PRE-WINTER Weather Forecast OCT 27—OCT 31 Rain and snow
NOV 1—NOV 4 Rainy periods, mild
Volume 15 Issue 11 > OCTOBER 27 — NOVEMBER 23
NOV 5—NOV 11 Sunny, cool
NOV 12—NOV 23 Rainy, snow showers, mild
FILMERS NOMINATED FOR INTERNATIONAL AWARDS “It feels great to finally be at iF3 with so many other great films,” Nikula said. “Nominated for Film of the Year and Best Cinematography is a huge amount of validation and we are just excited to participate in this year’s festival.”
>> Read more on Page 10
Dayton before he overdosed on a drug tainted by fentanyl. He was active and enjoyed the outdoors but now struggles to walk or speak. | PHOTO SUPPLIED
Preparing for the worst Ski industry moves to prevent fentanyl overdoses by JEAN STRONG
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ast fall Whitecroft resident Tate Holowatiuk got the phone call no parent wants to answer. His son Dayton had overdosed in Vancouver; fentanyl was later found to
be the cause. Dayton had struggled with substance abuse since Tate met him at the age of 15. Over the years he moved between cities and treatment centres but always found himself relapsing. Now, over a year later, Dayton is clean but still struggles
in his everyday life. He has trouble walking forward and cannot walk backward. The overdose also damaged his palette and he is in therapy to overcome Aphasia, a disorder caused by damage to the brain that renders him nearly unable to speak. “I was ashamed...I felt like a failure as a father,” Tate said. It’s stories like this which have galvanized the ski industry to move to protect their staff and guests as 2017 overdoses have already surpassed 2016’s staggering numbers. In what has been labelled a provincial
health crisis, 914 people died by overdose last year and by this August 1,013 deaths had already been recorded. Fentanyl has been detected in 81 per cent of illicit drug deaths in B.C. this year. At a September Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) meeting at Sun Peaks, fentanyl was an important topic to the attendees from around B.C. and the Yukon. CWSAA president and CEO Christopher Nicolson said the conversation was continuing from last year. “It was a reminder for the in-
NEW SKI CROSS TEAM >> Read more on Page 19 dustry to be diligent,” he said. “A reminder to communities of what is available.” According to Nicolson, the industry association took a stance against the drug with fact based information in a blunt, honest way. “I’m pleased to say last year we took a really hard line on it... ski areas did likewise with factual presentations at orientations in a direct manner. “It’s a very important issue, the biggest concern would be that of complacency.” continued on next page
Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
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SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS INC.
LOCAL NEWS
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EDITOR & PUBLISHER Brandi Schier
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CONTINUED FROM COVER
Despite the difficult circumstances, a few months after Dayton’s overdose Tate spoke out for the first time and has continued to in an effort to deter others from using drugs that may be tainted by the dangerous substance. They will address Sun Peaks Resort LLP’s (SPR) new staff at an upcoming orientation. Kira Haug, ASK Wellness’ harm reduction program co-ordinator will also be in the resort. She said her training is important both to get the overdose-reversing drug Naloxone into the community and to create conversations. “There’s a community responsibility to broach and conduct and open up communication,” Haug said. “Stigma creates isolation and isolation
is a killer.” She added that living in a community with many people travelling through could increase the chance of an overdose situation. The synthetic opioid used to cut popular street drugs such as cocaine and MDMA cannot be smelled, seen or tasted and is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. “A ski mountain or resort is a party zone,” said Haug. “It’s (Sun Peaks is) family oriented in many regards but Friday and Saturday nights in peak season it’s also a bunch of people who want to party. We don’t know what they are bringing to our mountain and what people will distribute on the mountain. We don’t know their sources.” As dealers continue to mix it into other drugs because it’s cheap and easy to synthesize, ski areas are faced with the
challenge of keeping guests and staff safe. Last year SPR employees received training on the injectable Naloxone kits but according to Aidan Kelly, chief marketing officer at SPR, no staff members administered the drug. Other businesses also provided training and made kits available to staff. Some individuals posted home addresses of those with kits on social media. This year SPR is staying alert and continuing its efforts by including information at orientation sessions and supplying the naloxone kits alongside training to ski patrollers and staff throughout other departments. “Many of our staff are from international locations and won’t even know what the word ‘fentanyl’ means,” Kelly said. All first responders at Sun
Peaks Fire Rescue have been trained to use Naloxone and the injectable is available for them to use in case of an emergency. Haug said she is available to help anyone with additional resources, such as training or obtaining a naloxone kit. “Each individual that’s become a statistic or a dramatic number is somebody’s child,” she said. “There’s no real end in sight. It’s going to get worse before it gets better.” Tate understands that statement better than most and it’s one of the reasons he shares his family’s experience. He said he hopes that through speaking out he can potentially save a life and make up for the one Dayton will no longer lead. “Don’t bother,” he said. “It may be your first and last time. What would your family think? There’s no right or safe way to do it.”
Events aplenty over opening weekend
GRAPHIC ARTIST Jen Schier
jen@sunpeaksnews.com
by EMILY PERRINS
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REPORTER Jean Strong jean@sunpeaksnews.com
CONTRIBUTORS Mel Rothenburger Emily Perrins Allen Best
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.
ON THE COVER
Photo Supplied
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he wait is almost over! The snow is falling, the turkey discounts have been bought up and the staff are moving in. Winter operations officially get underway at Sun Peaks on Saturday, Nov. 18, with a line up of events taking place over opening weekend to get everyone excited for the ski season. The night before opening day, Thompson Rivers University
in Kamloops plays host to the annual Get Stoked Film Premiere, featuring the latest ski and snowboard films to get you inspired for the slopes. Draw prizes will be given away including Oronge Boardshop gear and alpine day passes. Things kick off at the Clock Tower Theatre at 7 p.m., with all proceeds from the event going to the Bluebird Day Fund. On opening day your alpine lift ticket earns you a beer at Masa’s Bar & Grill from 2 to 7 p.m., during “Aprés and Ales.”. With DJs, giveaways and ski flicks, it
will be the party to get you back into swing of winter. Stick around for the film premiere of “Reboot,” the newest snowboarding film by acclaimed filmmakers, ShredBots, and for prizes from Burton. Alternatively, switch out your snow gear for your “mountain formal” suit or gown for the Sun Peaks Annual Firefighters’ Charity Gala in the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Centre ballroom from 5:30 p.m. The evening includes a three course meal with wine, music and silent and live auctions, and is host-
ed by the Sun Peaks Volunteer Firefighters’ Society in support of the Sun Peaks Secondary Academy and Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association. Tickets are available through the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel. So no need to worry your legs might not be ready for a full weekend of skiing or snowboarding once the lifts start turning, Sun Peaks has plenty to offer both on-hill and off on opening weekend. Watch www.SunPeaksNews. com for a full list of open runs closer to opening day.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF >> Agitator repairs won’t agitate skiers
After being impacted by heavy rains and snowmelt in May, the Agitator ski run on Mt. Morrisey has been
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repaired. It took five days of work by Brent LeBeau of LeBeau Brother’s Logging to fill in the washed out section of the run, which is known for its steep pitch. Barney Mouat, outside operations director for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), said LeBeau had to
clean out any debris then create an access trail before starting at the top of the fault. He pulled material from the surrounding areas into the slide and packed it down, working his way from top to bottom. He also created new water bars above and below the site to prevent future slides. Mouat said the bars
are important to guide water off runs without cutting into the ground or pooling, which likely caused the damage. He said the fall line of the run will be slightly different after the fix. “A seasoned skier may notice a difference.”
