heat, 2 car garage. 2 bed, 1 bath legal suite with laundry
2388 Heffley Lake Rd: 10 mins from Sun Peaks, custom timber frame home
POP-UP ART SHOW & SALE
December 14, 2024 | 12pm to 5pm | 4 - 7000 McGillivray Lake Drive
We invite you to a unique Pop-Up Art Show & Sale in support of the Sun Peaks Education Society. 15% of all proceeds will go directly to funding the Grade 9 to 12 school in Sun Peaks Resort! Attendees are invited to view and purchase beautiful artwork presented by our talented local artists, displayed within the stunning new show home in the Switchback Creek development.
Enjoy complimentary bubbly, mulled wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and charcuterie. It‘s a perfect afternoon to discover unique art pieces, enjoy good company, and support education in Sun Peaks!
9 - 70005 McGillivray Lake Dr: Listing Agents: Matt Town & Chris Town
1318A The Residences: Listing Agent: Nicola Gray
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BRANDI SCHIER
Publisher brandi@sunpeaksnews.com
ANAM RAHMAN
Partnerships Specialist anam@sunpeaksnews.com
HOLLIE FERGUSON
Community Editor editor@sunpeaksnews.com
NICOLE PERRY
Community Journalist nicole@sunpeaksnews.com
BRAD HARRISON
JUSTIN MOORE
LYS MORTON MARS PENNER
Contributors
CHRIS PAYNE
Layout & Graphic Designer
IN THIS ISSUE
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.
08
SUN PEAKS HOUSING AUTHORITY EYES UP NEW PROJECTS AND EXPANSION
In addition to running the BC Builds Project, the housing authority is restructuring its board to better reflect the community. 09
SUN PEAKS EDUCATION SOCIETY ANNOUNCES UPCOMING MOUNTAIN ACADEMY
In addition to electing a new board at the annual general meeting, Sun Peaks Education Society discussed the upcoming Mountain Academy and fundraising updates.
10
THE 2024 MONTH OF GIVING RAISED $30,000 FOR 10 LOCAL NON-PROFITS
With Tourism Sun Peaks matching donations to a group of non-profit organizations for the month of November, significant funds were raised to help these groups toward their goals.
SUN PEAKS YOGA REOPENS AT SUN PEAKS HEALTH CENTRE
Sun Peaks Health Centre is allowing Sun Peaks Yoga to use the community room, with free yoga for patients. 12
SUN PEAKS RESORT WELCOMES OVER 4,000 VISITORS ON OPENING DAY 2024 Guests flooded the village for opening day at Sun Peaks Resort on Nov. 23. 13
SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP CAN NOW HOUSE NEAR 450 STAFF
All resort staff have accommondations for the season with the addition of the Red Fox Lodge. 14
THE 12TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY KICK-OFF INCLUDES A TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
SANTA SKI DAY BRINGS THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT TO THE SLOPES
CAROLING IN THE VILLAGE WITH NANCY GREENE BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER TO LOCALS AND GUESTS
16
MENUS IN SUN PEAKS GET A WINTER REFRESH
With aprés programs, master classes and wine dinners, new food and beverage initiatives are available this winter.
18
WINTER IN THE VILLAGE: NEW EXPERIENCES, ART AND MORE
SPIN rounded up a few new activities, displays and products to look forward to this winter in the village.
20
SUPPORT LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Find something for everyone on your list while supporting local businesses, artists and organizations in Sun Peaks.
21
CONDITIONS REPORT: EARLY SEASON ESSENTIALS
Sun Peaks sees solid snow for early-season riding.
22
WHAT’S IN A NAME? SUN PEAKS TRAILS
The name given to places and trails tell stories of our adventures, history and connection to the world.
23
AVALANCHE CANADA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF ALPINE SAFETY
Between tech advancements, in-house software development and robust education programs, their work has seen local impacts.
25
This year’s Holiday Kick-Off in Sun Peaks has been extended to three days. 15
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
By Nicole Perry
RCMP presentation
The Tk’emlúps rural RCMP detachment presented an annual report with crime statistics and information on calls to Sun Peaks.
Most occurrences were down including property crime, criminal code offences and traffic offences, with calls for service down 29 per cent this year so far. Violent crime was up from 2023, but a large percentage of these offences were uttering threats rather than a physical act.
There will be an RCMP presence in Sun Peaks for New Years, and there is a strategic plan in the works including service calls and traffic concerns.
Chief administrative officer report
Chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell presented a report to council.
The BC Builds project timeline has been extended to Dec. 19 as a result of significant interest in the project.
There were quite a few complex questions that Campbell said required time to work through.
BC Housing will lead the evaluation, along with Campbell and director of infrastructure Clint Burton. The timeline on the evaluation depends on the amount of proposals received, and Campbell will update council in January on the progress.
This year, there will be a pilot municipal office closure from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2, 2025. Staff can opt to continue working while the office is closed to the public and status updates will be provided to the public.
There is a new page on the municipal website dedicated to budget information and feedback.
As part of a partnership between Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) and SPMRM, there is now a Christmas tree in the plaza which will be lit up on Friday, Dec. 13.
Progress on the Granicus hotline for reporting bylaw infractions is moving quickly and Campbell expects it will be running by her next update in January.
The municipality has also secured Sadie Hunter as a grant writer, who will be searching and applying for grants on SPMRM’s behalf.
Approvals and finalizations
Council finalized a survey that will go out to nonresident community members in the near future to determine the best way to disseminate information to non-residents.
Cahilty Creek Kitchen and Taproom and Capone’s submitted applications to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for patron participation to be included in their liquor licenses, meaning they wouldn't have to apply for a liquor license each
time they have an event night. Council opted out of the review process, allowing the applications to go forward.
Council approved the appointment of Mayor Al Raine, Coun. Len Hrycan, Helen Davies of Sun Peaks Resort LLP, Rina Jeyakumar and Bobbe Lyall of TSP, local business owner Melissa Vike and Desiree Govender, employee of Sun Peaks Spa, to the Sun Peaks Housing Authority Board.
Short-term nightly rental moratorium
Mayor Al Raine’s proposal for a moratorium on short-term rentals (STR) was discussed and eventually deferred.
This moratorium would disallow the consideration of new temporary use permits (TUP) until the scheduled review of STRs in Spring 2025 and was brought up because of concerns following the application for a TUP at Lookout Ridge.
The application in question is unable to be reconsidered as no council member moved for reconsideration during the 30-day window that allowed for it. Though the process on how is unclear, there may be a way to cancel the deferral.
Sign up for SPIN's municipal newslettter at sunpeaksnews.com. Photo by Kyle James/Sun Peaks Independent News
SUN PEAKS HOUSING AUTHORITY EYES UP NEW PROJECTS AND EXPANSION
In addition to running the BC Builds Project, the housing authority is restructuring its board to better reflect the community.
By Nicole Perry
After six years with little to no progress, The Sun Peaks Housing Authority (SPHA) has taken on a new project, and looks to expand.
Formed in 2018, and based on the Whistler Housing Authority, the SPHA lacked funding for much of its existence, limiting its efficiency. Throughout the years, a few housing projects have crossed the board's desk, including one proposed at the same site where the BC Builds residential rental development is currently in the works, chair of the SPHA and Coun. Len Hrycan explained. This project fell to the wayside due to rising interest rates, he said.
With other priorities identified for municipality
funds, SPHA has had limited funding since its inception. However, a $30,000 surplus in a previous municipal budget has been earmarked for SPHA.
