Looking for the perfect ski trip? Call our ski experts for free advice: +1 888 721 8649
Looking for the perfect ski trip?
Call our ski experts for free

Sun Peaks ski vacation packages

Sun Peaks ski vacation packages

Top features of this resort

Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-mountain activitiesOff-mountain activities
Best amenitiesBest amenities
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-mountain activitiesOff-mountain activities
Best amenitiesBest amenities

Top features of this resort

Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-mountain activitiesOff-mountain activities
Best amenitiesBest amenities
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-mountain activitiesOff-mountain activities
Best amenitiesBest amenities

Sun Peaks ski resort

Tucked into the interior mountains of British Columbia, Sun Peaks is Canada's second-largest ski resort by skiable acreage - and one of its best-kept secrets. The resort sits between 1,255m and 2,152m across three mountains: Tod Mountain, Sundance, and Mount Morrisey. The purpose-built alpine village at the base has a warm, European-inspired feel, with ski-in/ski-out access, colourful buildings, and a pedestrian-friendly centre.

With 13 lifts serving 1,728 hectares of skiable terrain across 117 marked trails, Sun Peaks is a genuinely large resort. The vertical drop of 882m provides satisfying descents, and the terrain distribution - roughly equal parts beginner, intermediate, and advanced - means every level of skier has substantial terrain to explore. The season runs from late November to mid-April, and Sun Peaks receives over 5.6 metres of dry interior powder annually.

What makes Sun Peaks special is the combination of serious terrain, gentle village atmosphere, and remarkably uncrowded slopes. The resort draws a fraction of the visitors of the bigger BC names, meaning fresh tracks, short lift queues, and a genuine sense of space. Check out Sun Peaks ski deals to start planning your trip.

Sun Peaks resort facts
Ski areaSun Peaks
Total skiable terrain74,103 acres
Total runs7,000 runs
Easy runs1,300 runs
Intermediate runs2,500 runs
Difficult runs2,000 runs
Expert runs1,200 runs
Number of lifts1200
Snow range760 ft - 4,139 ft
Resort height1,080 ft
Snow parks30
Rating by ski level
Beginners
7/10
Intermediates
9/10
Experts
6/10
Snowboarders
7/10
Rating by group type
Friends
6/10
Families
8/10
Couples
7/10
Travel time to Sun Peaks
Kamloops airport45 min
Kelowna airport2 hr 35 min
Vancouver airport4 hr 25 min

Sun Peaks ski resort

Tucked into the interior mountains of British Columbia, Sun Peaks is Canada's second-largest ski resort by skiable acreage - and one of its best-kept secrets. The resort sits between 1,255m and 2,152m across three mountains: Tod Mountain, Sundance, and Mount Morrisey. The purpose-built alpine village at the base has a warm, European-inspired feel, with ski-in/ski-out access, colourful buildings, and a pedestrian-friendly centre.

With 13 lifts serving 1,728 hectares of skiable terrain across 117 marked trails, Sun Peaks is a genuinely large resort. The vertical drop of 882m provides satisfying descents, and the terrain distribution - roughly equal parts beginner, intermediate, and advanced - means every level of skier has substantial terrain to explore. The season runs from late November to mid-April, and Sun Peaks receives over 5.6 metres of dry interior powder annually.

What makes Sun Peaks special is the combination of serious terrain, gentle village atmosphere, and remarkably uncrowded slopes. The resort draws a fraction of the visitors of the bigger BC names, meaning fresh tracks, short lift queues, and a genuine sense of space. Check out Sun Peaks ski deals to start planning your trip.

Sun Peaks resort facts
Ski areaSun Peaks
Total skiable terrain74,103 acres
Total runs7,000 runs
Easy runs1,300 runs
Intermediate runs2,500 runs
Difficult runs2,000 runs
Expert runs1,200 runs
Number of lifts1200
Snow range760 ft - 4,139 ft
Resort height1,080 ft
Snow parks30
Rating by ski level
Beginners
7/10
Intermediates
9/10
Experts
6/10
Snowboarders
7/10
Rating by group type
Friends
6/10
Families
8/10
Couples
7/10
Travel time to Sun Peaks
Kamloops airport45 min
Kelowna airport2 hr 35 min
Vancouver airport4 hr 25 min

Sun Peaks skiing & snowboarding

Skiing at Sun Peaks spreads across three interconnected mountains, each with its own personality. Sundance is the family-friendly front face with wide groomers and gentle learning terrain. Mt Tod is the big mountain - steeper, more exposed, and home to the resort's most challenging lines. Mt Morrisey sits between the two, with mellow intermediate runs and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a favourite for progressing skiers. The three mountains connect at the village base, so moving between them is straightforward.