Agitator is ready for skiers again after a washout this spring. | PHOTO SPIN
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Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
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LOCAL NEWS Cahilty Creek transforms for winter by JEAN STRONG
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Inside the restaurant was torn apart for renovations in October. | PHOTO SPIN
aving welcomed guests nearly as long as skiers have been skiing at Sun Peaks, the Cahilty Creek restaurant is undergoing extensive renovations along with a rebrand focusing on l ocal products. Work began in late September. Everything was torn out to make way for a new space that will include a larger bar featuring 10 new taps for beer, wine and cider, and a new upstairs area which will seat up to 35 people. Owner Kelly Dye said the space was needed for tour groups in the summer and will also act as an event space. He lit up as he described improv-
ing the beverage program, focusing on craft drinks, beers and wines, and a partnership with Okanagan Spirits based in Vernon to provide unique, high quality spirits. “We want to keep a fun, casual, family atmosphere and add a social house or pub experience,” he said. “What we’re doing now, but elevated.” Hours of food service will also expand while keeping afternoon specials from 3 to 5 p.m. Dye has worked alongside a designer and construction team
and used his 22 years in the industry to revamp the space which will welcome guests for opening weekend under the name Cahilty Creek Kitchen and Taproom. He said the investment speaks to his confidence in Sun Peaks. “The success Sun Peaks has seen in the last couple of years is great,” Dye said. “It’s a good time to get things done. There’s a lot of excitement about Sun Peaks right now.”
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Heffley Creek bridge cost surpasses $2 million
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• • • Old Highway 5 has been closed since spring and won’t likely reopen until 2018. | PHOTO SPIN
by JEAN STRONG
A
bridge being constructed in Heffley Creek to repair Old Highway 5 will cost more than $2 million and will not be completed until next year. The section of road, near the Heffley Creek General Store, washed away during heavy flooding in early May. In August, City of Kamloops
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capital project manager Darren Crundwell was confident tendering would be complete that month for a September start at a cost of $1.4 million. Tendering was delayed and the project was awarded to Acres Enterprises Ltd. on Oct. 3. The cost of the bridge has increased to $2,180,910 with $1,120,000 paid for through disaster financial assistance from the
Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
provincial government. Work began in mid-October, Crundwell said, and will be complete in winter of 2018, though some paving and final touches may be finished in March after snow has melted. “I understand the urgency,” Crundwell said. “We are working as quickly as we can to get the road reopened. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience.”
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COMMUNITY Fundraising fall for Bluebird Day Fund Organization celebrates at 10th Annual Fall Ball
by JEAN STRONG
M
embers of the Bluebird Day Fund (BDF) were kept busy this fall organizing two major annual fundraising events for the non profit. The Giver Balls Open Golf Tournament on Oct. 1 welcomed 82 golfers for a day of fun at Eagle Point Golf Course in Kamloops. Organizer Nathan Cross said there was more than one group at each hole. “There is lots of fun stuff to do on the course,” he said. “Eagle Point does the best job and
are great hosts.” Cross also gave credit to major sponsors like Oronge Board Shop, Okanagan Spring, Pineridge Golf Course, the Coast Sundance Lodge and Bottoms Bar & Grill. “This year was a massive success,” he said. “Probably our biggest year in money raised.” The final number wasn’t available at the time of printing but Cross estimated it to be around $6,000. The money goes towards all BDF programs like their Sports Mentorship partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kamloops and freestyle snowboarding team. Cross said the event was very well received by participants who filled a shuttle to Kamloops from Sun Peaks. BDF’s other main fall event, the 10th Annual Fall Ball, was extremely popular with the community this year, selling out in less than 48 hours. This is a special year, as it’s the ball’s diamond anniversary. The first Fall Ball took place
in 2007 after local Bryan Taylor was killed in a car accident. “It was basically just a bunch of friends and locals who decided to get all dressed and celebrate Bryn’s legacy at his favourite watering hole Bottoms,” said organizer Ryan Wilkinson. “This year our Fall Ball response was epic to say the least,” Wilkinson said. “We saw 200 tickets sell out in less than 48 hours… Sun Peaks locals never cease to shock and awe the BDF board of directors. We were just blown away.” Those who scored tickets to the event will be treated to entertainment from DJ Derek FoReel, The Three Compadres and Five Alarm Funk. Prize packages will also be available from sponsors like Oronge Boardshop, Bottoms Bar & Grill, the Coast Sundance Lodge, Okanagan Springs Brewery, Balloons and Beyond, BOLD Events Creative, Mountain High Pizza, 540 Café, Voyageur Bistro, Sundance Liquor Store, the Commodore
Sadie MacDonald, Casey Lambert, Ashley Roughan and Karly Ross’ team won the award for most honest scorekeeping. | PHOTO ALPINE IMAGES
Grand Café and Lounge, the Snowbum Life, RA Hair Studio, and Down the Road Wellness. Those looking for tickets to the Nov. 4 event can email
bluebirdballtix@gmail.com with their name and the number of tickets required or keep an eye on the Fall Ball 2017 Facebook page.
COLUMNIST VIEWS Why Kamloops elections are important to the region MEL ROTHENBURGER TNRD REPORT director.mrothenburger@tnrd.ca
Mel Rothenburger is the TNRD Director for Electoral Area P, including Whitecroft and Heffley Creek. He was the mayor of Kamloops from 1999-2005 and a former newspaper editor.
T
wo elections have just been held in the City of Kamloops that are very important to the ThompsonNicola Regional District (TNRD) and rural residents. You’re probably aware of the civic by-election that elected Ken Christian as mayor and Kathy Sinclair and Ray Dhaliwal as councillors, all for one-year terms until the next general election. But there was another election—this one among council members to select three City
directors for the TNRD board. The Community Charter, which sets the rules for B.C.’s municipalities, says councils must choose their representatives on regional district boards via a vote among themselves. The number of City council members each municipality elects to the regional district is determined by population. Based on that, Kamloops is the only municipality that has more than one director on the TNRD board. It has six. Logan Lake, Barriere, Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Lytton, Merritt, Sun Peaks, Chase, Clearwater, and Clinton each have one. All the TNRD directors chosen by the smaller municipalities are mayors. The non-municipal directors are electoral area directors like me. There are 10 of us.
