Alder Estates - Immerse yourself in the mountain lifestyle at Alder Estates, the first single-family lot development to be offers at Sun Peaks in 15 years! This 16-lot project has spectacular south and west facing views of Tod Mountain and Mt. Morrisey. Enjoy the beautiful mountain views, scenic landscapes, and warm village atmosphere. Zoned for nightly rentals. Visit alder-estates.ca for more information.
Listing
Listing Agent: Quinn Rischmueller PREC*
10 The Cabins: Charming 3-storey cedar cabin. 4 beds & partially finished basement with separate family room and ample storage. Offered furnished. $954,900
Listing Agent:
Listing Agent: Quinn Rischmueller PREC*
4101 Sundance Dr: Exceptional ski in/out access & just mins to the Village core! 5 bed, 4 bath custom home. 1 bed legal suite. Fully furnished, hot tub, sauna & generator $1,875,000
Listing Agent: Quinn Rischmueller PREC*
Agents: Matt Town & Chris Town
Fairways
Listing Agent: Quinn Rischmueller
5411 Lookout Ridge Pl: Convenient ski in/out access! 3 bed, 4 bath, family room, detached games room/office. Rooftop patio.
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IN THIS ISSUE
AND WHAT’S ON THEHORIZON?
THIS MONTH AT COUNCIL
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.
FINAL RESULTS ON THE 2024 BC ELECTION ARE IN Ward Stamer is Kamloops-North Thompson’s new MLA.
HALLOWEEN FOR HUNGER KICKED OFF THIS YEAR, COLLECTING 900 POUNDS OF FOOD
Costumed volunteers took to the streets Halloween night collecting food items for the community food drive.
THIS YEAR MARKS THE FINAL FALL BALL HOSTED BY THE BLUEBIRD DAY FUND
The Bluebird Day Fund will take their organization in a new direction going forward.
THE SUN PEAKS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT SOCIETY’S GALA RAISES MORE THAN $60,000
The Sun Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Society annual gala raised funds for the Whitecroft Community Association and Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association.
COMMUNITY CARE KITS ARE AVAILABLE AGAIN THIS YEAR FOR WORKING RESIDENTS IN NEED OF FOOD
In a partnership between Sun Peaks Rotary Club, Ohana Deli and Market and Sun Peaks Community Helps, grocery packages are available to help community members in need.
14
SUMMER IN SUN PEAKS: BIKE PARK VISITATION AND EVENTS
Bike park visitation was fairly flat from last year, but crews were able to improve trails all summer.
16
WHAT HAS SUN PEAKS MOUNTAIN RESORT MUNICIPALITY BEEN UP TO
At a meet and greet organized by the Sun Peaks Rotary Club on Oct.17, chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell provided a packed room with municipal updates.
18
THE WEST BOWL EXPRESS TAKES EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS WINTER UP A NOTCH
With the addition of the West Bowl Express chairlift, skiers can access a large expanse of terrain that’s been upgraded for the season.
19
DON WHYTE’S LEGACY LIVES ON IN A NEW RUN ON TOD MOUNTAIN
The late surveyor Don Whyte helped found the original Tod Mountain resort, and has been honoured in the new West Bowl run.
21
SUN PEAKS RESORT OPENS FOR WINTER NOV. 23
The village is abuzz as preparations get underway for opening day and the rest of the season.
22
FROM CHAIRLIFT ADVANCEMENTS TO TERRAIN UPDATES, SUN PEAKS RESORT IS READY FOR WINTER
There are a lot of new things to look forward to this ski season.
23
CONDITIONS REPORT
Here’s what you can expect this winter.
24
RBC TRAINING GROUND SELECTS LOCAL TRAYLE PORTER TO BE ASSESSED AS A FUTURE OLYMPIC ATHLETE
15-year-old Trayle Porter is one of 100 finalists selected for the RBC Training Ground national finals.
25
PUZZLES
Can you tackle this month’s crossword? Plus, a new Sudoku and the answers to last month’s puzzles.
26
EVENTS
Check out local and regional events happening soon.
THIS MONTH AT COUNCIL
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.
By Nicole Perry
UBCM Convention
Chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell provided council and public viewers with an update on the convention for the Union of BC Municipalities that was held Sept.16 in Vancouver Council and staff members of Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) in attendance had meetings with many different government ministries. There were a few notable resolutions stemming from these meetings.
In the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport senior staff Meeting, SPMRM discussed a possible revenue sharing option for the Pespewelkwe Bands (Little Shuswap Lake, Neskonlith and Adams Lake Bands) which would be critical to relationship building. There’s still a need to meet with the Ministry of Finance to work out the complexities of revenue sharing.
In the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure senior staff meeting, it was stated that the road
between Sun Peaks and Whitecroft will undergo repaving and upgrades in the summer of 2025.
There were some unresolved points in many of the meetings at this convention that will be followed up on with further conversations. In particular, staff will be following up with BC Hydro to address capacity challenges in Sun Peaks.
In the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport minister meeting, Mayor Al Raine brought up the uniqueness of resort municipalities including Sun Peaks, wanting to ensure the community isn’t being overly taxed for infrastructure that is geared towards tourist experiences more so than community ones.
Bylaw adoption
Following the fourth reading, council adopted bylaw 0217 on Development Cost Charges.
Public hearing: Temporary Use Permit
Council held a public hearing to collect feedback from community members who received council’s issuance of a notice of intent to issue a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) in the Lookout Ridge neighbourhood.
Many Lookout Ridge residents oppose this TUP, based on general concerns they have with short-term rentals (STR) in the neighbourhood.
After the public hearing closed, council held a discussion and agreed to revisit the topic during the scheduled STR review set for spring of 2025, to be completed likely by that summer. The consistent opposition to TUPs in this neighbourhood differs from the most recent community poll on STRs which was indecisive but showed more to be in favour of nightly rentals.
Sign up for SPIN's municipal newslettter at sunpeaksnews.com. Photo by Kyle James/Sun Peaks Independent News
FINAL RESULTS ON THE 2024 BC ELECTION ARE IN
Ward Stamer is Kamloops-North Thompson’s new MLA.
By Nicole Perry
With 30,009 voters in Kamloops-North Thompson, Ward Stamer from the Conservative Party won the riding and was declared MLA after the initial BC Election results were finalized on Oct. 20. With 59.74 per cent of the votes, Stamer was ahead of the New Democratic Party (NDP) of BC candidate Maddi Genn by nearly 30 per cent. Tristan Cavers of the BC Green Party had just over seven per cent of the vote.
On Oct. 28, the final provincial results came through and after a close race, the NDP secured a majority government.
“It is an incredible honour and a huge responsibility,” NDP Premier David Eby said in a media release after the party was asked to lead the province for a third time. “We are listening to the message voters sent with this close election, and will be getting to work on today’s tough challenges right away.”
Initial projected results in the province had the NDP leading with 46 seats while the Conservatives held 45. Prior to the final vote count from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28, 11 ridings had results too close to call. Final results were announced late on Monday,
Oct. 28, with the minimum 47 seats for a majority government claimed by the NDP followed closely by the Conservative Party with 44 seats and the Green Party with two.
Two ridings are subject to automatic judicial recounts following the final results, with the difference between the top two candidates being less than 1/500th of the total ballots considered.
The difference between votes in Kelowna Centre was 38 and in Surrey-Guildford it was 27, both below the threshold for a recount by about 10 votes.