For UK visitors, North American trail ratings differ from the European system. Green circles mark beginner terrain (similar to European greens and easy blues). Blue squares are intermediate runs but cover a wider range than European blues - some feel closer to a European red. Black diamonds indicate advanced terrain, and double black diamonds are expert-only, often featuring steep chutes or dense trees. There's no direct red-run equivalent, so intermediates should be prepared for blue squares that vary quite a bit in difficulty.

Skiing for beginners in Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks is an excellent place to learn to ski. The beginner area at the base of Sundance has its own dedicated lift and wide, gentle slopes that are well separated from faster skiers. The terrain is forgiving and the snow is typically well-groomed, which makes finding your balance and linking turns much easier. Once you've mastered the basics, the progression to longer green runs on Sundance is seamless - gentle, confidence-building descents with views across the valley.

Mt Morrisey is another strong option for newer skiers. Its runs are mellow, uncrowded, and have a relaxed feel that takes the pressure off. The easy blues here are some of the friendliest on the mountain, wide enough to carve without feeling hemmed in. The village's ski-in/ski-out layout also makes the learning experience less stressful - no shuttles, no long walks in ski boots, just step outside and go.

WeSki insider tip: Start on the Sundance beginner area in the morning when the groomers are freshest, then move to Mt Morrisey after lunch for quieter slopes and softer afternoon snow.*

Intermediate skiing in Sun Peaks

Intermediates have an enormous amount of terrain to explore. Sundance's blue runs are long, well-groomed, and satisfying to carve at speed, while Mt Morrisey's gentler blues are ideal for building confidence on varied terrain. The 8km top-to-bottom descent is a must - it lets you link turns for a sustained run that builds stamina and rhythm in a way that shorter resort runs simply can't match.

For those looking to progress, the blue-to-black transitions on the lower flanks of Mt Tod provide a natural step up. The runs here are steeper and more variable, with mogul patches and ungroomed sections that test your adaptability. The sheer space means you rarely feel crowded, even during peak weeks - a luxury that's increasingly rare at resorts of this size. By mid-week, many intermediates find themselves comfortable on the easier blacks and wondering why they waited so long.

WeSki insider tip: The Crystal Chair on Sundance accesses some of the best intermediate terrain on the mountain - long, rolling blues with excellent grooming and far fewer people than the runs directly above the village.*

Advanced and expert skiing in Sun Peaks

Mt Tod is where advanced and expert skiers will spend most of their time. The Burfield Chair and the summit access open up a network of steep blacks and double blacks, including tight tree runs, open faces, and rocky chutes that demand precise, committed skiing. The upper flanks of Mt Tod hold some genuinely challenging terrain - Gil's and Headwalls are sustained, fall-line pitches that test leg strength and nerve in equal measure.

On powder days, the trees on Mt Tod hold fresh snow well into the afternoon, and the lower skier density means tracks fill in more slowly than at higher-profile resorts. The expert terrain around the summit is exposed and alpine in character, with wind-affected snow and variable conditions that reward experience and good line choice. For those wanting to venture further, the surrounding backcountry can be explored with a guide, though the in-bounds options at Sun Peaks are extensive enough to keep most advanced skiers engaged for a full week.

WeSki insider tip: On a powder morning, head straight to the Burfield Chair on Mt Tod before the crowds arrive from the village side. The tree runs off skier's left hold the lightest, driest snow on the mountain.*

Snowboarding in Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks works well for snowboarders across all levels. The wide groomers on Sundance are ideal for learning and carving, while Mt Tod's steeper terrain and tree runs provide natural features and powder stashes for freeriders. The resort has four terrain parks with progression from beginner-friendly features to more advanced setups. The village layout means you can ride straight to most lifts without flat sections, though a few cat-track traverses between mountains require keeping your speed up.

Off-piste skiing

Sun Peaks has solid in-bounds off-piste, particularly on Mt Tod where the trees and alpine bowls hold untracked snow for longer than you'd expect given the resort's size. The lower skier density is the real advantage here - runs that would be tracked out in hours at busier resorts stay fresh well into the day. For those wanting to explore beyond the boundary, guided backcountry tours are available into the surrounding Thompson Plateau terrain, where rolling alpine meadows and forested ridges provide a quieter, more remote skiing experience.