So, Kamloops council elected Christian and councillors Dieter Dudy and Denis Walsh to fill vacancies created by resignations. Arjun Singh, Tina Lange and Pat Wallace remain on the regional board as well. Both the by-election and the internal regional board election are important to the TNRD and rural residents because Kamloops has a lot of influence on regional decisions. As City of Kamloops directors are often quick to point out, Kamloops pays the majority share of the regional budget. Over the years, this has set up a Kamloops vs. the TNRD kind of situation, where Kamloops is thought of as an entity outside the TNRD, while electoral area directors and representatives of the smaller towns and cities are consid-
ered to be “the TNRD.” That, in turn, has led to some tense situations. However, in my opinion the relationship between Kamloops and the rest of the TNRD is excellent right now. I don’t always agree with the positions taken by Kamloops directors, especially in regard to issues that affect rural residents, but overall the relationship is cordial. This is very important because getting things done in the electoral areas often requires Kamloops involvement and support. Area P is perhaps the electoral area with the most in common with Kamloops, as it is “just across the river” from the city and includes communities such as Sun Rivers, the Heffley area around Heffley Creek, Rivershore, as well as the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc.
So, for example, I’m often in discussions with the City and the Band on matters of mutual interest. During his months as acting mayor, Arjun Singh has been very receptive to such co-operation, and I’ve also reached out to the new mayor, Ken Christian, to continue a three-way dialogue that includes Chief Fred Seymour. I must compliment Chief Seymour for his enthusiasm in establishing good ongoing communications among the City, Area P and the Band. I’ve also enjoyed excellent relations with Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine and Chase Mayor Rick Berrigan, whose municipalities are also contiguous with Area P. This is why the people chosen by municipalities to serve on their councils is so important not just to themselves, but to the region as a whole.
Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
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LOCAL NEWS New government listens at UBCM by JEAN STRONG
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eactions were positive to Sun Peaks’ representatives at the Union of BC Municipalities convention on Sept. 10 in Vancouver according to Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) Mayor Al Raine. Raine and SPMRM chief administrative officer Rob Bremner attended the weeklong meeting as they do every
year to meet with the provincial government and fellow municipal representatives. The time is especially important to connect with other resort municipalities who receive vital Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding from the provincial government. The RMI program is set to expire in March 2018 and the 14 municipalities have been working together to create a proposal for an extension. Raine said meetings with other RMI communities and
with the Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Lisa Beare, went well. “It was well received by the minister,” he said. Raine said Premier John Horgan also mentioned RMI as important in a speech to the communities. Bremner and Raine also attended successful meetings with the Minister of Finance Carole James, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson, and Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology
Elementary school welcomes new principal
Mike Johnson with his wife Barb and sons Brandon and Gavin. | PHOTO SUPPLIED
by JEAN STRONG
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tudents of Sun Peaks Elementary school will benefit from a locally based principal working four days a week this school year. Past principals have been at Sun Peaks as needed with most of their time spent in other schools in the area, but Mike Johnson who started this September, is on the mountain campus for the majority of the week. Previously the vice principal at Brocklehurst Middle School in Kamloops, it’s Johnson’s first time as principal.
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“It’s a totally different job,” he said. “I like this community and I’m pretty excited to be here.” He has big plans for the school, he said, including seeing more interaction with the larger community. He pictures the school as a centre for the community to gather around and be connected to. “I want to be a hub for the community. I want the school to get involved.” Johnson is also passionate about getting his students outside whether he is teaching physical education or math. He encourages teachers to do the same with classes regularly moving out of the classroom to
Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
take advantage of the school’s mountainside location. As a regular cyclist and telemark skier he said he loves to share his own hobbies with students and connect curriculum to things that interest students. “In regular classes (at other schools) if you ask who bikes three kids put up their hand, if you ask who skis three kids put up their hand. Here everybody puts up their hand,” he said. “I hope we can use the curriculum around skiing.” Johnson grew up skiing at Red Mountain. He now lives with his wife Barb and their two sons Brandon and Gavin in Kamloops. The boys grew up skiing on the mountain as soon as they could walk and now ski around 50 days a season. Johnson’s time spent immersed in resort or outdoors-focused communities has given him experience he wants to apply to the new role. He said he understands the dynamics of the village and appreciates the ski culture. “Having an understanding of a mountain community helps me,” he said. “Sun Peaks is where I wanted (to work). I didn’t want to go anywhere else. This is where I want to be.”
Bruce Ralston. The two also attended sessions that addressed issues facing municipalities around the province like nightly rentals and the legalization of marijuana.
Bremner said there was value in learning how other communities are creating unique solutions and they hope to use that information as Sun Peaks’ council moves forward.
PROTECT YOUR GAS METER Sun Peaks is preparing for snow. While this is great for snow sports, it’s not so good for your gas meter. Remember to keep your gas meter set clear of snow and ice. Do not use the area around your gas meter for storage of items such as skis, shovels, snow-blowers, wood, etc. Such that access by Utility staff or emergency personnel is obstructed. In an emergency, a first responder may need to shut your gas service off at the meter set. Don’t forget overhead ice can fall off your roof and break the meter set causing uncontrolled release of gas. Utility staff can assist you in clearing the heavy snow and ice covering your gas meter set; please do not try and remove any ice coating the gas meter yourself. Remember, that if Utility’s staff must clear the gas meter during monthly meter reading or for safety reasons, you will be charged a fee of $50 for the 1st incident & $100 for each additional time. If you have any questions regarding this notice please contact the Utility’s office at info@sunpeaksutilities.com or call 250-578-5490 Monday to Friday. Sun Peaks Utilities’after hours emergency 250-319-0629.
In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
WESTSYDE YDE VICE SERVICE Auto Repairs Diesel Repairs Air Conditioning Repairs Gov. Certified Inspection Facility
• groceries • produce Meat & Produce • Baked Goods Oso Negro Coffee • Pharmacy/Personal Items
WE’RE OPEN DAILY For all your grocery needs See you at the Bluebird Market
BILL & MIKE LINDSAY
11:30am to 6:30 p.m. Everyday
Ph: 250-579-5532 Fax: 250-579-5852
Located on the ground floor of the Residences at Sun Peaks Grand
3475 Westsyde Rd., Kamloops, BC V2B 8C5
Phone:250-578-2414
LOCAL NEWS LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS >> Muni urges Burfield homeowners to fix illegal suites
Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) is waiting for owners of illegal suites on Burfield Dr. to step forward.