Now that Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) has been granted money from the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), additional funds are set to go toward SPHA, specifically for hiring a manager.
“It may be a consultant opportunity in the initial stages, because it may only be part time,” Hrycan said about this position, adding the eventual goal is to have a manager help through the design process of the BC Builds project and run it once it’s complete.
With money from the HAF, the housing authority is able to take advantage of the low-interest financing of the BC Builds project, which over time can provide funding for future SPHA projects.
By the time the BC Builds project is handed to the housing authority, Hrycan said SPHA should be fully running and able to manage the project for its lifetime.
“The BC builds project is the catalyst that's really going to get the housing authority going,” Hrycan explained. “Its focus and its mandate needs to be much broader than that.”
In the future, SPHA hopes to support Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) employee housing, as well as housing for employees of businesses in the village.
“I think that the key for us is that we are reliant on having to tap into sort of the non-traditional, nontaxation, funding opportunities that might exist out there,” Hrycan added. “We'll continue to chase those hard when those opportunities arise.”
Expanding the Sun Peaks Housing Authority
In addition to hiring a manager, the non-profit corporation will be restructuring and growing the board of directors.
Going forward, the board will consist of seven directors made up of two council members, two Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) representatives, one person from SPR, a business owner and a full time resident and employee of a Sun Peaks business with a valid business license.
A broader representation of the community with different housing needs is key, Hrycan said, explaining SPHA should be community-driven to be successful.
SPHA made contact with people at SPR, TSP and in the community to gather interested candidates for the board, and has now appointed Mayor Al Raine, Coun. Len Hrycan, Helen Davies, Rina Jeyakumar, Bobbe Lyall, Melissa Vike and Desiree Govender to the board.
The Sun Peaks Housing Authority will be expanding to run the BC Builds housing project. Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
SUN PEAKS EDUCATION SOCIETY ANNOUNCES
UPCOMING MOUNTAIN ACADEMY
In addition to electing a new board at the annual general meeting, Sun Peaks Education Society discussed the upcoming Mountain Academy and fundraising updates.
By Nicole Perry
In its 15th year of school operations, SPES has over 160 students and is moving forward with a long-term vision of a Mountain Academy.
Maria Cannon, president of SPES, began the meeting by presenting an annual report which preceded a financial report, election of directors and discussions of new business.
Mountain Academy
Three of the 20 students enrolled in the Sun Peaks Secondary Academy (SPSA) currently are competitive race athletes taking part in a pilot program testing the Mountain Academy, which will be launching in fall 2025 in partnership with SD73 Kamloops Online Open Learning as the education provider.
There’s expected to be an increase in enrollment as the transition to a Mountain Academy takes place next school year, and SPES is focused on careful financial planning to ensure success.
Specifics on funding, programming and facilities are a part of the strategic plan currently in development, with more details to come in spring 2025.
In addition to funding, Cannon put forward the idea of increasing enrollment fees for non-local students.
The program is designed to support students who want to pursue mountain activities, as a large portion of Sun Peaks students are involved in ski and snowboard racing who may want to expand their knowledge on mountain operations.
While teaching required academics, the Mountain Academy will develop over the years to include educational programming for alpine racers, freestyle athletes, sports coaching and instruction, ski and bike patrol and tourism and hospitality.
Parents of the kids in the pilot project were in attendance and able to provide feedback, which was entirely positive and focused around how the program has allowed them to manage their time between competing and academics.
Fundraising
Since its incorporation in 2010, SPES has raised $1.2 million through fundraising efforts, a critical priority for the society as these funds cover classroom operational costs including teacher salaries.
Though in a healthy cash position, to work toward the goal of a K-12 brickand-mortar school, SPES is prioritizing establishing a reserve along with keeping up with costs.
“We are on the capital planning list for SD 73 to receive funding from the province to build a community school, K-12, but nobody knows at this point when that money will come from the province,” Cannon said.
Fundraising last year fell short of the amount raised in 2023, although SPES still raised a net $87,580 through fundraising events.
A major contributor of funds is the annual TELUS Nancy Greene Alpine Classic, which will be held Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, 2025. An additional fundraising event will be the Engel & Volkers Art Auction.
What’s new?
New this year, SPES welcomed Stacey Hicks as a part-time operations manager.
Last September, a board of eight directors was appointed, waning down to six by the time of this year's election.
For this year Maria Cannon was elected president, with Karen Sissons as vice-president, Melissa Mackenzie White as treasurer and Katie Koleszar as secretary. Barb Kupferschmidt Linder, Yolanda Dye, Peggy Leduc, Maria Davis and Victor Tataru were elected as directors-at-large.
SPSA continues to operate mainly in one double-wide portable adjacent to the Sun Peaks Alpine Club, using the smaller portable as a breakout space.
The need for more space is a concern as SPES continues to expand on their programming before the eventual school build.
There are no immediate plans to add another portable to the current campus space or elsewhere, but it is a part of their planning discussions to be had.
2022 graduates of Sun Peaks Secondary Academy illustrate the benefits of living and learning in Sun Peaks. Photo by Kyle James/Sun Peaks Independent News
THE 2024 MONTH OF GIVING RAISED $30,000 FOR 10 LOCAL NON-PROFITS
With Tourism Sun Peaks matching donations to a group of non-profit organizations for the month of November, significant funds were raised to help these groups toward their goals.
By Nicole Perry
Month of Giving is the newest version of Giving Tuesday, an annual tradition where Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) matches public donations to a number of local non-profit organizations.
Ending on Nov. 30, the Month of Giving has officially wrapped up, and by Nov. 28, the tally of funds raised across all organizations was $18,000.
With the generosity of the community putting the total well above what TSP agreed to match, executive director for TSP Naomi Kerchinsky said their contribution of an additional $12,000 will be spread around to the 10 participating non-profits, rather than matching donations one-to-one.
“All these different organizations in our community, if we help strengthen them, then it makes our destination a better place,” she added.
What is the Month of Giving?
Initially intended to correlate with Giving Tuesday, TSP’s idea was to make the local initiative one day only for its first year.
As this year’s Giving Tuesday fell in December, TSP expanded it to the Month of Giving to keep it in November.
“It has grown to expand the timeline, to get a little bit more advertisement,” events manager for TSP Theresa St. Louis said about this third year.
Starting with an invitation to everybody they had access to, she said TSP received requests from 10 organizations asking to participate. From there, each group launched a donation platform and information was posted online at sunpeaksresort.com, as well as on social media.
Along with this, TSP sent out a couple of emails, one in October and another in November as a reminder.
During the entire month, people were encouraged to donate to these organizations and St. Louis said TSP deemed the response a huge success.
Participating organizations
Opting into the campaign this year was Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks (ASSP), ArtZone Sun Peaks, Sun Peaks Alpine Club (SPAC), Sun Peaks Bear Aware (SPBA), Sun Peaks Education Society, Sun Peaks Freestyle Club (SPFC), Sun Peaks Historical Society, Sun Peaks Nordic Club, Sun Peaks Skate Park Foundation and Sun Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Society.
Of this collective, many chose to highlight specific uses for the money they hoped to receive as a part of their individual campaigns.
ASSP is putting the money toward upgrading their fleet of sit skis, hoping to add another brand new model to the two other two they’ve already acquired.
At SPAC, their roof is in need of repair and they're hoping to keep their space up-to-date by replacing it.
SPBA has two main objectives. One is completion of a bear hazard assessment and the other is for educational resources contributing to community
education via their Sun Peaks market display booth, staff training presentations and more.
