SPIN Vol 15 Issue 2 by Sun Peaks Independent News

Alpine Racers

Tom Green

>> Page 20

>> Page 11

HEADED TO NATIONALS

WINTER Weather Forecast

SHREDS SUN PEAKS

FEBRUARY 17—20 Snow flurries, cold

FEBRUARY 21—28 Flurries, cold

MARCH 1—2 Sunny, cold

MARCH 3—13 Mild

MARCH 14—16 Colder

Volume 15 Issue 2 > FEBRUARY 17 — MARCH 16

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YOURS FREE TO TAKE HOME

CENSUS PROVES SUN PEAKS to be fastest growing municipality in B.C. by JEAN STRONG

Mayor Al Raine said he was pleased to see the official community population number come in at over 500. | PHOTO SUN PEAKS NEWS

etween 2011 and 2016 Sun Peaks’ population ballooned by 66 per cent making it the fastest growing municipality in the province. The national growth rate was 5 per cent. Released on Feb. 8, the 2016 census numbers didn’t come as a surprise to Mayor Al Raine but he said he was excited to see the growth. “I was thinking 500 would be good,” said Raine. “I was delighted to see we were past 500.” The next two fastest growing B.C. municipalities, Langford and Whistler, experienced growth of 20.9 and 20.7 per cent respectively. The data released by Statistics Canada showed that in 2011 the official population was 371 people and as of May 2016 it sat at 616. 2011 was the first census Sun Peaks was included in as a municipality as it was incorporated in June of 2010.

Raine said he expects the population may actually be higher because the census was completed during the resort’s shoulder season in May and real estate sales show many people and families have moved to the area since then. “I’d say now it's definitely higher. With people who have moved in and those who were missed it’s probably closer to 700.” The increased population won’t help secure government funding for a few more years. But, Raine said, the numbers are important to justify the work on things such as recreation facilities and the new health centre. Census data is also used to plan for growth in areas like the school, which has seen a large increase since it was founded in 2010. More than 100 students currently attend school on the mountain and more are expected to enroll in coming years. The total number of private dwellings was counted at 1,146 continued on inside

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

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occupied by usual residents came in at 290. This information reﬂects an issue that has been especially pressing at Sun Peaks this year which is a lack of

affordable and available staff accommodation. According to the census, around 25 per cent of housing available is used as permanent housing. But Raine said part-

time residents are as much a part of the community as those who reside here full time. “These residents can’t be considered as primary residents for census purposes, however

many of these residents are among Sun Peaks’ strongest supporters and contribute signiﬁcantly to our Sun Peaks lifestyle,” Raine said, “Most part-time residents have their hearts

in Sun Peaks yearround and this includes our foreign part-time or seasonal residents.” Further data from the census will be released between May and November this year.

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ROTARY CLUB PIQUES INTEREST

OUR TEAM

by JEAN STRONG

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Brandi Schier

brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

GRAPHIC ARTIST Jen Schier

jen@sunpeaksnews.com

ith more than 1.2 million members in more than 35,000 clubs around the world, Rotary International has made a global diﬀerence. From local fundraising to student exchanges, providing vaccinations and clean drinking water, the organization has completed countless projects around the world. Now local residents Brenda Wilkinson and David Fedar would like to bring Rotary to Sun Peaks for the ﬁrst time. Fedar, who moved to Sun Peaks from the Sunshine Coast last year, was involved in the club for many years and would like to see one available locally.

“It’s largely a social club,” he said. “There are lots of projects but we also have fun getting to know each other.” Meetings held in December and January to gauge interest were well attended and Wilkinson said she believes they are close to the 20 members required to charter the new club. She would like to see 20 to 30 members to sustain the club long-term. She said she thinks the club will be well received in the community because some residents have past experiences with Rotary and others are interested in networking or working on community projects together. Community fundraising for causes like the Sun Peaks Education Society, Adaptive

Sports at Sun Peaks and the Sun Peaks Health Association and projects like the skate park would be the group’s ﬁrst focus, she said. Later their scope could expand to participating in international student exchange programs, sending members to leadership training and applying for Rotary grants. “It’s a fabulous way to get involved in your community,” Wilkinson said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back.” The club could be chartered within months by a sponsor member in Kamloops if organizers have enough interested parties. There is an annual fee to join that is put towards administration costs. For more information contact Wilkinson at bw2067@gmail.com.

REPORTER Jean Strong jean@sunpeaksnews.com

A sneak peek at Sun Peaks events coming your way in 2017! Visit SunPeaksResort.com/events for details

SALES CONSULTANT Caroline Thompson caroline@sunpeaksnews.com

WRITERS Alicia Ashcroft Alison Hodgins

CONTRIBUTORS Mel Rothenburger 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

TROOPER

10/11

Skate Sun Peaks

Canada Day Celebrations with 54.40

8th Annual Retro Weekend

08/09

17 5K Foam Fest Farmer’s Market Opens

24 Opening Weekend

Photo Sun Peaks News

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Provincial DH Championships

EVENT IDEAS?

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

29/30

Alpine Blossom Festival with Shred Kelly

Have an event that you want to see at Sun Peaks? Contact us at events@sunpeakstourism.com

11/13

Summer Concert Trooper

Staff housing temporary use permit reviewed Nearly all conditions placed on a Temporary Use Permit granted to Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) by Sun Peaks’ municipality in Nov. 2016 have been met. The permit, given to SPR to operate a temporary staff housing building with 50 beds, allowed three years of temporary housing on the site beside existing permanent staff accommodation structures. Of the ten resolutions adopted prior to granting the permit, all are complete or in process of being completed except for the removal of the current vehicle impound site. The area will be relocated in the spring when the ground has thawed, said Darcy Alexander, SPR general manager and councillor, at a Feb. 6 committee of the whole meeting. Alexander said it would need to be constructed elsewhere within the resort as it’s needed to enforce parking violations. “Parking challenges are not going to get easier,” he said. Mayor Al Raine commented that the current impound site is unattractive to have at the entrance to the village and emphasized the importance of disassembling it. Raine also said his suggestion is to relocate it near the waste transfer station. Other resolutions included the creation of a Sun Peaks Housing Authority, providing an on-site manager and installing a screening fence.

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Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

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local NEWS A CAREER ON THE GREENS >> LYALL RECOGNIZED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND CONTRIBUTION TO BC’S GOLF INDUSTRY

“It’s been exciting but at the same time it’s been a lot of effort to get it.” by JEAN STRONG

or Keith Lyall, any day spent on a golf course is a good day. For years he worked on golf courses around the province filling most roles, from greenskeeper to superintendent. Now, after 11 years as golf course superintendent for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR), Lyall has received the B.C. Golf Superintendents Association (BCGSA) award for Superintendent of the Year. Erik Meertens, mountain operations manager for SPR, said they are proud of Lyall’s achievements. “As far as skill set, dedication and commitment to the turfgrass industry I don’t think you could have a better educated and more committed superintendent,” said Meertens. “He’s always got the golf course’s best interest at heart and wants to provide the best possible product he can give. It's the highest elevation golf course in the province so given his short (operation-

Lyall celebrates a hole in one on the Sun Peaks course.

Lyall enjoying some early season golf on the course.

| PHOTO SUBMITTED

al) window he turns out an amazing product.” Lyall said he is humbled to receive the recognition for his work. “It’s pretty exciting,” Lyall said. “It was certainly a goal that I had a long time ago starting this process way back then. It was a goal then that I would get recognized for those efforts but it wasn’t the main reason. It’s been exciting, but at the same time it’s been a lot of effort to get it. I’m thrilled, I have major respect for the other winners so it’s a huge honour and very humbling.” He started working at SPR in 2004 as the back nine holes of the resort’s award winning course were being completed. Lyall jumped in with both feet, helping to open the new greens in time for August

2005. By that September he earned the title of superintendent, which has grown beyond his responsibilities on the course. Lyall now looks after the sports centre and ice rink, and acts as environmental management system co-ordinator for the resort as part of their environmental certification program. As his responsibilities grew, he watched the resort expand too. “I’ve seen this place grow quite substantially,” he said. “Definitely, I’m proud of it.” He has spent many years improving the front nine holes of the course. He remembered losing a ball in the trees beside the second hole in his fourth year and finding a feature he didn’t know existed. “There’s this beautifully manmade rock creek that follows

along the second hole. I had no idea it was in there,” Lyall said. “So we reclaimed that back and now we maintain it and it’s made the hole easier for one, and certainly made it way more aesthetically pleasing.” His passion for the industry and environmental sustainability has also put him in many provincial roles outside of Sun Peaks. Lyall has spent years with the Western Canada Turfgrass Association, the Allied Golf Association of B.C. and sits on various other industry boards. His work goes above and beyond what is required of his role, but he said he just wants to help and use his skills for reading complicated regulations and simplifying them. “There was a definite need that I saw for people to get that

(environmental) information because they’re scared to read legislation, it’s kind of intimidating when you look at it. Having somebody give that information to them is going to take our industry to the next level.” Lyall said one of the proudest moments of his career so far was meeting with Mary Polak, minister of environment, to discuss issues and funding in the industry. Looking ahead, he would like to see his three other proudest accomplishments, his children, take after him and spend time in the golf world as they grow up. “I think I’ve got a lot to teach and I’d be very supportive of them working in the industry,” he said. “At the end of the day it can be a great career.” Lyall will receive his award in Victoria on Feb. 28.