>> Gala returns for opening day The Sun Peaks Firefighters’ Society charity gala returns to the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Centre on
At a Sept. 16 public meeting, SPMRM chief administrative officer Rob Bremner presented on the topic and encouraged owners with existing suites to hire a code consultant to create a list of life safety issues in the home to rectify. When fixed, the municipality will allow a single suite in a duplex building. This means in a duplex there could be two main living areas and two suites. As of mid-October no one had yet approached the
municipality but this didn’t surprise Bremner as he said it would take some time to hire a consultant and complete any required changes. The issue of illegal suites began before the municipality incorporated in 2010. Cease and desist letters were sent to Burfield residents by the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) but were not followed up on as the municipality was created. When short-term rental zoning was created and inspections were completed
to ensure compliance with BC building codes it was found many of homes on Burfield Dr. would not pass as they had developed suites without building permits and the zoning doesn’t allow suites. With increased construction and population on the street in recent years, sewer utilities have become strained. Bremner said that the area is only 75 per cent constructed but already passed sewer capacity and often backs up into manholes. The municipality is looking
at ways to finance increasing the sewer capacity with a large holding tank. Initial costs estimate the construction to be around $250,000 which would have to paid by the homeowners in some way. The issue of capacity will have to be addressed as the area continues to grow, Bremner said no solution has been chosen but emphasized the issue of fairness. He said council believes it would be unfair to penalize those not putting additional stress on the system.
Nov.18, coinciding with winter opening day for the resort. The gala began as a way to support and thank the fire department after the Delta Hotel (now the Sun Peaks Grand) burned down in 2001. Now ticket sales help Sun Peaks Fire Rescue purchase equipment in the firehall,
supply food at the annual trash bash, and keep a burn fund and funds for fallen firefighters. Proceeds from the silent and live auction items are donated to two local charities. This year’s recipients are the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association and Sun Peaks
Secondary Academy. “It’s really important for charities to raise some funds,” said Mario Pozza, one of the organizers. “And it’s an opportunity for people to get together and reacquaint at the beginning of the season.” This year’s event will take place on Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m.
The $95 tickets include a three course dinner with wine and live music from the Serious Dogs. READ MORE COMMUNITY BRIEFS AT
sunpeaksnews.com
2017—18 Sun Peaks Visitors’ Guide >> On resort December 1st! 15,000 copies Go-to dining, accommodation, services and activities guide Booking Deadline Oct. 30th | Email sales@sunpeaksnews.com or call 250-578-0276 Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
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GET OUT THERE 82 ski areas in two seasons >> Nicolson focuses on industry connections as CWSAA CEO
by JEAN STRONG
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eading into his second winter as CEO of the Canada West Ski Area Association (CWSAA), Christopher Nicolson has a lot on his mind. Since taking up the position in April of 2016 Nicolson, a Sun Peaks resident, has had a packed schedule. So far he’s visited 82 out of the 92 ski area members in an effort to focus on advocacy and the industry community.
Christopher Nicolson visiting the Innisfail ski hill in Alberta. | PHOTO SUPPLIED
“There are some larger areas,” he said. “But a lot of them are only a rope tow or t-bar.” He said the trips are important to gain a greater understanding
of the industry as a whole and to see how many of the areas are winter service providers for their communities more than commercial entities.
“The commercial side is a massive benefit to the province,” he said. “But also it (the industry) is a service provider of winter recreation. It provides an opportunity for youth and families to be outdoors doing something healthy.” Having grown up skiing smaller areas, he was familiar with them but returning as CEO has helped connect the industry and make smaller or more remote areas feel less isolated. “The majority of community areas are non-profit with volunteer boards and open weekends… We (CWSAA) serve them. We’re ensuring Canada West is industry led.” Nicolson said working and travelling alongside industry legends like Jim Buckingham (who he described as an “encyclopedia of prairie ski areas”) has been one of the best parts of the role. “There are many people, predecessors, who have retired but have a tremendous amount of
experience,” he said. Nicolson has also been focusing on attracting new skiers and snowboarders to the community, especially children and young people by creating new educational tools and emboldening industry conversations. “Looking at skiing and snowboarding, not just as a sport or activity, but looking at how helpful it is for youth development and confidence,” he said. “It’s the skills gained. Skiing and snowboarding has a higher calling that helps youth develop as humans.” And his plans for the next year and a half? Other than visiting the remaining ski areas on his list, Nicholson said he wants introduce snow sports to new Canadians who may come from parts of the world without ski areas. “Making winter snowsports a desired part of what Canadians want to do,” he said. “Redefining its role, how skiing and snowboarding is good for youth development.”
From water to white stuff: the magic of snowmaking by JEAN STRONG
T
here is a lot of preparation behind the scenes before chairlifts turn on opening day and guests are welcomed onto the mountain. Arguably one of the most important aspects is having enough snow on the ground to slide over. Alongside Mother Nature, this is achieved through weeks of snowmaking. Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), has up to 25 snow guns working at once to blanket slopes, said SPR slopes manager Seth Worthen. The crew of 15 snow-
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making experts begins mid-October when temperatures drop and works around the clock to get the mountain ready for midto-late November. When nature provides cool temperatures but not the required moisture, technology takes over, adding water to the air to create the fluffy white stuff every skier craves. They need temperatures of -2 C to begin, but ideal temperatures are colder which allows for more water to go through the machine. Work starts on the run OSV, which has around 13 acres of ground to cover, to prepare
Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
for pre-season race training. Outside operations director for SPR, Barney Mouat, said this October there are around 17 guns running full blast on OSV. To cover one acre in one foot of snow requires 162,000 gallons of water, and while one foot of snow is enough for a base on most runs, OSV requires up to two feet to secure race gates and for athlete safety. To cover the run entirely for racers uses up to 8 million gallons of water or as much water as it would take to fill nearly 120 Slush Cup pits. The water comes from a reservoir that holds up to 33 mil-
lion gallons As it won’t replenish through the winter the team has to be careful with how it’s used, leaving behind around 1 million gallons at the end of the season. “Exactly what is needed is used,” Mouat said. “We try to be as careful and meticulous as we can.” From OSV the guns are moved around other high priority areas of the mountain like 5-Mile run, Tube Time, the platter lift and the terrain parks. You will see the guns in action earlier in the season, but Worthen said they hope to be wrapped up by Christmas.