Ward Stamer’s priorities
Stamer did not respond to Sun Peaks Independent News before publication, but in a Q&A with all candidates leading up to the election, he spoke to the need for B.C. to innovate to fight climate change.
“For B.C. to be able to reduce emissions as a way to fight climate change, we have to look at electrification,” he said.
Aside from hydroelectric power, he said the province should look at solar and wind, baseload natural gas, biomass and nuclear power generation to improve on the deficit in electricity he identifies as an issue.
“It’s hypocritical to import power from other jurisdictions, where we have no control over their emissions, and then put Net-Zero restrictions on our power producers,” he added.
In regards to the toxic drug crisis and other mental
health issues, Stamer said he is against free, safe drugs and decriminalization.
“We believe in a compassionate solutions-based approach that prioritizes real treatment and recovery, while ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” he said.
A conservative government will introduce legislation to allow for involuntary treatment, intervening to leave fewer people with serious mental health problems and addictions “on the streets,” he said.
For healthcare overall, Stamer said he will work to “expand programs to incentivize doctors and nurses to work in high demand communities, especially in rural and remote areas.”
In terms of improving access to housing, in both affordability and availability, Stamer said he will advocate for “streamlining approval processes.”
“We will be…providing tax incentives for purpose built rental housing like the Multi-Unit Residential Building, and unlocking land outside of Agricultural Land Reserve,” he added.
To support the middle class and ease pressure of mounting rents and mortgage payments, he points to the Rustad Rebate, which works to exempt up to $3,000 a month in housing costs from provincial income taxes.
An identified goal of the BC Conservatives is reducing the cost of living by eliminating things like the carbon tax.
Stamer was unable to speak to the impacts or advocacy surrounding removing the foreign buyers ban in Sun Peaks, as that is federal legislation.
Conservative Ward Stamer has been elected MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson in the recent BC Election. Photo via Facebook/Ward Stamer Candidate for Kamloops-North Thompson
HALLOWEEN FOR HUNGER KICKED OFF THIS YEAR, COLLECTING 900 POUNDS OF FOOD
Costumed volunteers took to the streets Halloween night collecting food items for the community food drive.
By Nicole Perry
As the streets of Sun Peaks and Whitecroft filled with eager kids in costume seeking candy, a group of volunteers joined the crowd, knocking on doors to collect nonperishables for Halloween for Hunger.
This new community food drive initiative was organized by the events team at Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), made up of events coordinators Carly Irrgang and Milly Driver and events and partnerships manager Liz Wilkinson.
Irrgang’s idea of Halloween for Hunger took off this year with 900 pounds of food collected, equating to $3,222 in groceries.
For the first year, Irrgang said her low expectations were exceeded, and she expects that the iniative will grow year over year.
The first Halloween for Hunger
All the bins that had been collecting goods throughout the month of October stationed at Ohana, the Burfield Lodge, Tourism Sun Peaks and Guest Services were pretty full, Irrgang said.
“They had about the same amount. It was about not quite a rain barrel full, but we
did have one of those big black totes approximately full from each place.”
Though a relatively small group of volunteers gathered at the Village Day Lodge on Halloween night, a lot of ground was covered.
Many folks had read their flyers and prepared bags of canned goods, pasta and more while others who hadn’t were just as eager to rummage through their cupboards and see what they could give.
The nostalgic Whitecroft neighbourhood was filled with smiling faces, made up of adults thanking volunteers for their efforts and kids wishing them a happy Halloween.
In Sun Peaks, people were getting ready to party and greeting volunteers enthusiastically at their door with food items.
At the end of the night, the group of volunteers received prizes for categories including best team spirit and best dressed, from Ohana Market and Deli, Sun Peaks Hair Studio and Jardines Sun Peaks.
After a fun-packed night, the team of collectors went home with handfuls of candy from people expecting trick or treaters and day passes for the ski hill from SPR.
When the collected food was taken down to Kamloops, the entire Sun Peaks truck was filled, with room for only one passenger.
“The Kamloops Food Bank was super stoked,” Irrgang said, having been a part of the delivery team that was invited to tour the facility.
“I definitely suggest for anyone who's interested in charity work to connect with the food bank,” she said. “There's lots of opportunities to give back, and they are a non-government run charity as well.”
Next year
With only three weeks to plan for this year’s Halloween for Hunger once the idea came to fruition, there’s potential for expansion next year when more notice is given to the community.
“Hopefully next year we'll have more drop off locations, depending on what businesses around the resort would like to be involved,” Irrgang said.
The high school helped out this year by having their own mini food drive with a bin. Some students even decided to volunteer on Halloween night. Next year, she hopes to get the elementary school involved as well.
“The possibilities are endless,” she said about next year, if the rest of the community supports expanding on Halloween with other events.
THIS YEAR MARKS THE FINAL FALL BALL HOSTED BY THE BLUEBIRD DAY FUND
The
Bluebird Day Fund will take their organization in a new
direction going forward.
By Nicole Perry
After a 17 year streak, the Bluebird Day Fund (BDF) has decided to cease hosting the annual fall ball.
The Bluebird Day Fund formed in honour of 24-year-old Bryn Taylor who passed away in a motor vehicle accident in 2006, and has impacted the community through various programs, including those that provide kids with sports mentors and reimbursement for young athletes.
The non-profit organization progressed from fundraising for programs through selling t-shirts and stickers to the annual fall ball starting in 2007 at Bottoms Bar and Grill.
Alec Chaplin took over as president not long before the first ball following Covid-19 in 2022, which caused both the need and opportunity for a new location.
For the first time, the event was held at Sun Peaks Centre allowing for more space and attendees.
“Back in 2022 when we had the Kentucky Derby themed fall ball, it was probably our biggest fall ball to date,” Chaplin said.
Building on the success of this event, the next year it expanded into a 70s disco theme. For this final year, the theme was old Hollywood complete with a red carpet and a performance from the Famous Players Band, a band out of Vancouver who, according to Chaplin, is one of the best bands they’ve booked.
Now, after nearly 20 years, it’s become less sustainable to run operations that take significant time, effort, money and the need for volunteer recruits.
“We're trying to adjust the direction of the fund itself so that we continue the legacy of the Bluebird Day Fund and keep Bryn’s memory alive,” previous president of the BDF and founding member Bryan Lupul said. “But in a way that allows us to spend less time on it.”
The end of the fall ball
and a new direction
With the BDF fall ball running for so many years, the board of directors have aged into more busy lives with families and kids that weren’t a part of the equation when it took off.
“We've had board directors come and go,” Lupul said. “It's just challenging to meet the needs and time that it takes to put all these on.”
BDF will be continuing with smaller events like the Super Sender Season Ender to close the ski season and keeping up with some programs for a couple more years until the board figures out next steps, Chaplin said.
With donations and money raised over the years, the non-profit is looking to create a bursary in Bryn’s name for kids coming out of the Sun Peaks School to apply for as they plan for a post secondary education.
The details of this bursary are still in the works, such as whether it will replace the programs they currently run or if some of that will continue alongside it.
Always looking to support youth, the school system is a good area for the BDF to focus on, especially as the Sun Peaks community grows and the school does with it.
“Bryn’s mom was a school teacher and his dad was a principal,” Lupul said. “So for us to have a bursary in their son's name, we've told him about our plans, and they were very excited.”
For the last fall ball, the BDF was able to get some old board members and coaches once involved with the organization to attend for the first time in years.