The focus for SPFC is keeping registration fees affordable, ensuring inclusion of all athletes excited about freestyle skiing.
Continuing to expand next year
Next year, TSP is looking to tie this initiative in with Canadian Thanksgiving.
“We can have a public presence on the Thanksgiving weekend and a little bit of a celebration around it,” St. Louis said.
As part of this, she explained they may have participating groups come in as market vendors for a daytime presence on Sunday, then the Tuesday after the weekend would wrap up the campaign.
“Whether or not we allow donations on just the one day, or up until that 13th or 14th of October for next year, it's not etched in stone,” she said. “But that'll be our Giving Tuesday.”
Beyond donations, Kerchinsky said they’ll be inviting volunteers to benefit the non-profits with hands-on help.
ASSP is using funds raised from the Month of Giving to go toward a new sit ski. Photo via Facebook/Katherine Campbell
SUN PEAKS YOGA REOPENS AT SUN PEAKS HEALTH CENTRE
Sun Peaks Health Centre is allowing Sun Peaks Yoga to use the community room, with free yoga for patients.
By Nicole Perry
Sun Peaks Yoga reopened in October after closing in June, making use of the community room at Sun Peaks Health Centre (SPHC).
The community room at SPHC is designated as an emergency space for the municipality, Christine Matuschewski, chief executive officer of Supporting Team Excellence with Patients Society (STEPS) told SPIN. As such, it hasn’t seen much use, but when community members connected Matuschewski with Kayla Alfred, who was in need of a space for her practice, the community room fit the bill.
“I am mainly focusing on teaching therapeutic, gentle yoga there and I am really excited at the prospect of ski-in and ski-out yoga classes,” Alfred said in a statement.
As part of the collaboration between STEPS and Sun Peaks Yoga, STEPS patients have access to free yoga classes every Wednesday, either online or in-person.
These classes offer different specific areas of work, and the 12,000 attached patients have the option to attend whichever ones they choose, Matuschewski said.
“Our purpose is to provide multi-disciplinary, integrated team-based care.”
In addition to the yoga practice, Matuschewski said anyone interested in collaborative health and wellness can request to make use of the community room.
“We're just really pleased to be able to do things outside-of-the-box of the traditional family practice clinic,” she said. “The not-for-profit community health centre business model enables all these innovative ways of connecting other wellness programs with what we're doing.”
Sun Peaks Yoga has a new location at the Sun Peaks Health Centre. Photo via Instagram/sunpeaksyoga
SUN PEAKS RESORT WELCOMES OVER 4,000 VISITORS ON OPENING DAY 2024
Guests flooded the village for opening day at Sun Peaks Resort on Nov. 23.
By Justin Moore
A hum of excitement was in the air on the morning of Nov. 23 as Sun Peaks Resort welcomed a staggering 4,000 guests to opening day under bluebird skies. Across the Village Base, big smiles and greetings of “happy opening day” were exchanged as guests lined up for their first laps on the Sundance and Sunburst lifts. Volunteers handed out waves of fresh cinnamon buns to eager riders and even the Kamloops Blazers’ mascot Digger made an appearance.
First in line to ride the Sunburst chair were Gavin Coyne, Dayon Traynor and Eric Traynor, who gathered at 4:30 a.m. to secure their spot in the lift line.
“We’re planning on going right over to the West Bowl,” Coyne said. “I think that’s the consensus.”
“Gotta break that new chair in, right?” Dayon Traynor added.
The newly-opened West Bowl Express proved to be one of the largest attractions of the day.
Following a contest on the resort's social media, eight lucky winners and their guests made history as the first to ride the new expansion. Celebrating the moment with a ribbon cutting and ringing of the newly-gifted cast iron bell, the lift attracted quite the excitement as guests from across the mountain joined in to try the new chair.
“The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. We had that perfect bluebird day.”
“Everyone was just amazed by the chair, the terrain [and] conditions,” Aaron Macdonald, chief marketing and communications officer at Sun Peaks Resort LLP said. “It was our best visitation to date on an opening day. There were just over 4,000 visitors. Everyone had big smiles on their faces… It was very memorable for sure.”
While the initial opening date of Nov. 16 was pushed by a week, those seven days of cooler temperatures and fresh snowfall contributed to a much snowier opening weekend.
“The weather couldn’t have been more perfect,” Macdonald said. “We had that perfect bluebird day.”
Speaking to the conditions of the mountain, Macdonald attributed the shift in weather for nearly 80 centimeters of powder on the mid-mountain base.
The weekend opened with all chairs turning and just over 100 runs, or about 70 per cent of the mountain open, including the nordic skiing trail network. Looking at the season ahead, Macdonald anticipates a La Niña weather system to bring optimal conditions for snow making, promising exciting turns for skiers.
In addition to a promising season for snowfall, guests can also get excited for a jam-packed season of in-resort and on-mountain events.
Over 4,000 guests took to the mountain on Saturday, the biggest visitation day in the resort’s opening day history. Photo by Justin Moore/Sun Peaks Independent News
Volunteers spent the first hours of Saturday handing out fresh cinnamon buns to guests at the Village Base. Photo by Justin Moore/Sun Peaks Independent News
SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP CAN NOW HOUSE NEAR 450 STAFF
All resort staff have accommondations for the season with the addition of the Red Fox Lodge.
By Nicole Perry
Seasonal staff housing in Sun Peaks has more than doubled in the past five years, helped most recently by the completion of the Red Fox Lodge.
An addition to the seasonal staff housing buildings for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) and Sun Peaks Grand Hotel (SPG), which consists of the Burfield, Black Bear Lodge, Whispering Pines, Little Shuswap and the cabins adjacent to the Burfield Administration building, the Red Fox Lodge has made sure the resort has accommodation available for seasonal staff this winter.
“Last year we actually had to take hotel rooms out of circulation, out of SPG, in order to accommodate staff,” chief operating and chief financial officer for SPR Amy Blakeney said. This year, she hasn’t heard of any concerns with SPR's seasonal staff accessing housing.
The resort can now house up to 447 staff members with the addition of the 116 pillows brought in by the Red Fox Lodge.
Red Fox Lodge: design and assets
The Red Fox Lodge is the first Sun Peaks building under the Step 3 building code, which is 20 per cent more efficient than the 2018 Building Code baseline and a standard that will be set for future builds as well.
Part of its efficiency model includes all LED lighting, a water-softening system, high-efficiency windows and individual air systems controlling fresh air in and out by the unit.
On top of the sustainability aspects, the building has been designed to maximize storage as well.
Each unit is equipped with a queen-sized bed with drawers underneath and includes closets and cabinets. For each of the 58 units, there are caged locker storage units on the first floor along with ski and bike storage areas.
Designed with staff feedback in mind, Blakeney said they chose to create units with one bed in each. In addition to freeing up space for storage, this idea is appealing in a post-COVID world where people are wary of sharing rooms.
With two pillows to a bed and the desire to bring the number of residents closer to the 116 benchmark, many of the spaces are still being shared.
“In order to maximize the pillows, we've been targeting couples to put in Red Fox Lodge,” she said. “We've been able to fill most of our units in the Red Fox Lodge with couples.”
Of the 58 units, 54 are studio-size at 250 square feet with a full kitchen, and the other four have a separate bedroom, living room, washer, dryer and dishwasher while being double the size of the studios at 500 square feet.
With the effort they made to design this particular building with maximum efficiency based on staff feedback over the years, she said the feedback from residents so far has been extremely positive.