A snowmaking gun begins to blanket the ground in a layer of white magic. | PHOTO SUPPLIED
GET OUT THERE Passing the weights >> Local trainer Petersen takes over gym
by JEAN STRONG
W
hen I meet Jase Petersen at Black Beaver CrossFit I’m apprehensive. I consider myself athletic enough but CrossFit seems different, somehow more intimidating. A workout is written on a whiteboard and it looks like double what I would normally do at the gym. But before long I feel at home. Petersen took my injuries, strengths and weaknesses into account and altered the moves for me. It’s his passion for coaching and the gym that led him to take over from previous owners Hamish and Tori Charlton who
opened the facility in 2015. “I was looking for something to make my lifestyle (of biking and skiing) easier,” Petersen said of why he began training three and a half years ago. “I enjoyed the process.” One year in he had lost 35 pounds and completed his certification as a coach. Now he will be the only coach for the gym and has plans to expand offerings in the future after settling into the business this winter. Petersen said he can see himself being involved with other fitness facilities in the community as it grows. Before that, his goal is to grow the current facility beyond the sixty active members. “I have some ideas, but the biggest is maintaining the dedication to creating a fit community,” he said. “I’m looking at options to make it more available.” Like I experienced, the programming provides the option to scale exercises and reps depending on injuries and ability to create the same level of intensity for everyone. Petersen said this is especially important in a community as active as Sun Peaks. He wants class participants to
“KNOWING HOW ACTIVE THIS COMMUNITY IS, MY VISION IS TO CREATE A FACILITY AND TRAINING PROGRAM THAT CAN COMPLEMENT THAT.”
be able to spend the day skiing, biking or being active outdoors and still attend a class. “Knowing how active this community is, my vision is to create a facility and training program that can complement that.” For Petersen, it’s a way to contribute to the community and commit to Sun Peaks. “I’m so excited. Seeing the growth over the past ten years I know were on the edge of that boom again with the ability to grow. “I understand the needs of the community and the lifestyle. Being up here so long people are receptive and it’s more personal.” Petersen after teaching a class at Black Beaver CrossFit. | PHOTO SPIN
OPENING DAY - NOVEMBER 18 Celebrate your first après of the season at Masa’s Bar + Grill, complete with a live DJ, prizes and specials. Even better, a frosty beverage courtesy of Granville Island Brewing is included with every opening day lift ticket or season pass*. Full details available online. *Must be 19+, proof of ID is required, one beverage per guest. Photo: Reuben Krabbe
PLAN AHEAD AND SAVE BIG Be sure to buy your lift tickets in advance from our online store for huge savings. It’s that easy! Explore today at SunPeaksResort.com/STORE Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Filmers up for two awards at iF3 Montreal
Foster works on shooting the intro to the film. | PHOTO SUPPLIED
>> “Nightcrawlers” hits Kamloops Nov. 17 by JEAN STRONG
E
ventually everyone will age and for most people skiing may eventually become out of reach. But the memories will live in our mind and sustain us. That’s the message filmmakers Kieran Nikula and Eddie Foster want people to take away from their new movie “Nightcrawlers,” which has been nominated for two iF3 Movie Awards in two amateur ski categories. “It feels great to finally be at iF3 with so many other great films,” Nikula said. “Nominated for Film of the Year and Best Cinematography is a huge amount of validation and we
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Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
are just excited to participate in this year’s festival.” The International Freeski Film Festival (iF3) was created in 2007 and is currently the largest gathering of independent movie producers in skiing. The 10th edition of iF3 Montreal takes place from Oct. 26 to 29. “Nightcrawlers” will be screened on Saturday, Oct. 28 and also shown at iF3 London in November. On a local level, it will premiere at the Get Stoked Film Premiere in Kamloops Nov. 17. Nikula is working with one of his sponsors, Salomon, to release the film online on the renowned Salomon TV. Before getting to this stage, Nikula and Foster spent 18
months working on the seven minute film, with the specific goal of qualifying for iF3. “We wanted to test ourselves and see how hard we could actually push,” Nikula said. “We said ‘Let’s see how hard we can go in a hard environment and see what we can come up with.’” The process had its share of challenges. Shooting much of the film in the darkness meant scouting locations in daylight and returning on snowmobiles at night with lights and other equipment. As days became longer they often found themselves waiting hours for darkness. “I’m really excited,” Nikula said. “People have seen it and reacted well.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EVENT > listings SATURDAY
SATURDAY
SATURDAY
SATURDAY
POWDER HOUNDS HALLOWEEN PARTY
CANADIAN SKI PATROL SKI SWAP
OPENING DAY
ART IN THE DARK 2017
OCTOBER 28
Live music and prizes for the best costume are featured at this annual halloween event. $10 gets you entry and a free drink. 250 578 0014
NOVEMBER 4
Ski patrollers host their annual ski swap at the soccer dome in Kamloops. Hundreds of skis, snowboards, boots and soft goods fill the dome. Shop for the best deal or sell your own equipment to get some cash. www.winterextreme.com
TUESDAY
OCTOBER 31
BOTTOMS BAR & GRILL HALLOWEEN PARTY
The Halloween party you’ve been waiting for since last year, Bottoms’ halloween party returns October 31 with prizes and a DJ to keep the party going. Drink deals from when doors open at 9 p.m. 250 578 0013
WEDNESDAY
NOVEMBER 1 KAMLOOPS INDOOR FARMERS’ MARKET
Find us every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Andrews on the Sqaure until Dec. 20.. info@kamloopsfarmersmarket.com
SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 4
10TH ANNUAL BLUEBIRD BALL
Celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Bluebird Ball in style at Bottoms Bar & Grill. DJ’s, auction items and fancy dress will prove for a fun night of supporting the Bluebird Day Fund. bluebirdballtix@gmail.com
NOVEMBER 18
NOVEMBER 18
Lifts will turn again on November 18 so get your boots fitted and skis waxed. guestservices@sunpeaksresort.com
kamloopsarts.ca
SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 18
WEDNESDAY
APRES AND ALES
After a hard day of skiing your alpine lift ticket gest you a free beer at Masas Bar & Grill from 2 to 7 p.m. A DJ and ski movies will provide entertainment . 250 578 5434
SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 17
GET STOKED FILM PREMIRE
A night of stoke for skiing and snowboarding on the eve of opening day. Head to the Clocktower Theatre at TRU from 7 to 10 p.m. to watch this year’s best winter movies. Entry by donation at the door to the Bluebird Day Fund.
NOVEMBER 22
ROTARY CLUB LOCALS SKI SWAP
The Rotary Club of Sun Peaks is hosting their first ever ski swap! From 4 to 8 p.m. in the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Confrence Centre’s alpine room. Buy and sell winter gear. Emtry by donation to the Food Bank. guestservices@sunpeaksresort.com
NOVEMBER 18
FIREFIGHTER’S CHARITY GALA
FRIDAY
3rd annual Art in the Dark, a fundraiser for the Kamloops Arts Council. This engaging 19+ evening of interactive arts activities, DJ and dancing will not disappoint.... black light, bodypainting and so much more!
