort must find a water source despite the scarce supply. The solution is to create a reservoir on land identified with LIDAR on Mt. Morrisey and use recycled wastewater to fill it, Alexander explained.
“One of the concepts for that reservoir is to use recycled water after it's been treated through the municipality’s treatment plant by pumping it up there and storing it for use later as either snowmaking or irrigation.”
The concept isn’t new; Predator Ridge Golf Course uses the City of Vernon’s treated reclaimed water to irrigate its golf course. Mt. Buller in Australia does the same, reducing their reliance on sourcing water from creeks. British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy approves the use of treated wastewater, and SPR would be subject to government approval processes.
The tension between water needs and scarcity driven by climate change was felt throughout British Columbia this year, with the province seeing only 66 per cent of normal snowpack by March. The snow basin in January for the North Thompson was just 60 per cent of its normal level because of persistent drought in the fall and increased to 76 per cent by March.
When asked about climate change's effects, Alexander was unsure what other winters will look like for Sun Peaks.
“I think we are far enough north and with enough elevation that climate change may affect us. You know, it's too early for me to tell,” Alexander said. “This winter, for example, is a proxy for what winters might look like in the future, and we've managed to provide a very good product and be open our entire season.”
The plan identifies nine parcels for employeerestricted housing, five of which are allocated in the East Village and four in the West.
Originally, the development plan assumed units in houses would be rented to staff, but more homes are
being used for personal use or for vacation rentals, leading to a staff housing shortage.
“It hasn't worked out that [the market] supplied enough employee housing, as evidenced by the fact that our company now has nearly 400 employee beds with a new building that we're constructing, and we're going to need probably 2,000 to 3,000 beds in the whole community going forward,” Alexander explained.
However, infrastructure to support the projects is another matter. An underlying problem is the cost of infrastructure needed to support the projects, including roads, sewers, power and water connections. The timeline depends on tackling that infrastructure, which is also necessary for market real estate.
Alexander hopes the provincial and federal governments will offer Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) assistance for infrastructure.
The planned second golf course was nixed because LIDAR mapping showed the project wouldn’t be economically feasible. High elevation and uneven land, combined with the short golf season, means a second course will be replaced with more trails.
“We found this [land] better suited for recreational uses, like cross-country ski trails and mountain bike trails, which you can do in a wider variety of weather.”
The current golf course is “a recreational amenity.
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It’s definitely not a revenue generator,” Alexander said, but the resort sees growth in mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
Around 50 kilometres of trails are earmarked, but there is no direct timeline for the expansion. The earliest estimate is phase three in the next three to five years.
Currently, SPR is in the final stages of phase two development. Phase three would start in the next three to five years, but it depends on the real estate market absorbing existing products and on timelines for infrastructure.
The first two phases of the MDP had dates in mind for completion, and but the last two phases did not, according to Alexander.
As an example, he pointed to Whistler Blackcomb’s timeline from start to finish. Whistler first started development in the 1960s, and it took fifty years for a full buildout. While much depends on the market, Alexander estimates a similar time frame for SPR.
Every five to seven years, SPR updates the MDP to keep information and technology current, and Alexander said planning processes are important for achieving the resort’s future vision.
“An old saying from Alice in Wonderland is, ‘if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there,’” he said with a laugh. “The master plan is the roadmap for where you're going. And then you figure out the details of how to fulfill a master plan on your journey as you go. It’s really the blueprint for creating the future.”
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‘The
instructors at Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks are worth their weight in gold. They’re tolerant, patient, thoughtful, passionate, caring and have a lot of humour,’ says veteran George Dersch.
By Liz McDonald
Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks (ASSP) is expanding its service to include accessible programming for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The move comes after ASSP hosted an inaugural Shoulder 2 Shoulder Veterans and First Responders retreat from Jan. 8 to 12 in Sun Peaks. The village welcomed two veterans and three police officers alongside their caregivers for a week of camaraderie, activities and healing in picturesque Sun Peaks.
Shoulder 2 Shoulder is a program presented by BC Adaptive Snowsports (BCAS) that invites first responders to retreats at participating ski resorts. This year, programs were also scheduled at Vancouver-area resorts from March 7 to 11 and at Mount Sima, Whitehorse from March 11 to 15.
The Canadian Mental Health Association defines PTSD as a mental illness which “involves exposure to trauma involving death or the threat of death, serious injury or sexual violence.” Symptoms include reexperiencing the event through flashbacks or nightmares, among others.
ASSP board member Jenny Hawes said bringing the program to Sun Peaks was personal and part of ASSP’s goal to expand services.
Hawes served in Bosnia with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from 2000 to 2001, and her husband has PTSD, which led to a desire to create programming specifically for veterans and first responders.
