Sun Peaks Independent News, Volume 22, Issue 2 by Sun Peaks Independent News

February 16 - March 15, 2024

Vol. 22, Issue 2

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A snowboarder rides out from The Other Way hike on Feb. 11, 2024. Photo by Liz McDonald

14.

The economic outlook in Sun Peaks is about more than snow

08.

Six years later: the search for Ryan Shtuka

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IN THIS ISSUE Each issue reaches thousands of readers and one copy is available FREE to residents and visitors. Anyone taking papers in bulk will be prosecuted. The opinions expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, owners or writers. This publication may not be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the publisher.

For comments, questions and concerns contact us at: brandi@sunpeaksnews.com Visit us: sunpeaksnews.com editor@sunpeaksnews.com 213 - 1130 Sun Peaks Rd. Sun Peaks, B.C.

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LIZ MCDONALD Community Journalist liz@sunpeaksnews.com

LOUISE HUDSON Contributor

BRAD HARRISON Contributor

CHRIS PAYNE Layout & Graphic Designer

THIS MONTH AT COUNCIL A recap of recent Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality Council meetings.

SEND IT LIKE A GIRL AT FEBRUARY'S FORCE OF FEMME PROGRAM Sun Peaks Sports School hosts women’s course focused on fellowship and group support.

07 SPIN SPOTLIGHT Sun Peaks Independent News shines a spotlight on important things happening in the community.

08 SIX YEARS LATER: THE SEARCH FOR RYAN SHTUKA This year’s commemoration will be a bit different for the Shtuka family and supporters.

10 INFLUENCER ECONOMY COMES TO SUN PEAKS THROUGH THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Sun Peaks Resort LLP leans into social media to promote awareness and hype for slopes close to home.

11 VOTES FOR THE MACKENZIE TOP PEAK CHALLENGE NEEDED TO BOOST SUN PEAKS TO THE LEAD ‘If we can get everyone to vote every day until March 3, we can show the country how invested everyone is in our tiny village,’ says Colleen Hannigan.

12 NO QUICK FIXES FOR HOUSING CRISIS IN SUN PEAKS A lack of funding for the Sun Peaks Housing Authority has led to little impactful work in the last six years.

14 THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK IN SUN PEAKS IS ABOUT MORE THAN SNOW While drought conditions lead to lower snowpack, a diversified economy and snowmaking helped some local businesses at the start of this year’s ski season.

15 CONDITIONS REPORT: A WINTER OF MAJOR WEATHER SWINGS What you need to know to shred safely.

18 MEET THE TEAMS KEEPING SUN PEAKS’ SLOPES SAFE Paid patrollers and volunteers help maintain the safety of Sun Peaks Resort's slopes each year.

20 SUN PEAKS SNOWBOARD TEAM GETS A NEW NAME ̓ The move to Skwelkwélt Indigenous Snowsports Team makes the team more inclusive of all ̓ members practicing on Skwelkwélt and allows for growth into skiing in the future.

21 ARTZONE’S FILMMAKERS CONTEST SHOWCASES LOCAL TALENT Noah Lara's film Rush, featuring Brock Hawes, earned the top prize in this year’s contest.

22 WHEN SKIING BECOMES POETRY IN MOTION Local songwriter uses the slopes for inspiration in her odes to Sun Peaks.

24 EVENTS Check out local and regional events happening soon.

25 PUZZLES Can you tackle this month’s crossword? Plus, a new Sudoku and the answers to last month’s puzzles.

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get out there

Marlie Marchewka riding the groomers near the Sunburst chairlift. Photo by Reuben Krabbe

INFLUENCER ECONOMY COMES TO SUN PEAKS THROUGH THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Sun Peaks Resort LLP leans into social media to promote awareness and hype for slopes close to home. By Louise Hudson

When Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) announced its first-ever Ambassador Program last year, 113 people applied for the 10 sought-after spots. The goal was to find four athletes and six key influencers to help promote the resort globally via social media. Driving this pioneering project is SPR’s marketing and content manager, Sam Loxton. Destination awareness is a long-term objective Loxton said, with athletes continuing to spread the word as they compete in high level competitions, moving towards potential professional careers in the ski and snowboard industry. “Word of mouth has always been one of the strongest forms of influence – a recommendation from someone you trust is much more likely to sway you than seeing an ad or reading a review,” he said. “In a similar way, social media allows us to share our experiences of places like Sun Peaks with our friends.” Since the first days of blogging, vlogging and the rise of social media, online influencers have gone from casual, real-life posts and pics to what has now been commodified into ‘The Influencer Economy.’ This dynamic force is shaping how consumers around the world perceive destinations and make travel choices.

So, who was picked? One of the new athlete ambassadors is 17-yearold Nayte Brown who has been competing in snowboarding competitions for the past five years. “I was super excited when I found out I was chosen for the Sun Peaks Ambassador Program,” he recalled. “I wasn’t sure who had applied or who was going to be chosen so there was a lot of anticipation before the announcement date.” Perks for the athletes include $2,500 cash sponsorship, a complimentary Alpine Season Pass, free membership at Sun Peaks Alpine Fitness for six months, as well as an array of Sun Peaks swag. The financial impact has been significant for Brown, helping defray expenses such as travel, accommodation, coaching and competition fees. In return, he stages photo and video shoots here, tagging Sun Peaks Resort on social media and on his rider bio during competitions. “I share the stoke by engaging with people on the hill, whether that be locals or visitors during a chairlift conversation,” he added. “I always point out the tremendous effort that the resort has made in putting together a solid terrain park early on in the season as well as their capability in opening runs during this tough snow year.” At 36, Marlie Marchewka has been snowboarding at Sun Peaks for half her life. Having worked for SPR before on various photo and video