Investing in improving housing
With seasonal staff housing, the resort loses money during the summer when occupancy drops, Blakeney said.
As a $12 million investment, the Red Fox Lodge is a significant addition to winter operations.
“That's a big item for us to chew," she said. “But we knew how critical it was to our operation to ensure that we have sufficient beds for our staff.”
With this additional space for designated resort staff, other areas in the village are free to house employees of other businesses.
Part of the resort’s master plan is the expansion of community employee housing spread out around the village, to improve the ongoing problem of finding
housing for permanent residents.
“There's nine parcels that have been designated as community employee housing,” she said, the first being parcel 74 which was purchased by the municipality for the BC Builds project, designed to bring middle-income rental housing to Sun Peaks.
Another program designed with permanent residents in mind, the Sun Peaks Community Lodge program hasn’t taken off in the way the resort had hoped, though Blakeney said they’ll be soon pushing the community to contribute more.
The program provides incentives to homeowners willing to rent to long-term residents and has contributed six units for SPR and SPG employees as well as four units for employees of local businesses that have opted into the program.
“We estimate we’ll generate about 2,000 pillows for employee housing over the long term.”
The Red Fox Lodge is Sun Peaks Resort LLP’s newest addition to their staff housing buildings. Photo provided by Sun Peaks Resort LLP
THE 12TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY KICK-OFF INCLUDES A TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
This year’s Holiday Kick-Off in Sun Peaks has been extended to three days.
By Nicole Perry
For the 12th annual Holiday Kick-Off in Sun Peaks, there will be more activity than ever before.
For the first time, the event has expanded into a three-day experience with an inaugural Christmas tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 13 to jumpstart the festivities.
Friday night: tree lighting at the plaza
At 5 p.m., the 35 foot tall balsam fir acquired from the golf course will be lit in the plaza outside of Sun Peaks Centre, ideally surrounded by a large group of onlookers.
A collaborative effort, Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) brought the idea of the inaugural tree lighting to Sun Peaks Resort Municipality (SPMRM). A team of public works employees then worked with the superintendent of Sun Peaks Golf Course, Keith Lyall, to acquire, stabilize and secure the tree, which now sits in the plaza ready for the ceremony.
The tree, selected by Lyall, needed to be removed from the golf course area making it ideal for the seasonal tree, TSP events manager Theresa St. Louis said.
In addition to the lighting, Sun Peaks School will host a bake sale with free hot apple cider while music is performed and the first day of the all-weekend artisan market commences.
As the night goes on, the party will move to the ice rink with free public skating starting at 6 p.m.
“We hope to make the Christmas tree celebration an annual event where we have a festive gathering of the community to celebrate the lighting of the tree,” St. Louis said.
The plaza will ideally become a place to gather and celebrate, revolving mostly around the Friday night activities, which includes an ice sculpture that was on display last year as well.
At 3 p.m., the launch of a new après bells program is planned, beginning the celebration of après activities in the resort that will continue throughout the winter every day when the bells ring out.
The Holiday Kick-Off continues all weekend
Three days long, the Holiday Kick-Off will bring more activities to the village Dec. 14 and Dec. 15.
“Saturday is a full activation day with Santa visiting,” St. Louis said. “We have free public booths for people to stop by for s'mores and hot chocolate and gingerbread making.”
A scavenger hunt on Saturday will get people on their feet and able to see the window illustrations throughout the village painted by local artist Zoee Repar.
Photos with Santa are the flagship event on this day, happening at the Clock Tower in partnership with Alpine Images Photography.
The fun lasts through Sunday, with the Artisan Market featuring up to 36 local and unique vendors.
A public works team have set up a seasonal tree in the plaza for the first year (left to right: Arne Fevang, Nigel McClellan, Mike Kinlock and Pete Vandesteeg).
Photo provided by Tourism Sun Peaks
CAROLING IN THE VILLAGE WITH NANCY GREENE BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER TO LOCALS AND GUESTS
This Dec. 23 and Dec. 24, join Nancy Green Raine and others for annual caroling in the village.
By Nicole perry
A long-running tradition, three-time Olympian and former senator Nancy Greene Raine leads Christmas caroling in the village each holiday season.
Based on growing up in Rossland, B.C. and experiencing neighbourhood caroling on Christmas Eve, Raine said she saw the potential in Sun Peaks as an ideal location for this holiday activity as the village developed.
For about 20 years now, the tradition has brought holiday cheer to locals and visitors.
Caroling in the village, 2024
Since its first year bringing in 20 to 30 singers, caroling in the village has continued to grow, Raine said.
Participants can sing from 30 to 40 songbook sheets with a mix of traditional carols, commercial songs and music for the kids.
Since last year, vocal teacher Maria Cannon has been helping Raine lead the group in song.
Following a consistent year-by-year schedule, anyone who wants to participate is welcome to congregate at the Village Day Lodge at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24. Here, songbooks are handed out and the group does a practice before heading up to the Village Clocktower for 7 p.m., where they stay and sing until 7:30 p.m.
At the clocktower during caroling in the village, Raine said somewhere between 30 to 100 people usually show up.
“When I look out, I'll see people and I realize I've seen them every year for 15 or 20 years,” she said.
Most enjoyable for her is when, during Silent Night, the carolers join arms and sway back and forth in time to the music, hearing the general merry Christmases being tossed around and seeing people’s bright, smiling faces.
SANTA SKI DAY BRINGS THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT TO THE SLOPES
The first 50 santas on the mountain Dec. 21 receive a free day pass.
By Nicole perry
For the second year, Santa Ski Day will bring holiday cheer to Sun Peaks on Dec. 21.
“It's a bit like a comic con,” Liz Wilkinson, events and partnerships manager for Sun Peaks Resort LLP explained. “We're encouraging everyone to come dressed up as Santa and get into the festive spirit.”
The first 50 people dressed as Santa to come to the meeting point at the base of the Sunburst and Sundance chairlifts at 9:45 a.m. get a free day pass, but this event is open to anyone who wants to join, even if you miss the cut off.
A group of santas and Mrs. Clauses will be seen riding the Sunburst chairlift at 10 a.m. and after they disembark, the crowd is set to ski down 5 Mile all together.
Following this activity is another trip up the mountain, this time on the Sundance Express chairlift taking them to the Sun Peaks sign for a photo op.
For the rest of the day, the santas will be skiing on their own, gracing everyone on the mountain with their festive presence.
Santa Ski Day: year two
“We had almost 50 people join us last year, so we expect it will be the same again,” Wilkinson said, adding that with the general public joining in throughout the event there ended up being around 150 people skiing together.
The public is encouraged to join in, although at a respectable distance from the main group so as not to interfere with videos and other media that is being grabbed.
“No one really knew what was happening, but everyone really loved it,” she said about last year, adding the public was stoked to join.
Wilkinson’s favourite part of Santa Ski Day last year was seeing this mass enjoyment with everyone skiing together and kids and families eager to join in.
Being so close to Christmas this year, she expects a good turnout as school will be out by then.
The group from last year included season pass holders and people from Kamloops, some decked out in inflatable Santa suits.
At the beginning of Santa Ski Day this year, there will be a Santa line up kicking off the merriment to follow, where music will play as the santas shred the mountain in style.
Santa Ski Day brings festive cheer to Sun Peaks Resort.
Photo via Facebook/Sun Peaks Resort
Following a long-running tradition led by Nancy Greene Raine, caroling in the village will take place this holiday season on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24.