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Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

SALES

community RMI EXTENSION COULD INCLUDE NEW TAX

RMI Funds have been used to bring in large events and concerts, such as last summer’s Alan Doyle concert. | FILE PHOTO BY SAM EGAN

by JEAN STRONG

he Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), a provincial funding program for tourismbased communities, is set to expire in 2017. But a committee

made of 14 communities, including Sun Peaks, has submitted a proposal consisting of three suggestions to modify and extend the program. One option presented to the province’s tourism minister, MLA Shirley Bond, was a municipal sales tax with the inten-

tion of increasing funding for municipalities that have surpassed the capacities placed on the current RMI tax. A second option outlined was to remove the cap on funding received and a third was to cancel the traditional RMI funding and allow communities to fund themselves with increased property taxes. Mayor Al Raine said he believes the best option, especially for Sun Peaks, is the municipal sales tax. “It’s the best option,” he said. “It would let the strongest RMI communities self-fund.” The tax, which would likely be applied on all goods within the resort, would allow the municipality to collect its own funds to use on infrastructure projects. It would not be the ﬁrst municipal tax as the Municipal Regional Development Tax of three per cent is current-

FINDING THE RIGHT BYLAW ISN’T ALWAYS EASY 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.

any years ago, a very wise and respected civic politician was fond of saying, “Governments can’t regulate people’s behaviour.” But while he was wise and respected, he was wrong. Government’s regulate people’s behavioir every day of the week. I was reminded of this recently when a resident remarked that he didn’t like the regional district passing bylaws. He was referring to the Thompson Nicola Regional District's (TNRD) review of limits on hobby farm animals and buildings. If the politician who said governments can’t regulate people’s behaviour had said, “Governments regulate behaviour at their own peril,” he’d have been closer to the mark. Laws and bylaws (the latter being the civic-government version of laws) are tools for modifying behavior to maintain peace and order. People don’t always like the rules imposed on them and, in a democracy, if

enough people object to a rule it can be changed. In my experience, the regional district takes a minimalist approach to creating bylaws because, by and large, rural residents aren’t overly fond of government involvement in their lives. Still, there are times when limits have to be set. The trick to laws and bylaws is that they need to be based on a proven public need rather than on the bias of lawmakers, and that they are enforceable. Few will quarrel about laws against speeding in school zones or ﬁghting in the streets, for example, but there are many examples of regulations that are overly restrictive or plain stupid. In Alberta, apparently, you’re not supposed to paint a wooden ladder because it might hide a defect. In Montreal, don’t put a For Sale sign in the window of a moving vehicle. There used to be a bylaw in Toronto making it illegal to drag a dead horse down Yonge Street on Sundays. There were probably situations that prompted lawmakers to think it necessary to ban such acts. Somebody may well have dragged a dead horse down Yonge Street one Sun-

ly charged on all resort room nights. 2.8 per cent goes directly to the municipality and the remaining 0.2 per cent is kept by the provincial government. Raine said he thinks if the tax is put into place it could nearly double the amount of funding available, which was around $300,000 in 2016. An increase in funding would allow the municipality to take on more projects. Raine said he would like to see more summer events and activities and addi-

tions to the new ice rink, but a community meeting would be called for suggestions. “We would be able to take on signiﬁcant projects,” Raine said. “We need to look after the needs of employees and residents, but also extend attractions and events to the summer months.” A proposed additional tax may require approval from retail store owners or a community referendum before being put into place.

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day — stranger things have happened in Toronto. But was a bylaw really necessary? One of my favorites is a bylaw somewhere in the U.S. that banned the singing of any Bob Dylan song in a public place. I have a certain sympathy for that one but I don’t think it should be a bylaw. Which brings us back to hobby farm regulations. It remains to be seen what they’ll look like but the issue came up in the ﬁrst place because of public concerns about the lack of rules. The end game is to enhance people’s enjoyment of their small acreages, not detract from it. The TNRD doesn’t always get it right when it comes to public consultation but this is one case in which the public has had a lot of opportunity to be heard, and people have taken up the offer. Some think more rules are good, some say they’re not necessary. Whether it’s noisy dogs, buildings that are too big, fences that are too tall, too many cows and chickens, or the music of Bob Dylan, everybody has a different opinion on the right approach. The challenge is to ﬁnd the right bylaw for the job. Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

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local NEWS EVEREST-SIZED DAY TO FUNDRAISE FOR CANCER SOCIETY >>Sun Peaks joins seven mountains with Slopes for Hope by JEAN STRONG

n 2000 Davo Karnicar, a Slovenian national, was the first person to complete a ski descent down Mount Everest, all 29,029 vertical feet of it. For those looking for another leg-burning challenge closer to home, the Canadian Cancer Society and Sun Peaks Resort LLP will host Slopes for Hope, a challenge to ski the same vertical feet as Everest in one day at Sun Peaks. March 11 will be the first time Sun Peaks will host the event after a strong start in the Kootenays seven years ago. All funds raised at the event will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. “It’s one of those events that has really taken off,” said Jen-

Past Slopes for Hope events in the Kootenays. | PHOTOS SUPPLIED

nifer Harbaruk, event chair. “It’s like a winter Relay for Life, it’s a ton of fun.” Harbaruk said she thinks residents of Sun Peaks and Kamloops will make the event a success and would like to see 100 people register. “I know personally of people at Sun Peaks who want to support but want to do it on their

own turf,” she said. Nancy Greene Raine and Al Raine are supporting the event as honorary chairs alongside volunteers who will help skiers and snowboarders track their runs. Participants will ski from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundance mountain, which has an elevation of 5,679 feet. Each run

is around 1,500 feet, meaning around 19 runs are needed to reach the goal. If 19 runs in five hours seems like a lot, groups can sign up as a team and split the load between a max of six people. At the end of the day, an après event will be hosted at Masa’s with awards and special deals. Participants who fund-

TSP STUDIES RENTAL INVENTORY >>Over 5,600 pillows in resort by JEAN STRONG

study completed for Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) by DestiMetrics, a Colorado company, has tallied the total number of beds available for short-term rental in Sun Peaks, including to-rent byowner, hotels and property management companies. At the time of the study in December 2016, 974 units with 5,664 pillows were available. The total accounts for condos,

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hotels, lodges, private homes and hostels. “It’s the first time a study has been done this in-depth here,” said Arlene Schieven, president of TSP. “It has given us a baseline for identifying trends in the future.” Anecdotal information had pointed to a decline in available rental inventory due to a growing permanent population and other factors, but exact numbers were not available. Sun Peaks Resort’s website currently states 7,000. Schieven said the study provided important information for organizing events and developing the resort. Events like Snowbombing, Spartan Race and Foam Fest fill much of resort’s accommodation and providing an accurate picture of availability is important.

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

SUN PEAKS UNITS / PILLOWS BY TYPE CONDOMINUM 287 HOTEL/MOTEL/LODGE 612 PRIVATE HOME 41 OTHER 34 TOTAL 974

SUN PEAKS UNITS / PILLOWS BY QUALITY RATING ECONOMY 100 MODERATE 559 DELUXE 315 ALL 974

RBO MARKET VS. TRADITIONAL MARKET

UNITS AIRBNB 104 HOMEAWAY 167 SUN PEAKS TRADITIONAL MARKET 974 TOTAL 1,141

PILLOWS AIRBNB 508 HOMEAWAY 904 SUN PEAKS TRADITIONAL MARKET 4,760 TOTAL 5,664

raise over $100 will also receive a discount on their pass for the day. “I would really like to see Sun Peaks hit $10,000 this year,” Harbaruk said. “I think it’s really doable.” Registration is open until the day of the event. Search Slopes for Hope Sun Peaks to learn more or to sign up.

WANT TO ADVERTISE A CLASSIFIED AD? Submit online at sunpeaksnews. com/ classified or call 250.578.0276

local NEWS SEARCH AND RESCUE HUNTS FOR NEW HOME >> Over $1 million in funding needed by JEAN STRONG

rucks, trailers, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles pack the current home of Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR). It’s not just an annoyance, said president Alan Hobler, it delays the teams when dispatched to searches. The time lost while shuffling and searching for equipment is time that could mean life or death for someone lost or stuck. “It has definitely slowed down our response,” Hobler said. “We need to pull out all of the trucks and equipment and get what we need instead of being able to take one and go.” The current space, supplied by the City of Kamloops, is around 2,000 square feet. Hobler estimated the group needs 6,000 to store equipment and complete training properly. “We’re growing as a team.

We have more specialized members and equipment which needs space.” Another concern with the tight space is security. There’s so little room in the building that the group has been forced to store gear outside, a risky option after multiple B.C. search and rescue groups were victims of theft in recent years. While security cameras surround the building, the risk of their important equipment being taken is still on the group’s mind. “Our inventory is out in the open, we are definitely conscious of the risk,” said Hobler. “Buildings nearby have been broken into and ours has been cased.” Owning a property would also save volunteers from having to move every few years. Hobler said they have been housed in various buildings and a permanent property of their own would add stability. Hobler said the best solution would be to have their own land to build on, but costs can be prohibitive. “We would be starting from scratch,” he said. “We do have access to grant funding that would help us but we need land and plans in place first.” If land was donated, Hobler said he believes KSAR

KSAR sets up a previous search and rescue situation. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

could arrange enough money to build a space through fundraising and grants and estimated around $1 million would be needed. “We are hoping somebody would donate land, we don’t

SKI GUIDE FOR A WEEKEND >> New course introduces essential skills by JEAN STRONG

ave you ever wondered what it would be like to be a ski guide and spend your days in the mountains? Though many may have considered completing the required training to be a certified ski guide, the high costs of equipment and

courses and extensive time commitments can make the option intimidating. That’s why local ski guide and instructor Bodie Shandro partnered with the Canadian Ski Guide Institute to revamp a week long pre-course to create a three day Introduction to a Career in Ski Guiding course. “The intention of the course was to be a catalyst without having to do expensive training,” Shandro said. “Not everyone has a week to commit to a course like that so I think for a lot of people it’s a great option.” The course, which will be

have a lot of money ourselves.” So far this year KSAR hasn’t been called to Sun Peaks but they have been instrumental in locating lost or injured skiers in the past. In the 2013-14 winter season KSAR responded to seven search and rescue calls at Sun Peaks. Last year they were called to three.