shoots, something she has particularly enjoyed participating in through the program. “One of my favorite parts about these missions is getting to be at the top of the mountain for first light or a stunning sunset, and then being able to ride down the mountain with that incredible light,” she explained. “You never forget that feeling, it always takes your breath away and you feel so lucky to be up there for it.” Sharing the exuberance of her riding experiences on social media is a key element of her ambassador work, giving her the opportunity to be playful and creative with her content. With her “glass half full” mentality, Marchewka describes her new role as a motivator. “When I think of an ambassador, I think of someone who inspires me, shares their passion, has experience and challenges themself, someone I can look up to or even relate to. Someone who sheds a positive light on what they are all about and representing.” Although new for Sun Peaks, the concept of having dedicated ambassador teams has been gaining traction throughout North America for the past decade. Aspen Snowmass was an early adopter and closer to home, the Banff and Lake Louise area established the SkiBig3 Ambassador Team around four years ago. The Sun Peaks Ambassador program will continue into the summer, with applications for a mountain bike team opening this month.

VOTES FOR THE MACKENZIE TOP PEAK CHALLENGE NEEDED TO BOOST SUN PEAKS TO THE LEAD ‘If we can get everyone to vote every day until March 3, we can show the country how invested everyone is in our tiny village,’ says Colleen Hannigan. By Louise Hudson

Sun Peaks has made it through to the second round of the Mackenzie Top Peak Challenge, a contest that crowns Canada’s most invested ski community. It is now the task of everyone who visits, lives, works or plays at Sun Peaks to vote every day until March 3 in the Canada Votes segment of the contest. Daily voting from across the country could ensure Sun Peaks a spot on the coveted top three podium and a shot at the $100,000 prize. Each vote from B.C. must come in before 9 p.m. as that’s midnight in Toronto where Mackenzie Investments is based. Up against nine other ski areas, including Mount Washington, competition is already fierce in this fourth annual challenge, with Quebec’s Mont Adstock charging ahead with over 1000 votes per day. Driving the Sun Peaks campaign is Nancy Greene Raine, who has the podium in her sights. One of her favourite ski racing-inspired sayings is: "Come out of the start gate strong, because it's harder to catch up than it is to keep the lead." Sun Peaks needs to make up some time - but the good news is that the leaderboard can change daily, and now is the time to spread the word via friends, families and social media networks. Designer of the Sun Peaks submission, Colleen Hannigan has been involved in the project since the start. One aspect of this increasingly collaborative effort is that other resorts are lending a hand. “We already have other alpine peaks not in the top ten that are coming on board to help us,” Hannigan said. “If we can get everyone to vote every day until March 3, we can show the country how invested everyone is in our tiny village.” Slated for the winnings, a sustainable ski cross course will add to the resort’s attractions and amenities for residents and visitors. “People who come to Sun Peaks get hooked on all the great things there are to do for the entire family,” Hannigan said. “A permanent ski cross course just adds one more reason to support the place your family loves. So, we all have to vote, vote, vote!” Having run this contest since 2021, Mackenzie Investments has some insight into how previous winners have notched up votes. “It’s so impressive how well these ski clubs are connected to their communities and surrounding area,”

The Mackenzie Top Peak Challenge would earn Sun Peaks bragging rights and $100,000.

said Melanie Smith, Mackenzie’s brand and sponsorship lead. “Engaging local politicians, local media, local community centres, asking teachers to engage their classrooms, getting lots of people together to rally and vote.” With the environmental component of the contest new this year, Smith explained that it is part of Mackenzie’s corporate responsibility initiative. “Skiing in Canada is becoming more precarious every year. We want to help preserve skiing in this great country as much as we can.” If Sun Peaks wins, the prize money will be spent on creating an environmentally-friendly permanent base, mostly out of dirt, for the ski cross course. This will dramatically reduce the amount of snowmaking, saving millions of gallons of water. Once it’s decided which three resorts have the most votes, a panel of judges will pick the most “invested” community. Third place gets $10,000, the runner-up will be awarded $20,000 and the winner of the Mackenzie Top Peak Challenge - and $100,000 - will be announced live on Friday, March 9 during CBC Sports Presents. 11

community

Population boom, tourism and a lack of funding for affordable housing have led to an ongoing housing crisis in Sun Peaks. Photo by Zuzy Rocka

NO QUICK FIXES FOR HOUSING CRISIS IN SUN PEAKS A lack of funding for the Sun Peaks Housing Authority has led to little impactful work in the last six years. By Liz McDonald

As the population in Sun Peaks continues to grow, Sun Peaks Resort Municipality (SPMRM) has employed a number of strategies to understand and improve housing, from creating the Sun Peaks Housing Authority (SPHA) in 2017 to hiring a sustainability and planning firm to create an employee non-market housing strategy in 2022. Despite these moves and others, there is still no affordable housing built. SPHA is a limited liability company with SPMRM as the sole shareholder. This model is the same as many other resort communities, explained Deanna Campbell, chief administrative officer for the municipality. While SPHA has a board, it lacks funding, something Campbell is hoping will change with an application to the housing accelerator fund by the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation. The funding is provided by the Federal government and administered by CMHA. “Because we don't have any funding allocated to the housing authority, we haven't really done very much with it,” Campbell said. While the municipality does not know how much funding they would get if approved, some of the money would go towards developing non-market affordable housing, and some funding would go towards operating SPHA, which is responsible for managing any future non-market housing in Sun Peaks. 12

Another mechanism the municipality will use to help fund the housing authority is development cost charges (DCCs). DCCs are charges levied on developments and recent provincial legislation, Bill 44, will allow the allocation of DCCs towards housing initiatives. The municipality is in the process of updating its DCC Bylaw no. 0120 to reflect the new legislative allowance. Ideally, SPMRM would hire a staff member to oversee SPHA, according to Campbell. SPHA would still retain board members, but Campbell said it needs staff to operate effectively. The board is also seeking a member at large for a vacant seat. The municipality’s website notes the time commitment varies depending on the committee, but “most will meet only a few times per year.” The last annual general meeting for SPHA was in 2021.