During the retreat, an attendee and veteran, George Dersh, gifted Quilts of Valour to two of the organizers, Hawes and James Cooney from BCAS.
The quilts are handmade by volunteers to show gratitude for the service of CAF members, past or present. The program started in Edmonton in 2006 when Lezley Zwaal first presented three of her quilts to CAF members injured in Afghanistan.
ASSP also sees a gap that needs to be filled in its services. Of ASSP’s clientele, 68 per cent have autism spectrum disorder.
“We have plans now every year to expand to one new type of group to draw those clients, and our hope is when you start diversifying, we're also bringing in new instructors,” Hawes said.
The program comes at no cost to participants thanks to BCAS fundraising.
The Kamloops Legion donated $5,000 for the event, which is the cost for one participant and their supporter to cover travel, food and activities on and off the snow.
Events included art therapy, led by ASSP vice president Dr. Nan Stephens, axe throwing at Cleveage Axe Co., dogsledding, skiing and gathering for meals at restaurants.
Katherine Campbell, executive director for ASSP, said the program will return next year.
“We're already really percolating with our ideas to help grow it and expand it, and everyone was super excited about this being the first of many,” Campbell said.
‘It was absolutely fantastic’
A veteran from Kamloops, George Dersch, attended the program.
Dersch served for 32 years in the CAF, doing two tours in Europe and three in Cyprus. He explained one of his tours
was during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
“I acquired a great amount of my PTSD from that conflict,” he said.
Despite the personal sacrifice, he would “do it all again in a heartbeat if I had the opportunity.”
Dersch retired to Kamloops after his service, and he skied and worked in Sun Peaks in the 1990s. Returning to the sport benefited his mental health.
“It brought back a skill that I did at one time have and needed to get back for my mental health, if for no other reason than that. It was absolutely fantastic,” Dersch said.
His wife learned to ski during the trip as well, which Dersch said is a testament to the coaching skills of ASSP.
“The instructors at Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks are worth their weight in gold. They’re tolerant, patient, thoughtful, passionate, caring, and have a lot of humour,” he explained.
The program also helped build Dersch's confidence.
“It reassured me that just because I have PTSD or bad knees, bad legs, sore back – you're limited with what you can do — that you could still get up and do it. Maybe not to the level you used to do it before, but …you can still enjoy yourself.”
Dersch is a member of the Kamloops Legion, and said it's a space for veterans and non-veterans to gather and relax with like-minded people. The Legion holds gatherings on Thursday evenings around 5 p.m. for conversation, food and beverages.
After decades of dreaming, fundraising and planning, Sun Peaks Health Association met its objectives. The association’s board says it plans to end unless locals champion a new healthcare vision.
By Liz McDonaldWhat happens when an association achieves the goals members set out?
That’s the question Sun Peaks Health Association (SPHA) wants to answer at its next annual general meeting (AGM) April 3. The purposes of SPHA are to manage the first responders program for the area, fundraise to equip Sun Peaks Community Health Centre (SPCHC) and manage the health clinic.
All of these purposes are complete, and because Supporting Team Excellence with Patients Society (STEPS) manages SPCHC, board members say the association is deciding whether to shut its doors for good—unless other community members decide to use the association as a vehicle for a new healthcare vision for Sun Peaks.
Board member Mario Pozza was one of the founding members of SPHA in 1999. While many people contributed to the association’s success over the years, he recalled the organization starting with the vision of local physician John Gossage.
“He actually drew up an initial vision statement for getting a health centre… it's not quite to the level that he wanted, but it certainly provides the services to the community,” Pozza explained
As previously reported by SPIN, Gossage frequently received calls from people needing medical care, but he was retired, and so was his medical license. So began a dream that was taken up by SPHC, and even though Gossage passed away in 1999, his vision lived on.
Today, the clinic provides urgent care services, is equipped with ambulance bays and is a non-
profit, operated by Kamloops-based STEPS.
Board member and physician Chip Bantock said the ability to attract and retain doctors in spite of a massive primary care physician shortage in Canada was one of the successes of the association.
A 2023 study by Angus Reid and the Canadian Medical Association showed that 19 per cent of Canadians don’t have a family physician, and 29 per cent struggle to get an appointment with their doctor.
Since STEPS took over operating the clinic, board members will either end the association at their AGM or pass the torch to new members who come prepared with a new purpose.
“It's time for somebody else who has a new vision, and [if] they're enthused about it, then this is an opportunity to go forward with some of the legwork being done,” Pozza said.
SPHA's bylaws would need a re-write, and once a new purpose is determined, the group would have to apply again for charitable status. If the purpose is suitable, it will maintain its status and can continue to fundraise to meet new goals.