Photo via Facebook/Sun Peaks Resort
MENUS IN SUN PEAKS GET A WINTER REFRESH
With aprés programs, master classes and wine dinners, new food and beverage initiatives are available this winter.
By Nicole Perry
After a summer of successful food and beverage initiatives, Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) and the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel (SPG) are rolling out all new winter menus in each of their restaurants and introducing activities and events such as aprés ski food and beverage programs, master classes and wine dinners.
Masa’s Bar and Grill, Morrisey’s Public House, Mantles Restaurant and Lounge and the Umbrella Café have updated their menus for winter and there will soon be aprés specials at varying times in the 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. window.
“We want to be well known for other things outside of skiing and snowboarding and all that,” chief marketing officer for SPR Aaron Macdonald said, adding that SPR hopes to draw people in who may not go up the mountain at all.
New programs
“Every week until end of the season, there will be some type of food and beverage event you can attend,” said chief of accommodations and hospitality at SPR and SPG Sandra Gregory.
Every other week at Mantles, a representative of different wineries will present their own immersive experience to a group who’ve purchased tickets for these multi-course wine dinners, scheduled to begin on Dec. 11.
Dispersed throughout alternating weeks, there will be a mix of pop-up events and master classes launched this year as part of the food and beverage team’s vision to highlight the culinary talents and backgrounds of staff.
There will be four master classes throughout the winter, run by chefs from different cultural backgrounds.
“You can come up and you can sit with us in one of our commercial kitchens, and we'll share that tradition and that authentic experience,” Gregory said. “So you
walk away not only with a full belly, but having been taught by an expert in their own setting.”
As for the pop-up events, SPG is going to be brimming with activity all season, with events such as eggnog tastings and cookie decorating.
Outside of these SPG events, Masa’s Bar and Grill, Morrisey’s Public House and Mantles Restaurant and Lounge will have their own unique aprés experience for visitors, set to begin Dec. 13 and run every day from then on.
The regular aprés timing would be 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Macdonald said, but Mantles’ aprés wine flights are offered in the 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. slot instead.
Besides Mantles’ wine flights, Masa’s will centre their aprés around beers and ciders and Morrisey’s is offering a gastropub theme with specialty cocktails and mocktails.
“We want to be in inclusive environments,” Gregory said about each location, as all will offer non-alcoholic options. “So we just actually confirmed a couple nonalcoholic wines as well that'll come into the program.”
Mantles is pulling out all the stops with their wine menu this winter.
Photo by Aaron Macdonald/Sun Peaks Resort LLP
Morrisey’s has some new additions on the menu this winter.
Photo by Aaron Macdonald/Sun Peaks Resort LLP
Mantles: wine and dine
Mantles will offer multi-course, communal dinners at a private table behind the bar, guided by either an owner, a representative or the winemaker from the presenting winery of the night. Macdonald recommends pre-booking a spot at the communal table for the dinners, expecting them to sell out fast. Information on bookings will soon be available online at sunpeaksresort.com and sunpeaksgrand.com.
has some new additions on the menu this winter.
“They'll walk you through a personalized experience with a custom-made menu to the pairings of the wines, and talk you all the way through it,” Gregory said, adding the team at Mantles is doing their own wine training to ensure their knowledge on this and their aprés.
Aprés options include flights of three glasses to test with whichever wines you choose.
To pair with the wine of your choosing, which is to be based on a West Coast theme to celebrate local wineries, the restaurant is offering share boards in the form of farmers and charcuterie boards.
Morrisey’s Public House: an inclusive experience
Morrisey’s Public House has a more casual environment, though Gregory said the quality of service and food and drink is still top notch.
“I would say that's also kind of part of its charm,” she added.
If you like a drink to be sweet, creamy and chocolatey, the s’mores hot chocolate will certainly elevate your taste buds, while the refreshing flavours of the sparkling Lav Lemonade and Hibiscus Mo would be excellent with or without a shot of your preferred liquor inside.
Among new items on the menu, Morriesy’s is offering a Butter Chick Bowl, Root Veg Vindaloo and Mulled Wine Braised Short Rib.
From Dec. 15 onwards, the restaurant will be open seven days a week and their aprés program, including cocktails and mocktails, will be running every day.
Morrisey’s
Photo by Aaron Macdonald/Sun Peaks Resort LLP
WINTER IN THE VILLAGE: NEW EXPERIENCES, ART AND MORE
SPIN rounded up a few new activities, displays and products to look forward to this winter in the village.
By Nicole Perry
From art displays to new local business offerings, this winter in Sun Peaks is set to garner excitement both on the mountain and in the village.
Art around the village
In the great hall of the Sun Peaks Centre, the displays of pictographs and artifacts from a partnership with Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl ecw are nearly finished, chief administrative officer for Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) Deanna Campbell told SPIN.
“We’ll be working on a land acknowledgement to be etched in the glass to the entrance of the Sun Peaks Centre,” she said. “That’s being reviewed by Skwlāx Chief and Council I believe.”
For the Sun Peaks Centre as well, SPMRM has purchased art from local artists for the boardroom and conference room.
These were sought through a partnership with ArtZone Sun Peaks, who also have displays throughout the village from a number of local artists for the winter.
ArtZone will be cycling through works of art from different artists at some locations, on display for about a month at a time for each. These exhibits are at Vertical Cafe and Century 21 Diamante.
Visit the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Centre, Guest Services and Tourism Sun Peaks to see featured artist collectives.
What’s new at Ohana Deli
Ohana Deli and Market is going into their first Christmas season since its expansion last year.
The store is now larger and able to accommodate dining needs with tables and coffee service. With the expansion existing now before the holidays, the store is prepared to grow inventory with seasonal products ordered in advance, including Christmas baskets and gift options that aren’t all food related, owner of Ohana Bobbe Lyall said.
“Think crafts and artisan things, as well as really unique food items.”
Ohana brought in chocolate items from Seattle Chocolate, a female-owned and powered company, and will continue to bring in products for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day after the holiday season
ends.
“We were able to pretty much double the amount of suppliers,” Lyall said. “So that just opened up this whole window of items that we could bring in.”
Along with providing community care kits for working residents in need of groceries, Ohana has expanded dining options for customers as well.
Lyall expects there will be a lot of platter service this winter. These platters, consisting of culinary delights including sweet treats, charcuterie and sandwich platters, can be pre-ordered on Ohana’s website.
“We'll continue to up the ante and change our menu,” Lyall added.
Ohana's fifth anniversary is Christmas Eve and the Christmas offerings will be through the roof.
“We've got towers of candy canes and Christmas candies, and our in-house baking.”
Ohana Deli and Market will have more offerings going into the holiday season than ever before.
Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
ArtZone Sun Peaks has displays around the village, including this one in the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel. Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
Mountain Man Dogsled Adventures makes advancements
Mountain Man Dogsled Adventures is upping its sustainability factor this winter.
After working with the province and Destination BC on a sustainability evaluation, co-owner Taryn Schwanke said the company received a grant for an electric snowmobile which will be featured as the lead guide.
“I imagine if some of our guests are interested they'll have an opportunity to drive it as well,” she added.
Along with the electric snowmobile, a new fleet of eight 2025 Ski-Doo Expedition Sport models have taken the place of all the old snowmobiles for guests to drive this winter.
“Each one is a leader in fuel economy, capable of handling two people per snowmobile,” she said. With this, Mountain Man Dogsled Adventures is expecting fuel consumption to drop about 80 per cent.
Not only are they lessening the environmental impact from their business, they’ll also be elevating the guest experience as well with these new models and some other new additions.