Local impacts of Bill 44 Enacted in 2023, Bill 44 is intended to boost housing stock by increasing zoning density and requiring community planning for housing to happen more frequently. There’s funding for implementing the legislation, with the province allocating a $154,386 grant to

the municipality. Under Bill 44, SPMRM is required to complete a new housing needs study, the last of which was done in 2021, and some of the provincial funding will go towards a new study. “There's some guidance on this, using a standard method to be more consistent,” Campbell explained. “And then the main requirement is that we have to be looking at local housing needs currently and over the next 20 years.” Sun Peaks will pool resources and partner with other communities in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District to hire a consultant who will produce individual reports for each community. She expects the approach to be the municipality’s best bet, given all local governments are required to produce a study by December 2024. While the municipality must create a new housing needs study, Campbell said they won’t need to wait for the report to improve the housing authority. “We've identified a long time ago that we are in need of non-market affordable housing for employees and families in the community,” she said. “Some of these initiatives we've been talking about for a while, it's just getting the funding to start actioning them.” The bill came years after Canada’s population almost doubled from 1970 to 2022, but community housing has not. Funding for community housing in Canada was previously spearheaded by the Federal government but in 1992 the responsibility was placed onto provinces.

Other changes under Bill 44 Under Bill 44, the official community plan (OCP) and zoning bylaws must be updated every five years, with a 20-year outlook for housing needs. The OCP must have housing policies that are reflective of housing needs identified in the new study. Housing needs studies must be completed every five years. To update the OCP, SPMRM will work closely with Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), because the OCP cannot impede the Master Development Agreement (MDA) between SPR and the province. The MDA gives the resort the right to purchase Crown land from the province for development, which significantly impacts how the community grows. The newly updated MDA plans for 600 units of staff housing in the East Village, but these won’t be realized for years to come. The zoning changes under Bill 44 will permit a secondary suite or a laneway home in any neighbourhood zoned single-family residential, which is already the case in Sun Peaks. Any municipality with a population greater than 5,000 or community within an urban boundary will now be required to update zoning bylaws to permit small-scale, multi-unit housing. This does not apply to SPMRM.

Non-market housing years away So, what does this mean for previously identified non-market housing in Sun Peaks? A 109-unit employee housing project endorsed by SPMRM in 2022 has yet to break ground. The land was sold to SPMRM below market value by SPR, with the caveat that 40 per cent of available units be set aside for rent or ownership for resort employees. While it was supposed to break ground in 2023, the land is still vacant. According to the municipality, there currently isn’t capacity within the wastewater treatment plant for the build. The wastewater treatment plant upgrades are happening in phases over multiple years. In terms of capacity issued within the wastewater system, Campbell hopes those should be solved by the time the municipality develops non-market affordable housing. “Our hope is that by the time we have these developments up and running, we will have addressed our capacity issues.” One immediate approach that doesn’t rely on waiting for the wastewater treatment plant upgrades, or the time and cost it takes to construct new housing, would be SPMRM opting-in to parts of recent provincial housing legislation or implementing their own longterm renter requirement. B.C.'s Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act introduced big changes to regulating STRs. One of the biggest regulations goes into effect in May, 2024. Called the principal resident requirement, the legislation requires the owner to live in the property. The goal of the principal resident requirement is to prevent entire homes being used for STRs. The requirement doesn’t apply to Sun Peaks, because the population is less than 10,000 and SPMRM is a resort municipality relying on tourism for the economy. SPMRM is not deciding to opt-in, according to Campbell. A different but similar approach is to require a longterm tenant in STR properties with secondary suites. The idea was first floated when bylaws regulating STRs were developed by SPMRM. However, the municipality said they chose not to implement the

requirement because of pushback from owners. Some want to use a secondary suite for STRs, while others like to have their property to themselves when they aren’t renting it out. SPMRM recently updated the STR bylaw this summer, but Campbell said they will likely revisit the long-term renter requirement when reviewing the bylaw in spring 2025.