Another success and asset SPHA holds is a property, which houses physicians who come from other communities on rotation.
“Obviously, our physicians can't work seven days a week,” Pozza said. “Physicians come up on the weekend when those rooms are hard to get and at Christmas time when it's impossible to get. It's an
essential part of the mix in order to provide those services to the community.”
Soon, the property will be gifted to Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality for the express use of physicians. Transferring the property will reduce fees on the association if it continues.
A dietician by trade, board member Cathy Thibault said options for health initiatives abound, from fundraising for mental health to food security, preventative medicine like exercise or even fundraising for an adult playground.
“The idea is how do we improve the health of the entire community?” Thibault said.
Another reason the association would close if no one takes over is the overall costs of running the association.
“Even when we're not doing much, it costs money,” Pozza explained. “We have to have books prepared and accountants. We end up having to do fundraising just to continue existing. Raising funds that are intended for healthcare for nonhealthcare purposes doesn't make a lot of sense.”
Anyone interested in joining the board is welcome to the AGM on April 3 at 6 p.m. in Sun Peaks Centre but should contact SPHA ahead of time atsunpha2024@gmail.com.
“If somebody else has a purpose and a drive, then we've got a vehicle that will help them get there,” Pozza said.
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Technology, ethical consumption and guest-centric services are impacting tourism in Sun Peaks and other resorts around the world.
By Louise Hudson
Every year updates on the latest travel trends are released in January by various agencies which predict consumer behaviour for the next 12 months. These forecasts affect the tourism industry and destinations worldwide. Here’s a look at how Sun Peaks is responding to the latest themes.
Technology in the form of Artificial Intelligence has been the top topic for consumer conversations for the past decade, but over the last year it is the exponential rise of ChatGPT which is gaining traction across every industry. Euromonitor International rates ‘Ask AI’ as number one focus for 2024.
The new executive director for Tourism Sun Peaks, Naomi Kerchinsky told SPIN that tech will have the biggest impact in the way we all plan trips.
“Artificial intelligence, particularly in SEO (Search Engine Optimization), will have a
significant impact on the travel industry,” she said. “Generative AI will have the biggest effect on travel content.”
Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems (such as ChatGPT) that can create new content - including text, images or music - based on patterns learned from existing data already on the internet. These systems generate original content, not simply copied from the available data.
So, it is like having a team of researchers, writers, digital artists and composers at your fingertips. What used to take hours of work, can now take seconds if you ask the right questions.
“What we are keeping an eye on is the importance of establishing authority on specific topics and taking advantage of videos, such as prioritizing YouTube, optimizing PageRank backlinks and using paid custom content,” Kerchinsky explained.
Ethical consumption also is a top trend in tourism as it is for most aspects of today’s lifestyle. It is especially important amongst the Gen Z population, Kerchinsky said.
“Gen Z consumers believe that brands should help them achieve their personal goals and aspirations, so there are new expectations of brands.”
An example within winter sports is Burton displaying 2025 Sustainability Goals on its homepage.
“After learning a company supports a social cause, consumers will trust the company more, say they are more likely to purchase the company's products and say they will pay more attention to the company's marketing/advertising,” Kerchinsky said.
The desire for learning and enrichment has burgeoned in recent years. The success of ArtZone in Sun Peaks is testament to this, with
creative workshops filling up fast and the array of options growing each year.
The popularity of Bodie Shandro’s Backcountry Tours and Avalanche Training courses is another example of this trend, Kerchinsky said, as well as the classes, courses, camps and programs offered by the Sun Peaks Sports School and businesses around the village.
Advertising has gone through an overhaul, with authenticity at the top of everyone’s wish list. The launch of the Sun Peaks Ambassador Team this season shows Sun Peaks’ commitment to projecting an authentic voice via a sponsored group of social media influencers.
“The power of stories and storytelling still remains very relevant,” Kerchinsky explained. “Storytelling is a way to create authentic and emotive content that fosters connections among individuals.”
There are different vehicles for this, and she stressed the importance of incorporating a range of video, visuals, collaborative efforts, unexpected elements and personal anecdotes in order to captivate an audience.
“Consumers are more likely to trust a company more if the images they use in their ads are of actual customers,” she noted.
Sun Peaks Resort LLP’s new director of marketing, Aaron Macdonald agreed, but also underlined the importance of hands-on marketing to visitors.
This impacts service excellence, another priority for today’s consumers.
“It’s all about the guest,” Macdonald said. “All touch points within the resort must have a guestfirst approach.”
As well as dedicated customer service professionals, local residents are reinforcing this focus. The free daily ski-guiding service provided by Sun Peaks’ Sun Hosts has been cited by many repeat visitors as one of the main reasons they keep coming back. Locals dispensing knowledge is paramount in giving guests a sense of belonging.