“Anything outside of ski area boundaries falls on search and rescue to respond.” Each search can cost thousands of dollars. KSAR is completely dependent on volunteered time and donations from government, corporations and individuals. To learn more or to donate go to www.ksar.ca/donate.

taught Feb. 24 to 26 at Sun Peaks, will include classroom and outdoor sessions on guiding, rope work, rescue techniques and navigation. “It’s for people who are interested but not 100 per cent sure, like the instructor or patroller looking to add another element to their career,” said Shandro. Those who are interested in learning more about the career or gaining additional backcountry skills are welcome to join the course. For more information or to register for the course contact Shandro at bodie@paddlesurfit.com.

YOUR OPINIONS, COMMENTS OR COMMENDATIONS ARE WELCOME Send your letters & opinions by mail to: Sun Peaks Independent News | Box 1043 Sun Peaks, B.C. V0E 5N0 or by e-mail: editor@sunpeaksnews.com All correspondence must contain a last name & a contact number for verification—phone numbers won’t be published. Writers are encouraged to keep letters to 250 or fewer words. Letters submitted without the writer’s name won’t be published. Sun Peaks Indpendent News reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality & taste. Letters not published in Sun Peaks Indpendent News may be published online at www.sunpeaksnews.com Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

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tourism NEWS WHO AM I SPEAKING TO? >>Artificial intelligence grows in tourism industry by JEAN STRONG

magine an online travel agent who, after only a few questions, can recommend a ski resort, hotel, restaurants and activities chosen just for you. The only catch is you aren’t speaking to a human, you are chatting with an artificial intelligence (AI) bot created by Kelvin Ross and his business partners. During a casual chairlift conversation at Sun Peaks, the trio came up with the idea of an AI system that could help plan ski vacations and put their plan into action. “I was chatting with the guys on the hill about how we might

Great chairlift conversations lead to great ideas, as one Sun Peaks part-time residenthas proved. | FILE PHOTO

use technology like AI to start planning ski trips and things like that,” Ross said. “Some things changed a lot along the way… we changed our model to (be) more integrating with larger providers.” The system, now being used to assist travel agents in Australia, is part of a growing trend of AI in the tourism industry. Travel websites and mobile

apps are using the technology to provide personalization, find the best prices, and give up-to-date safety information to travellers. Chat bots, like the one originally created by Ross, are being used by travel giants to complement the customer service offerings, like Expedia which announced plans to develop AI customer service through Facebook Messenger and texting. Leisure

or business travellers will be able to cancel or alter bookings or ask questions without needing to call the company or visit a website. Skyscanner also uses AI technology to help consumers search for flights through Facebook Messenger. “Connie” the robot concierge started at Hilton hotels in 2016 as a pilot project. Connie can recommend restaurants, give di-

rections and answer most travellers questions. The more people speak with her, the more information she gathers, improving her recommendations. One of the challenges with AI technology is a lack of information or data available on each individual traveller, which is needed to make useful recommendations. To overcome this companies like Lola, an app that provides on-demand travel assistance, are purchasing data and having users import past travel information to better understand their needs. Another potential challenge is whether travellers will accept speaking to computers instead of humans. A study released in 2016 revealed 75 per cent of travellers think bots will make their lives “significantly better.” Almost two thirds said they were comfortable with their use. Ross is looking forward to expanding his company and creating a product that can be used throughout the travel industry. “It’s interesting to see it change,” he said. “There is a bit of nervousness but it’s about being resilient and enjoying the exploration.”

Symphony of Snow Chamber Music Concert

Thank You

Sun Peaks Secondary Academy would like to extend our appreciation for the generous support to all the sponsors of the Symphony of Snow Chamber Music Concert. We are very grateful for the support of the community & guests.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

sunpeaksnews.com

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

GET out there TAEKWONDO CLUB BREAKS BOUNDARIES AND BOARDS >> FIRST YOUTH BLACK BELTS EARNED AT SUN PEAKS

“Black belts rise to the occasion, learning how to be reponsible and be in a system of respect.” by JEAN STRONG

F Oevermann with the three students who achieved their black belts. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

or the ﬁrst time in the history of Sun Peaks’ Northern Taekwondo Academy, three students have achieved their black belts. Paige Franklin, Alivia Mercer and Landon Oevermann received their belts after rigorous testing on Jan. 17. After years of training they were tested on every level preceding and including the black belt. Testing included theory, cardio, ﬁtness, technique and board breaking. Chief instructor Ryan Oevermann, who tested for and received his fourth degree black belt alongside his students, said he was proud of their accomplishments. “They were all nervous before but I always teach them that’s a good thing,” Oevermann said. “There’s a sense of achievement and accomplishment when they receive their black belt and see how much they’ve progressed and persevered.”

He described the tests as challenging and said they are designed to push students to exhaustion before testing their self-defence to ensure they are responsible and controlled. “When you do movements over and over your body remembers them when you get nervous. Then when your mind goes blank your body will still perform the way you want it to.” The day was made even more special for Oevermann because his son was one of the three who received their belt. His daughter will complete testing for her own next year. He and his wife have trained together for years and share the martial art as a family. “It’s how we met and now we can pass it onto our kids,” he said. “We have three families who all train together.” It was the ﬁrst time since the club was founded by Oevermann in 2012 that young students received black belts. He estimated only one in 10,000 students achieve that level. The accomplishment is recognized around the world by the International Taekwondo Federation. “It comes with great responsibility,” Oevermann said. “Black belts rise to the occasion, learning how to be responsible and be in a system of respect.” Now that the ﬁrst group has reached the level, Oevermann expects a few students to reach it every year as their training continues. Anyone can join the club throughout the year and no experience is required.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK WEEKLY LINE UP SUNDAY SUN Funday TUESDAY Ladies Night THURSDAY Open Mic Games Room SPECIAL PERFORMANCE SERIES FEB. 17TH Kelly Spencer Band 8pm - 11pm

FEB. 24TH Ryan McIntyre 8pm - 11pm

MARCH 3RD Dave Coalmine 8pm - 11pm

MA MARCH 4TH At Mission Dolores 8pm - 11pm

ST. PATTY’S WEEKEND MUSIC FEST MARCH 17TH James and the North Shore 8pm - 11pm

MA MARCH 18TH Enslow Band Apres Ski, Bry Scott GREAT FOOD, GREAT SERVICE, GREAT TIMES Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

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GET out there

BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL The lead actor takes a moment to pause in the sunshine. | PHOTO 2DEEP MEDIA

>>Local filmers working nights on new projects by SUN PEAKS NEWS

hile shooting in the backcountry can be challenging enough, local production company 2Deep Media has been upping the ante by ﬁlming much of its new project, Nightcrawlers, in the dark. “It’s funny, I am reminded of old stories of guys skiing back in the day with small car batteries and car stereos so they could listen to music before small tape players. I have been reaching out to people and trying to remember where I caught wind of these savages,”

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said skier and filmmaker Keiran Nikula. According to Nikula, it’s been an interesting mission to lug deep cycle batteries and light bars up the mountain while ski touring. The crew ran into lighting and battery issues and was impacted by plunging temperatures and unexpected weather patterns blocking their progress. Despite the setbacks their energy remained high as they were joined by Nikula’s Salomon teammate Jarred Martin, a Kamloops boy turned Whistler local. “He brought a lot of motivation to our first week, which helped us keep going as we had many hang ups the first week,” said Nikula. The team was able to secure only a few action shots with the weather conditions, but combined with setting up intro shots and a planned session when the snow flies, they felt good about the project.

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

Jarred Martin takes a deep turn in the darkness. | PHOTO 2DEEP MEDIA

Nightcrawlers’ plot revolves around a man, now old and grey, looking back and dreaming about his days on the mountain with no regrets. “Our lead was such a plea-

sure to work with and I know that we all had a really great time. The footage is looking on point and exactly what we are looking for,” said Nikula. The transition into the "dream

world" was shot in early February. “We have time and can be patient to make sure we have the proper conditions we are looking for,” said Nikula.

GET out there PEDALING THROUGH THE WINTER “Any opportunity that comes up to ride a bike or get other people out riding is great.”

Petersen with a fat bike on Vista Trail. | PHOTO JEAN STRONG

by JEAN STRONG

s I swing onto the seat of my bike in the snowy Sun Peaks village, a woman smiles and says “Wow, that looks like fun.” It’s the first time I’ve ridden a bike when the temperature is solidly below 0 degrees and it takes some getting used to. I’m wearing winter boots, my ski helmet and ski gloves, which I

quickly trade for liners so I can change gears faster. I need to change them quickly to keep up with Jase Petersen, president of the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association and my guide for the sunny afternoon. As he leads me past storefronts and hotel lobbies to access the popular village trail system, nearly everyone we pass gives the bikes a quizzical look and a smile; they obviously draw attention. When we make it to the trails I am feeling more comfortable maneuvering the wide tires and start to relax. I can see why the bikes are becoming popular in Western Canadian resorts. The bikes were first introduced to Sun Peaks in 2012

and after a short break they have returned as rentals at Elevation’s shop. This year they are allowed on two Nordic ski trails, Cotton Tail and Vista, for the first time. Petersen is excited about the expansion, as he spends most of the summer months on a bike. “Any opportunity that comes up to ride a bike or get other people out riding is great,” he said. He said many members of the local biking community have given the winter-ready bikes a try and loved the experience. Another fat bike-loving group has been steadily growing in Jasper since 2011 when a trail system started being developed. In Jan. 2016 they hosted the Frosty’s Fat Bike Race that saw more than 50 competitors take part over Jasper’s five designated fat bike trails. There are additional mountain biking trails open to fat bikers throughout the park. Matt Staneland, chair of the Jasper Park Cycling Association, said the sport exploded

in popularity after the creation of the separate trail network for fat bike riders. He said the network was one of the keys to success and when bikes share paths with Nordic skiers it can be difficult to keep both groups happy. “Balancing user conflict is key to it being successful,” Staneland said. “Jasper has done a good job separating areas.” Staneland said many summer cyclists are happy to have a chance to continue the sport through the winter. Others, he said, are enjoying other options on days with poor ski conditions. “Winter is a long time,” he said. “If the skiing isn’t good it means the fat biking is really good.” Petersen said he sees the same types of people trying the bikes, and that he can see Sun Peaks growing like Jasper has. “I’ve seen a lot of people riding around the village this year since they’ve been rented,” Petersen said. “This year with less snow days you see people looking for something else to do.”