Renters and short-term rentals Renters SPIN spoke with said they are often shuffled from one rental unit to another because their housing goes on the market for STRs for part of the year — something they want to see changed. Kate Culos experienced the shuffle this fall. After her first winter season was spent in staff accommodation, she and her partner secured accommodation in a property that was set to become an AirBnb during the winter season. “It was very strict: ‘You can only stay in here until Dec.10 [2023] at the latest and then you have to go because it turns into an Airbnb,’” Culos said. By the summer of 2023, she started looking for winter accommodation. By mid-September, she still hadn’t found housing and was “panicked,” she said. “We were about to pack up and go stay with family. We actually looked into purchasing our own house to see if that was a cheaper alternative,” Culos explained. “It's quite hard when you're in your 20s and you think that buying a unit is better off financially than renting.” Culos eventually found housing after spending months searching on local Facebook pages. Rob O’Toole, SPMRM council member and co-owner of Vertical Cafe, agrees that the housing shortage is a community-wide responsibility. Responsibility extends beyond SPMRM, SPR or business owners to people who run STRs, and they all need to work collectively, he said. “You're essentially running a hotel. It might be a micro-sized hotel, but it's a hotel, and your business impacts the community's need to have a workforce,” O’Toole said. “I agree you shouldn't be responsible at the same level as somebody who has a 100-room hotel, or a 200 seat restaurant, but you should play some sort of role in providing an infrastructure that helps to provide housing.” According to a memo from SPMRM, there were 427 properties with business licences for STRs as of Dec. 19, 2023. However, vacation rentals alone aren’t the whole picture. One contributing cause is the population boom noted in the 2021 census. Between 2016 and 2021, the enumerated population grew by 127.9 per cent. The number of private dwellings occupied also increased in the same time period by 114.5 per cent. Considering the tourist-nature of a mountain village, imposing a strict long-term tenant policy would reduce the number of tourists visiting, and in turn could reduce the number of needed staff — an economic decision that is unlikely. However, without housing, staff won’t be able to help the village run effectively, and guests could end up going elsewhere, O’Toole said. “It's only in your best interest to ensure that there's enough staff in the community to service that guest. If they leave frustrated because they had a poor stay, because restaurant lineups were too long or businesses weren't open seven days a week, they're just not going to come back and stay at your property.”

Business

THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK IN SUN PEAKS IS ABOUT MORE THAN SNOW While drought conditions lead to lower snowpack, a diversified economy and snowmaking helped some local businesses at the start of this year’s ski season. By Liz Mcdonald

While Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) was the first in the province to begin operations this winter, local businesses say Sun Peaks’ economic outlook is about more than just the white stuff. The low snowpack is undeniable, with the ongoing drought in Kamloops and mild weather across the province. Conditions in Interior B.C. are dire enough that Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna recently cancelled the B.C. Snowboard provincials slated for Feb. 2 to 4. However, Rob O’Toole, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) councillor and coowner of Vertical Cafe told SPIN several factors other than the weather contribute to whether people visit and spend their money in Sun Peaks.

Events and investments Three large hockey tournaments at Sun Peaks Arena in November, race training at SPR and the big push from the resort’s snowmaking team all contributed to bringing money into the village, O’Toole said. Mild weather also meant people felt cozy sitting under the heated patio at his cafe. “All those factors really contributed [to the economy]. November for us was actually a little

stronger than last year,” O’Toole said. Some of the success of his business came from hiring a social media manager, an investment that ensures the restaurant keeps the attention of people as far away as Perth, Australia throughout the year, he explained. “We're staying relevant, so I feel that makes us top of mind when people roll into the community,” O’Toole said. December 2023 was also better than 2022 for the cafe because there wasn’t a cold snap over Christmas, and most terrain opened up at SPR. The terrain opening meant the local market returned to the cafe and the mountain, according to O’Toole. Another factor O’Toole pointed towards for economic impacts is the rising cost of living. Grocery prices affect households and restaurants alike, he said, but focusing on local products helps reduce prices by dealing directly with distributors. “We have definitely had to be more shopping savvy,” he said. “The consumer is also more savvy. Looking back to last year, we've had slight increases in our pricing, but not significant. But our check averages are down slightly. People are spending less, but they're still coming out.”

DOG SLED AND NEW FO4 R 202 SNOWMOBILE TOURS

Rentals and snowmaking Vacation rentals are also doing fairly well despite conditions. Arlene Schieven, president and CEO for Tourism Sun Peaks, which markets the resort and tracks guest visitation, said nights sold in hotels and properties rented by owners for November were up over the year before, but down in December. While there have been fluctuations in months compared to last year, Schiavon said it’s “not significantly different than last year,” which was a record winter for room nights sold. Aaron Macdonald, marketing director for SPR, also explained the snowmaking capacity at the resort was a huge benefit. “We definitely have the luxury over other resorts from our amazing snowmaking capabilities,” Macdonald explained. The snowmaking ensured the resort opened on schedule on Nov. 18, making it the first resort in the province to open, albeit with limited terrain. The frequent grooming of runs throughout the year and a lack of rocky terrain meant people could ski on shallower snowpacks. Visitor numbers have steadily increased, with more white stuff coming down at the end of December and throughout January, Macdonald said. Other revenue streams on the rise for the resort include lessons and rentals, indicating that more people are getting into snow sports.

Thin snowpack in Sun Peaks at Top of the World on Feb. 4, 2024. Photo by Liz McDonald

Get Out There

CONDITIONS REPORT: A WINTER OF MAJOR WEATHER SWINGS What you need to know to shred safely. By Brad Harrison