Connectivity is also important, with the resort app, SMS alerts and online bookings being key elements. Macdonald stressed a need for quick and easy mobile central reservation bookings, particularly for the more tech-savvy 25+ market. Driving the creation of curated experience, Macdonald is spearheading collaboration between local businesses and the resort to craft daily itineraries for guests and include all costs associated with it – the all-inclusive resort package.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, he has noticed a growing need for an immersive wellness experience at resorts. Wellness travel is a $450 billion market according to Grand View Research, fuelled by an increasingly health-conscious consumer. According to Expedia, almost half of global travelers are more open to wellness breaks than ever before.
“This includes an amazing guest-centric, stressfree experience. There is only so much emotional bandwidth available with people these days,”
Macdonald elaborated. “Part of this also includes therapeutic options - spas, massages, etc - and outdoor activities outside of the normal resort products - for example, snowshoeing groups.”
Resorts also need to think outside the box.
Although classics such as cookery courses, sports trips and meditation sessions are still popular, it is alternative getaways that are catching the attention of Millennials. Think: sylvotherapy (forest bathing), chakra sessions, sleeping breaks, food boot camps, puppy yoga, laughter therapy and fruit harvesting.
Already Sun Peaks has welcomed innovations such as axe throwing with the Cleavage Axe Co. and the Sound Bath at Sun Peaks Yoga. But there is still room for more contemporary creativity.
Bleisure was a term coined in 2009 by the Future Laboratory to describe travelers who combine business with pleasure. Again, since COVID, working away has grown, fueled both by technology and by the desire for life-work balance.
“More often business travelers are visiting the resort with their families but also including a working component,” Macdonald noted. “The need for amazing, secure internet access along with ‘hot desks’ around the resort will need to be more frequent.”
So, whether in Sun Peaks or on travels elsewhere this year, watch how technology, ethical consumption, guest-centric service, personalized experiences and wellness are dominating the tourism landscape.
One local is working to make it easier for visiting parents to hit the slopes and explore Sun Peaks.
By Louise HudsonTraveling with babies and all the paraphernalia can be quite the challenge. On winter sports trips, the burden can sometimes put off even the most avid skiing family. But help is at hand with a new Sun Peaks service that means cots, highchairs and baby carriers can be left at home and rented here.
When Lauren Birchard began her maternity leave last year, she started to appreciate how difficult it is to travel light with a baby.
“I love to travel, but even traveling to town with my nine month old seems to require so many things - and a lot of preparation,” she told SPIN. “I decided that I would love to start a service supporting parents along their travels by providing the essentials they would need for their little ones, so they have one less item to worry about when preparing for their trip, especially if traveling internationally.”
Her company, Peak-A-Boo Baby Equipment Rentals, launched in Feburary with items ranging from cribs, pack-n-play sleep options, highchairs, booster seats, baby carriers, jogging strollers, sound machines, toys and activity centres.
“I’m a small home-based, family-run business so things are starting on a smaller scale inventory wise,” Birchard said. “But depending on interest I’m hoping to triple my inventory for the 2024 winter season and be able to provide this service to as many families as possible.”
Many locals and visitors will know Birchard from her two seasons working for Sun Peaks Spa. Having lived in the village full-time for three years, her goal is to spend more time on the mountain and at home with her son.
“I love this community and love the idea of making people’s visit to the mountain a little more comfortable and their prep to get here a lot less stressful,” she explained.
Using a ‘soft launch’ in February to gauge efficiency, Birchard has ironed out her systems for delivery, pick up and pre- and post-booking item inspections. So far her marketing has focused on an awareness campaign via Facebook and leveraging her networks in the village.
“Right now it’s been word-of-mouth, making connections on the mountain with homeowners and property management companies. Everyone has been very receptive and supportive of my business which I’m really grateful for!”
With a current focus on sleep options, Birchard is
planning to build her outdoor portfolio for the summer including strollers and hiking backpacks.
“I want to keep things basic initially,” she explained. “Just the items that are necessities and can eventually move into more luxury/convenience items as the business grows.”
Strapping her little guy to her back, she is dealing with all the deliveries and pick-ups, as well as all the other tasks such as linens, sanitizing and disinfecting all equipment prior to every rental.
“I also have to inspect all equipment before each rental, making sure the equipment is safe for guests to use,” she added. “Each piece of equipment is registered with the manufacturer to monitor recalls as well. There is quite a bit that goes into making sure the items are ready for rental but I wouldn’t want to rent anything that I wouldn’t feel comfortable using for my own child.”