This summer, two new puppies, Cricket and Skeeter, were introduced to the community and they’re now a few months old, ready for guests to visit.
“We’re hoping also to have another litter of puppies at the beginning of December,” she said. “So those ones should be ready to be visited by our guests coming into later January.”
Additionally, an Apres tour will be offered for the first time this year.
On Fridays at 4:30 p.m., the tour will take off on snowmobiles out to the McGillivray cabin where there will be a charcuterie box and non-alcoholic drinks from Ohana until twilight when it’s time to head back.
“We're also looking at opening up that evening tour for full moons as well.”
These two pups are a new addition to Mountain Man Dog Sled Adventures' attractions this winter. Photo via Mountain Man Dog Sled Adventures/Facebook
Ohana’s owner Bobbe Lyall (left) and rotary members Linda Hollyer and Jim Alix (middle to right). Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
There's a lot to look forward to this winter in Sun Peaks. Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
SUPPORT LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Find something for everyone on your list while supporting
local businesses, artists and organizations in Sun Peaks.
By Nicole Perry
There’s no shortage of places to shop in Sun Peaks as the holiday season rolls around and gift shopping is on everybody's mind. SPIN has gathered some options for you to explore if you don’t know where to begin, including various trinkets and decorations, food items, apparel and more.
Classic gifts: souvenirs, art, decorations and more
Alpine Images Photography in Sun Peaks offers a variety of potential gift items as part of their Sun and Snow Gift Collective.
Check out the online store at sunandsnowgifts.ca to find some exclusively online items, as well as in store merchandise. Here, you can shop the collection of soy candles and porcelain hangers, pebbles, coasters, bowls and more, any of which would make a fantastic addition to your holiday gift shopping list this winter.
With more merchandise included, the in-store collection includes mounted prints of wintry landscapes, handmade soaps and unique handmade wooden holiday decorations, bookmarks and keychains.
Upon entering the Lone Wolf Gallery, you can feast your eyes on the many gift options available, including souvenirs such as stickers and keychains, local mountain-inspired art, hand-made jewellery, unique quality clothing, decorative wood designs and stuffed animals.
Apparel
For all the skiers and snowboarders in your life, there’s no shortage of sports stores to pick up gear for friends and family to don this season.
If you’re abroad and want to give your families a taste of the Sun Peaks lifestyle, John Tod Trading Co. has logo wear and souvenirs to connect them to the area.
This isn't the only place to get clothes representative of Sun Peaks, with Sun Peaks labels on all Sneaky Scallywags’ apparel options.
This business, owned by Jeff Martin, is known for high-quality pajamas, with designs in a variety of sizes to fit the whole family for adorable photo ops.
“Hatley does all the matching PJs,” he explained as SPIN visited the store this November. “Today alone, I did three matching families for PJs.”
Among a large selection of pajamas, you’ll find toys and stuffed animals available for purchase as well.
Tasty treats
Pajamas aren't all you can find at Sneaky Scallywags, with a significant collection of unique candy beyond what’s found in a regular gas station.
Among these, there are surprise bags filled with different candies for discovery upon opening, saltwater taffy, jellybeans, Haribo gummies and more.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is also a good place to pick something up for the sweet tooth in your life.
Before or after strolling the village, take a gander down the road at Ohana Market and Deli, stocked with goodies for the holidays. According to the owner Bobbe Lyall, this includes 50 different cheeses from local and international suppliers, gift boxes with assorted jams, mustards and charcuterie jellies, wellness teas from Lemon Lilly and a vast selection of cakes, cookies, chocolate and candy.
Sneaky Scallywags has a collection of pajamas and candy.
Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
Alpine Images Photography has porcelain gift items, candles and more.
Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
Lone Wolf Gallery is full of options for gift shopping.
Photo by Nicole Perry/Sun Peaks Independent News
EARLY SEASON ESSENTIALS: SNOW, SAFETY AND STOKE
Sun Peaks sees solid snow for early-season riding.
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.
Wet and snowy weather has certainly kick-started the ski season for many folks.
As we slide into December, summarizing the snowpack at all elevation bands across the province is worthwhile. Avalanche Canada is now producing its Public Avalanche Bulletins on a regular basis. By doing the appropriate research, you shouldn’t be surprised by any travel conditions you may encounter. Check your local mountain forecast, review and contribute to the Mountain Information Network (MIN) reports affecting the region you ride in.
It seems Ullr is aligning with the weather models this season, as numerous social media posts and MIN reports confirm a solid early-season snowpack is forming, particularly in the higher elevation bands. As you pull out your skis or split board, check your avalanche safety gear and devise excuses to skip class or turn your work-from-home day into a powder day, here are a few essential things to remember.
As Dickens said, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Currently, the snow quality varies significantly across B.C. and is elevationspecific. The Columbias have been receiving copious amounts of quality snow; the West Coast was doing quite well, but significant rain events, up to high elevations, have dampened spirits in that region.
Our very own Sun Peaks is doing quite well, with solid early season riding. In November, I enjoyed some of my best-ever early season ski touring while riding in the North Thompson region. But most of the good snow is at higher elevations, and it seems a bit spring-like at the valley bottom.
If there’s enough snow to ride, there’s enough to slide. Early season skiing can be tricky—you’ll often spend much of your day touring through below treeline and treeline elevations where snow depths barely meet or fall below avalanche thresholds. However, the conditions can change dramatically as you climb higher into the upper treeline or alpine zones. In these areas, the snowpack could be a meter or more, plus additional wind-loaded deposits in lee features. Stay vigilant and continuously re-evaluate as you move through these significant variations in snowpack depth.
If you head out ski touring, it’s the perfect opportunity to gather firsthand information about the snowpack. With limited snow depth, digging a snow profile is quick and easy, making it a great time to monitor early season issues. Tracking these problems can help you identify whether they develop into persistent weak layers later.
With many guiding operations and ski resorts still gearing up for the season, this is an excellent time to support Avalanche Canada by contributing as much information as possible. Regardless of your experience level, if you’re heading out to ski or dig in the snow, be sure to take photos, jot down notes and share your observations!
Take it slow. It's only the second week of December, and if you’re lucky, you have four-to-five months of skiing or snowboarding ahead. There isn’t any sound reason to risk a season-ending injury. Be mindful of hidden stumps and rocks, keep your outings simple and enjoy easing into a season filled with fun and safe riding days. It’s also a perfect time to brush up on your companion rescue skills.
Sun Peaks sees a successful start to the season.
Photo by Brad Harrison/Sun Peaks News
WHAT’S IN A NAME? SUN PEAKS TRAILS
The names given to places and trails tell stories of our adventures, history and connection to the world.
By Mars Penner
Names carry stories. They root us to place, people and culture, reflecting the adventures and memories woven into our shared spaces. At Sun Peaks Resort, the second-largest ski area in Canada, this storytelling comes alive across hundreds of trails, runs, lifts and glades. Each name is a layer of history, humor and homage, making the mountain a living map of human connection and natural wonder.
Take a look at the trail map and the names jump out like invitations to adventure: Saddle Up, Roller Coaster, Bushwackers, Shiner, Pink Flamingos and Still Smokin’.
“Most trails owe their titles to the creativity and suggestions of the build crews,” Christina Antoniak, director of communications at Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), told SPIN.
The result? A snow-covered playground where every trail name tells a tale.
“Trail names are part of the experience,” Colin Cannon, co-owner of Discover Sun Peaks Adventures said. Cannon guides snowshoe excursions and summer tours, blending his love of the outdoors with his gift for storytelling. “The names connect visitors to the land,” he added.