With the development of more trails, by the trail association or Sun Peaks Resort LLP, advanced bikers would be able to explore more. Petersen said he’s open to the idea of transitioning his summer guiding to winter to share biking, winter or summer, with more people. “I would like to see it expand, I think there’s a calling for it. We’re at the beginning of something that could grow.” Bikers down the valley are also taking part, with a Fat Biking Demo Day hosted by the Bicycle Cafe on Feb. 18 at Kenna Cartwright Park in Kamloops. Halfway through our five kilometre loop we meet a Nordic skier and move to the side of the trail. He stops to chat and says how excited he is about the bikes, he’s even tried them himself. When we return to the village I still have a smile on my face, I can understand the draw for long term bikers and visitors looking for another activity on vacation. It makes biking new again with an exciting future ahead.

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

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arts ENTERTAINMENT TOM GREEN SHREDS POW AND SLAYS AUDIENCES >> Comedy show on Feb. 24 an excuse to go ride

Green entertains a crowd during a stand up routine. | PHOTO SUPPLIED

by ALICIA ASHCROFT

hough much of his career is grounded in television, ﬁlm, internet and radio— comedian Tom Green’s Snow Jam Comedy and Hip Hop Tour is a return to his comedy roots. Canadian-born Green has a soft-spot for B.C.; the trip, referred to as “part road trip, part action-sports documentary, part travel show, part hip-hop rock and roll pandemonium” is certain to be a memorable tour throughout the province.

Green’s video crew will be capturing all the action and adventures in between performances. Following stops in Vancouver, Victoria, Nelson, Fernie and Golden, Green will be performing at The Club in Sun Peaks on Friday Feb. 24. An avid snowboarder, Green designed the tour so that he could ride each resort in between the much-anticipated sets. “I’m going to be honest.” Green quipped. “Every year I miss out on winter. I just really needed an excuse to go snowboarding”.

Through collaborative efforts with friend and DJ Vinyl Richie, Green created a “comedy, hip hop, snowboard hybrid—a combination of things I love.” Amid the multi-media extravaganza packed with stand-up hysteria and some seriously sick beats, Green will be dropping details about a “secret shredding location.” If you’ve ever dreamed of a wintery rendezvous with Tom Green, consider this ticked off your bucket list. Currently at work on a new album, Green is already looking ahead to future Snow Jams. “I want to make it an annual event, with new musical guests each year.” In the meantime, he’s following this trip with a European tour. “I’ve got great fans around the world, they’ve responded well to these shows.” Green was ﬁrst known for The Tom Green Show, which originated on public access programming in 1994. The stunt-driven talk show, offered all kinds of ridiculous antics, many of which were at the expense of his parent’s sanity. “They were legitimately up-

set, but they got the joke the once the shock wore off,” Green recalled. “They wanted to support my dream.” The show was picked up by MTV in 1999, catapulting the comedian into mainstream media. The timing of the show had Green on the cusp of a major shift in television programming, spawning a generation of copy cats. “It was a lot of fun at the time, but now it’s a standard format. You’ve got to move on to stay ahead of the curve.” He’s appeared in the films Stealing Harvard, Road Trip and Charlie’s Angels, with Drew Barrymore, whom he was briefly married to. He wrote, directed and starred in Freddy Got Fingered, which earned him a whopping five Razzie awards for worst actor, director and screenplay. True to form, tuxedo clad Green accepted the accolades in person. “We live in a hater society, it was just this rinky dink event, so I wanted to have a little fun with it.” Green has had a remarkable career spanning the entertainment gamut. He was part of rap group Organized Rhyme;

their single “Check the O.R.” was nominated for a Juno in 1993. He’s hosted Saturday Night Live, guest-hosted The Late Show with David Letterman, was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone, and was ﬁred by Donald Trump on Celebrity Apprentice. Green’s impressions of the newly elected President are sure to be up for discussion. Green’s comedy style has evolved from controversial to a thought provoking assessment of corporate culture, surveillance society, social media, government and technology. Green ﬂatly refuses to pick on “the little guy” or spin comedy from the plight of marginalized factions. “I’m proud to have been able to keep going for this long. I’ve gotten a lot of support from Canada, and it’s always great to come back here.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance from Guest Services for $35 or at the door for $40. Visit https://www.sunpeaksresort.com/tom-green for event details.

LOCALS OPEN UP FOR OPEN MIC NIGHT >>O’Toole is currently developing a performance schedule that runs until the end of March. by ALICIA ASHCROFT

ocals have discovered a new place to be on Thursday nights. New this season, Open Mic Nights at Morrissey’s Public House have swiftly gained popularity, becoming one of the biggest nights of the week. The recently launched special performance series kicked off with poet and blues musician CR Avery. During his stay in the village,

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Avery paid a visit to the Sun Peaks school to share his craft with the students and to “inspire and motivate others to chase down their dream.” It’s all part of a new emphasis on live music and fun at the pub. Following the success of the Sotheby’s Beneﬁt Art Auction, they wanted to expand their variety of hosting options. A long-standing member of the Sun Peaks community, as well as the hospitality and adventure tourism industries, Robert O’Toole, food and bev-

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

erage supervisor for the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Centre, felt he had a good sense of what would work in the village. O’Toole is currently developing a performance schedule that runs until the end of March. As the only Irish themed pub in town, Morrissey’s will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a raucous music festival spanning the entire weekend featuring blues, rock, and country band Enslow on Saturday, March 18. Beyond the main room, Morrissey’s has recently refurbished the games room with a pool table, dart boards, foosball, and a 1970’s Shufﬂeboard set. To further heighten the entertainment experience, seventy-inch televisions were installed, just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. O’Toole said he’s pleased with the attention their efforts

have received this year and credited his service and leadership staff. “There has been a lot of buzz this year,” O’Toole said, “Between adventure tourism, restaurants and live entertain-

ment you can have a very cool Sun Peaks vacation without even having to strap on skis.” For more information on Morrissey’s events, call 250-578-6062 or like them on Facebook.

arts ENTERTAINMENT FOOD, CULTURE, AND A CELEBRITY CHEF >>Renowned TV personality comes to Sun Peaks

Vikram Vij is one of Canada’s best known chefs and will be at the Sun Peaks Grand this March. | PHOTO SUBMITTED

by ALISON HODGINS

ood is a journey for the senses. Robust aromas, crunching herbs and colourful spices bring us to exotic places, from the salty Atlantic Ocean to the red-washed streets of Jaipur, India. Salmon, curry, poutine and hummus bring us more than lip-smacking good tastes; food brings us culture, and cultures bring us food. On March 10 and 11, the Sun Peaks Grand & Conference Centre is bringing us Vikram Vij. Hailing from Amritsar, India, Vij is a celebrity chef, cookbook author, television personality, and a humble, captivating character. His journey led him from India to Austria to Canada, where he opened his famous restaurants, Vij’s Restaurant and Rangoli Restaurant

in Vancouver. He has cooked for prominent ﬁgures including Pierre and Justin Trudeau, and now Sun Peaks locals and visitors have the chance to cook alongside him. Vivek Sharma, the general manager of the hosting hotel, couldn’t be more excited. “We’ve never done anything like this before. Vikram Vij is one of the most renowned chefs in North America.” “It’s something new for the community that will highlight Sun Peaks as a unique destination. It will showcase both Sun Peaks’ culture and Indian culture.” The event kicks off Friday morning with a two-hour private cooking class with Vij. The class is capped at 50 seats and includes a signed cookbook and a personalized signed chef coat. There’s also a meet-andgreet complete with authentic Indian hors d’oeuvres and light snacks. A second cooking class Saturday morning will be followed by a formal dinner in the evening. Dinner guests can expect cocktails, tastings from local breweries, Indian entertainment and a Q & A session with Vij. Prices for the events range from $49 for the welcome reception to $150 for the cooking class. Two night accommodation packages start at $662 (plus taxes) for two people.

“Food plays a big part in the whole weekend, but this event is about more than that,” Sharma explained. “It’s also a journey into what Indian culture is. And we’re talking about real Indian culture—not Bollywood or what you see on TV.” “Vikram is a great ambassador. He grew up in India, moved to Austria and now calls Canada home. Many of us share similar stories, and now we all call ourselves Canadian.” Tickets are selling so fast a second class has been planned for Friday morning. “The response has been overwhelming,” said Sharma. Sharma said he hopes to plan more events like this in the future, although he is uncertain if they will get Vikram to come back again— other than for a relaxing ski vacation. “Variety is the spice of life. We want to do more culinary events up here, perhaps with other chefs. We’re looking to do a winemakers dinner in the fall.”

EVENT > listings FRIDAY

FEBRUARY 17

SATURDAY TO TUESDAY

Registration and bib pick-up is in the Village Day Lodge Breezeway from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. All ages, $15 per person. Course inspection starts at 10:15 a.m. and racing starts at 11:15 a.m.