With a business plan to reinvest earnings to expand her equipment stocks, she hopes to grow organically over the next year.
“I may look into grants at some point,” she said. “I have quite the entrepreneurial circle of friends, even my partner owns his own business, so I’m hoping to learn as I go but will always be open to learning better, more efficient ways of running my company.”
Throughout their time on the slopes, the Sun Peaks Antiques have gained recognition for their community building on and off the mountain.
By Louise HudsonWhether on the chairlift or over lunch in the Annex, many older skiers find themselves warmly welcomed by the Sun Peaks Antiques. This friendly group of ardent ad hoc ambassadors for Sun Peaks is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary. If they have time, that is - during their 10th anniversary season, they were all so busy skiing, they missed it!
On April 2, 2004 the name Sun Peaks Antiques - abbreviated to SPA - was chosen via a contest among a close-knit group of skiing friends from a list of 16 alternatives including The Downhill Relics, The Fossils and The Silver Sliders.
Around the slopes, the Antiques can be identified by their distinctive crest logo, sported on clothing and helmets, which was designed by artist and group member Flo Thompson.
“The first order for 100 crests was placed November 16, 2005, the second order for another 100 on March 15, 2011 and the third order for yet another 100 was made on March 21, 2019,” communications coordinator Sigi White told SPIN after a dive into the archives. “At that time we also
initiated the implementation of peel-off decals, which are selling like hot cakes.”
The sew-on version is particularly handy to hide rips in outerwear and the decals help identify skis on crowded racks.
Wearing the SPA logo is a badge of honour for those who love skiing despite aches, pains and wrinkles, White said.
“Antiques on skis are just special, valuable and rare.”
But with many members well into their 80s, how do they do it? It’s all about like minded sport, camaraderie and looking out for each other, according to White who is 85.
“Some people have a hard time admitting they are getting old, but when they see us, they have hope and joy, since we do just that. We laugh a lot, we see the skier with two bionic knees and she is still up there, we give them a standing ovation when they show up again to ski some more.”
When she ventures into the West Bowl, she feels secure that SPA ski pals will ensure she comes out
at the bottom.
The Antique’s hangout in the Annex is demarcated by the large logo picture - which was gifted to the group by Sun Peaks Resort LLP - alongside a delicately handcrafted quilt by Victoria Gray, which is decorated by historic Tod Mountain pins from members’ collections. A pair of old wooden skis commemorating Bill Thomson, one of the founding members, completes the montage.
“A person wanting to get in touch with us, should show up at The Annex and mingle, sit in the corner where the logo is and ask around anyone with gray, white or no hair and wears a logo,” White explained. “Even on the lift, if they see a logo on their helmets or skis or jackets, ask them.”
Once on the communications list, new recruits receive regular updates. There’s a one-time payment of $10 to join SPA, but no annual dues.
“We have no executive, no meetings, no bank account, just me,” White said. “The ‘office’ is a couple of notebooks in my ski bag and a bunch of crests and decals.”
Other members assume various roles as necessary, such as booking facilities and arranging luncheons on the mountain.
“We are informal, but glued together with shared interests and health issues of aging, but we have
fun. We love every day we are still out there, doing it. And some ashes are up there from those we shall never forget.”
With a current membership of around 120, including non-skiing spouses, SPA has an international lineup with Brits, Americans, New Zealanders and Australians having joined after chairlift chats. Many have become regular visitors, creating lasting friendships and reciprocal travel across the globe. Each time the international members return, they get “big hugs, and a warm welcome,” White said.
Meeting Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the Antiques are divided into like-skilled segments.
“Small groups sort themselves out as to the ‘hot shots’ still flying through the bushes, the ‘stop and start’ types that take photos, the medium fast racing types that do big lovely slalom curves and enjoy a fast cruise and the slower types that have bionic body parts and can’t get up if they fall over,” White explained. Everyone reconvenes at The Annex for lunch and a chat, which can be cut short on powder days. Avoiding weekends and holidays, the Antiques also ski whenever there is new snow.
Currently compiling a corkboard for news items, White intends to include notices about all their social activities which include regular cookie events,
decadent dessert parties and an end of season gathering.
“On the last day, we sit somewhere up there, in the sun, share foods, smoked fish, libations and then we ski in a big long slalom down the Chief Shoulder,” White said. “Once we trundled out to Gil’s and it was a hoot to get all of them up from sitting down in the snow.”
When skiing is over for the season, SPA celebrates in Kamloops with “the last supper” where money is raised each year for Sun Peaks projects.
“For some, sadly, it really is the last supper.” White lamented. Non-skiing members and spouses all attend this dinner, happy to just talk snow. Along with other helpful historians and archivists among the group, White has made photo albums detailing these fundraising events.
