Skiing and snowboarding are not the only options at Sun Peaks Resort. Whether you wish to spend your days on the corduroy groomers or at the spa, here is an amazing list of the top 25 things to do at Sun Peaks Resort this winter.
Sun Peaks Resort is Canada’s second-largest ski area and with three mountains surrounding this European-style village, your options to spend your time here are endless.
1. Dog Sledding Adventure Tour
Dog sleddingis a bucket list adventure that is available to you right on the outskirts of the village. A shuttle will pick you up outside the doors of the Sun Peaks Grand Residences and drive you a very short distance to the dog sledding trails.
There are two tours offered by Mountain Man Dog Sled Adventures. TheBucket ListTour, which is 30-45 minutes on the trails through the pine trees, or the Into the Wild Tour, which is 45 minutes to 1 hour on the trails that lead up to Little MacGillivray Lake.
All sleds are guided. Each tour includes an introduction to dog sledding, meeting your team, and feeding snacks upon return.
2. Alpine Fondue & Starlight Descent
Hop on the Sunburst chairlift for a ride up the mountain at sunset and enjoy a three-course fondue dinner at Sunburst Bar & Eatery located at mid-mountain. You will enjoy cheese fondue, meats, bread and chocolate fondue for dessert.
To end the evening, you will head out onto the freshly groomed Five Mile Run down to the village with the assistance of a headlamp and guide. Enjoy the moonlit run under the stars as you descend to the bottom.
This experience costs $110 per person, requires advance registration and has a minimum age of 13 years in order to participate.
3. Fat Biking
Fat bikes have wider, oversized tires to handle the snow and are intended for off-road adventures. You can take your fat bike on the Valley Trail Network or venture out on one of the designated fat bike loops on the Nordic Network. More experienced riders can also try the new single-track SunBurf Loop.
You can bring your own fat bike or rent one in the village and purchase a $5 access ticket if you are planning to venture out on the Nordic Network trails. The Valley Trail Network and SunBurf Loop do not require a ticket.
Please be aware that Fat Bikes are only permitted on Nordic trails that have been specially designated for shared use and only when temperatures are below 0°C.
4. Guided Ice Fishing
Ice fishingis a truly unique Canadian experience with Elevated Fishing Adventures. Your tour includes door-to-door transportation from Sun Peaks to the lake, a heated ice fishing tent, fishing gear and an experienced guide to help you learn as you go.
There are two times per day for these ice fishing adventures. The sunrise tour is from 7:30 am to 11:30 am or the sunset tour is from 12 pm to 4 pm. Rates for 1-2 people are $400 plus taxes and booking fee. A BC fishing license is not included but is required.
5. Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
Sun Peaks Stables offers horse-drawn sleigh ridesfor a sightseeing tour of Sun Peaks from late November until April. Hop on board for your private sleigh ride and snuggle under a cozy blanket for a daylight, sunset or evening tour through the village and out onto the trails.
The private sleigh rides begin just outside the Coast Sundance Lodge and are approximately 40 minutes in length. The cost for 1-4 passengers is $295 and for 5-9 passengers is $395. Remember to bring your own cozy blanket and you are welcome to bring hot non-alcoholic beverages.
6. Photoshoot With a Photographer
Why not capture your vacation with some incredible photos byAlpine Images Photography? Pick your location in Sun Peaks, whether it is in the village or on the mountain. Make it an action shot photo shoot or a family portrait-style event. The options are endless but you will be guaranteed shots to remember.
7. Ice Skating at Sun Peaks
Perhaps one of my personal favorite additions to Sun Peaks Resort is the brand new outdoor covered ice rink which opened inDecember2020. A full-size ice rink, complete with dressing rooms and the most spectacular 360° views.
The maximum capacity is currently 20 people and requires advance registration and payment. There are no skate rentals or stick and puck ice times available. So bring your own skates and remember you must wear your mask at all times, including on the ice rink.
Rates for public skating are $7 for ages 6+, and children are free. Any participant 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Be sure tocheck the schedulefor more information on rates, requirements and availability.
8. Nordic Skiing
There are more than 37 kilometers of Nordic Trails in Sun Peaks and with the incredible sunshine and cold temperatures combine for an incredible outdoor experience.
Sun Peaks Nordic Center is located at P5, right at the base of the Orient Express Chairlift. You can find equipment rentals and general information about the Nordic trail network. A day pass provides access to the trails as well as two rides up the Morrisey Chairlift, taking you to the top of the Holy Cow trail.
9. Relax Slopeside in the Outdoor Hot Tubs at Sun Peaks Grand Hotel
How about skipping the slopes and spending your day slopeside in one of three outdoor hot tubs atSun Peaks Grand Hotel?You can watch the skiers and snowboarders coming down the runs or people-watch in the village, all from the comfort of these outdoor hot tubs.
You must be a guest of Sun Peaks Grand Hotel to access these private hot tubs and outdoor pool and you can reserve a time slot up to 24 hours in advance.
You can usemy discount code “caravan”to receive 15% off your next stay!
10. Ski Biking
Want to check out theever-popular ski bike? There are many different options and tours to choose from. There are two types of bikes, and they both offer the choice of an introduction session, a guided mountain tour, or a full-day rental.
The Type 1 ski bike introduction sessions include foot skis that act like training wheels. After successfully completing the intro session, you can continue with either the guided tour or go straight into a full-day rental.
The Type 2 ski bike means that you will be riding a suspension bike with skis instead of wheels. You must complete the intro session and prove that you are in control of it on your own in order to rent the ski bikes for a full day.
11. Snow Limo Tours
You don’t need to be a skier or snowboarder to hit the mountain slopes. Join your friends and family in asnow limo with your own chauffeur.This is a wonderful way for non-skiers or grandparents to experience the thrill of the mountain without learning a new skill.