Their newest snowshoe trail, C&J’s Lookout, offers a panoramic view and, of course, a great story Cannon may share with you on a trek.
Some trail names nod to the challenge ahead: Blue Line, Rollers or Tighten Yer Boots leave little room for doubt. Others offer practical guidance, like the West Bowl, 5 Mile or Gentle Giant. On Mount Morrisey, creativity reigns with the Laundry Room series with Lint Trap, Tumble Dry, Static Cling and more. Legend has it these whimsical names may also pay tribute to a mystery local legend, their meaning folded neatly into the fabric of the resort’s history.
For Fatbikers, the cleverly named Phat Rabbit trail built by Shawn Melnechuk was born from a massive rabbit sighting and a well-placed steaming pile of droppings leading naturally to the black diamond spur named Black Rabbit, by Rick Boles.
Nordic skiers and snowshoers encounter trails named for songbirds like Chickadee, Nut Hatch, Whiskey Jack and Raven Return. Snowshoeing on the Valley Interpretive Trail leads to a snowy field of feeders where you can see those same birds.
"Trail names are part of the experience. The names connect visitors to the land."
Sun Peaks also celebrates its human history. Trails like Whyte’s Ride, Gil’s, Barn Burner, Phil’s Way and Siggy’s honour the builders and visionaries who shaped the resort. Subtle nods, like CC Riders, carry layered meanings, adding depth to the naming process. And at the pinnacle of recognition are the locations named for Nancy Greene Raine, the Olympic ski champion, coach and senator. Her name serves as a reminder of the greatness achieved here.
Language adds another layer to the story. Trails like Ausfahrt, German for exit, Chikimichi, Japanese for shortcut, Coquihalla, Coast Salish for a stingy place and Cześć, Polish for hello reflect the international community of both visitors, locals and Indigenous peoples. Spend a day exploring trails off the Orient Chairlift, and you’ll find yourself on a multicultural slope scavenger hunt.
Even the local wildlife finds its place on the map, with trails like Bear Cub, Moose Track, Lynx, Bobcat, Blue Grouse and Fox Trot. These names remind visitors of the animals who call these mountains home, ensuring nature remains central to the Sun Peaks story.
The names embody youthful exuberance, playfulness and pride. As local snowboarder Calvin Mijares puts it, “When I go back home, I want to look at a map and say, ‘I lived and worked there, and I snowboarded that run.’ Maybe I’ll even get to name it. That’d be cool.”
Whether it’s a nod to a legend, a practical marker or a playful pun, the names at Sun Peaks Resort are more than mere labels. They’re proof of the human desire to leave a mark, to tell stories and to connect. Just like the skiers, snowboarders and adventurers carving their paths down the slopes, the names will endure, etched into the heart of this mountain playground.
Snowshoers Lana Andrea and Silke on the Morrisey Ridge trail.
Photo by Mars Penner/Sun Peaks Independent News
Maria & Colin Cannon, owners of Discover Sun Peaks Adventures.
Photo by Mars Penner/Sun Peaks Independent News
AVALANCHE CANADA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF ALPINE SAFETY
Between tech advancements, in-house software development and robust education programs, Avalanche Canada's work has seen local impacts.
By Lys Morton
Avalanche Canada, the non-profit organization dedicated to avalanche safety across Canada is celebrating 20 years of forecast reports, avalanche safety training and technology development.
“What we try to do is prevent any need for response,” Gilles Valade, Avalanche Canada executive director told SPIN when asked about the core goal of the organization.
The ability to equip anyone interacting with Canada’s mountains and backcountry with the tools to safely explore and recreate helps build a population that requires fewer rescue resources.
“We’ve done quite a bit with what we have.”
This effort is seeing results, with avalanche-
“I think one of our main gains over the years is we’re now seen as a public safety essential service for Canadians and visitors.”
related deaths staying roughly the same at 11 per year, even while backcountry and alpine recreation has exploded over the last decade.
“We calculate that average of fatalities based on a ten-year moving average,” Valade said. “That average had been falling fairly steadily over the past 20 years up until the last two seasons, which is remarkable considering the exponential increase in winter backcountry use since that same time.”
Those stats are a stark improvement from before Avalanche Canada’s creation and the 20032004 winter season that finally sparked action in creating an avalanche safety resource, when 29 people were killed in avalanches that year alone, including seven Calgary teenagers who were skiing in Rogers Pass.
At the time, Canada was the only alpine country without a public safety organization. Now Avalanche Canada has resources and strategies that other international organizations are lining up for.
“Our software development team right now is the envy of the world,” Valade explained, highlighting how Avalanche Canada has constantly used newer technologies to better record snow levels, predict avalanche areas and connect with new and experienced alpine explorers.
Through the report map, which provides snow risk warnings and avalanche incident information submitted by backcountry users and Avalanche Canada staff, the range of webinars that teach newcomers how to read the terrain and the Avy Savvy program, the organization has been adapting to provide new and experienced Canadians and visitors with as much information as possible.
“We have everything developed in-house,” Valade said. “I think the future use of technology is going to be quite impressive.”
While tech may be aiding in information sharing and forecast mapping, field teams are still vitally important to the work in data sparse areas as well as for connecting with alpine active communities.
“We’re out there connecting with snowmobilers, skiers, everyone who is out there, hearing from them the conditions they’re seeing and making sure they have the tools to be safe out there.”
Along with their software development and accessible education resources, Avalanche Canada developed robust youth and in-classroom education opportunities in its 20 years.
“We’re training over 10,000 recreational students per year with our Avalanche Canada Training curriculum. We reach more than 10,000 youth in classrooms to help them start backcountry education early. That’s an increase over the years.”
While the non-profit is entirely independently run, funding is partially provided through various government levels.
“Without government funding, we probably wouldn’t exist. But we’re also doing our own fundraising and revenue generating,” Valade said.
It’s been a long road since Avalanche Canada started in 2014, pulling together small provincial and federal funding streams and grants. Now the organization has more stable lines of funding, but it’s all dependent on future governments continuing to support the work.
Avalanche Canada has also worked tirelessly through the years to develop media and communication relationships, oftentimes ending up as the face for avalanche incidents throughout the winter.
“I think one of our main gains over the years is we’re now seen as a public safety essential service for Canadians and visitors.”
The Avalanche Canada Northwest field team touring up a slope to gather avalanche and snowpack observations and data. Photo provided by Avalanche Canada
Sun Peaks Community Church hosts a service every Sunday evening at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join at the Annex.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library’s mobile library visits Sun Peaks School every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
At Morrisey’s Public House, Sunday Fundays include a DJ set starting at 8 p.m.
MONDAYS
Mark your calendars for Quizzy Rascal Trivia Monday nights at Morrisey’s Public House, starting at 7 p.m. Entry is $2 per person, in cash. Teams of up to six people are allowed. Table reservations are strongly encouraged, email scraig@sunpeaksgrand.com or call 250-578-6062.
TUESDAYS
Locals’ Nights have started at Bottoms Bar and Grill. Tuesdays will give everyone a chance to dance as a DJ plays music and bar service runs until 1 a.m.
THURSDAYS
Bottoms Bar and Grill has karaoke every Thursday night. Make sure to show up early because the bar fills up fast with eager singers and spectators.
FRIDAYS
AA community addictions meetings run every Friday at Sun Peaks Secondary beside the Health Clinic, starting at 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAYS
At Morrisey’s Public House, there is live music at 8 p.m. every Saturday and you won’t want to miss the range of musicians playing all winter.