FIS SPEED SKI WORLD CUP

FRIDAY RACE SERIES

250 578 5442

MARCH 4 TO 8

The fastest non-motorized sport returns to Sun Peaks with three World Cup Races, The Velocity Challenge and So You Think You’re Fast, Eh? Races happen weather permitting every day on Headwalls ski run. info@velocitychallenge.com

SATURDAY

FEBRUARY 18

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

POP UP MARKET

Local artisans will showcase their handcrafted products at Tod Mountain Cafe from 6 to 9 p.m. 250 578 5442

FRIDAY

MARCH 4 & 5

SUN PEAKS NORDIC FESTIVAL

Two Nordic races come together for one weekend celebration - the family friendly Sun Peaks Loppet and the Nordic Sprint Challenge. 250 309 2611

FEBRUARY 24

TOM GREEN’S SNOW JAM COMEDY & HIP HOP TOUR

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

250 578 5474

AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING LEVEL 1

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

250 318 0722

The Club, doors at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance from Guest Services or $40 at the door.

MARCH 4 & 5

Fundamentals of travelling in avalanche terrain. Limited space.

FEBRUARY 24 & 25

TELUS NANCY GREENE ALPINE CLASSIC

Now a skier and boarder cross race! Support the Sun Peaks Health Association, Kamloops RIH Foundation and Sun Peaks Racers. 2010 Olympic Ski Cross Champion Ashleigh McIvor will be there as a special guest coach.

SATURDAY

MARCH 4

NORTH FACE DIRTY FEET SNOWSHOE FUN RUN & WALK 5 and 10 km, suitable for all ages. info@dirtyfeet.ca

melanie.smith@telus.net

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

MARCH 10 & 11

FRIDAY

VIKRAM VIJ CULINARY WEEKEND

MARCH 3

FRIDAY RACE SERIES

Registration and bib pick-up is in the Village Day Lodge Breezeway from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. All ages, $15 per person. Course inspection starts at 10:15 a.m. and racing starts at 11:15 a.m. 250 578 5442

Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre. 250 578 6000

HOSTING A COMMUNITY EVENT? Add it to our online calendar sunpeaksnews.com/events

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

sunpeaksnews.com

arts ENTERTAINMENT >> Kamloops Film Fest runs March 2 to 11

EXPLORING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE WITH THE KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL “It’s a great feeling to create a story in your home territory and share it with your family, friends and film enthusiasts.” by ALICIA ASHCROFT

hrough the twenty-two ﬁlms at the 2017 Kamloops Film Festival, movie-goers will experience a broad range of genres from a vast number of international and Canadian ﬁlmmakers. For those who crave cinematic adventure, The Sun at Midnight promises to be an unmissable experience. Lia, a teenage urbanite reeling from her mother’s death, is sent to a remote Subarctic area to live with her grandmother of the Gwich’in Nation, who live

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mainly above the Arctic Circle. Refusing to accept her new living conditions, she sets off to seek the nearest town but gets lost in the wilderness. Found by Alfred, a Gwich’in hunter in search of Caribou, an unlikely friendship is formed and ultimately tested. When he is critically injured by a bear, Lia is forced to gather strength and forge on in the wilderness. Kirsten Carthew, writer, director, and producer of the film wanted to create a coming of age story that drew from her personal narrative, but also to produce an adventure story that captured her experience of growing up in the North. Filming took place throughout the Northwest Territories and the Arctic Circle on Gwich’in traditional lands; weather conditions often made filming a challenge, and made the scenery rich with color and mood. “The landscape is magnificent and epic, and is featured prominently throughout the character’s journey,” Carthew said. Described by Carthew as a “full circle experience,” Midnight premiered in Fort McPherson where they filmed many scenes that included locals. “It’s a great feeling to create a story in your home territory and share it with your family,

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

Devery Jacobs, who plays Lia (left) and Duane Howard, who performs Alfred's character (right). | PHOTO KIRSTEN CARTHEW

friends and ﬁlm enthusiasts.” Carthew credited the support and co-operation of the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the collaborative efforts that heightened the ﬁlm’s authenticity. There was “a lot of mindshare in the creative process,” Carthew noted. “It’s a universal story, with

very speciﬁc cultural details,” but one that appeals to a wide variety of audiences. Before coming to Kamloops, Carthew attended ﬁlm festivals in Whitehorse and Berlin. “It’s such a gift to share it with new audiences, all you can hope is that it resonates.” The Kamloops Film Festival

runs from March 2 to 11. The Sun at Midnight plays Saturday, March 4 at 7 p.m., a Q & A with Carthew and lead actress Devery Jacobs will follow. For the full ﬁlm and event schedule refer to kamloopsﬁlmfest.ca or follow their social media for up to the minute information.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS TO BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS EDITOR@SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM

in PHOTOS

OR POST YOUR PHOTOS USING #SUNPEAKSNEWS @SUNPEAKSNEWS

James Bingham takes home the Coast Staff Satisfaction Award for the fourth year in a row. - Photo Coast Hotels

Matt Rokosh with his bronze medal at the Ride On Provincial Snowboard Series in Mount Seymour. - Photo Submitted

Jason White of Powder Ventures is awarded the 2017 Keystone Award for Best Outdoor Living Space. - Photo Tyler Meade

Black Beaver CrossFit takes a field trip to Kamloops CrossFit for a weightlighting camp with Frontier Performance. - Photo SPIN

Provincial and local officals open the Sun Peaks skating rink on Feb. 3. - Photo SPIN

Elevated Fishing Adventures sets up on Heffley Lake underneath Mount Embelton on a warm February day. - Photo SPIN

The Valleyview Figure Skating Club performs during the opening ceremonies. - Photo SPIN

A skier flies through the air at the TRU Campus In-Flight event. - Photo Alex May Photography

MLA Terry Lake and Mayor Al Raine faced off for the ceremonial puck drop by TNRD Electoral Area P Director Mel Rothenburger at the grand opening of the Sun Peak ice rink. - Photo SPIN

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; March 16

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Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; March 16

BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE AT

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SODOKU

ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS ADS ARE PLACED DAILY

SOLVE THIS CROSSWORD

Edited by Margie E. Burke

CROSSWORD ANSWERS V14I3

Answers can be found in the next issue of SPIN FOR SALE Equestrian Ranch, 43 prime location, all land irrigated from the Thompson River, plus property has an excellent well. 20 acres in hay, 30 paddocks, 70 x 200, indoor arena, with 13 stalls and paddocks, 150 X 200 outdoor pen. Four bedroom home and three bedroom mobile. Close to Sun Peaks – 1 hour away. 20 mins to Kamloops, and much more. $1,400,000. Call 250-319-6367. Custom crafted queen size bunk bed for sale. Extremely sturdy and made with beautiful local wood. One of a kind. Already at Sun Peaks. $3000.00. For photos txt 250 819 8571.

SODOKU ANSWERS V14I3

FOR RENT

1 bedroom, 1 bath, 750 sq. ft. fully furnished ski-in suite. N/S, N/P, available April 10 for min. 1 year lease. $1,150 includes utilities and cable TV, winter driveway snow clearance and parking spot. 250-434-4243. 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3,200 sq. ft. fully furnished home. N/S, N/P, available July for 1 year lease. $3,500 + utilities. Driveway snow clearance, TV, internet, phone, and hot tub maintenance included. 250-434-4243. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo for rent in Snow Creek Village from March 20- 31. Bright corner unit. $200 night plus cleaning fees. Sleeps 4 -5. No pets, no smoking. 250 819 8571.

Do you enjoy our puzzles? Too easy? Too hard?

LOST & FOUND

Stolen from Grand hotel. Blue Dakine boot locker with gear. Thief is on Camera. 250-319-5171 (send text where bag is) $ 100 reward for tip that brings bag back.

Let us know!

ACCOMMODATION WANTED

Accommodation needed for next ski season. I am a retired single lady working as a Sun Host and for adaptive sports. 2 bedroom unit preferable. Contact 778 586 483 or 0044797341823452. Upmarket chalet on or very near ski runs – wanted to rent for 1 year by couple looking to re-locate back to Canada after 20 years in Europe. Term: June 1, 2017 for 1 year. Must have nice yard. No townhouse or condos. Executive couple, non smoking, very athletic. Must be pet friendly as we have 2 well behaved dogs. Will take care of the chalet as it was our own. Currently living in Chamonix France. Furnished or unfurnished. Budget is quite ﬂexible. Replies to fred.hrenchuk@gmail.com.

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SERVICES FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND HOME IMPROVEMENTS We carry out all property repairs, renovations, maintenance and inspections. We have over 30 years of experience with extensive knowledge of plumbing systems. No job too small, from a simple shelf to a full renovation /home improvement. Reliable, trustworthy, skilled and reasonable.

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BUSINESS listings SERVICES SUN PEAKS PLUMBING, HEATING, ELECTRICAL & GAS FITTING Installations, renovations & maintenance Energy efficiency upgrade specialists Lighting systems and LED conversions Fireplaces, hot water tanks, furnaces, boilers Water filtration and softener systems *Licensed, insured & bonded* CALL 250-572-1671

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BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION Physiotherapy Services

Grether Contracting

SUN PEAKS HEALTH CENTRE Serving Sun Peaks and Area

Serving Sun Peaks Since 1992 Kitchen & Bath Renovations Damage Restoration Drywall & Painting Concrete Repairs Building Maintenance & Consulting

CALL ANDRÉ "FIRST" 250-371-1753 • andregrether@gmail.com

ROBERTS CONSTRUCTION

Excavating Ltd. •

Excavating & Snow Clearing

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Landscape Rock/Granite

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1”—4”, 4”—12”, 5”—18”, Sand, Pitrun

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Greg: 250 371 7800 • gzieb@telus.net

Kim Grunling BScPT, CMAP Registered Physiotherapist grunling@gmail.com Cell: 250 299 5911

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

h sc u R

ENTERPRISES LTD.