The annual gala returns to Sun Peaks for a night of great food, wine, and music. Bid on a silent or live auction item to support charity or enjoy the sounds of the Serious Dogs performing Tickets are $95 for a three course meal and wine.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 24 & 25 DEVON COYOTE AT THE BLUE GROTTO facebook.com/thebluegrotto
reservations@sunpeaksgrand.com
250 578 5442
SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM/ events
Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Capturing moments of life Photographer documents mountain wildlife
| PHOTO NATHAN FORST
Forst takes a photo of a herd of deer near the Burfield Chairlift. | PHOTO SPIN
by JEAN STRONG
A
fter one of the first snowfalls of the year the valley trail is slick with ice, but Nathan Forst walks quickly. It’s early in the morning and he’s on a mission after getting off an overnight shift. All year he has been looking for a bear to photograph; on the way he’s found numerous deer, birds, chipmunks and squirrels but the bears have
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evaded his lens. I join Forst, walking up mountains, crossing ski runs and weaving behind homes while we search for bears and other creatures. Before jumping into wildlife photography at Sun Peaks he worked as a real estate photographer around Vancouver but decided it wasn’t for him. Now back in the mountains, he hikes up to 20 kilometers every day, sometimes with 45 pounds of equipment, after working overnight shifts
Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
at a hotel. To McGillivray Lake, the peak of Mt. Tod, up runs and through the woods, Forst covers major ground and captures the animals he meets on the way. He shares his photos on social media and his website with the name Moments of Poetry. As we walk from Mt. Morrissey to Burfield he stops and starts, carefully listening for what might be just off the path. He knows which bushes birds like and where herds of deer live; the patterns are easy to notice when you’re walking for hours. A self-taught photographer, he is now taking a class to learn to promote and sell his work. But it’s about more than making money. “It’s the impermanence of life,” said Forst. “Because everything that we see, ourselves included, all fade away. It might be a romantic notion to think that we can capture a moment and hold it in our hands, immortalizing it for posterity, but it’s the closest thing that we have to permanence.” He said it’s also important to him that there is a record of what was and how he saw it. “Due to the changing climate, wildlife habitat loss, and
overdevelopment, our world is currently going through our sixth great mass extinction. And it is due to human activity. If I can show some wonders to people, introduce a little bit of beauty into their lives, and make them treat nature and the life that surrounds us with a little more respect, a tad more compassion, then I think that is a wonderful accomplishment.” Above Burfield Dr., we spot a herd of deer grazing on the run Expo and head across the valley. As we approach the animals we move carefully, not wanting to spook them. Forst often sits for hours in one place waiting for the perfect shot, earning the trust of the animals. The deer pose for photos and we move on, headed back up towards the village. Forst will now process and edit the photos before sharing them and making them available on his website. He said the most important part of getting consistent photos is spending time. “If somebody is passionate about something then they simply must do it every single day. Passion is wonderful but without action, it’s just a dream.” And Forst will keep that up himself, hiking through the area, camera in tow, still searching for a bear willing to pose.
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SFPR trains on the Jaws of Life. - Photo SFPR
SPFR takes in some training this fall. - Photo Keith Massey
- Photo SPRF
The Bluebird Giver Balls Open Golf Tournment on Oct. 1. - Photos Alpine Images
An early snowstorm dropped 23 cm at mid mountain on Oct. 22. Photo SPIN
Tavin Krutop poses with trophies from an Arena Cross event. - Photo Submitted
A colourful sunset had many locals posting to social media. - Photo SPIN
Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
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MOUNTAIN NEWS Mountain Town News by ALLEN BEST ALLEN.BEST@COMCAST.NET MOUNTAINTOWNNEWS.NET
Bigfoot to be theme for new hotel near Glacier GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Mont. – Tom Biscardi owns a live tribute show to Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson that has been performed in Las Vegas and Reno. At one of the gateways to Glacier National Park, he hopes to create a new novelty act, a 100room hotel and museum centered around Bigfoot, the mythical creature. “Bigfoot is just like Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson,” Biscardi told the Flathead Beacon. “Everyone has heard of them.” With Bigfoot as the model, the mind races to imagine all the applications of the Bigfoot theme in hotel rooms. The hotel is to be located at East Glacier Park Village, where the Great Plains sweep up into the serrated peaks of Glacier National Park. He said there’s a byway in the area, called the Rocky Mountain Front, which originates in Alberta, but he declined to give a precise location for the migratory corridor for Bigfoot, also called Sasquatch. On the west side of the park, which was hit hard by forest fire in August, crews have completed stabilization of Sperry Chalet. Massive wooden joists flown in by helicopter were used to
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brace the stone masonry walls, gables, windows, and chimneys of the century-old, Swissthemed chalet in the backcountry between Lake McDonald and Logan Pass. Whitefish talking about the risks of forest fires to homes WHITEFISH, Mont. – With the fires and smoke of summer fresh in mind, a meeting is being held in Whitefish to go over the risk of wildfire and the public health impacts of smoke. Joe Page, the fire chief in Whitefish, told the local newspaper that the essential point of the meeting is that all of Whitefish is within what is called the wildland-urban interface. “While you may not have a huge number of trees in your yard or around your home, the fact is that we all live within range of an ember shower. Embers from a nearby wildland fire is (are) what burn down homes.” He told the Whitefish Pilot a number of things can be done to reduce the risk, but even small simple steps will have a huge impact. The fire department and the local climate action committee are sponsoring the meeting. Those in western Montana should expect hotter, drier summers in the future with longer and more intense fire seasons, according to a new climate assessment published by scientists from the state’s two largest universities.
Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
Utah county adopts lofty carbon-reduction goals PARK CITY, Utah – Utah’s Summit County has joined the growing chorus of communities across the United States enunciating goals for sharply reduced use of carbon in their electrical, transportation, and building sectors. The goals adopted by the county commission in early October call for 100 per cent of all electricity for government operations by Summit County to come from non-carbon sources by 2032. That falls short of the 100 per cent renewables adopted by some communities, because it only applies to the one local sector of government. However, the goal adopted by the five elected officials calls for a much deeper 80 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050 as compared to 2014 levels, but applied to the county residents, businesses, and visitors altogether. This includes Park City and its two big ski areas, Park City and Deer Valley. How will they get there? Currently, 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions come from electricity and 47 per cent from transportation, with most of the balance coming from buildings and other land uses. The commissioners talked about the need to convert transportation to electric vehicles supplied by renewable energy. Energy efficiency will also be pursued through changes to development codes, retrofits
for existing buildings, and other means. Park City and Moab have both adopted 100 per cent renewable goals, as has Salt Lake City. Summit County’s resolution cites the risk of a warming climate to the environment and economy of local residents. Program aims to curb sexual predation in bars ASPEN, Colo. – A new program in Aspen aims to help front-line employees in bars and restaurants identify and intervene in potentially dangerous situations that could lead to sexual assaults. The program, called Intervention Training, is sponsored by a non-profit organization in the Roaring Fork Valley that is dedicated to supporting victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Why bars? As gathering places where alcohol is readily available, they provide the environment a sexual aggressor may use as a staging ground for selecting, isolating, and even incapacitating their targets, presenters for an upcoming class
told the Aspen Daily News. One tactic used is to get potential victims drunk and away from their friends. Snowmass alpine coaster to open in time for Xmas SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo. – The Aspen Skiing Co. is completing its Lost Forest coaster just in time for winter. The coaster, to begin operations on Dec. 21, will start near the top of the gondola at the Snowmass ski area and descend 450 vertical feet. Like Vail, Breckenridge, and other resorts before it, the alpine coaster at Snowmass will be accompanied by a new challenge course and a canopy tour. The canopy tour will have nine ziplines, explained the Aspen Daily News. Also planned is a climbing wall, to be completed next year. In Steamboat Springs, a brake on the alpine coaster failed, causing one car to hit another with sufficient force that medical attention was sought, reported Steamboat Today. The coaster has 6,280 feet of track, said to be the longest in North America. It opened Sept. 7.