The end of something so significant to the group brings them sadness, Lupul said, yet he’s looking forward to the new direction they’re taking.
“It just kind of seems like everyone's energy is revitalized,” he said.
As a 100 per cent volunteer run organization, Chaplin said it’s impressive to see what has been accomplished over the years and reiterated that their presence in the community will still be felt.
Bluebird Day Fund puts on their final fall ball with an old Hollywood theme.
Photo via Facebook/Bluebird Day Fund
Bluebird Day Fund hosts a 70s theme fall ball in 2023. Photo via Facebook/Bluebird Day Fund
THE SUN PEAKS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT SOCIETY’S
GALA RAISES MORE THAN
$60,000
The Sun Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Society annual gala raised funds for the Whitecroft Community Association and Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association.
By Nicole Perry
Masked attendees filtered into the Heffley Room and Ballroom for this year’s Sun Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Society’s Gala, dressed to impress for the winter masquerade theme, and ready to open their wallets.
By the time the evening rolled around to the live auction, the society’s goal of $60,000 had already been reached and all the raffle tickets were sold.
For this year’s event, the two benefactors receiving funds raised from the Gala were Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association (SPRTA) and the Whitecroft Community Association.
Funding
the Whitecroft
Community Association and SPRTA
The Whitecroft Community Association is working toward their goal of a playground in the community.
This is their first year as a benefactor of the Gala, and vice president of the association Michelle Landry Smith said the majority of the funds they raise will go toward playground equipment, which she added will likely cost a minimum of $175,000. Through other fundraising efforts, the association has been able to raise a sizable
chunk of change.
These efforts include selling merchandise, which president Kaitlyn Lamotte said will soon be up on their new website, whitecroftbc.com, along with a calendar and information on their sponsorship package.
For their second year as a benefactor, SPRTA hopes to raise enough money to continue what they were able to achieve using funds from last year, which was hiring their first full-time employee.
If plans change or they have leftover money, president of SPRTA Sam Loxton said that will go toward things like general operations, tools, equipment, insurance and a new trail project.
“We're super thankful for the firefighters and the organizing committee for selecting us and letting us be part of the gala,” Loxton added.
Raising funds and celebrating the firefighters
Sun Peaks Independent News was a sponsor of the event along with many other groups and companies, including Vike Real Estate as the title sponsor.
For the silent auction, done online and open to the broader public as well as attendees, quite a few local businesses contributed with items such as event packages, food baskets, gift cards, paintings and unique experiences.
Following a three course meal prepared by the Sun Peaks Grand culinary team, fire chief Dean Schiavon commended the firefighters and announced awards for Rookie of the Year and attending the most calls or practices, among many other categories.
Going into the live auction, folks bid on a catered in-home dining experience, a mountain style date night, a suite and transportation for a Blazers game in Kelowna, a day of wellness and more with Sonya and stained glass artwork.
These items and experiences sold for prices ranging from $700 to $4,250, the latter of which went toward the in-house catering offer.
Donations with no strings were made as well, raising the pot by around $4,000.
A celebratory mood set in as the What's Next Band took to the stage, the dance floor opened up and the firefighters donned dresses and suits along with the rest of the attendees.
“I've been only the last three or four years, and for me, it just seems to get better and better every year,” board member for the Sun Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Society Casey Lambert said, adding that each year there seems to be more time put into the dance floor and mingling.
COMMUNITY CARE KITS ARE AVAILABLE AGAIN THIS YEAR FOR WORKING RESIDENTS IN NEED OF FOOD
In a partnership between Sun Peaks Rotary Club, Ohana Deli and Market and Sun Peaks Community Helps, grocery packages are available to help community members in need.
By Nicole Perry
Sun Peaks Rotary Club members have started organizing for this year’s community care kits, which last year provided working Sun Peaks residents with grocery packages during times of financial struggle. Along with the rotary club, another financial supporter of the initiative is Sun Peaks Community Helps (SPCH). This committee was formed during the Covid-19 pandemic when seasonal workers weren’t able to travel home or work.
The food bank SPCH started years ago dwindled in popularity and their committee is down to Mayor Al Raine and rotary members Jim Alix and Linda Hollyer.
However, there are leftover funds from community donations, Alix said. Managed mostly by Raine and himself, these were available for donation to the community care kits, an initiative fitting their mandate of making sure nobody in Sun Peaks is in need.
Contributing as well to the community care kits, Ohana Market and Deli provides food at cost, with items including pasta, rice, canned goods, potatoes and carrots.
Taking form last year
With a slow start to the season last year given the light snowfall, many new arrivals with resort and seasonal jobs were unable to work, as the lack of tourists limited the need for employees.
Some seasonal employees went six to eight months without a single paycheck between jobs, Hollyer said, and the rotary club heard that with increasing grocery costs, many in the community were struggling in addition to the new arrivals.
“A lot of these kids are 18 years old when they come, and they've brought $500,” she said.
After being here for weeks prior, many didn't work until Christmas and the funds they had on them dwindled fast.
“We really had a burst of activity at the beginning of December, and then it tailed right off,” she said. “I didn't get a single request after Christmas, because everybody's working.”
Last year was successful and operations will remain
similar this year, depending on how the snowfall affects work hours, Hollyer said.
How to request a community care kit
“The Rotary Club of Sun peaks is here to help you bridge the gap until your next paycheck,” Hollyer said. The community care kits program operates through word- of- mouth mostly, but locals in need can reach out to Hollyer via communitycare@ rotaryclubofsunpeaks.com for a community care kit.
“They just have to let me know that they live in the area and that they do have jobs,” she said, explaining the kits are available to those from Sun Peaks down to the Heffley Lake area.
When the newly arriving seasonal employees come to Sun Peaks for the winter, she said they’ll receive a welcome bag with an apple and community care kit cards explaining the program.
Applicants can pick up their packages at Ohana, during designated periods of time provided by the organizers.
1 to
am - 5:30 pm
Ohana’s owner Bobbe Lyall (left) and rotary members Linda Hollyer and Jim Alix (middle to right) are ready to deliver community care kids to community members in need.
Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
Thank You! Thank You!
On behalf of the Sun Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Society and our Gala Benefactors, we would like to thank all of our event donors, attendees, auction supporters, raffle supporters, and sponsors for their incredible generosity toward our fundraising event that took place on Saturday, November 9, 2024!
Your contributions will enable us to create positive impact and improvements toward further supporting our local community and visiting guests
Event Host:
Event Sponsors: Event Sponsors:
Event Benefactors:
7-Day Heli Skiing Trip for 2 Raffle Prize Sponsor
SUMMER IN SUN PEAKS: BIKE PARK VISITATION AND EVENTS
Bike park visitation was fairly flat from last year, but crews were able to improve trails all summer.
By Nicole Perry
Though bike park visitation didn’t see much growth this year, there were some other ways the bike park flourished, and accommodation numbers still rose.
“Last year had been our strongest season in the bike park to date,” Christina Antoniak, director of communications for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) said. “Now this year is, but only surpassed last year by a smidge.”
Similar to the bike park, golf rounds were flat yearover-year, but because of what Antoniak thinks is due to additional tour traffic in August following the Jasper wildfires, hiking visits this summer saw a 10 per cent growth.
Season pass visits to the bike park were down 15 per cent from last year however, Antoniak said bike park day ticket sales were slightly up, leading to a virtually flat overall trend in bike park visits.
Trail crew and conditions
With good weather and trail conditions, the trail crew was able to bring up the quality of the trails in Sun Peaks.