Always check the most recent forecast to ensure you have the most up-todate and accurate information before heading out on the slopes. Navigating the snowpack this winter has been a rollercoaster ride of extremes. We find ourselves with a well-below-average snowpack for this time of year, with a complex puzzle of buried weak layers that have demanded our attention for a long time. Our recent encounter with an abnormal mid-winter warm spell resulted in conditions going from bad to worse. It presented a drastic change with rapid loading and warming to the snowpack, which produced a widespread natural avalanche cycle on all aspects and elevations across most of the province. As temperatures drop again, the soon-to-be-buried crust may become a persistent weak layer, requiring ongoing vigilance. The silver lining is that once the temperatures return to normal, we may no longer have to worry about our previous persistent layers. The rain will likely have saturated the snowpack, and it will re-freeze, locking up those persistent weak layers. As we move forward, it's crucial to recognize the evolving nature of our snowpack. The layers beneath our skis and boards are a dynamic landscape influenced by temperature fluctuations, snowfall patterns and wind speeds. While we may not have the deepest snow cover at the moment, the quality and stability of what we have require careful consideration. If you aren’t jazzed with the current riding conditions, this is a good time to take out your winter equipment and give it a once-over; double-check that your transceiver is functioning properly and everything else in your pack is good to go. Industry professionals continually work on their companion rescue skills and run scenarios frequently. Get outside and practice with your friends and touring partners to ensure everyone’s gear is in good shape. Is your tape, glue, spare batteries and other gear in your pack all up-to-date? When was the last time you re-glued your skin? Waxed your board or skis? This is a great time to run companion rescue drills with your riding partners. Test them, throw down some lunch money. The more prepared your friends or riding partners are, the more confident you can be in their ability to be ready to deal with any type of mishap, minor or major. We have many resources that can be helpful in your backcountry trip planning. Avalanche Canada is a resource with many tools for winter backcountry riders to utilize. Some of my favourites are the learn tab, the trip planner and the Mountain Information Network (MIN) tool. In the spirit of safety, stay informed, communicate effectively and adapt plans accordingly. Winter's challenges are part of the adventure, and with a thoughtful approach, we can continue to enjoy the wonders of the mountain while managing risks. Here's to making smart decisions, respecting the mountain environment and ensuring a safe, memorable and enjoyable remainder of our winter season. Please remember to recreate responsibly.

This month’s low snowpack and warmer temperatures mean you can make the most of gear checks and safety drills. Photo by Brad Harrison

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Get Out There

Last year’s Force of Femme line up. Photo provided by Maria Morgan

SEND IT LIKE A GIRL AT FEBRUARY'S FORCE OF FEMME PROGRAM Sun Peaks Sports School hosts women’s course focused on fellowship and group support. By Louise Hudson

Camaraderie, skill development, confidence building, networking and empowerment. These are just some of the reasons Rachel Taylor is psyched to be teaching this year’s Force of Femme ski and ride weekend. Running from Feb. 24 to 25, this is the second in the series organized by Sun Peaks Sports School. For ages 16 and older, it includes two full days of coaching from female ski and snowboard instructors as well as lunches, après, yoga and a prize-giving finale. Last year’s inaugural camp attracted 21 participants who were split into five like-level instruction groups. “I feel super excited to be chosen to teach a women’s camp,” Taylor said. “I really love being a part of creating a safe and empowering environment for women in this sport.” The 32-year-old, level four ski instructor from Ontario has been living in Sun Peaks year-round for the past six years. Her early days of ski teaching

were combined with studying for her degree in human rights with a minor in gender studies. “In a male dominated industry, women are so often the minority in their learning environment, and that’s not always the most conducive to pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone,” she explained. “Women’s sessions often serve as a safer, more supportive environment to really be able to push yourself and reach new goals.” With fellowship and group support topping her list for women’s progression, she is ready to hype everyone up and cheer the team on. Compounding this encouragement with helpful technique tips, her hope is that everyone will have fun while gaining new ski friends. “I’m most looking forward to meeting new people and forming new relationships. Last year the lunches at Mantles and après ski at Morrisey’s were such a great time.” Snowboard instructor Maria Morgan was picked

for the coaching team last winter. She started snowboarding 20 years ago and has been instructing at Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) for the past eight winters. Despite being well established here, she was delighted to make a couple of new friends from the women’s weekend. “The minute I was told about it, I knew that I needed to be part of it,” she said. “I love the idea of empowering women and my entire life I have loved being able to snowboard with women. I have always gravitated towards women’s camps, be it Force de Femme or Elleboard. Women and girls cheering on girls is the best!” She weaves the psychological aspects of progression into her technical coaching, and she stressed that the camp is also an opportunity to discover and conquer hidden stashes in the vast terrain at SPR. On day one, participants are segmented in line with their previous experience. Mornings are dedicated to ski or ride improvement followed by applying tactics and skills in variable terrain in the afternoon. “The aim of the weekend is guided tuition, so exploring terrain, getting in mileage, whilst learning and having fun as we go,” said Liz Wilkinson, manager of events & partnerships at SPR. Sunday starts early with a morning wake up and stretch class with Sun Peaks Yoga. As well as setting everyone on the right track for the second full day on the slopes, this will give participants a presnow stretch and warm-up routine to take away and integrate into their daily lifestyle. Achievements of each day are celebrated over

après at Morriseys, with prize-giving on the last night. Local businesses are helping establish the program by donating swag such as vouchers from Sun Peaks Spa, deluxe tune-ups from Elevation, ski socks from Freefall and treats from Rocky Mountain Chocolate. Other women-only programs in Sun Peaks include the sports school’s regular two-hour Ladies Clinics and a 10-week Local Ladies program. If demand is higher for Force of Femme this winter, Wilkinson said they will be able to expand numbers both for skiing and riding. She brought the idea here from her experiences as a women’s ski coach in Whistler “I identified the need to create the same type of programme here in Sun Peaks where women can learn and develop their skiing in a fun and friendly environment where the coaches are also all female,” she said. For the participants, she said this camp offers much-needed ‘me time’. “It is about recognizing for many female skiers and riders, as their roles in life have evolved into being busy at work or as partners and moms, they haven’t had the time to spend on the slopes or their former snow friends have dropped away and they have no one to go with,” Wilkinson explained. “Many also wind up getting dragged round the mountain by their partner, terrified of where they are skiing or the speed they are going to keep up.” Registration for the weekend is $375. To register, call the Sun Peaks Sports School sales desk at 250.578.5474 or email at sportschool@ sunpeaksresort.com.