PAUL ROBERTS CUSTOM BUILDER | PROJECT MANAGER NEW HOMES | ADDITIONS

PHONE: 250 371 4880 18

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Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

Tim 75 l l a C -93 0 2 3 250-

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MOUNTAIN news MOUNTAIN TOWN NEWS by BY ALLEN BEST ALLEN.BEST@COMCAST.NET MOUNTAINTOWNNEWS.NET

Snow and ice can kill just outside your door PARK CITY, Utah – That snow up on your roof? Yeah, it’s dangerous stuff. In the 1990s, a woman in Vail was trying to pull down snow that had accumulated on the roof of her house. She succeeded more than she had intended. It avalanched and killed her. Recently, 50-year-old Jon Henry was killed in Park City by a block of ice that firefighters estimated weighed several hundred pounds. The ice fell on him from a height of two stories as he washed windows between houses in the city’s Old Town neighbourhood. Built during the mining era, the houses are close together, creating peril for those working between them in heavy snow years. The Park Record says the victim was an active member of Toastmasters, the club for those who want to improve their public-speaking skills. He had recently won a regional competition for a story that a fellow member described as “poignant and funny at the same time.” Whistler intends to pay a few good poets WHISTLER, B.C. – While everybody loves powder in a ski town, some people are even more thrilled by poetry. Whistler plays to the latter with its annual Poet’s Pause competition. Poets are invited to submit a poem in this year’s competition. Winning poems are to be displayed amid the Poet’s Pause sculptures and must reflect the themes of those sculptures: listening and togetherness. Winning poems will earn their authors a prize of $200 each. Poems will also be read at the municipal council meeting in April as part of National Poetry month. The competition, unusual in ski towns, had its start with a public-arts project in 2007. The winning artist, Joan Baron, proposed larger-than-life furniture to showcase the way that Whistler creates larger-than-life memories. Baron then proposed the ongoing poetry competition. The theme of togetherness was chosen for her sculpture involving two giant chairs, and the theme of listening was chosen

for her sculpture involving large chimes. Submissions have come from Whistler, the Vancouver area, the United States, and even the United Kingdom. Aspen moving toward limits on chain retailers ASPEN, Colo. – Aspen’s city council has agreed to take a more serious look at regulations that seek to prevent the downtown’s shopping district from looking too much like what you’d find everywhere else. The regulations being discussed would require special city approval for formula retail stores on the first-floor locations in the city’s downtown. That area at the foot of the ski slopes has many 19th century Victorian buildings erected during the city’s mining heydays of the 1880s and 1890s. The draft ordinance defines formula retail as a business with 11 more outlets anywhere in the United States that has two or more of the following: more than half of their stock merchandise from a single distributor; a standardized array of services; a standardized décor and color scheme; uniform apparel; and standardized sign or trademark. This definition was created after an Aspen group researched 30-some other municipalities, including Sonoma, Calif.; Nantucket, Mass.; McCall, Idaho; and the commercial core in downtown San Francisco. All have adopted legislation addressing the proliferation of chains in their downtown commercial cores. “The reason we are here now is because we have been chasing tax revenue from formula retail,” said Councilman Bert Myrin, according to a story reported by the Aspen Times. That has been lucrative for the town government but unhealthy for the community, he added. The regulations were proposed by two former mayors, John Bennett and Bill Stirling, along with high-tech investor Jerry Murdock. After two months of discussion, the idea has been moderated to exempt all existing buildings from the proposed regulation. This would include the 21 buildings now being redeveloped. Murdock said at a recent council meeting that the regulation could reduce speculation. He said current redevelopment is geared toward new formula retail stores. Councilman Art Daily said that making chain stores a condi-

tional use in new development would send a message that “as a community we are going to be cautious as to how (the downtown) retail mix evolves.” Stirling tells Mountain Town News that the proposed regulations intend to protect “community character (and) the smalltown feeling and to promote economic diversity in the core.” “We hope that Aspen can project and protect its unique brand and not have it feel like an annex of the Cherry Creek Mall in Denver. There is a homogenization of shopping throughout the world now, which is a result of globalization, and we would like not to fall prey to that sameness.” The proposed regulation would exempt the existing 15 retail outlets that have only 2-6 other locations. But at least two of the stores in Aspen that meet the definition of retail formula sprang up in Aspen, says Stirling. Growing lettuce amid snow in February DURANGO, Colo. – Five restaurants in Durango are being given fresh lettuce, arugula, kale, and other greens grown locally in a former shipping container surrounded by snow. The Durango Herald explains that Wendy Wyatt bought the winter-time greenhouse from a Boston-based maker of the Leafy Green Machines. The containers sell for $85,000 each. Wyatt heard about the product at a venture capital conference, but didn’t give it deep thought until moving to the Durango area and talking with a restaurant owner. “He was complaining about the quality of produce, and that’s when the light bulb went off,” she told the Herald. The local production extends the shelf-life of the greens by several weeks. “That’s always been one of my pet peeves: You go to the grocery store and buy something and in two days you’re throwing it out,” she said. The containers can accommodate up to 4,000 plants. Seedlings must still be planted with tweezers. However, from her smart phone, Wyatt can control the lights, carbon dioxide and humidity in the container. Sensors monitor the water quality and nutrients and trigger adjustments.

Will Trump and Sessions clamp down on cannabis? STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. – Jeff Sessions has become the U.S. attorney general, inviting the question of whether he will crack down on Colorado and other states that have approved sale of marijuana for recreational use. Nobody really knows whether Sessions, formerly a U.S. senator from Alabama, and President Trump will reverse the look-the-other-way policy of the Obama administration regarding enforcement of federal laws prohibiting use and sale of marijuana. In Colorado, there is conflicting evidence about the economic impact if they do. The state now has 440 stores that sell marijuana for both recreational and medical use, 623 cultivation facilities, 240 product manufacturers, and 12 testing facilities, according to the state’s Marijuana Enforcement Division. Annual sales of cannabis, both recreational and medical, last year topped $1.1 billion, according to Brian Vicente, a Denver-based marijuana attorney. Vicente tells the Glenwood Post-Independent to expect a recession in Denver that would reverberate throughout the state if the Trump administration reverses the Obama administration policy. But the evidence in Steamboat Springs suggests something well short of a recession if marijuana sales dive underground. Although volume of sales in Steamboat grew 18 percent last year, they remain just 1.8 percent of the city’s $23.4 million in sales tax revenue. By comparison, reports Steamboat Today, liquor store sales accounted for 3.6 percent of the sales tax pie. July and August were the most lucrative for pot merchants. Colorado voters in November 2012 approved legalized sales

for recreational use beginning in January 2014. In Telluride and some other jurisdictions, sales began the very first day. But other towns and cities pushed the pause button, waiting to see results from this giant experiment in public policy. Snowmass Village still has its thumb on pause. The moratorium on both medical and recreational marijuana businesses was recently extended until 2018 while town officials try to get a read on what people want. In many jurisdictions in Colorado, residents voted for legalization but local elected officials have interpreted that to mean that the residents didn’t actually want it in their towns and cities. Sales remain banned in Vail, for example, although there are several shops in unincorporated Eagle County, just three miles from Vail Village. The pot shops send out vans for customers. Two-thirds of Snowmass residents voted for legalization, reports the Aspen Daily News. Mayor Markey Butler says that’s plenty close, but she also notes tartly that it’s still against federal law. Near both Snowmass and Aspen, a potter who lives on a rural property in an upscale but low-density home is calculating her options after Pitkin County rejected her application to open a marijuana grow-operation on her 31-acre property. She tells the Aspen Daily News sardonically that she now plans to have a pig farm there. The county commissioners said there were too many unanswered questions about water rights and other issues. But the woman, who has lived there for 30-plus years, tells the Daily News that the real story is that many of her complaining neighbours harbor an anti-marijuana bias and “have far more resources than I do to hire lawyers and consultants.”

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Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

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>> sports PAIR OF ALPINE RACERS MAKE NATIONALS >> Great results at Red Mountain by SUN PEAKS NEWS

ith one event still remaining on the threestop B.C. Alpine Teck Open Series, a pair of Sun Peaks Racers have already qualified for nationals. Based on performances at Sun Peaks in January and Red Mountain in Rossland earlier this month, Josh Jacoby and Beckett Hooton will travel to Thunder Bay, Ont., for the under-16 ski racing national championships, which will run from Feb. 21 to 26. “It’s pretty cool to see them work so hard to make the changes they needed to make to get to that level,” said Sun Peaks Alpine Club program director Montana Molyneux, who will also make the trip to Ontario. “This race series will be so

rewarding in the fact that they made it and now they get to compete against all the other U16s that qualified in Canada.” There were six Sun Peaks Racers in action at the most recent provincial series event at Red Mountain, where males and females each competed in four events — two slalom and two giant slalom. Jacoby was seventh overall in the first two-run giant slalom, eighth overall in the second two-run giant slalom and tied for eighth in the final tworun slalom. Hooton placed fifth overall in the second two-run giant slalom, three spots ahead of Jacoby, and the time on his second trip down the hill — 59.56 seconds — was the second-fastest time of that heat. There were 55 males entered at the Red Mountain event, which wrapped up on Feb. 5. Both Jacoby and Hooton are ranked among the top 14 males in the under-16 B.C. Alpine standings, which qualifies them for nationals.