There are four tours to choose from:
- 5 Mile Tour – $59 (1 run 20 -30 mins)
- Explorer Tour – $109 (3 runs 50-60 mins)
- Otchuka’s Secret – $199 (5 runs 100-120 mins)
- Snow Ghost & Top of the Word Tour – $249 (2-2.5 hrs)
12. Snowmobiling Tours
Sun Peaks Adventure Tours offer 2 hour and 4-hour snowmobiling experiences that take you out on a variety of trails, including frozen lakes and meadows. These snowmobiling tours are offered 7 days a week starting in earlyDecember.
The 2-hour tours start daily at 8:30 am, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm and cost $184 per driver and $75 per passenger. The 4-hour tours start at 8:30 am daily and cost $295 per driver and $109 per passenger.
13. Spend the Day at the Spa
Instead of spending the day on the slopes, spend it relaxing at Sun Peaks Spa and enjoy the pampering services they have to offer guests. Sun Peaks Spa has been operating in Sun Peaks since 2002 and is located right in the heart of the village offering manicure, pedicure and hydromassage treatments.
14. Snowshoeing
Sun Peaks Resorthas an extensive snowshoe trail system and you can choose to explore on your own or go with one of many guided tour options. Snowshoes are available to rent daily from the Activities Sales Desk located in the Village Day Lodge.
A snowshoe day pass is required and you will receive an interpretive guidebook to help you choose the trail that is best suited to your experience and fitness level.
15. Bungee Trampoline
Strap on a harness connected to several bungee ropes and have fun jumping higher and higher on the bungee trampoline. A favorite for kids and adults alike, it is a fun way to get some air.
16. Cat Trax Groomer Rides
Have you ever wanted to hop in a groomer and experience what it is like to groom the mountain runs after dark? This is your opportunity to join one of Sun Peak’s groomers for a 45-minute adventure.
17. First Tracks
This is your opportunity to be the first to hit the mountain runs while everyone else is still in bed. Meet your guide at 7:45 am and be the first on the Sunburst chairlift
18. Tube Park
Looking to feel the rush of flying down the mountain without being on skis? Hop on a tube at the Sun Peaks Tube Park for some quick thrills and lots of fun. The Sun Peaks Tube Park can be accessed by the Village Carpet lift at the base of Sundance Mountain.
19. Ski With Nancy Greene
Have you ever wanted to ski with an Olympic Champion? Nancy Greene is Sun Peaks’ Director of Skiing and makes her home in Sun Peaks during the winter.
She enjoys skiing with guests so you can meet her at the top of the Sunburst Chairlift on the days that she is skiing. Look for signage at the bottom of the chairlift for dates and times that are available.
20. Après-ski at Morrisey Public House
After a day on the slopes, head straight forMorrisey Public Housein the heart of the village for après-ski beverages and relax into their comfy couches with heaters and tabletop fire pits to keep you warm.
Morrisey’s is a fun Irish-style pub and you will find all of your favorite dishes here while you discuss your day on the mountain. Inside you can catch the game on the tv, shoot some pool or enjoy the live music on the weekends
21. Take a Yoga Class
Sun Peaks Yoga is currently offering only classes where you can practice from the comfort of your hotel room or accommodations.
They offer Chakra Flow, Full Body Flow, Heart Opening Flow, Hips and Core, Journey into Power, Lunar Flow, Stretch & Release and Ying & Relax classes so there are many options to choose from.
22. Sledding at P5
Grab your sleds, pack some hot chocolate and feet warmers and head to P5 and let the kids burn off energy at the sledding hill. There is ample parking and the hill is a perfect size for both toddlers and older kids. You will often see parents joining in the fun too.
23. Morning Coffee at Bolacco Café
Spend your morning with a sumptuous cup of coffee from Bolacco Café which is located right in the heart of the village in the Coast Sundance Lodge. A local’s favorite, you will find speciality coffee’s and friendly, local hospitality.
24. Sun Peaks Chapel Service
The mid-mountain chapel offers a prayer service every Sunday at 1 pm. A lift ticket is required.
25. Go Shopping in the Village
With dozens of retailers and restaurants in Sun Peaks’ European-inspired village, you can easily spend hours roaming through the shops. With everything from ski and snowboard gear to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory, it makes for a lovely day spent off the slopes.
Bonus Suggestion!
Cook a Delicious Meal From Ohana Deli & Market
Ohana Deli & Market is arguably one of the best additions to Sun Peaks in recent years. You will be amazed at the vast selection of fresh, local produce, meats, spices and pantry staples.
It is usually our first stop when we go to Sun Peaks, the owners are lovely and they are always so extremely helpful when it comes to dealing with my son’s anaphylactic nut allergy.
Why not have a fun evening surrounded by friends and family, cooking up a delicious meal with delicious ingredients found at Ohana Deli & Market. Don’t feel like cooking yourself? Pick up one of their meals to go and enjoy it in the comfort of your own accommodations.
We love picking up ingredients to make an amazing meal, but I also recognize that not everyone staying at Sun Peaks Resort has access to a kitchen. If you do, this bonus suggestion is for you!
Sun Peaks Resort in the Winter
If you visit Sun Peaks Resort in the winter, you will have a staggering amount of fun things to do. Skiing and snowboarding may be the most popular winter activities at Sun Peaks Resort, but as you can see from our list, there is no shortage of other fun winter adventures.
Casandra Karpiak
Casandra is a full-time, nationally syndicated travel writer and luxury travel expert. A regular contributor to the Associated Press wire, Blox Digital, and an MSN Direct Publisher, she has bylines on CBS, NBC, FOX, 24/7 Wall St, Entrepreneur, and many more.