Get Out There

MEET THE TEAMS KEEPING SUN PEAKS’ SLOPES SAFE Paid patrollers and volunteers help maintain the safety of Sun Peaks Resort's slopes each year. By Louise Hudson

Xander Hawes taking the sled up to Sunburst Lodge for early morning work projects. Photo by Xander Hawes

Xander Hawes carving down Five Mile on a soft snow day. Photo provided by Xander Hawes

Spotting the red-clad ski patrollers around the Sun Peaks slopes can evoke a sense of safety and reassurance. There is always someone nearby for those in difficulties, plus a preventative team troubleshooting the terrain, ensuring that hazards are marked. But beyond the crucial role patrollers play in ensuring the wellbeing of skiers and snowboarders and addressing emergencies, there is a lot more to the service which combines a crew of fulltime paid patrollers, reinforced by a 35-strong team of part-time volunteers. One of the films entered in ArtZone’s January Filmmaking Contest showcased Sun Peaks Ski Patrol. Devised by fulltime patroller, Xander Hawes, it was a sneak-a-peek into their mountain of responsibilities. “Some of my daily tasks are morning setup - setting up the slow and merge signs, catching the first chairlift and cleaning up all the bamboo rope lines,” Hawes said. “Then we start skiing all the runs to make sure no trees are down and everything is in working order. While doing all this we have at least one patroller at the top of every mountain to respond when we get a call.” Now in his second season working as a ski patroller, Hawes said he has admired the service since childhood. “I moved to Sun Peaks in 2017, went to the school up here for a while and had a blast growing up here in the village.” Qualifying is a long process, starting with an 80-hour first aid course which he completed in Kamloops. Further training is conducted on-mountain, enhanced by avalanche training courses at Burnie Glacier Chalet in northwestern B.C. “My CAA level one avalanche operations course was really fun,” he said. “Some of the main topics were studying snow and weather through various methods. We did a lot of touring and flying in the helicopter.” Last summer Hawes worked trail crew, bike patrol and trained with Sun Peaks Fire Rescue. “My future goals are to complete my firefighting training with Sun Peaks and maybe get into ski guiding. Ski patrol and volunteer firefighting have opened up tons of doors so I’m not sure what the future holds, but I’m really enjoying the journey!” While always on hand to help others, Hawes spends his winter work days appreciating the slopes, the scenery and the skiing. “My biggest reason is to brighten people’s day, even when their day has taken a turn, I want to improve it as much as I can.” Occasional leisurely lunchtimes offer him the opportunity to create vibrant video footage as well. “It started with showing my friends and family what I’m doing that day, but it’s been picking up from there. I…have done some ski patrol videos for Sun Peaks.” A vital adjunct to the Sun Peaks Ski Patrol is the dedicated

Xander Hawes having fun on a pow day. Photo by Xander Hawes

troupe of Canadian Ski Patrol (CSP) volunteers. “The team of volunteer patrollers are a huge help,” Hawes explained. “They do a lot of their own training but will come by mostly on the weekends to help us keep the mountain safe. It’s awesome working with them and they’re just as stoked to learn and have fun as we are!” Currently the patrol lead for Sun Peaks CSP, Aut-Lin Foster is in his fifth season of patrol volunteering. “What appealed to me the most when deciding to join volunteer patrol was being able to ski while I volunteered and becoming more involved with the day-to-day operations of the mountain while out on patrol,” he recalled. “Learning first aid skills was also a huge appeal of joining.” The path is the same for all new recruits. After qualifying for the advanced first aid certificate, they spend four days on-hill at the beginning of the season to become certified to run the toboggans. “Returning members go through a recertification every season,” Foster added. The next stage is shadowing a more senior volunteer patroller. Through a series of “first in” experiences, the newbies become more skilled and confident in

Xander Hawes doing his Ops 1 Course in Burnie Glacier Lodge. Photo provided by Xander Hawes

handling emergency calls. All volunteer patrollers make a 100-hour commitment for the season, Foster said, which works out to approximately one shift every other weekend, either Saturday or Sunday, based on a 10 hour day. “We participate in any normal task a paid patroller participates in - frost routes in the mornings, run checks throughout the day, helping with chores, and sweeps at the end of the day to name a few.” For regular returnees, there are opportunities to step into instructing roles within CSP or positions on the board for the Sun Peaks zone. “I just last season obtained my on-snow Instructor certification and was helping train all of the new recruits this year during our on-snow training weekends,” says Foster. “I just took on the role of patrol leader this season, however for the last four seasons I have had the role of recruitment & registration - and still hold this role.” The 20 year-plus relationship between CSP and the Sun Peaks paid patrol service has been seamless, Foster said. “We work side-by-side as equals while out on

the mountain and in a way that we are all just ‘ski patrol’ to the general public.” The difference is more behind-the-scenes, in supervisory situations and certain advanced treatment protocols. While some of the grunt work, such as marking hazards and setting up fencing in - 30 C temperatures can be arduous, it is the ability to give back to the community that appeals to Foster. “Volunteer ski patrol through CSP is a great way for me to help those that are on the mountain, whether it be a medical emergency or helping them with directions.” At the end of a rewarding day’s work, the CSP volunteers get together for socializing. “I've made it a point that at the end of the shift that I'm on that we all meet up for après right after our shift and, come springtime, that will transition to parking lot barbecues when it's nice out,” Foster said. Along with the free season pass and staff discounts in return for this volunteerism, another patroller perk is nabbing first tracks in the freshest snow of the day, often illuminated by the sunrise spectacular over the peaks.