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>> SPORTS Finding community on the path to the podium >> Motocross racer wins big alongside family
by JEAN STRONG
T
avin Krutop is happy Sun Peaks Elementary school isn’t in session on Fridays. But he doesn’t stay entertained with a TV or video game system; there isn’t enough time. The nine-year-old and his parents, Jeremy Krutop and Kirsten MacMillan, have spent their weekends for the last few months travelling around the province to compete in motocross races. After the family entered Tavin in his first competition they never looked back. He started out in the 50 cc races and quickly worked his way to the front of the pack, consistently reaching the podium. This season he was in the top three at every race in the MCQMX BC South Series, a part of the Canadian Motosport Racing Corp Series. By the final event he had earned first place in the 50 cc category for seven and eight-
year-olds and the 50 cc open. Jeremy said going into the final races Tavin had enough practice to know what he had to do to win the championship. “It feels good,” Tavin said of winning the series. “I’m proud of myself.” His family and locals of Sun Peaks aren’t the only ones paying attention; RTR Performance in Kamloops have signed on to sponsor the young athlete. When he approached the company he told them his goals and they described what their ideal athlete was like. They wanted someone nice and courteous, who acted as a positive role model, who was a good student and who kept their room clean. They have provided promotion, decals, discounts and brought replacement parts to races when things went wrong. “He’s one of the most humble and quiet kids you’ll meet,” said Erik Dube, who handles the racing department for RTR. “Everyone you talk to likes them. He’s adapting really well and getting really quick.” Tavin has also had the opportunity to train at Whispering Pines raceway in Kamloops with national motocross racers. He’s working on cornering, knowing when to stand or sit and his overall technique. Beyond Tavin’s success, the family said it has been a great way for them to connect. “This has been the best thing to bring us together,” said Kirsten. “It’s good family time and less intimidating
Tavin Krutop poses with his championship trophies. | PHOTO SUPPLIED
than we expected.” Jeremy described the community that attends the races, families helping other families through injuries, bike repairs and life outside of the sport. Sage Deverell, a well known member of the community, was recently paralyzed in an accident but continues to support racers and lend his equipment to those starting out, including Kirsten. With Deverell’s generosity,
all three family members raced at some point in different series. “He’s been really good to us as a family getting us started in the sport,” Jeremy said. He also pointed to support from his employer Jason White of Sun Peaks’ Powder Ventures as being key to the trio being able to travel nearly every weekend. “If anyone understands the commitment it takes its Jason,”
he said, referring to White’s NASCAR career. With the community backing him Tavin is ready to continue competing, including an arena series this winter. He is aiming for higher levels of competition and maybe the national stage while forming relationships in the sport. “It’s super challenging,” he said. “It’s fast and I like meeting new friends.”
SPORTS BRIEF >> Volunteers needed for BC Winter Games
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The 40th annual BC Winter Games are coming to Kamloops and Sun Peaks in February. The games are returning to Kamloops for the third time, having hosted the inaugural games in 1979 and the BC
Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
Summer Games in 2006. Venues throughout the city will be used for 18 sports, with alpine events hosted at Sun Peaks. Up to 2,000 athletes, coaches and officials are expected to attend the event,
bringing almost $2 million into the local economy. In order to run the event 2,000 volunteers are required for a wide variety of positions, especially in security, food service and accommodations. The event runs Feb. 22 to
25 with a special torch lighting ceremony in Sun Peaks on Nov. 23. To register to volunteer visit bcgames.net/kam2018w.
CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY MCSPORTIES
>> SPORTS New ski cross team joins alpine club by JEAN STRONG
A
fter a successful test run last year, Sun Peaks’ ski cross course will be returning for the 2017-18 season, along with a new team formed by the Sun Peaks Alpine Club (SPAC) for racers between the ages of 14 and 18. SPAC head coach Montana Molyneux said the program is designed for older racers who may not want to commit to the busy regular U14 programming. “The ski cross crew and U14/U16 crews will regularly train together and work on a variety of skills,” Molyneux wrote in an email. “The majority of the skills learned in both programs overlap and it’s important to develop well rounded skiers first
and racers (ski cross and alpine) second.” Practised skills include body and air awareness, movement, acceleration, absorption and starts. The team will practise weekly and have the chance to travel across western Canada for competitions. Molyneux said the HUB International Training Centre is an important piece as it attracts the Canadian Development Ski Cross team and could draw the national team, giving coaches and skiers the chance to train with strong athletes. The program needs six to eight athletes to run any program in order to cover coaching and other costs. Those interested in joining can visit sunpeaksracers. com or contact Molyneux at montana.skiis@gmail.com.
Racers on the new team will compete at races across western Canada. | FILE PHOTO
SPORTS BRIEF >> SPHL to welcome intermediate players In it’s tenth year of bringing skaters together in a recreational league, the Sun Peaks Hockey League (SPHL) will cater to intermediate level players for the first time. In the past only novice and advanced categories were offered but organizer Mike Billheimer said there has been demand for middle ground. “Having spent a few winters playing in the novice people wanted to move up but advanced was still too fast,” he said. It will be a great fit for people who already have
good skating skills but might not have hockey experience, Billheimer said. He added he would like to see more members registered last year than last year’s 90 players. This year’s 120 spots will be split into four teams of ten in each of the three divisions. The season begins the first week of December and runs weekly through the winter with a break over Christmas. Players can register as individuals or teams for $100 per person. Teams of 10 that register together before Nov. 10 receive 10 per cent off. Sign up opens the first week of November at Guest Services. SPHL also requires around 15 volunteers to operate who can commit to five or more shifts. They can register for $25. Billheimer said he would like to see more business or
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2017 is the tenth year the hockey league will welcome players. | FILE PHOTO
sponsored teams entering. “We really want to reach businesses who have staff and want to do it as a team building initiative,” he said. He said business’ teams would be able to rotate different staff members through as desired. The league is also still accepting sponsors who want to purchase space on a trailer bought last year for SPHL to store equipment.