“We had a little bit of snow even in June, and that just sets the stage for a really solid foundation in the bike park when we have that wet spring,” she said, explaining that trail conditions were nice and tacky at opening.
“Among our guests who also ride elsewhere, we’re viewed as one of the top bike parks in B.C.”
Coming from Shawn Melnechuk, bike park coordinator, Antoniak reiterated the dedication of this summer’s hard working trail crew.
The crew did a rebuild on the Progression Park, with some higher level sections put in with larger features and jumps, built a ladder bridge on Sweet One, refurbished a 100 foot long log ride and added
a blue tech trail on Sundance called Melhouse as a nod to Melnechuk.
“Next year, they're really excited about a few expansions that are coming into the trail network,” she said. “So we'll see a little bit of new trail development for next summer.”
For bikers, hikers and other visitors, the largely consistent and smoke-free weather contributed to a positive experience.
Guests praised the well-maintained trail network, huge variety of trails, and bike-related events for kids, Antoniak said upon looking over guest reviews.
“Among our guests who also ride elsewhere, we’re viewed as one of the top bike parks in B.C.,” she said.
Bike park and lift visitation
Focusing on the highest markets in terms of overall lift visitation, 70 per cent of lift users were from B.C. with 25 per cent specifically from Kamloops, 10 per cent were from Alberta and 3.5 per cent from Washington State.
Regarding the relatively flat number in mountain biking visits this number, Antoniak said there are several factors that could have contributed to the failure to meet SPR’s more optimistic projections for the season.
Inflation, particularly on travel expenses, and perceived wildfire impacts may have affected tourism travel numbers. There being less smoke in the Sun Peaks area helped with localized visits, however.
A large reason she pointed to for both a plateau in bike park visits and retail sales at Elevation Bike, Ski & Board is the saturation in the mountain biking market that resulted from the massive amount of people during and post-pandemic getting into mountain biking for something to do while social distancing.
“Our focus over the next few months will be evaluating our marketing and communications strategy in this niche sector and looking for ways to reach new potential guests and entice returning visitors next summer.”
Retail and other revenue
Currently, retail sales have been slow on everything from equipment to bikes to jerseys and shorts as well.
Despite lower than expected bike park visitation, the 2024 summer season in Sun Peaks had a packed event itinerary. Photo via Instagram/@sunpeaksbikepark
Antoniak can only speak to Elevation as an SPR-run store, but said in talking to bike shops in other areas such as Kamloops or the lower mainland the story everywhere is that retail is slow and was down this summer.
“It's anyone's best guess what's going to happen in terms of that retail side shifting,” she said. “Is it going to shift next year a bit? Is it going to take a few years? No one really knows what that's going to look like.”
Though visitation numbers to the sports school were relatively flat, there was a 40 per cent increase in private lesson program revenue and a higher retention rate of people coming back for lessons than they've ever seen.
“The sports school had their best June on record in terms of revenue, almost their best July and their best August,” Antoniak said, based on a conversation with Ian Logan, Sun Peaks sports school director.
“Another key part of that is we had 100 per cent retention in our instructors this summer,” she said. “So all 16 instructors in the bike park were returning instructors, so they're highly knowledgeable.”
Beginner lessons were the most popular this year. For brand new bikers, the Never Ever Days that were new this summer garnered enough interest to sell out each time.
Events and village visitation
Occupancy numbers in both hotel and vacation rentals increased year over year for each month except June, when vacation rentals were down, Naomi Kerchinsky, executive director for Tourism Sun Peaks said.
In terms of bike visitation and lift utilization, Antoniak said the weekends where mountain bike events were taking place saw the highest numbers of the summer.
August was the strongest month of the summer this year for accommodation numbers, Kerchinsky said, with September having the highest year-over-year growth. These months followed the Jasper wildfires, which caused bus and rail guests who were originally supposed to be routed through Jasper to come to Sun Peaks instead, and were also popular months in terms of bike events.
During August, Sun Peaks saw several bike events including the Canadian Downhill MTB Championships, Peaks Pedal Fest and the Summer Stoke Series session two. In September, the Canadian Enduro Championships and Stoke Series session three continued to activate the bike park.
“We know those events are bringing people into the resort,” Antoniak said. “They're bringing people who are participating. They're bringing friends and family.”
The DH Nationals and Enduro Championships will both be returning next summer, and events like Peaks Pedal Fest will continue to grow.
With the Summer Stoke Series developed by bike park supervisor Rick Boles, $1,500 was raised for the Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation and Recreational Trail Association (SPRTA).
Three locals days took place, which was another new fundraising initiative that raised $7,525 for Kamloops Bike Riding Association, the Kamloops Performance Cycling Centre and SPRTA.
Both Antoniak and Kerchinsky have heard anecdotally that businesses in the village had a better summer than the last, especially during the DH Nationals weekend.
WHAT HAS SUN PEAKS MOUNTAIN RESORT MUNICIPALITY BEEN UP TO AND WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON?
At a meet and greet organized by the Sun Peaks Rotary Club, chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell provided a packed room with municipal updates.
By Nicole Perry
In a community forum setting at Bottom’s Bar and Grill, Sun Peaks Rotary Club welcomed a few Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) council members and chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell, who provided the full room with municipal updates from the last year.
A representation of the interest the community has in updates, the small side room was packed with attendees listening intently to Campbell’s presentation.
Updates regarding housing, Sun Peaks Centre, Truth and Reconciliation and more promoted an engaging discussion amongst community members and Sun Peaks council, followed by the chance to mingle, which filled the room with the sound of chatter from corner to corner.
Speaking to the crowd first, Sun Peaks Rotary Club president Katherine Campbell noted the organization’s seventh anniversary before introducing Deanna Campbell.
Housing updates
Since the Sun Peaks Housing Authority was formed in 2018, its progress has been delayed due to lack of funding. With the recent investment
through the BC Builds housing project, the housing authority will see a much needed expansion, including a part-time housing coordinator and a larger board of directors, Campbell explained. This will also help in seeking more sources of funding for the authority, with the hope to improve the housing situation in Sun Peaks.
Attendees requested more information on the BC Builds program, specifically, what rental price defines “middle-income.”
While this number has not yet been identified, council members in attendance made it known that they intend to do what they can to lower costs as much as possible.
Reconciliation and relationship building
This year offered some firsts in the way of Truth and Reconciliation efforts in town, with two community meetings between council and band members. One of these meetings was with the Neskonlith Band and the other was with all three neighbouring bands, the Adams Lake Band, Neskonlith Band and Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl ecw.
Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality’s chief administrative officer presents some updates to the public at a rotary club meet and greet. Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
Another significant stepping stone occurred in July, when the municipality was invited to participate in a government-togovernment ceremony with Elders from the three bands.
“There were certainly some difficult but important conversations that were had, but I felt it was a really important step towards reconciliation,” Campbell told the room. “For me, it was actually one of the most impactful events that I've had the honour of participating in in my local government career.”
“There were certainly some difficult but important conversations that were had, but I felt it was a really important step towards reconciliation.”
In addition to the blessing ceremony on Oct. 4 for artwork and artifacts on display in the Sun Peaks Centre, SPMRM is continuing to develop the partnership with Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl ecw and will put forward ongoing work in the centre.
Communications and community engagement
SPMRM also hopes to develop their communication with the community.
This is currently done mainly through Voyent Alert!, a tool that notifies everyone with essential updates, especially helpful in case of emergency.