Josh Jacoby and Beckett Hooton pose with their coach Montanta Molyneux. They qualified and will represent Sun Peaks Alpine Club and Sun Peaks Resort at under -16 Nationals.| PHOTO SUBMITTED

Meanwhile, the other four Sun Peaks entrants at Red Mountain made strides of their own. Colton Kovacs and Rio Shatzko, both first-year under-16s, are looking forward to the final event of the provincial series, which runs from March 9 to 12 in Whistler. “Rio had a good crash at

New snowboard club podiums at first competition Headed to Big White March 4 and 5 Max Rokosh became the first member of the Sun Peaks Snowboard Club (SPSC) to find the podium at a Ride On Provincial Snowboard Series event. Competing in the under-19 category, Rokosh placed third in the slopestyle competition at the circuit’s Mount Seymour stop on Jan. 21. “Our guys were competing against strong riders from well-established clubs, but the kids killed it,” coach Danny Webb said, noting the club has seven members. The SPSC formed this season, a competitive incarnation of the Bluebird Day Fund (BDF) Park Sessions program. The BDF and Sun Peaks Resort LLP help fund the club.

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“I said we should have a team where we travel and compete, instead of just having these kids ride the park every Sunday and not do anything with it,” Webb said. There are 11 training days on the schedule this season. The Seymour event marked the first competition in club history. “It was great,” Webb said, “Taking them to the competition for the first time and seeing the team come together more . . . that was awesome. “They all had the drive when they came back here to get better for the next competition.” None of Rokosh’s teammates were able to find the podium, but that was to be

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

expected. Opposition such as Whistler Valley Snowboard Club and Silver Star Freestyle Club feature riders with much more experience. Connor Barrett, Jackson Steed, Jax Anderson and Merek De Witte carried the Sun Peaks flag in the under-15 division. Rokosh and Markus Abraham rode in the under-19 category. Ben Pearse was unable to make the trip. Webb and his charges will keep working to improve on rails, jumps and rotations, looking to take steps forward before the next competition, scheduled for March 4 and 5 at Big White. “I’d like to see it grow,” Webb said. “Lots of our guys are just starting out. They did really well.”

Red,” Molyneux said. “That ended up taking him out, but the boys performed really well. “We’re just chalking everything up to experience and trying to move them up through the rankings, so they can get better starts for the next race and get themselves into a good position to perform next year, when they’ll be more competitive.” Fearless Erin Cope, one of two female Sun Peaks Racers who took to the slopes at Red Mountain, had a milestone performance — she successfully finished all four races. “She goes really fast and goes all out,” Molyneux said with a laugh. “We’ve been trying to get her to harness her

energy and her speed to complete the course as fast as possible, but with a strategy. We’re really excited.” Emily Whitecross also made improvements. “She’s been working really hard to find better body position,” Molyneux said. “She can get a little more aggressive and let the skis go. Everyone has a few things to work on.” There are still spots up for grabs at the under-16 Whistler Cup in April, 16 each for the top males and females in the province, so focus turns now to strong results at the final B.C. series stop of the season next month. “There’s still lots to work toward,” Molyneux said. “Everyone’s training for Whistler.”

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>> sports DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT by SUN PEAKS NEWS

yles Williamson has spent a lot of time in terrain parks. Learning how to ski in Ontario meant taking advantage of the manmade features instead of powder glades. “The mountains didn’t really have backcountry skiing and I found a passion in the tricks learned in the terrain park.” Williamson said. “Then when I came out to B.C. I was blown away by the culture behind freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

Since moving to B.C. he has worked in the park at Cypress and currently volunteers in the terrain park at Sun Peaks. Last year, as a student at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), he walked by the small hills in the campus commons, often referred to as the Telly Tubby Hills by students. With skiing on the brain, he imagined setting up park features on the slopes. “I have a knack for scouting terrain and making a feature. I’m always thinking ‘how can I hit that with skis or a snowboard?’ so I was scouting the Telly Tubby Hills,” Williamson said. “I thought ‘that’s

pretty crazy, how could that ever happen?’” But his daydream of an on-campus terrain feature came true on Jan. 20 at the ﬁrst Campus In-Flight Invitational. With support from Red Bull and TRU, Williamson planned an event that brought nearly 1,000 people to cheer on skiers and boarders who were launched 20 feet into the air with the help of a winch. He said the support of his professor Billy Collins was crucial to the event’s success as Collins helped him reach important contacts and gain the university’s support. “They let us do something

Big turns have big financial impact Every year skiers and snowboarders visit Sun Peaks to get some turns in before heading to one of B.C.’s many helicopter or snowcat skiing operators for famous powder skiing. B.C. ranks as some of the best in the world when it comes to consistent powder conditions, and a recent study showed that guests who come to ski some of the biggest lines also have a large impact on the province’s economy. The study, completed by HeliCat Canada, found that over 110,000 annual skier days generated an estimated $128.6 million in spending in local, often rural, economies. “Close to 75 per cent of our guests are international

clientele that we bring to rural areas of the province where they spend money and support local businesses,” said Ian Tomm, executive director of HeliCat Canada, in a January press release. Between 2013 and 2015, the average annual growth was 3 per cent and the 41 operators made up 10 per cent of the $1.2 billion adventure tourism industry in B.C.. The industry also creates over 2,000 jobs and accounts for $55.1 million of household income. The study also examined the industry’s impact on adventure tourism safety. Operators work together to share important information

such as avalanche observations and snow conditions. The data is then used to create safety bulletins for the public to help them to make informed backcountry choices. Operators are also often involved in rescue operations involving the public. “We have been involved in many highway, public backcountry and commercial backcountry rescue or ﬁrst aid operations. The fact that we have helicopters available in close proximity to these activities can often be life-saving,” one operator surveyed said. More information from the survey can be found at helicat.org.

cool,” he said, adding he was glad to work with TRU. “It’s hard waters to navigate so people get scared and intimidated because it takes a long time for things to process.” For Williamson, the night was a culmination of his hardest project to date. “I couldn’t have been happier with the result,” he said. “It’s nice to see, I deﬁnitely feel accomplished. It’s really cool to see my dream complete.” The 18 competitors ﬂew off a 30 foot jump and landed on a spine, throwing their best tricks while airborne. Despite a soft landing due to last minute alterations Williamson said

they were happy to have the chance to get attention from a new demographic. “They deﬁnitely had a good time and want to come back,” he said. “Guys that were riding it really loved it.” Although Williamson plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in the spring he would like to stay in the area, and see the event continue for years to come. “It creates some sort of community of students which I think TRU really lacks,” Williamson said. “I’d love to have another Campus In-Flight next year.”

Freestlye ski team stops in Whistler

Mastin Hooper on the podium for first in the Under-14 slopestyle. | PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Sun Peaks Freestyle team is continuing their successful second season, stopping in Whistler for the Timber Tour series from Feb. 2 to 5.

Ten locals competed in categories ranging from under-10 to under-18 against teams from seven other provincial mountains. They claimed the podium in both slopestyle and big air. Mastin Hooper won ﬁrst in the under-14 slopestyle and Riley McClymont came in second in the U12 category. Ethan Hooper, under-12, and Justin Rokash, under-18, just missed the podium coming in fourth in their categories. Riley Mcclymont won ﬁrst in the under-12 big air, followed closely by teammate Olsen Advocaat in third. Morgan Franklin placed second in the under-10 big air.

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

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>> sports SPEED SKI EVENTS RETURN >>Additonal World Cup coming to Sun Peaks by SUN PEAKS NEWS

hose bullets blasting down Headwalls ski run are actually humans and some of them are vying for World Cup titles. The Velocity Challenge, FIS World Cup of Speed Skiing and So You Think You’re Fast, Eh? events will return to the resort from March 4 to 8. “These guys are stars overseas and we want them to be stars here,” event organizer Scott Coleman said. “I think a lot of North Americans aren’t familiar with who these folks are. We’ll have both world-record holders here.” Ivan Origone holds the men’s record for maximum velocity, 254.958 kilometres per hour, and Valentina Greggio is the world’s fastest female speed skier, having clocked in at 247.083 km/h. Both Italians set those marks in Vars, France, last March. More World Cup racers are

Participants from the 2015 FIS Speed Ski pose in front of the legendary Headwalls course. | FILE PHOTO

expected in Sun Peaks this year than in 2016 due to changes in the circuit’s event schedule. Two stops in Austria have been cancelled for sponsorship reasons, meaning more World Cup races will be squeezed into the three scheduled pit stops in 2017 — Sun Peaks, along with Idre, Sweden, and Grandvalira/ Grau Roig, Andorra. For the past 12 years, there have been two World Cup events held at the Sun Peaks stop. This year, there will be three. “Having three World Cups, the incentive is you pretty much have to be here if you’re planning to win the World Cup title

and collect the Crystal Globe in Sweden,” Coleman said. The second annual So You Think You’re Fast, Eh? event on March 4 will double as an unofficial training day for World Cup and Velocity Challenge entrants. “Every year, we’ve had new people coming to the World Cup,” Coleman said. “We felt it was important to give all of them a little bit of a training day and it gives us a chance to vet them and make sure they’re capable of moving into the World cup the next day.” There were about 27 skiers who took to the hill last year at the inaugural So You Think

You’re Fast, Eh?, a day designed for non-FIS registered skiers to try their hand at the sport, using only the lower half of Headwalls to limit speeds. Kenny Dale holds the Sun Peaks course record, 178.22 km/h. Skiers at So You Think You’re Fast, Eh? often register close to 125 km/h. There are two categories for the Velocity Challenge and World Cup races — production, which only requires regular FIS-certified gear, such as a helmet and ski suit, and Speed 1, which calls for the full rubber suit, fairings and Darth Vader-like helmet. Coleman was pleased to hear there will be more women competing in the Speed 1 category this year, with five or six expected to attend, including some from Sweden and France. Sun Peaks is the national hub for speed skiing as it’s the only Canadian resort capable of holding an FIS World Cup Speed Skiing event. World Cup and Velocity Challenge races start at about 10 a.m. each day, weather-permitting, and draw racers and spectators from across the globe. There were participants from Virginia and Japan last year, along with the regular European crowd, some just getting their thrills at the bucket-list

competition and others in pursuit of the overall World Cup titles, which come along with the Crystal Globe trophies. Greggio and Simone Origone, (Ivan's brother) are the reigning World Cup champions. Ivan was runner-up on the men’s side in 2016. “There’s a lot of challenges in terms of weather and the track and making sure we have perfect conditions to pull it off, but we feel great about it,” Coleman said. “We’re looking forward to a great event.” For details on required equipment and registration, along with information about each of the events, go online to velocitychallenge.com. The event is also in need of volunteers.