SUN PEAKS SNOWBOARD TEAM GETS A NEW NAME Sun Peaks Snowboard Team is now ̓ Skwelkwélt Indigenous Snowsports Team. Deanna Jones is a board member of the team, and she explained the name change is an inclusive step in the team's trajectory. “Metis wasn't included in the First Nations piece, so we decided to change it,” Jones explained. “We've taken away the snowboard team to include snowsports in case we want to grow and include a skiing program at some point down the road. We just wanted to give ourselves more options and be more inclusive for everybody.” ̓ Skwelkwélt means the high alpine traditional Secwépemc hunting and gathering grounds in Secwepemctsín ̓ language, Jones explained. Skwelkwélt is the traditional place name for Sun Peaks. The word Indigenous covers First Nations, Metis and Inuit.

̓ The Skwelkwélt Indigenous Snowsports Team The team gets ready in the Annex every Saturday, signing in athletes as they prepare for training. Earl Celesta, a coach and parent on the team, said the snow conditions this year are something the team had to get used to, just like anyone else who chases snow sports in B.C.

The move to ̓ Skwelk wélt Indigenous Snowsports Team makes the team more inclusive of all members practicing on ̓ Skwelk wélt and allows for growth into skiing in the future. By Liz McDonald

“We weren’t really sure what the weather was going to do, but we settled into the conditions. It's a little challenging sometimes with the younger ones just being in spring condition right away.” As athletes and supporters laughed and chatted in the Annex, board members explained to SPIN the team has two fundraisers over the next month. There’s a cash prize raffle and a cleaning product raffle. A cash raffle was drawn on Feb. 10, and the first prize was $1000, the second prize was $750, the third prize was $500 and the fourth was $250. The cleaning raffle comes packed with $600 worth of supplies and will be auctioned off on Feb. 24. People can visit The Annex on Saturdays for tickets to the fundraisers or to learn more about the team. In the future, the team wants to raffle a snowboard by partnering with a local business. Edward Clarke has coached athletes on the team for nine winters and currently instructs the high-performance stream. He said fundraising efforts play an essential part in helping athletes succeed. “As a parent-run non-profit, constant fundraising is necessary because we don't get as much support as we did when we had government funding,” Clarke said. The money goes towards paying coach wages and providing up-to-standard equipment for the team, which has more than 50 athletes.

̓ Skwelkwélt Indigenous Snowsports Team stand together at Sun Peaks Resort on Feb. 3. Photo by Liz McDonald

ARTZONE’S FILMMAKERS CONTEST SHOWCASES LOCAL TALENT Noah Lara's film Rush, featuring Brock Hawes, earned the top prize in this year’s contest. By Louise Hudson

A sold-out audience was captivated by five local films screened at the 4th Annual Sun Peaks Film Festival last month. Ranging from teenage park action to seniors sending it in the slackcountry, the entries for the second filmmakers Contest were all entertaining, gripping and professionally presented. The judging panel included last year’s winner, Kelly Brown, along with Emily Staresina, a film specialist from North Vancouver and a frequent visitor to Sun Peaks. They were led by Head Judge, KJ Miller, a Sun Peaks photographer and filmmaker, who watched each film more than ten times. The winning entry was Rush, filmed and edited by Noah Lara and starring Brock Hawes. The Fans’ Favourite prize went to Dan and Dawn Matte with their film 10x10. “Noah and Brock really have raised the bar in terms of filmmaking, beyond locally too,” Miller said. “I would say they can be really proud of the athleticism and filmmaking they individually brought to the film festival.” The film depicts a “constant state of movement, in a rush.” Counterposing fast-paced city lifestyles with the chill of the mountains, it encompasses the emotional endorphin rush of skiing, as well as the physical adrenaline-fueled excitement. The duo were thrilled by their achievement. “To hear the name of your film getting called out for the win was a very surreal moment,” Lara recalled.

Brock Hawes in action from Noah Lara’s film Rush, the winning entry in the filmmaking contest. Photo by Noah Lara

Now 18 years old, Lara works with the Park Crew and has to fit filming around that time constraint. After initial footage when Lara and Hawes collide, the action was focused on Hawes’ expertise among the array of jumps, rails, boxes and tabletops. “The story had to have one focus for the narrative to make sense and Brock’s skiing was perfect for that.” With tentative plans to make another film this season, he hopes Rush will be a significant first step

towards making a name in the ski film industry. “If we do the competition again, it will have to be filmed this season so that we have more time to film and edit,” Lara said. Future plans include exploring all types of films including non-sports related topics as well as ski and bike films. With dates already set for next year’s contest, ArtZone will put out a call for artists this summer with submission details.

arts

WHEN SKIING BECOMES POETRY IN MOTION Local songwriter uses the slopes for inspiration in her odes to Sun Peaks. By Louise Hudson

Some like skiing to be slow, controlled and rhythmic. Others favour fast and flamboyant with a racer mojo. Whichever style, there is one thing many agree on and that is the epic nature of winter sports. Epic has become the buzzword to describe a perfect ski day, but what does it actually mean? Originally, it was the name of a long and complex narrative poem that recounted the heroism of legendary figures or gods. Famous examples include Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Nowadays, in an epic ski day, the skiers and riders are the illustrious heroes, adventuring through difficult terrain, overcoming obstacles and hazards and conquering mountains. The skiing at Sun Peaks Resort has influenced the poetic lyrics written by local songwriter, Colleen Hannigan.