At the meeting, attendees were reminded of the upcoming opportunity to put their thoughts into a community survey.
As a continuation of community engagement efforts SPMRM co-hosted a Wildfire Risk Reduction open house on Oct. 24 as well as another open house to present their finalized wildfire resiliency plan in November. There will also be an opportunity for the community to provide input on the municipality’s 2025 budget cycle.
Recreation and Sun Peaks Community Centre
Another piece of municipal operations seeing an upgrade is the Sun Peaks Skating Rink. New rink boards have been installed, following Campbell's update at the Meet and Greet announcing their arrival.
As the rink shifts into winter operations, with the ice going in on Nov. 1, the first hockey tournament of the season took place over the weekend of Nov. 9 to Nov. 10.
When the public was able to contribute to the discussion at the event, the lack of a community centre in Sun Peaks dominated most of the conversation. Initially, the question posed regarded the funding model for the centre, and how much the community pays in taxes toward a space that isn’t always available for community groups to host meetings and classes. Council members were unable to provide specific numbers as to funding, but Mayor Al Raine confirmed that the initial grant for the centre never identified that it would be used as a community centre and said it isn't paid for by the community, though the funding model and how it potentially includes taxpayers is still somewhat unclear.
Discourse following involved recurring bookings being bumped, citing an incident where a recent ballet class was held in the corridor as no rooms were available during the regular class time.
Both topics brought to light the possibility of balancing community needs with those of the municipality and Tourism Sun Peaks, which will be using the centre during the summer as part of the event strategy. A space has opened up near the Burfield Admin building that a rotary member said would be available for community rental, and could take some pressure off of the Sun Peaks Centre.
Roads and infrastructure development
Progress on the possibility of a road to Chase was brought up, given the recent discussion of building relationships with local First Nations.
The development of this road involves aligning the needs of the local governments that fall within its jurisdiction, and Campbell said that she can’t disclose much now but that conversations are in the works and SPMRM is connecting with the three bands on the topic.
To build on this road, a reconciliation agreement is required.
More infrastructure concerns revolved around Peaks West and the unpaved road there.
Improving this road is an expensive project, Campbell explained, and SPMRM is working to make room in the 2025 budget for the funding required.
SUNDAY! SUN PEAKS SCHOOL (Near P5): 10:30am - 1:30pm
VILLAGE: 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Folks mingle at a meet a greet organized by Sun Peaks Rotary Club before and after Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality reports. Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
THE WEST BOWL EXPRESS TAKES EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS WINTER UP A NOTCH
With the addition of the West Bowl Express chairlift, skiers and snowboarders can access a large expanse of terrain that’s been upgraded for the season.
By Nicole Perry
As long as snow conditions cooperate, the West Bowl Express will be ready to ride this winter.
Reaching higher than the old T-bar that operated in the West Bowl until 2020, the West Bowl Express will give guests lift access to old runs that will be regularly maintained, as well as three new runs.
West Bowl Express: design and assets
What makes this chairlift such a unique addition to the lift network at Sun Peaks is its detachable carriers that are to be kept in a covered parking rail overnight.
Reaching such high elevation, chairlifts are subject to inclement mountain weather conditions that can result in rime, or iced surfaces, which could delay morning maintenance to get the lift running.
“It's going to add a little bit of time just removing the carriers and then launching them, but that 20 minutes of time that it takes to take the carriers off or on is nothing in comparison to if we had a major weather delay,” said senior director of mountain operations, Erik Meertens.
The window of operation is a little less with this lift than the others, opening at 9:30 a.m. and closing at 3:15 p.m.
The lift can load 1,800 people per hour initially, with the ability to go as high as 2,400, and can run even if the power goes out thanks to a backup auxiliary.
Another asset is the speedy trip up the mountain, which takes about five and a half minutes to travel the length of 1,520 metres and 315 vertical metres that the lift offers.
Expanding the trail network
The West Bowl ski area is going to remain largely the same, director of communications for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) Christina Antoniak said, with open bowl terrain as well as some treed areas.
There will now be an area of skiable terrain from the top of the West Bowl Express that reaches above where the old T-bar used to run. he skiable area in the West Bowl is tripling in size, from 54 acres to 169 acres.
A large portion of the terrain of the West Bowl was skiable for the last few years given you were motivated enough to make the trek from Top of the World. Not only is this terrain now easily accessible, but the new run Whyte’s Ride skirts the boundary on the far side of the West Bowl, giving skiers a way to ski a zone that was previously not a viable option.
“If you ended up in this zone, you were going to have an incredibly difficult time getting back to roundabout or Seven Mile Road,” Antoniak said, adding that the flat access road Seven Mile Road is also a very unappealing option to skiers.
The upper portion of Whyte’s Ride existed previously, but now, with the help of significant logging efforts done in various other spots as well, the new run extends down and takes skiers all the way to the bottom terminal.
“It's a very, very cool new trail over there, with lots of rolling terrain and undulating terrain, that's probably the best new run over there,” Meertens said, particularly focusing on the newly logged piece that connects the top of Whyte’s Ride with the lower portion.
Another new run, Saddle Up, takes skiers over to Westsyde. Gateway is an access run added off Roundabout as a last chance for skiers to make their way back to the West Bowl Express.
“We know on our busy days, holiday periods, that sort of thing, there can be
quite a compression of guests waiting at the mid station on Burfield,” Antoniak said. “So this really should alleviate a little bit of the pressure that is felt there.”
Not only does the West Bowl Express give skiers lift access to a desirable terrain, but the addition of a new lift ensures grooming will be done regularly in that area.
Though an inviting expanse of land, Meertens warns skiers not to cross the permanently closed area boundary at the bottom of the West Bowl.
“The further you get into that permanently closed area, the more dangerous it gets,” he said.
To make sure everyone's as stoked as they should be for the ski hill enhancement the West Bowl Express provides, Antoniak said to keep your ears peeled for a grand opening announcement.
Construction on the West Bowl Express is complete in time for the 2024-25 winter season.
Photo provided by Sun Peaks Resort LLP
DON WHYTE’S LEGACY LIVES ON IN A NEW RUN ON TOD MOUNTAIN
The late surveyor Don Whyte helped found the original Tod Mountain resort, and has been honoured in the new West Bowl run.
By Nicole Perry
With the West Bowl Express chairlift opening this winter, Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) took the opportunity to pay tribute to Donald Whyte, one of the visionaries that have made Tod Mountain into what it is today.
Among three new runs, Whyte’s Ride is the longest, skirting the boundary of the West Bowl.
“He absolutely loved skiing those big snowbowls,” his daughter, Robyn Wright said. “We used to call him the master of the carve.”
In addition to skiing the slopes, Whyte rode horseback up much of the mountain during the founder’s first trip, two things that inspired the family when it came to naming the run.
Envisioning the ski hill
In 1959, the potential for a ski area besides the small Kamloops Ski Hill that existed at the time, in the area where Costco now sits, energized the entire town of Kamloops.
Just a little kid at this time, Wright spoke to her mom who shared that Whyte contributed to the Kamloops Ski Hill as well, by building the rope tow.
“He just had a real outdoor passion for skiing,” Wright said.
The events of 1959 included an expedition up Tod Mountain detailed in Sun Peaks Resort: An Evolution of Dreams by Kathleen Scherf. Whyte, his friend and forester Don Munro, Kamloops lawyer Reginald Humphreys, Kamloops doctor James Osborne and adviser Sam Warmington were taken up the mountain on horseback by Whitecroft rancher Robert White.