Snowshoers race by night Dirty Feet comes back for winter race

Peaks, one of 14 in the region and one of three at the resort, draws nearly 60 participants, who are mostly there to experience something new. There are three snowshoe races in the series including Kamloops, Big White and Sun Peaks. “The race is to create a fun environment where people can try snowshoeing on a safe course,” Hiom said. The course has been moved from snowshoe

trails on the outskirts of the resort to a village start and finish at the Clocktower at the Coast Hotel to increase engagement and excitement. “We wanted to let people see it,” said Hiom. “And there’s more interest in the evening after skiing.” Racers from the age of four to above 70 with all levels of experience, from first-timer to expert, will take on the hilly route around the resort. Volunteers are needed

to the fill roles of timing participants, guiding them on the course, setting-up and tearing down to earn race swag, snacks and prizes. For someone considering trying it, Hiom said to give it a shot. “Come give it a try, it’s a ton of fun and a great group of people. It’s a fun event filled with laughter and putting you out of your comfort zone.” Registration for $35 is open until March 3 at dirtyfeet.ca.

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Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

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Snowshoeing receives an exciting twist at the upcoming North Face Dirty Feet Snowshoe Race. More of a fun run and walk than competitive race, participants will compete on a slopeside trail at dusk on March 4. Phil Hiom started the race event company with his wife Grace seven years ago as a way to spread their passion for trail running and biking throughout the Okanagan. Now the winter race at Sun

>> sports NO ONE TRICK PONY: TURCOTTE WINS THIRD X-GAMES MEDAL by JEAN STRONG

or the eighth year B.C. native Brett Turcotte spent the end of January in Aspen, Co. competing at the world renowned X-Games. Originally a snowmobile snowcross racer, he now competes in freestyle, for which he won bronze in 2016. This year his father, fiancèe and two daughters were in the crowd to cheer him on as he won a silver medal for best snowmobile trick, his third X-Games career medal. Turcotte was edged out of first place by Daniel Bodin from Sweden but said he’s still proud of the result. “It was a good showing for my-

>>Clearwater native takes silver in Snowmobile Best Trick self. It was still exciting and congrats to Daniel,” Turcotte said. “I’m not downplaying my silver medal at all but I’m definitely ready to exceed that and chase after a gold medal next year.” His trick, a coyote indy, a backflip while holding onto the handlebars and kicking his feet sideways, earned him 83.33 points. Turcotte said his strategy headed into the competition was to have a plan and be as healthy and focused as possible. “It’s hard to ride through pains

Brett flies through the air with his snowmobile. | PHOTO SUBMITTED

and struggles,” he said. “The crowds are big and there is a lot of energy and there’s cameras in your face steady and you’re waiting to go and you’re ready to go, it definitely is almost more of a mental game there than physical.” While mid-air he said he doesn’t think of much other than

the trick. “I’m not really thinking about what kind of taco I’m going to have for lunch,” he said. “But definitely there is a thought process that goes on in the air. A lot of the time I’m just focusing on making sure the sled feels right in the air,” he said. “For me, I’m comfortable enough that I can

correct it mid-air, everything just clicks.” He practices the tricks at his home training facility and a friend’s property with a foam pit, which Turcotte said takes away some of the stress and pain of trying new tricks. His family and the communities of Clearwater and Kamloops have supported him through many years of competing. “I want to say thank you to the locals in Clearwater here,” Turcotte said. “All the local businesses, friends and acquaintances have really helped me succeed. I want to say thanks to all of them for the support. It’s cool to see people paying attention.” Turcotte will return to the X-Games in Aspen next year.

Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16

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This bright 2 bedroom townhouse is an end unit, and has convenient access to the Sun Peaks Village and chairlifts. The main ﬂoor living area features a central kitchen with pantry, dining room, spacious living room with gas ﬁreplace, two outdoor decks and full bath. This home is ideal for gathering family and friends and provides a comfortable open space with private garage and extra storage. Upstairs are two bedrooms with a shared bath and laundry. This townhouse has views of some of the ski runs on Mt. Morrissey and is offered furnished and GST paid.

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20 SETTLER’S CROSSING | $329,900 This fully furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo offers easy ski-in, ski-out access. Features open kitchen, dining and living area with 9 foot ceilings, private covered deck with hot tub, heated tile ﬂoors and even a cozy gas ﬁreplace! This pristine condo is located just steps from the 15th green of the Sun Peaks Golf Course, Nordic skiing and bike trails. In addition to the heated underground parking, there is a secure storage locker plus another ski locker by the front door entrance. Walk to shopping, restaurants and year round fun in the nearby Village! Sun Peaks is Canadaʼs second largest ski area and has become a favourite playground with outdoor enthusiasts. GST paid.

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2453 FAIRWAYS DRIVE | $189,900 Gently sloping view lot backing onto forested ski terrain at the base of Mt. Morrisey with direct ski-in access. Fully serviced lot with stunning mountain views & easy access with just a short walk to the village & chairlift. The Golf Course is located across the street and the proposed West Morrisey chairlift is just steps away. Design your custom mountain home at your convenience, since there is no time line or pressure to build. Zoning also allows a 2 bedroom legal suite. GST paid.

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29 CRYSTAL FOREST | $329,000

This upper level bright 2 bed, 2 bath condo has beautiful features including rich hardwood ﬂoors, vaulted ceiling, & soaring windows. Offers great ski-in, ski-out access, secure underground parking and extra storage. 5 minute walk to the main village. This development is zoned for nightly rentals so you can easily generate income when youʼre not here. Strong revenue statements available. A home at Settlerʼs Crossing will put you at the heart of all Sun Peaks has to offer. This is the kind of place that brings families together to create a lifetime of memories and traditions. Offered fully furnished with private hot tub.

A close walk to everywhere in this centrally located spacious 3 bedroom townhome in beautiful Sun Peaks. Features a cozy ﬁreplace, functional galley kitchen with eating bar, heated tile ﬂoors in entrances, bathrooms and kitchen and great views to the top of Tod Mountain. The 3 levels give great separation for families and larger groups. Convenient weather protected access from your 2 underground parking stalls to your back door. Ski locker at your back door. Offered fully furnished with GST paid.

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40 SNOW CREEK VILLAGE | $519,000

Beautiful ground level 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo, which comes fully furnished and features a spacious open floor plan with cozy heated tile floors, cozy gas fireplace, private hot tub, ski storage locker, and 2 secure underground parking spaces. What a great location with convenient ski-in access close to Mt. Morrisey and all Sun Peaks Resort amenities. Easy walk to the main village, skating rink and Sun Peaks Golf Course. High speed internet and cable also included in the maintenance fee. GST paid.

Like new, level entry 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom townhouse in the very popular McGillivray Creek development. Conveniently located adjacent to the village with easy ski-in access and bordering the Sun Peaks Golf Course. The layout is bright and open & tastefully ﬁnished. Features include heated tile areas, warm ﬁr accents, patio, crawl space for extra storage and private garage. This Creekside setting backs onto greenspace and the valley trail connects you to all resort amenities. GST paid.

This three level townhome with private garage features 2 bedrooms with vault ceiling, 3 bathrooms & a self-contained ground level legal suite with separate entry that could be easily rented out or included as part of the main home and used as a third bedroom or family room. This home has never been rented & is in pristine condition with heated tile ﬂoors, bright spacious kitchen, cozy gas ﬁreplace, two sundecks & is offered furnished with GST paid. This popular slope side development offers the best ski-in, ski-out locations in the resort.

NEW LISTING

SOLD 4206 BELLA VISTA DRIVE | $1,499,000 High quality custom built home in ski-in, ski-out location with spectacular window package and exceptional views of the mountains and valley. Open & expansive design and features a stunning floor to ceiling natural ledge stone fireplace. The cabinetry & finishing is impressive with high end appliances & fixtures throughout. All 3 bedrooms have private baths & comfortable hot water radiant heat on basement & main floor levels, plus a legal suite. The details in this home are outstanding with all natural stone, slate & soaring timbers.

208 COAST SUNDANCE RESORT LODGE

| $35,000

This is the perfect second ﬂoor deluxe studio suite. Features full kitchen overlooking the lifts and ski hill, corner ﬁreplace and sleeps 4 comfortably. This condo is located right in the heart of the Sun Peaks Village with secure underground parking, outdoor hot tub and exercise room. Professional in-house management team looks after everything. Owners have full ownership with a generous 180 days personal use per year. Coast Hotels manages the property and looks after the front desk and rentals when you are absent. The best ski-in, ski-out location with access to all resort amenities. This is a cozy home away from home.

6071 LAKE BAY ROAD | $1,075,000 Find solitude in this beautiful 4 bedroom, 4 bath custom lakefront home with spacious family room & games room. The open kitchen, dining room & living room features a beautiful wood burning rock ﬁreplace & opens up to your sundeck overlooking the lake. This year round home is situated on .74 acres with 103ʼ of low-bank waterfront & your own private docks. There is a large 2 car garage with extra storage and a detached 2 bedroom vintage guest cabin in the back yard.

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Vol 15 Issue 2 February 17 — March 16