SUN PEAKS
Ski & Snowboard Resort Review
Sun Peaks Resort, CANADA has a very reliable snow record, a well laid out and efficient lift system and a beautiful alpine village.
Sun Peaks Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
The Sun Peaks ski and snowboard terrain is spread across three different mountains, Mt Tod, Mt Morrisey and Sundance Mountain. Mt. Tod has challenging open bowls, steep narrow chutes, treed terrain as well as long linking groomed trails. Mt. Morrisey has some long cruisers, a lot of beginner terrain as well as some extreme steeps. Sundance Mountain is mainly a beginner and intermediate mountain with some very gentle slopes and groomed wide intermediate trails.
Advanced Skiing and Snowboarding
The advanced should head to Mt Tod for the chutes, trees, moguls and bowl skiing and snowboarding. From the top of the Burfield Chairlift turn left to access the steep chutes leading down into the open powder Crystal Bowl before continuing down the double black diamond mogul littered Challenger run.
For some tight tree skiing and snowboarding turn right at the top of the Crystal Chairlift and head into the Green Door trees or head off down the Spillway trail before turning into the trees.
Mt Morrisey only has four advanced runs; they should not be avoided as three of them are double black diamond, very steep and covered with massive moguls. They are accessed via Delta’s Return trail on the right hand side of the Morrisey Express Chairlift.
Intermediate Skiing and Snowboarding
On Mt Tod the long and wide Exhibition and Cruiser trails are on the right hand side of the Sunburst Express Chairlift, they are slightly steeper than your average intermediate trails.
From the top of the Sunburst Express Chairlift take the left hand Crystal Lane trail to access the Crystal Chairlift which services the Crystal Bowl area. Here there are many intermediate trails and some ungroomed terrain great for learning to ski or snowboard in the powder.
The West Bowl on Mt Tod only has intermediate trails, they are not really long but are fun to play around in and practice some short sharp turns.
Mt Morrisey has some long fun well groomed and easy cruising intermediate trails perfect for morning warm up runs.
On Sundance Mountain the intermediate trails are similar to those on Mt Morrisey, both the Sunrise and Sun Downer trails are great first thing in the morning after they have been groomed.
Beginner Skiing and Snowboarding
Beginner skiers and snowboarders are not limited to just one area at Sun Peaks almost every lift has an easy trail leading down.
First timers learn on Mt. Morrisey’s lower gentle wide slopes serviced by the magic carpet Platter Lift. The Sun Peaks Sports School have packages for first timers including a lift pass, 2 hour lesson and ski or snowboard rental. Full day beginner lessons are also offered.
On Mt Morrisey once confidence grows catch the Morrisey Express Chairlift to the top and turn left along the Sticks trail to access the long gently sloping Home Run leading back down to the base area.
On Mt. Tod catch either the Burfield Chairlift directly to the top or both the Sunburst Express Chairlift then the Crystal Chairlift to access the 5 Mile trail, it winds its way along the top of the ridge then all the way down the boundary line to the base village area.
On Sundance Mountain turn right at the top of the Sundance Express Chairlift for the cruise down on the recently widened tree lined Rambler trail.
Sun Peaks Terrain Park and Halfpipe
Sun Peaks has two terrain parks, one beginner to intermediate and one advanced park. They both have jumps, tables, fun boxes and rails of varying sizes. The two parks are located under the Sundance Chairlift and cover about 30 acres of terrain. The well maintained and shaped halfpipe is located just above the terrain parks.
First Trax Skiing and Snowboarding at Sun Peaks
Every Wednesday morning at 8am guests can catch the Sunburst Express Chairlift up to the Sunburst Restaurant for a buffet cooked breakfast before making first tracks on the mountain before the trails open to the public. The cost is $16 per adult plus the purchase of a lift pass.
Free Guided Tours of Sun Peaks
The Sun Peaks sun guides have free mountain tours everyday at 9.15am and 1pm from the Day Lodge. They will show you the best terrain suited to your skiing or snowboarding ability and if you’re lucky some secret powder stashes!
Sun Peaks Cat Skiing and Snowboarding
Back country cat skiing and snowboarding tours are available in the Mt. Tod back country through open powder fields lead by experienced guides. Guests can expect to have anywhere from seven to twelve runs per day plus lunch and safety equipment. Other Activities at Sun Peaks
Other activities at Sun Peaks include snow shoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, cat groomer tours, snow tubing, ice skating, bungee trampolining, sleigh rides, cross country skiing and swimming in the out door heated pool at the Sports Centre.
Shopping at Sun Peaks
The Sun Peaks Village has ski and snowboard equipment and rental shops, clothing boutiques, souvenir and gift shops, a chocolate shop, a photography shop, liquor stores and a grocery market.
The Elevation Snowboard Shop has the latest brand demo and rental snowboarding gear while Jardines has the latest skiing equipment and clothing.
Sun Peaks Restaurants
The restaurants in the Sun Peaks Village range from fine dining to family friendly grills, Italian restaurants, cafes and takeaway.
The family friendly Mantles Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it has an authentic brick pizza oven and speciality roasts every night.
The Steakhouse at Sun Peaks Lodge serves the tastiest steaks on the mountain, chose from New York, rib eye or ribs. The service is excellent and the atmosphere buzzing.
For fine dining go to the lovely Servus on Creekside restaurant that serves gourmet cuisine complemented by an excellent wine list.
On the slopes the Sunburst Restaurant located at the top of the Sunburst Express Chairlift has magnificent views of the surrounding mountains; it is open for cooked breakfasts and lunch everyday.
Sun Peaks Nightlife
Bottom’s Bar is located in the Sundance Lodge, when the lifts close it has a happy hour every night and remains open until 1am.
The most popular and lively night spot in the Sun Peaks Village is Mackdaddy’s Nightclub; it has a large dance floor and hosts national bands and DJs.
Masa’s Bar serves great pub meals and hosts live bands and comedy acts throughout the season.
New for 2007/2008 at Sun Peaks
A new intermediate trail, The Other Way, has been cut in the Crystal Bowl offering an exciting new route for intermediate skiers and snowboarders looking to test their skills. The Other Way trail is accessed from the top of the 5 Mile trail winding its way through the trees slowly getting steeper and narrower until it joins back onto the lower 5 Mile trail leading down to the Sunburst Express Chairlift.
More About Sun Peaks
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Statistics |
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Elevation |
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Snowfall |
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220
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12 |
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Trails
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Terrain
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Halfpipe |
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1 |
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Terrain
Park |
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1 |
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Resort
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