“On many occasions we filled a ski boot or pot with dollars,” she recounted. “We bought a wheel chair, a defibrillator, a first responder package and collected many thousands of dollars at our last supper.”
When member Nick Maika clocked up 85 ski days in 2015 - the year he turned 85 - he raised around $11,000 for Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks.
“He is now 93 and blind, but I still visit with him in the care home,” White said, who makes a point to visit all sick, frail or injured SPA members and report updates to the group.
The fun doesn’t stop in April, though. Activities continue throughout the year including beach parties at Shuswap Lake and golf motor-home camping trips. There are regular birthday luncheons and White hosts a potluck every June.
“Last summer at the [potluck] we even had live music,” she said. “No one knew that this SPA skier was also a skilled musician with a wonderful singing voice.”
During hiking trips at Sun Peaks, White added to the photographic memoir with images of wild flowers and the latest building projects.
“Many that had to opt out from skiing still wish fervently to stay on the SPA list because they like to see the pictures and their hearts are still up there.”
Testament to the famed friendliness and longevity of their members, SPA was featured in 2015 on CTV’s Canada AM show as well as in many subsequent print publications including Ski Canada, Canadian Geographic, Snow Magazine, Style Altitude and Silver Travel Advisor. They were also included in a Canadian Ski Council video and in a short film on YouTube called Keep on Skiing with Nancy Greene Raine.
Always check the most recent forecast to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information before heading out on the slopes.
If you are a winter backcountry traveller, take a minute to check out Avalanche Canada’s website They recently issued a Special Public Avalanche Warning from Feb. 29 to March 7. Upon review, you will likely note the incredible diversity of avalanche conditions currently being observed across B.C. Although colourful, this variety of conditions is problematic as backcountry riders plan their next excursions. While the Sun Peaks/Kamloops region currently sits in one of the few moderate (heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features) zones, one doesn’t need to travel very far east, north or west to find yourself either in a considerable (dangerous avalanche conditions) zone or high (very dangerous avalanche conditions) zone.
To summarize our winter, we started with very low precipitation amounts and generally warmer-thanaverage weather, although we did experience a few cold snaps. January continued to be relatively dry with a few smallish, short-lived snowfall periods. The lower-than-normal snowpack helped to create an early-season widespread, persistent weak layer
(PWL) of facets near the base of the snowpack. Due to a lack of significant snow load on that weak layer, our region didn’t experience very many widespread issues. Other parts of BC were not so fortunate; the added snow load in the different areas increased the hazard.
Things seemed to be settling down until we experienced rainfall to mountaintops and very warm temps in early February. This combination of rain and warming temps predetermined the formation of a 10-20 centimetre crust, and a weak layer of facets eventually formed above the crust. All was relatively calm until most regions in B.C. received a crazy amount of snow in a short period at the end of February. For example, the snowpack at the Little Bear weather station in the Coquihalla climbed from 159 centimetres on Feb. 25 to 265 centimetres on Feb. 29. The rapid loading put a lot of stress on the buried weak layer(s), creating a widespread avalanche cycle. In many regions of B.C., we now have a snowpack with multiple, persistent, weak layers under a significant load. These can be very reactive to natural or human-triggered loading, including smaller avalanches stepping down to deeper PWLs. Many backcountry travellers have noted the “propagation” quality of the current
snowpack; avalanches can be remotely triggered from a significant distance.
Be well prepared if you plan to head out into the backcountry. Ensure your riding partners are prepared, have the right equipment and know how to use it. Understand what the avalanche danger ratings mean, particularly High – “natural avalanches are likely, human-triggered avalanches are very likely,” Considerable – “natural avalanches are possible, human-triggered avalanches are likely” and Moderate – “natural avalanches unlikely, human-triggered avalanches possible.”
Please stay diligent as we head into the later part of a very interesting winter of variable weather. There are numerous resources that you may find handy. Avalanche Canada’s Avaluator is a made-inCanada, rules-based decision making planning tool which many find helpful. The Dangerator is a similar valuable tool in areas that have not yet been rated, utilizing the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale.
The riding conditions are excellent right now, with high-quality powder conditions. If you utilize good safety habits and are well-prepared, you can enjoy safe, rewarding backcountry experiences.
The contest offers locals an opportunity to explore other cultures through food.
By Louise HudsonMouthwatering international and regional dishes cooked by local foodies with coordinating quaffs: some of the ingredients for an appetizing activity this March 16.
The World Food Contest is the inaugural project for the new ArtZone Food & Wine Collective. In this community challenge, 10 teams of up to 10 participants pick a different country or region to exemplify with food, decorations and even dress-up elements. Having chosen their gastronomic genre, the teams work on menu planning and preparation, sourcing all the components to depict the flavours of the country.