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Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23
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Serving Sun Peaks and area since 1995
ALPINE RESORT REALTY
OPEN DAILY - LOCATED IN THE KOOKABURRA LODGE T: 250 578 8222 TF: 1 800 663 2838 E: info@sunpeaksrealty.com
EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED
4108 SUNDANCE DRIVE | 1,479,000
2433 FAIRWAYS DRIVE | $948,000
The architect got it right from street appeal to interior design. Prestigious Sundance Estates 4 bedroom home plus 2 bedroom suite with separate entrance, main floor with an open design, large great room, floor to ceiling rock fireplace, custom kitchen and dining room, all complimented by great window packages and French doors to patios side and back. Spec levels and finishing details are exemplary. Upper floor is master bedroom with 6 piece ensuite, walk-in closet and office/den. The property is fully landscaped with private back yard and oversized garage. Offered largely furnished, GST paid.
This attractive mountain home is in mint condition with refinished hardwood floors, new paint and lighting, features 3 spacious bedrooms, plus games room and loft. Open living area with vaulted ceiling, floor to ceiling rock fireplace, soaring windows, beautiful kitchen with eating bar and stainless steel appliances, large 2 car garage and workshop. Enjoy the massive sundeck with stunning views, professional landscaping, a private yard backing onto forested ski terrain with you own ski trail in and large back deck with private hot tub. Separate self-contained 1 bedroom legal suite with one year lease in place. Conveniently located close to the village, ski lifts and golf course. GST is not applicable.
NEW LISTING
202 KOOKABURRA LODGE | $250,000 The Kookaburra Lodge sets a new accommodation benchmark at Sun Peaks Resort with concrete construction, hard wearing yet luxurious finishes and high clearance underground parking. This centrally located intimate one bedroom condo with open design is well appointed with full kitchen and granite countertops, electric fireplace, steam shower, in suite laundry, ski and snowboard storage and comes fully furnished. Enjoy this great ski-in, ski-out location in the village with convenient access to restaurants and shopping. GST is applicable.
SOLD
NEW LISTING
403 KOOKABURRA LODGE | $219,900
323 FIRESIDE LODGE | $ 159,900
404 HEARTHSTONE LODGE | $36,900
This fully furnished fourth floor studio loft with open kitchen, dining area and living room, features 4 piece bathroom, and separate upper level bedroom. Concrete construction and designed for easy, carefree enjoyment and unrestricted owner use with easy ski-in, ski-out access. Bright south facing location overlooking McGillivray Creek and forest with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, granite counters and modern wall fireplace. GST paid.
This efficient studio is the perfect true ski-in, ski-out condo located in the heart of the Sun Peaks Village with everything you really need for comfort and accessibility with secure heated underground parking, inviting lobby with fireplace, and a central village location with an attractive assortment of commercial services on the ground level. Relax in front of your cozy fireplace and prepare meals in your full kitchen, and enjoy the shared outdoor hot tub with neighbours & friends. This condo has been updated with new rich laminate flooring throughout and will be available to move in this season. GST is not applicable.
This deluxe studio suite features a well-appointed kitchenette, cozy gas fireplace & is tastefully designed and furnished in a traditional mountain lodge motif using natural wood finishes, country pine furnishings and a rich, warm color palette to create an ambience of casual comfort. Great ski-in, ski-out village location, sleeps 4 comfortably with secure lockable owner storage, underground parking, shops & restaurants, exclusive fitness facility & two large outdoor hot tubs. Owners enjoy a generous 180 days per year & earn rental income to offset expenses. GST applies.
NEW LISTING
SOLD 331/333 CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES
| $135,000
Prime ski-in, ski-out location with slopeside views of the ski. Fully furnished, one bedroom lock-off offers efficiency kitchen with queen size Murphy Bed, pullout sofa and full bath on one side that connects to the adjacent room with two double beds and additional bathroom. Professionally managed with 24 hour concierge, inviting lobby, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, exercise room, restaurant and secure underground heated parking. Positive rental income. GST Applicable.
NEW LISTING
SOLD 11 ALPINE GREENS | $334,900
Ground level, bright & spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo fronting directly onto the second fairway and Valley Trail. This sunny Golf Course location is beautiful in both summer and winter, with views of Mt. Morrisey and easy ski-in access via the street. Features heated tile floors in kitchen & bathrooms, cozy wood burning fireplace with beautiful fieldstone & timber mantle, natural wood raised panel cabinetry, private patio and extra storage. This condo is being sold partially furnished with hot tub, and is available for quick occupancy. GST not applicable.
NEW LISTING
215/217 COAST SUNDANCE LODGE | $54,000 Two deluxe studio suites with connecting door offered for sale together with efficiency kitchens, cozy corner fireplace, fully furnished and sleeps 8 comfortably with two bathrooms. Slopeside accommodation makes this a great ski-in, ski-out location in the heart of Sun Peaks Resort! There is an outdoor hot tub as well as exercise room for your enjoyment and secure underground parking provided. Ownerʼs personal use is a generous 180 days anytime during the year with rental management agreement in place with Coast Hotels. GST applies.
2219 SUNBURST DRIVE | $759,000 3 bdrm resort home approved for nightly rentals with large one bedroom legal revenue suite. Features bright spacious floor plan with open kitchen, dining room and living room with access to large wraparound sundeck with sunken hot tub. Great ski-in, ski-out, location with stunning mountain views and dramatic south facing floor to ceiling window package. Open loft area and spacious master bedroom on private upper level. This low maintenance, fully furnished home is in a great location with an easy walk down side of the ski run into the village and all resort amenities. GST not applicable.
NEW LISTING
2577 MOUNTAIN VIEW DRIVE | $189,900 This is one of Sun Peaksʼ largest residential building lots conveniently located at the base of Mt. Morrisey with great ski-in access and stunning mountain views. This quiet cul-de-sac location is very private backing onto forested ski terrain and offers a great family friendly environment. With no time limit to build out you can relax & take time to plan your perfect mountain getaway. Mountain View Drive has design guidelines in place and the residential zoning allows for a two bedroom revenue suite. Underground services are installed to the lot line and GST is not applicable.
56 CRYSTAL FOREST | $379,000 Great opportunity for your family to have the perfect 2 bdrm, 3 bath condo. Location, location with fabulous mountain views and just steps away from the Mt. Morrisey ski lift. This 2 level condo features a cozy river rock fireplace, open galley kitchen with eating bar, heated tile floors in entrances, bathrooms & kitchen, and convenient weather protected access from your 2 underground parking stalls to your back door. The master bedroom has a three piece ensuite bath & private sundeck. Enjoy backyard access from the second level to an inviting inner courtyard and covered patio area with private ski locker. Offered fully furnished with private hot tub & GST paid.
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Vol 15 Issue 11 October 27 — November 23