Skiing in Sun Peaks: A Journey from Heathrow to the Slopes
Our adventure began with a flight from Heathrow to Vancouver, departing at 2pm. We touched down around 7pm local time, facing the usual hassles of baggage claim and car rental. A delay in retrieving our skis meant we arrived late at Sun Peaks, but as two guys on a mission, this worked fine for us. Families might prefer a layover in Vancouver with an early drive to the resort.
We arrived on February 2, 2024, to find snow conditions that locals deemed unusual. However, it snowed every day, providing some of the best conditions I’ve seen in years compared to Europe.
Equipped with an Insta 360 X3 camera, we captured incredible 360-degree content of our trip. We also relied on Helly Hansen gear, specifically the Elevation Pro Shell jacket and Bib pants, which kept us dry and warm. The combo received numerous compliments.
The Drive and Arrival at Sun Peaks
The drive up the Trans Canada highway is straightforward but lacks road lighting and has plenty of big trucks. It’s essential to monitor fuel levels as stops are infrequent.
Sun Peaks is a pedestrian-friendly, ski-through village perfect for families. It offers varied skiing and a genuine freeride experience for kids. Due to unsafe snow conditions, I didn’t venture off-piste.
Dining and Accommodation
Breakfast options are plentiful, with Bolacco and Altitude offering excellent coffee, pastries, and smoothies. Cahilty’s provides more substantial fare like bacon and egg muffins, oatmeal, and cooked breakfasts.
For lunch, Bottoms and Massas deliver typical Canadian style and great service. Mountain High Pizza offers casual takeout with delicious pizzas. For a sit-down dinner, Sun Peaks Lodge steakhouse and the Japanese OYA restaurant are excellent choices. There are many spots for a beer and good food, ensuring you can’t go wrong here.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great food options
- Rolling, groomed cruisers
- Friendly and helpful locals
Cons:
- Lengthy journey (comparable to other transatlantic destinations)
- Terrain is generally more sedate; conditions limited access to steeper areas
- Lacks the “big mountain” views of some European and other resorts
Useful Links
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Our trip to Sun Peaks was an unforgettable experience, filled with excellent skiing, delicious food, and friendly locals. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a family looking for a great winter vacation, Sun Peaks has something for everyone.
InTheSnow Resort Guide
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