“Sun Peaks is an inspirational place not only because of its sheer beauty but because of the many inspiring people you meet here,” she told SPIN. “Moving to Sun Peaks in 2005 represented a huge turning point in my life, once again triggering the creative urge to write which I had set aside in my working and children years. Music has always been one of my fortes, but I’ve always struggled with words, agonizing over how they weave themselves together with the melodies.” One of her first odes to the local mountains was a clever combination of the names of 49 runs plus Top of the World. Called Five Mile Down, it was her tribute to Tod Mountain’s 50th anniversary. Produced and performed in 2011 in a collaboration with her husband Brian, it was also her first music video, notching up over 1,800 views so far. In the song, Hannigan interweaves runs such as Out of the Woods, Sacred Line and Seven Mile Road to describe an epic journey taken by The Chief, Father Tom and ‘Old Toddies’ as they heroically create the 50 year history of the hill. It’s a veritable anthem to Sun Peaks skiing. In 2019, Hannigan wrote Carpe Diem. Focusing on “the ride,” it includes these lyrics: “Carpe Diem. Don't let life pass you by. We are like the droplets of water flowing down from the mountains o'er rocks and the waterfalls of life.” In 2021, she wrote Out From Behind The Glass, which is a homage to the older folks of Sun Peaks who don’t let age deter them from winter sports.

A member of ArtZone Sun Peaks, Hannigan plays at various village venues including the Kitchen Party Jam sessions at The Magic Cattleguard last season and the Sunday afternoon Coffee House at Morrisey's Public House. “The first one was in December and we are planning one for each month of the winter season,” she said. ArtZone has been her entry into this musical mountain sub-culture, she said. “It has connected me to a creative arts community here in Sun Peaks. The organization, although largely made up of visual artists, is very supportive of all local artists, including musicians. I think being a member has given me the confidence to try and organize opportunities for local songwriters such as myself to have the opportunity to share our art with our community.” Hannigan first discovered the beauty and bounty of the Sun Peaks area while touring B.C. ski resorts with her husband. “I fell in love with Sun Peaks after our first run down a perfectly groomed Grannie Greene and before we left, we had put our Ontario home on the market and had an accepted offer on a cozy Timberline studio.” Returning to songwriting to celebrate this epiphany, she said to her, skiing is music in motion. Add the words and it becomes poetry in motion.

Colleen Hannigan and company performing at the January Sunday Coffee House at Morrisey’s Public House. Provided by Marj Knive from ArtZone

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events

EVENTS

FEB. 16 TO MARCH 15 Weekly

SATURDAYS

Live music at at Morrisey’s Public House 8 p.m.

present and future. The event runs from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at 945 College Dr., Kamloops.

Visit spots throughout the village for exhibits by ArtZone Sun Peaks displaying talented artists. Visit sunpeaksresort.com to learn more.

SUNDAYS

Feb. 25

Daily public skating at Sun Peaks Arena. Register online at sunpeaksmunicipality.ca.

February

MONDAYS

Feb. 15 to 19

Quiz Nights at Morrisey’s Public House, 7 p.m. Pool tournaments at Masa's Bar + Grill start at 8 p.m.

TUESDAYS

By donation Karma Yoga at Sun Peaks Yoga, 7 p.m. All proceeds go towards local non-profits. Locals Night at Bottoms Bar + Grill, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS

Vertical Cafe hosts a coffee house from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for locals to gather and socialize. Rock and Roll Bingo at Masa's Bar + Grill starts at 8 p.m.

Sunday Funday at Morrisey’s Public House, DJ starts at 8 p.m.

Roxxy Bomb's has a customer appreciation sale for pet parents with 15 per cent and up off the entire store.

Feb. 16

Sun Peaks Resort hosts a third rail jam at the terrain park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with proceeds going to Sun Peaks Skatepark Foundation Sorrento Centre hosts a free seminar for building food-resilient communities. Head to 1159 Passchendaele Rd., Columbia-Shuswap for 6 p.m. Parking and refreshments are free. Email Kathie MacDuff at kathie@sorrentocentre.ca to register.

Feb. 17

Heffley Creek Hall hosts a playgroup for caregivers and children at 9:30 a.m.

Sun Peaks Resort hosts a Run for Ryan at 3 p.m. Supporters can ski or snowboard down Five Mile run and then head to Tube Time for hot chocolate.

THURSDAYS

Feb. 19

Open mic night at Morrisey’s Public House, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Karaoke at Bottoms, 9:30 p.m.

FRIDAYS

AA meetings at Sun Peaks Secondary Academy at 7:30 p.m.

Women’s ride day at Sun Peaks Resort celebrates women participating in park riding. Register at sunpeaksresort.com

Feb. 24

Head to Thompson Rivers University for an exhibit that celebrates the Black community, achievements and people from the past,

Need help defining your life’s vision? Join Emma Hull and create a vision board at Sun Peaks Yoga from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Go to sunpeaksyoga.ca to learn more.

March March 1 to 3

Peak Pride celebrates 2SLGBTQ+ culture with events from drag bingo, to coffee meetups, a pride parade, music and much more. Visit sunpeaksresort.com to learn more.

March 5

Keep in shredding shape by attending Mountain Fit yoga at Sun Peaks Yoga from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Register at sunpeaksyoga.ca

March 9

The Sagebrush Theatre has an audiovisual experience called Light the Night: A symphonic Graphic Novel from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The performance honours International Women’s Day by highlighting Alma Mahler, Gustav Mahler’s accomplished wife. Visit tourismkamloops.com for more information.

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