They strapped on skis and trekked the rest of the way up into the West Bowl when the horses turned around, staying two nights in the historical herders cabin that remains on the hill to this day.
Whyte and his co-founders saw the vision of a ski hill on Tod Mountain, and began working on the original chairlift soon after this reconnaissance mission.
The unique thing about Tod Mountain was an expanse of natural meadow land at the top, Wright said.
“It was just a perfect snowbowl, that's what attracted them, my dad and his friends.”
Tod Mountain Ski Resort opened in 1961 and Whyte was able to see his dream unfold into the now Sun Peaks Resort, before passing away in 2005.
Wright remembers lots of good times skiing with her dad, an avid skier until the end.
“I even got him over to ski on the Morrissey side before he passed away,” Wright recalled. “He was just ecstatic.”
About Donald Whyte
Part of Whyte’s legacy lies in surveying locations other than Tod Mountain.
“He was out traipsing around the landscape around British Columbia,” Wright said. “He helped lay out the town site of Kitimat.”
He began his surveying career in Kamloops, having lived there since his parents moved from Vancouver.
As a surveyor, Whyte spent a lot of time away from home, but Wright said when her father was home on weekends they’d be skiing Tod Mountain, and he loved sharing his passion with his family.
“The road was quite crazy at the time,” she said, thinking back to these trips. “There were a lot of times we went in the ditch and had to bail ourselves out.”
She remembers fondly looking down at the terrain they couldn't access when her dad would lead the family across to the West Bowl and they'd have to veer back toward Seven Mile to get out.
“It's going to be very nice to ski all that terrain now,” she said.
Donald Whyte and his wife Gwen celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Sun Peaks in 2000. Photo provided by Robyn Wright
SUN PEAKS RESORT OPENS FOR WINTER NOV. 23
The village is abuzz as preparations get underway for opening day and the rest of the season.
By Nicole Perry
Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) has pushed the mountain’s opening day back by a week. All scheduled activities will be running, just at a later date.
Because of recent low temperatures and no fresh snow in the last week, the original opening day of Nov. 16 wasn’t a viable option.
Snowmaking, which is a part of the SPR’s operations and is helpful to opening early, requires below zero temperatures.
“In terms of the next few days, temperatures are cooling again right away,” director of communications for SPR Christina Antoniak said. “I see some of the snow guns are firing already.”
The new date of opening is Nov. 23, and Antoniak is confident that date is achievable with the weather projections for next week seeing cooler temperatures.
Opening day activities
“We have a pretty routine kind of approach as to how we create some excitement around that day,” Antoniak said about opening day.
The first wave of people in line at Sunburst and Sundance chairlifts will be given free cinnamon buns, something the kids especially love.
With a banner on display, Harry the Bear making an appearance and hoards of smiling faces, there will be lots of entertainment.
As they do every year, Masa’s Bar and Grill will host Après and Ales on opening day. Those with a seasons pass or a day ticket can receive a complimentary beer from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., along with a DJ playing music for the celebratory atmosphere.
A movie night will take place as well, so keep refreshing the events page at sunpeaksresort.com if you're interested in hearing about that as details unfold.
The West Bowl Express opening
Regarding the West Bowl express chairlift, the details of its opening are still being worked out.
“We definitely have some activities planned,” Aaron Macdonald, chief marketing officer for SPR said, adding that these will be detailed closer to the day.
The festivities revolve around who gets to ride the first fleet of chairs up to the top of the lift.
Folks can expect an announcement with more details five days before the lift starts running, according to Antoniak.
Getting stoked for opening
The team at SPR is getting prepared for opening day and the anticipation is building up.
“Everyone's getting excited about all the preparatory work that's happening right now in all departments, it's very full on,” Antoniak said.
Kamloops is going to have some events brought to them a bit before opening, to ensure they’re as stoked as everyone up the mountain is.
SPR sponsored the showing of Calm Beneath Castles at Paramount Theatre on Nov. 14 and Rail Riot's expected to be a hit again at the Thompson Rivers University campus on Nov. 15.
The Rail Riot in particular will hopefully get some students interested in skiing Sun Peaks as they experience the electric atmosphere of young athletes riding the rails on campus with snow.
“It'll just create that extra bit of buzz,” Macdonald said.
Opening day is coming up and there will be no lack of activity when it arrives. Photo by Zuzy Rocka
FROM CHAIRLIFT ADVANCEMENTS TO TERRAIN UPDATES, SUN PEAKS
RESORT IS READY FOR WINTER
There are a lot of new things to look forward to this ski season.
By Nicole Perry
Skiers and snowboarders will find lots of new additions to the slopes this winter, including a large amount of new skiable terrain thanks to the West Bowl Express chairlift, snowmaking, infrastructure and terrain improvements and shuttle service advancements.
The Powder Ventures Ski and Snowboard Cross Course
To get the cross course operational, the hill just needs a few centimetres of snow, chief marketing officer for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) Aaron Macdonald said.
This winter, the new dirt-based cross course is scheduled to host a BC snowboard NorAm followed by a snowboard cross camp in January.
“We have groups that are inquiring and booking,” director of communications for SPR Christina Antoniak said. “The opportunity that we knew would be there from an event's perspective is certainly already at the doorstep for this winter.”
To meet requirements for International Ski and Snowboard Federation races, SPR installed timing cables in the snow cross course.
When the course is able to open, dependent on weather and operations, there will be an official opening event to welcome the facility.
While the course was being constructed, some work was done on jumps on the terrain park as well.
“They just increased the size of the jumps a little bit more the terrain above it,” Macdonald said, adding that with extra snow, they’ll be seeing how much more they can build on that.
Snowmaking improvements
This year is the start of a six-year plan for enhancements on SPR’s snowmaking program.
“The intention is to increase our fleet of snow guns, therefore our snowmaking capabilities, with more efficient models and ones that are automated in ways that our guns have not been,” Antoniak said.
Quite an investment, snowmaking is something not every resort has.
For early season reliability and providing the opportunity to open the race centre and training parks early, Antoniak said snowmaking is pretty critical to SPR's business.
SPR added five new snow guns to the fleet this year, for a total of 36. These include a mix of fixed, mounted stick guns and mobile fan guns.
“This year, what we've been able to put in are more snow guns within the Valley area,” she said, explaining that more capacity at the lower elevation is useful as that’s where the lack of snow will be seen.
Another significant improvement lies in the automatic abilities of new guns.
With weather stations on the snow guns, they’re programmed to read temperature and humidity, turning on and off automatically when the reader indicates it's necessary.
Not all the snow guns have been programmed this way, but a significant enough amount that it will save ample time and energy for resort employees.
A highlight of the snowmaking efforts this year is one gun with a large swinging arm at the base of OSV and 5 Mile.
“It can go 30 or 40 feet up in the air and swivel 360 degrees,” Antoniak said, making it a very prominent addition to the hill that guests will certainly take notice of.
Adding more infrastructure
“We've got an improvement to the elevation lift that we're pretty excited about, which is a loading conveyor,” Antoniak said.
A loading conveyor provides a consistent loading experience that doesn’t require the lift operator bracing the chair for guests.
With one having been installed already on the crystal chairlift, SPR has published an instructional video for those who haven’t been introduced to this technology.