December
DEC. 13
Catch Stoke Series, Session One, presented by Sun Peaks Park Crew. The official rail jam starts at 5 p.m. and prizes start as soon as it’s wrapped up at 6:45. Register for session one by Dec. 12 for $10 online by following the link on the page under events at sunpeaksresort.com.
DEC. 13 - DEC. 14
Starting with an inaugural tree lighting on Friday, the 12th annual Holiday Kick-Off will fill the weekend with holiday cheer. Learn more at sunpeaksresort.com.
DEC. 14
For girls ages eight and over, the national program Elleboard Ladies Snowboard Camp will be brought to Sun Peaks by Canada Snowboard in conjunction with Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR). Register online on the Elleboard All Girls Snowboard Camp page under events at sunpeaksresort.com.
DEC. 13 - DEC. 15
The artisan market will be running from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. In the great hall at the Sun Peaks Centre, vendors
EVENTS
DEC. 13, 2024 - JAN. 16, 2025
will be featured selling things like soaps, jewelry, coffee, art and food items.
DEC. 14 - DEC. 15
For two full days from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., improve your technique or learn how to ski or snowboard in a safe and supportive environment with the guidance of female coaches. Dubbed the Force of Femme, this weekend is curated for women by women. Register online on the Force of Femme page under events at sunpeaksresort.com by Dec. 12, subject to change if spaces fill up prior.
DEC. 14 - DEC. 15 AND JAN. 4JAN. 5
Register online on the Glenn Bond Nordic Ski Camp page under events at sunpeaksresort. com for a nordic ski camp. The Saturday morning class is from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the Sunday class is from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There are additional afternoon sessions from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
DEC. 15
Join Santa for breakfast at the Rayleigh Pub from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tickets are $26 for adults, $20 for kids ages three to 10 and free for kids under three and include a buffet breakfast, crafts and gifts and a photo op with Santa and Mrs. Clause. Scan the QR code on The Rayleigh Pub’s Facebook page to get your tickets online.
DEC. 15
For snowboarders ages seven to 12, BC Snowboard is bringing the Toyota Grom Series Snowboard Camp to Sun Peaks Resort. Schedule and registration online on the BC Snowboard Grom Series page under events at sunpeaksresort.com.
DEC. 16 TO JAN. 17
Daily from Dec. 16 to Jan. 17, there will be two-hour ski lessons for intermediate to advanced skiers, ages 13 to 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact sportschool@sunpeaksresort.
com for details and registration.
DEC. 17
Morrisey’s Public House is hosting a murder mystery night with costumes, props and accessories for a fully immersive experience. Check in is at 6:30 p.m. with the game running from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost is $30 plus tax for anyone over the age of 19.
DEC. 21
The first 50 people to dress as Santa and check in at The Base at 9:45 a.m. get a free day on the slopes for Santa Ski Day.
DEC. 22
Tube with Santa as he makes an appearance in Sun Peaks from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. With a cash donation in support of Kamloops Food Bank and registration at the tent at the bottom of the Village Carpet, you’ll get an event pass for tube time, with tubes provided.
DEC. 23
Santa is extending his visit for a ski day from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All you need is a valid lift ticket and you can ski down 5 Mile with Santa a few times, starting with a meet-up at The Base at 10:30 a.m.
DEC. 23 - 24
Join Nancy Greene Raine at the Village Day Lodge at 6:30 p.m. for carolling in the village.
DEC. 24
For Christmas Eve, many village restaurants will have holiday specials, including Chez Joe Poutine, Mantles Restaurant, Mountain High Pizza, Ohana Deli Market & Meals to Go and Sun Peaks Grand Hotel.
DEC. 24
Santa is back in town with The Sun Peaks Fire Rescue and the Sun Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Society. Review the schedule online on the Santa Visits Sun Peaks page under events at sunpeaksresort.com to track his route from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Santa visits Sun Peaks for skiing, tubing and photos. Photo via Facebook/Bear Country Sun Peaks Resort
January
DEC. 24
Sun Peaks Community Church is holding a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Annex. The service includes carols, a reading of the Christmas story and a message of hope.
DEC. 25
From 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., a Christmas day service will be held at the mid-mountain Sun Peaks Chapel on top of the Sunburst Express Chairlift. The service includes songs, readings, a homily and prayer.
DEC. 31
New Year’s Eve in Sun Peaks includes a variety of dinner specials at various restaurants and activities including a live DJ, a NYE Freestyle Invitational, a Kids Glowstick Parade, a Torchlit Parade and fireworks. A full itinerary is on the events page at sunpeaksresort.com where you can find information on another special event as well, the New Year’s Eve Moonlight Snowshoe and S’more event.
JAN. 3 - JAN. 5
Speed Nation Sun Peaks is bringing together the best snowboard cross (SBX) athletes in North America to compete in FIS, NorAm and WSL events. Spectators can watch the action from The Base or the sidelines. A link to details and registration is on the Speed Nation Sun Peaks page under events at sunpeaksresort.com.
JAN. 6 - JAN. 10
The new Powder Ventures snow cross course is getting a lot of use this winter, especially during this SBX camp. Teams are invited to train during these four days managing their own programs. Registration and more information is found on the BC Snowboard RAD Camp SBX page under events at sunpeaksresort.com.
JAN. 6 - JAN. 10
Injured veterans and RCMP can join the Shoulder 2 Shoulder Retreat run by Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks and BC Adaptive Snowsports. Event details are at bcadaptive. com/events/veterans-and-caregivers-retreat/ as well as a link to register.
JAN. 10
Presented by Sun Peaks Park Crew, Stoke Series Session Two is running at the Base Camp Terrain Park. Check in is at 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the bottom of the base camp, followed by a riders meeting at 4:45. Register for session one by Dec. 12 for $10 online by following the link on the page under events at sunpeaksresort.com.
JAN. 15
Morrisey’s Public House’s Studio 50+ Dance Party is set to run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a country theme, so don your cowboy boots and get ready to dance to a live DJ.
JAN. 16 - JAN. 18
Presented by ArtZone Sun Peaks, the 5th annual Sun Peaks Film Festival kicks off Thursday with Locals Night, consisting of films by locals. The following two days include a curated group of films from the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival. Find a schedule and tickets once they become available at artzonesunpeaks. com/events/5th-annual-sun-peaks-filmfestival.
Following a long-running tradition led by Nancy Greene Raine, caroling in the village will take place this holiday season on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24. Photo via Facebook/Sun Peaks Resort
Santa Ski Day brings festive cheer to Sun Peaks Resort. Photo via Facebook/Sun Peaks Resort
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.
2 Powder Ridge, Sun Peaks, BC
$1,100,000 GST N/A
3 Bed | 3 Bath, 1557 sq.ft., Zoned RM-3 Ski-in, ski-out townhome w/ private hot tub, backyard, sunny decks, & tandem garage. Stunning mountain views, luxury finishes, & fully furnished.
3 Bed | 3.5 Bath, 2419 sq.ft., Zoned CC-1 3-level townhome w/ central location. Features gourmet kitchen, stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings, heated floors, large sundeck, & private garage. Furnished w/ hot tub.
SERVING SUN PEAKS & AREA SINCE 1995!
Visit alder-estates.ca for more information. Visit copperbearlodge.ca
125/127 Cahilty Lodge, Sun Peaks, BC
$399,000 +GST
2 Bed | 2 Bath, 670 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.
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!