On contest day, their culinary creations will be distributed potluck-style on a total of 100 tasting plates. Teams will taste each other’s entries through roundrobin sampling, with independent judges picking the winner.
“The Food & Wine Collective came up as an idea at the November annual general meeting,” said ArtZone’s president Marj Knive. “They have not begun regular meetings, but thought the World Food Contest would gauge interest of local ‘foodies’”.
Locally known as the “chocolate people,” Rob Gilmore and Kris Klingbeil are spearheading this event.
“Having organized these world food events in his time in the military, with troops from around the world, Rob was keen to try it out in our local setting,” Knive said. It is also a collaborative community concept, with ArtZone wood artist John McKnight providing a trophy dubbed the golden ladle award.
The purpose behind the project is sociable fun and community connectivity, Knive explained.
“Not a fundraiser, not a tourist activity, but an opportunity for people from the community to get together.”
Depending on the success of this inaugural contest, the Food & Wine Collective will consider a monthly meet-up on similar lines. While launching this new group, ArtZone is also developing the profile of other collectives within its portfolio.
“We are working to build the music collective to include house concerts and a concert series - funding pending,” Knive said. “ArtZone is open to adding collectives when there is a demand for them and is happy to try a ‘test’ - like the World of Food Contest or the upcoming House Concert on March 23 with Marin Patenaude - to see what interest there is in new collective ideas.”
The ArtZone Anonymous Art Show is currently running, with local artists registering, picking up and returning their canvases at Sotheby's. From March 19, their art will be hung in the lower level of the Sun Peaks Grand with a sale running from March 20-24.
“Proceeds go 50/50 to the artist and ArtZone,” Knive explained. “It's a fun event where you don't know whose art you're buying until it comes off the wall. We hope lots of emerging artists will give it a go and some of the better known artists put something together for the show.”
The Annual ArtZone Film Festival is a year-round undertaking for Knive, who has already secured award-winning local filmmaker Noah Lara and judge KJ Miller to participate in the 2025 Local Filmmakers Night. A professional photographer and videographer, Miller has recently produced a video called What is ArtZone?
This will be used for the group’s grant applications and marketing. And, for everyone else, it will neatly portray the wide range of activities and events encompassed by this enterprising arts and culture organization.
For more about ArtZone Sun Peaks, go to: https://www.artzonesunpeaks.com/
The Nordic Adventure Trail was a community project, aimed at helping skiers ages four and five learn the basics.By Louise Hudson
A colourful Nordic Adventure Trail was recently launched by the Sun Peaks Nordic Club. Featuring wooden animal figures, it was a community project involving a team of volunteers. The purpose: to help children gain agility, balance and coordination on skis, while having fun.
The trail was designed for younger kids - known in the Sun Peaks Nordic Club’s skill development program as the bunnies - and follows a narrow, twisty route lined with entertaining signs and brightly painted figures.
It all began last fall with an application for a grant from Cross Country BC and Kal Tire. Head of project, Ann Carter told SPIN the next step was getting landuse permission from Sun Peaks Resort LLP "We…walked the area with the head of outside
operations, who quickly gave his blessing to the project,” she explained.
A large turnout of club volunteers cleared the trail in one day and then attention turned to designing the fun features. Signs were made to identify the trail and custom bibs were ordered for the bunnies, all featuring a 'skiing bunny'.
"I then approached Diane Smid, our bunnies coach, who is also an early childhood educator, with some digital plans for wooden animal cutouts,” Carter said. “Her husband, Howard, is a skilled woodworker and has a shop in their home here. He jumped on the project and had four animals made in a few days, all without plans!”
Faced with the task of painting the figures, Carter asked friend and local artist Edit Pal, as well as two other talented volunteers - Adele Cooper and Vera Steinberger - for their help.
"Edit advised acrylic paints and the necessary colours," Carter said. "Each artist decided on their colour and design on the animals, but Edit has given lots of advice."
The primer and acrylic layers were followed by several coats of varathane for weather protection.
“Painting the animals was truly a lot of fun,” Pal told SPIN. “It brought out the ‘inner child’ in all of us.”
Having conferred on a rough plan, the four friends each adopted one of the animals to work on.
“We started the fun, the painting - all of us had a lot of creative input and freedom to paint whatever we envisioned,” Pal said. “As a painter, I feel like applying colour is one of my strengths, and this is the area where I could help the most. I feel like we
brought those animals to life together as a team!” Chained to trees at strategic points along the trail in winter, the four figures will be stored in the off season for weather and theft protection in the Nordic Club container - itself a beautiful piece of Zuzy Rocka art.