Another installation on the hill, a new sign will be placed at the top of Sunburst with a vertical SPR logo for guests to glance at and pose with, Macdonald said.
Last year a horizontal sign on Sundance got a lot of use from guests taking pictures and sitting atop it, and he said that one is being cleaned up and repainted for this season as well.
Kids adventure zone
Launched last year with the first kids’ adventure zone called the Bear’s Lair, the resort plans on phasing in four of these at various spots on the mountain, spanning multiple seasons.
This year, the addition is on Mt. Morissey, called Grouse's Nest.
A little more than halfway down a green run called The Sticks, the adventure zone will have a banked slalom course and grouse characters hidden in the trees for kids to spot as they zoom down the hill.
“This is a collaboration with Zuzy Rocka,” Antoniak said. “She did the illustrations for the Bear’s Lair as well.”
Expanding on shuttle service
Guest feedback inspired SPR to extend the shuttle service this year.
The staff shuttle runs from 6:10 a.m. to 8 a.m. then turns into a complimentary guest shuttle from 8 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. for the daytime services and 5:40 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. for the evening service.
Rather than starting mid-December as it did last year, the evening service will be running all season.
Additionally, a radio GPS tracker designed by skiKrumb will be on the shuttles, sending live updates on their locations.
“Then we're feeding that real time data into a public facing page on our site where you can see where the shuttle is,” Antoniak explained.
RETURN OF LA NIÑA! – GOOD FOR SUN PEAKS?
With a La Niña weather system predicted, this season may bring lots of snow to B.C.
By Brad Harrison
Always check the most recent forecast to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information before heading out on the slopes.
The weather gurus are predicting a 71 per cent chance that we will experience a La Niña weather system this season. This shift can alter weather patterns, creating a northwest flow that funnels cold, moisture-laden air from the Pacific Ocean into B.C., perhaps bringing lots of snow for us to enjoy. For a detailed explanation of this winter’s La Niña forecast, and how it might affect conditions at Sun Peaks, visit OpenSnow, written by meteorologist Alan Smith.
As we move through November it is worth doing a quick summary of what the snowpack in the alpine and around the province looks like. We have seen yet another series of atmospheric rivers crash into the West Coast. A couple of avalanche incidents were recently reported. Avalanche Canada will start their daily forecasts on Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. Make sure to check your local forecast as well as any Mountain Information Network reports that refer to the area around your riding destination.
Getting prepared for the winter is a good time to inspect your gear; double-check that your transceiver is functioning properly. Industry professionals continually work on their companion rescue skills. Do some drills with your touring partners. Is your tape,
glue, spare batteries and other gear in your pack all functioning as expected? When was the last time you re-glued your skin? Waxed your board or skis?
We are fortunate in B.C. to have many resources, such as detailed weather forecasts, at our fingertips.
“Winter's challenges are part of the adventure, and with a thoughtful approach, we can continue to enjoy our alpine environment while managing risks.”
Some of my go-tos are Windy.com and YR.NO, but DriveBC highway forecasts can provide important information as well. You may want to consider taking an avalanche course or a refresher with a local
provider.
Be well prepared if you plan to head out into the backcountry. 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, humantriggered avalanches possible.”
In the spirit of safety, let's stay informed, communicate effectively and adapt our plans accordingly. Winter's challenges are part of the adventure, and with a thoughtful approach, we can continue to enjoy our alpine environment while managing risks. Here's to making smart decisions, respecting the backcountry and ensuring an enjoyable, memorable and safe winter season. Please remember to recreate responsibly and ask others to do the same.
Watch for the next Backcountry Skiers of Kamloops Social. The Red Beard played host to an absolutely full house of backcountry riders on Nov. 5. Thanks to Natalie Reisle and Mitch Forgie for spearheading the event. The Kamloops region definitely has a fun-loving active group of backcountry enthusiasts.
Weather systems may bring a load of snow to B.C. this season. Photo by Brad Harrison/Sun Peaks Independent News
RBC TRAINING GROUND SELECTS LOCAL TRAYLE PORTER TO BE ASSESSED AS A FUTURE OLYMPIC ATHLETE
15-year-old Trayle
Porter is one of 100 finalists selected for the RBC Training Ground national finals.
By Nicole Perry
Trayle Porter, a 15 year old Sun Peaks athlete headed to Halifax, N.S. for the RBC Training Ground national final Nov. 2, where 100 finalists were assessed on their Olympic potential.
Qualifying events were dispersed throughout the country to select the 100 finalists of the RBC Training Program.
As a contender for the top 30 in this cross-country talent search, Porter has the chance to earn funding that can go toward paving a path to the winter Olympics.
Porter was evaluated on his physical strength and stamina at the finals with Luge Canada, a National Sport Organization partner of the program, with coaches there to review his results and see how they fit luge specific benchmarks.
Luge is the most recent sport Porter has been able to try and he was nominated by Luge Canada for the RBC Training Ground finals based on his physical testing numbers at the qualifier event in Kamloops.
“It was definitely a surprise to be chosen, especially since it was my first year doing this and I saw a lot of older and stronger competitors there,” Porter said. “I didn't expect to be noticed.”
Trying luge
A skier first, Porter was invited by Luge Canada to try luge at a two-day training camp in Whistler.
Starting lower on the track as a beginner, he was still able to get up to 76 kilometres per hour in his first four laps.
“Considering the elite lugers are usually 130 kilometres per hour and faster, it's pretty amazing to think about how fast that is,” he said, adding that the speed felt similar to what he experiences when skiing.
Porter is excited to see where RBC Training Ground takes him in pursuing luge, but doesnt have a specific focus yet as he enjoys so many sports.
“Skiing is what I know,” he said. “I've spent a lot of time on snow here in Sun Peaks. I'll always love it.”
Going forward, his primary goal is to be a strong multisport athlete.
RBC Training Ground
As an NSO partner of RBC Training Ground, Sam Edney, high performance director for Luge Canada said the organization was tasked with nominating a number of athletes to go to the final, including Porter.
At the finals, athletes aged 14 to 25 undergo physical tests of speed, strength, power and endurance showcased in tests like sprints, lifts and static jumps in front of program officials, similar to the qualifying events.
Entering the RBC Training Ground for the first time, Porter was initially nervous about the prospect of moving to the finals, but going into it, felt ready and excited.
Leading up to the competition, he was hard at work with his usual activities as well as lots of training. Along with eating well, he kept active with volleyball and workouts with his athlete development coaches involving sprints and weightlifting.
With the finals approaching, he said he was excited to visit a part of Canada that’s new to him and looks forward to seeing some of the friends he made at the Whistler training camp.
“I think some impressive athletes will be there to encourage us in our tests,” he added. “Hearing their stories will be interesting and they probably will give me some valuable advice about the high performance athletic lifestyle.”
Luge Canada and potential next steps
The alpine ski background Porter has is important in understanding racing lines, Edney said. This means he’s able to find the most optimal route for turning and his racing experience ensures his comfortability going downhill at fast speeds.
Paired with the passion to pursue luge and fitting into the 14 to 15 year old age range, he’s an ideal candidate for Luge Canada to fill their Track-toPodium program, still in the pilot stage.
This program is a part of Luge Canada’s recruitment and development strategy which uses RBC Training Ground as a key tool in seeking the country’s next top athletes, Edney said.
“With or without the funding, we're hoping that he is keen to be part of the program,” he said about Porter, who’s already eligible.
About one and a half years old, the program was originally open to the top 30 of the RBC Training Ground with the winning funds used to go toward this training initiative. This year, Edney said they’re opening it up to the prospects they’ve identified, top 30 or not.
In this three and a half year program, young athletes are essentially put on a fast track to ideally making the national team.
“They'll go from basically knowing nothing about the sport at 14 or 15 years and by the time they're 18 or 19 years old, they're ready to attempt to qualify for the junior national program,” he said. From representing Canada at the Junior World Cup level they’d have the potential to qualify for the national team and from there, their Olympic goals are within reach.
In meetings with the athletes eligible for the program along with their families later in November, Edney said Luge Canada representatives will lay out the full program, which involves high level training in Whistler four weeks out of the year, Calgary-based technical training camps in the summer and the option to participate in provincial sport camps and club activities.
When asked about the possibility of continued training with Luge Canada, Porter said he’s unsure because he doesn’t have the schedule and the training would be far from home.
“It would be really cool to continue with Luge Canada though so I hope I can find a way to keep that an option for me,” he said.
Thankful for the support of Luge Canada, he said it’s reassuring to know the coaches have liked what they’ve seen in him.
With his RBC Training Ground jersey, Trayle Porter is ready to compete in Halifax, N.S. Photo provided by Trayle Porter
The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library’s mobile library visits Sun Peaks School every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
ONGOING
AA community addictions meetings run every Friday at Sun Peaks Secondary beside the Health Clinic, starting at 7:30 p.m.
ONGOING
Locals nights have started at Bottoms Bar and Grill. Tuesdays will give locals a chance to dance as a DJ plays music and bar service runs until 1 a.m.
ONGOING
As Morissey’s Public House has now reopened for the winter season, mark your calendars for Monday night trivia at 7 p.m., starting Nov. 18. Each person pays $2 in
cash for entry, in teams of up to six people. Table reservations are strongly encouraged, which you can do by emailing scraig@ sunpeaksgrand.com or calling 1 (250) 5786062.
ONGOING
Weekends at Morissey’s will be bustling as well. There will be live music at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday Fundays with a DJ set starting at 8 p.m. on Sunday.
ONGOING UNTIL NOV. 30
November is the Month of Giving in Sun Peaks presented by Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP). Any donation to a local organization this month gets matched by TSP with a pre-set maximum. A list of places for you to donate to can be found at sunpeaksresort.com under the events page.
ONGOING UNTIL DEC. 4
Sun Peaks Alpine Fitness is accepting donations to support local charitable organization Mamas for Mamas Kamloops for a toy drive. Donations will be accepted up until Dec. 4 and you can find a list of suggested items @sunpeaksfitness on Instagram. With your donation, you get the chance to win one month of your membership free, all for a good cause!
November
NOV. 15
Come on down to the TRU campus in Kamloops to watch young athletes grind the rail outside the old library. Spectators get to watch and eat some pizza free of charge and have the chance to win giveaway prizes. The event is presented by Out Here TRU and starts at 6 p.m.
Harry the Bear and an opening day banner will elevate the opening day experience. Photo via Instagram/sunpeaksresort
NOV. 19
From noon until 6 p.m., Bottoms Bar and Grill is hosting a hiring fair, advertising full and part time positions in the kitchen, serving and bar support. Drop in between these times with a resume if your interested in joining their team!
NOV. 23
As the lifts start for opening day, there’s no shortage of activities. Cinnamon buns will be handed out at the first chair where Harry the Bear will make an appearance along with a banner to celebrate.
Masa’s Bar and Grill is hosting Après and Ales for season and day pass holders to receive a free beer from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. where a DJ will be playing music. Refresh the events page at sunpeaksresort. com as details unfold about the movie night taking place to cap the night off.
NOV. 29
Sun Peaks School is having their 2024 poinsettia fundraiser. Pickup of orders will be
Nov. 29 at Cleavage Axe Co. between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. If you want to get your flowers on this day, make sure you have your order in by Wednesday, Nov. 20 and have paid by Nov. 21. The school is selling four mixes of flowers, a poinsettia mix, a dishgarden mix with tropical plants and poinsettia , a wreath and an azalea in a pot. E-mail sppactreasurer@gmail.com to place your order.
NOV. 29
Join Capones Italian Kitchen for the third annual Taste and Tour of Italy from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $145 gets you a night of rich and savoury Italian dishes paired with red and white wines. To book your seats, call 250 578 0079 or email caponessunpeaks@gmail.com.
NOV. 30 - DEC. 1
This weekend marks the winter kick-off weekend ski improvement camp. For $368, you’ll get a full day of lessons on improving your ski technique with lunch included and priority lift access.
NOV. 30, DEC. 1
As kids have now registered to ski or snowboard with Sun Peaks Freestyle Club, the club will be hosting information sessions for parents on the covered patio and Bottom’s Bar and Grill at 9:15 a.m. before the season begins.
December
DEC. 14 - DEC. 15
JuggerBean Tattoo Parlour is having $100 days from 11 a.m. until close. Submit your design for approval before Dec. 1 to juggerbean@gmail.com. Guest artist Bonnie Blue from Kamloops will be visiting on these dates as well. Stay tuned by checking out @juggerbeantattooparlour on Instagram.
Entice your taste buds with Italian flavours at the Taste and Tour of Italy.
Photo by Maria Davis via Instagram/caponesitaliankitchen
Ride the first fleet of chairs on opening day and get a free cinnamon bun. Photo via Instagram/sunpeaksresort
29 McGillivray Creek, Sun Peaks, BC
$1,319,000 GST N/A
3 Bed | 3.5 Bath, 1645 sq.ft., Zoned RM-2
Ski-in, ski-out 3-level townhome. Bright end unit w/ soaring windows, vaulted ceilings, updated gas fireplace, large sundeck & heated tile floors. Furnished w/ hot tub.
The Residences, Sun Peaks, BC
From $90,000 +GST
Quarter-share Condo-Hotel, Zoned CC-1
Central village location. Ski-in, ski-out w/ slopeside heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, fitness center, ski/bike valet & room service.
Condo-Hotel units w/ 180 days owner use, Zoned CC-1
Ski-in, ski-out w/ desirable village location. Outdoor hot tub, exercise room, laundry, underground parking, w/ in-house management team. Furnished.
SERVING SUN PEAKS & AREA SINCE 1995!
125/127
$399,000 +GST
2 Bed | 2 Bath, 670
4119 Sundance Drive, Sun Peaks, BC
$3,399,000 GST N/A
4 Bed | 5 Bath, 4059 sq.ft., Zoned RS-1
Ski-in, ski-out slopeside home w/ self-contained 2-bedroom legal suite. Soaring windows, radiant in-floor heat, HRV, hot tub, & oversized double car garage.
Alder Estates
Discover the perfect blend of mountain living and outdoor adventures at Alder Estates! Adjacent to Sun Peaks Golf Course, these 16 lots offer prime skiing and biking access. With gentle topography, southern/ westerly exposure, underground utilities, and stunning mountain views, this unique subdivision is zoned for short-term rentals. Ideal for investors or dream-home builders, don't miss out on this exceptional mountain retreat!
Lots starting at $549,000 +GST
Visit alder-estates.ca for more information.
Cahilty Lodge, Sun Peaks, BC
sq.ft., Zoned CC-1
Ski-in, ski-out Condo-Hotel unit w/ unlimited owner use. Main floor lock-off comfortably sleeps 8. Newly renovated. Proffesional in-house managagement team.