MARCH 16
Break out your performance skills or enjoy a dinner at Heffley Creek Community Hall’s open mic night, St. Patty’s Day edition. Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m.
ArtZone hosts a Food of the World contest at Sun Peaks Centre, with teams bringing international morsels of meals. The event runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Visit artzonesunpeaks.com for full details.
MARCH 17
The fourth annual Ski.Bike.Run is slated to take place in Sun Peaks. The event is organized by motionball TRU, which fundraises for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation. The day features a 35 kilometre bike ride up from Heffley Creek Husky to P5 lot, a 15 kilometre nordic ski and a 10 kilometre run. Individuals can take part in some or all of the events. To participate, email olivierjumeau@icloud.com. Visit marathonofsport.com to make a donation
Calling all park riders: the next Rail Jam is from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Sun Peaks Resort in the terrain park. Proceeds go to Sun Peaks Skatepark Foundation. Visit sunpeaksresort.com to register.
MARCH 17 TO 18
Have you ever wanted to make your own hat? Now’s the time, with Saddle N Spurs Hat Bar running workshops at Sun Peaks Grand. Walk-ins are welcome, and the workshop costs $20. Sunday’s workshops run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday’s run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MARCH 20
The final Studio 50+ Dance Party at Morrisey’s Public House will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and feature retro music with a flower power theme.
MARCH 21
Blue Chest Games has a 19+ murder mystery night at Sun Peaks Grand, bringing costumes and intrigue to attendees. Visit sunpeaksgrand.com for more information.
MARCH 22
Sun Peaks Freestyle Club and The Truth Skate & Snow are hosting a rail jam from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., open to children ages 8 to 18. Visit sunpeaksresort.com for details.
MARCH 23
ArtZone Sun Peaks invites you to an intimate house concert with Marin Patenaude at 7:30 p.m. The event is BYOB and snacks. Get tickets at artzonesunpeaks.com
MARCH 22 TO 23
HUB International Nancy Greene Festival comes to Sun Peaks Resort with over 600 kids participating in races and events. Email hubngfestival@gmail.com for more information.
MARCH 27
Elleboard Ladies Snowboard Camp includes a day of coaching for women at Sun Peaks Resort, teaching new tricks and giving tips for park riding. Register at snowreg.com.
MARCH 28
Blue Chest Games has a 19+ murder mystery night at Sun Peaks Grand, bringing costumes and intrigue to attendees. Visit sunpeaksgrand.com for more information.
MARCH 28 TO 31
The Sip, Savour and Ski festival pairs delectable meals and beverages with skiing. Visit sunpeaksresort.com for full details.
MARCH 29
Bathe in healing sounds at Sun Peaks Yoga with a sound bath from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visit sunpeaksyoga.com to register.
MARCH 30
When it comes to care, your feet deserve as much attention as the rest of the body. Head to Sun Peaks Yoga for a workshop to learn about anatomy, releasing tension, how feet can best be used while skiing and more. Register online at sunpeaksyoga.com
MARCH 31
Easter celebrations on the mountain include an Easter egg hunt for kids and special visits with the Easter Bunny and Harry Bear from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the top of the Sunburst Express chairlift.
APRIL 5
Get ready to laugh and enjoy canapes before a comedy show at Sun Peaks Grand from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., featuring headliner Tim Nutt and opening act Kate Belton. Visit sunpeaksgrand.com for tickets.
APRIL 6
Kamloops Makerspace’s grand opening welcomes creators to a new location. The event starts at 10 a.m. and includes handson demos, burgers and appreciation for volunteers who helped get the space up and running. Visit the new location at 1140 C, Halston Ave., Kamloops.
APRIL 6 TO 7
Sun Peaks Resort's winter season ends in style with Wonder Weekend, featuring action-packed events, including DJs and more. Visit sunpeaksresort.com for details.
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102 Kookaburra Lodge, Sun Peaks, BC
$275,000 +GST
Commercial, 327 sq.ft., Zoned CC-1
Great location in the heart of Sun Peaks. High traffic exposure and good storefront visibility with direct outside access. Monthly strata fee is $368.25.
+GST
Condo-Hotel units with 180 days owner use, Zoned CC-1
Ski-in, ski-out with desirable village location. Outdoor hot tub, exercise room, laundry, underground parking, with in-house management team. Furnished.
4119 Sundance Drive, Sun Peaks, BC
$3,399,000 GST N/A
4 Bed | 5 Bath, 4,059 sq.ft., Zoned RS-1
Ski-in, ski-out slopeside home with self-contained 2-bedroom legal suite. Soaring windows, radiant in-floor heat, HRV, hot tub, & oversized double car garage.