Sun Peaks ski school and lessons

Sun Peaks has a highly regarded ski and snowboard school with group and private lessons for all ages and abilities. The children's programmes start from age three with dedicated learning areas and small group sizes. Adult lessons range from first-timer courses to advanced clinics focused on steeps, powder, and moguls. The instructors are known for being patient and encouraging, and all lessons are taught in English.

Sun Peaks terrain parks

Sun Peaks has four terrain parks spread across the mountain, offering progression from gentle beginner features to advanced jumps and rail lines. The main park on Sundance is well-maintained throughout the season with regularly updated features. A dedicated mini-park for younger riders and beginners provides a safe introduction to freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The tubing park near the village is a separate attraction with two dedicated lanes.

  1. Sun Peaks Family ski holiday
  2. Things to do in Sun Peaks
  3. Planning your trip in Sun Peaks
  4. How to get to Sun Peaks
  5. Sun Peaks FAQs

Sun Peaks family ski holiday

Sun Peaks is purpose-built for families in a way that few resorts manage so naturally. The ski-in/ski-out village eliminates the usual morning scramble of shuttles and car parks - children can walk from their accommodation to the beginner slopes in minutes. The ski school is one of the resort's strongest assets, with dedicated kids' programmes from age three that combine on-snow instruction with indoor activities, games, and warm-up breaks. Childcare for younger children is available in the village, and the compact layout means parents are never far away.

Older children and teenagers have plenty of terrain to keep them challenged, from Mt Morrisey's mellow blues to the steeper runs on Mt Tod that build confidence and skill. The four terrain parks provide a progression of features, and the tubing park is a guaranteed hit. Ice skating on a frozen lake near the village, dog sledding through the forest, and snowshoeing trails through the surrounding plateau add variety that keeps the whole family engaged beyond the skiing.

Family dining is easy. The village has a good selection of casual restaurants where children are welcomed, from pizza and burgers to Japanese and pub-style meals. The pedestrianised streets feel safe and manageable for younger children, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried. There's no traffic to worry about, no complicated navigation between areas - it's a resort that's been designed around making family life on a ski holiday as simple as possible.

Things to do in Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks keeps things active and varied off the slopes, with its village, surrounding forest, and frozen landscapes providing a backdrop for winter activities that go well beyond the usual resort fare. Non-skiers and rest-day visitors are well catered for, with everything from gentle walks to adrenaline-fuelled dog sled rides within easy reach of the village centre.

Snow activities

The Thompson Plateau setting provides a wide range of snow-based activities for days when you want a break from the lifts:

  • Cross-country skiing: 63km of groomed Nordic trails winding through forest and open meadows - one of BC's largest networks.
  • Dog sledding: Husky-pulled sled rides through snow-covered forest, with options from tasters to longer excursions.
  • Ice skating: A frozen lake near the village provides a scenic natural rink, often lit in the evenings.
  • Snowshoeing: Guided and self-guided trails through quiet forest and along ridgelines with mountain views.
  • Tubing: Dedicated lanes near the village for fast, family-friendly fun on inflatable tubes.
  • Fat biking: Ride wide-tyred bikes on groomed trails through the forest and along the valley floor.
  • Snowmobiling: Guided tours into the backcountry plateau with dramatic scenery and exhilarating terrain.
  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Gentle rides through the snowy landscape, available as daytime or evening experiences.
  • Fondue nights: Guided snowshoe or ski excursions to a backcountry cabin for a fondue dinner under the stars.

Non-snow activities

The village and surrounding area have enough variety to keep rest days interesting, whether you're looking for relaxation or something more active:

  • Spa and wellness: Several village hotels and day spas offer hot tubs, saunas, massage treatments, and relaxation facilities.
  • Village shopping: Browse independent boutiques, outdoor gear shops, and gift stores along the pedestrian streets.
  • Yoga and fitness: Drop-in yoga classes and fitness sessions are available at several village venues.
  • Art gallery visits: Local galleries showcase work by BC artists, including mountain-inspired photography and paintings.
  • Kamloops day trip: The nearest city, about 45 minutes away, has museums, shopping, and restaurants for a change of scene.
  • Wildlife viewing: Deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species are commonly spotted around the resort and trails.
  • Scenic gondola rides: Non-skiers can ride the lifts for mountain views and access to mid-mountain dining.
  • Indoor climbing: A climbing wall in the village provides a fun alternative for active families and groups.

Sun Peaks restaurants

Sun Peaks' dining scene is compact but well-rounded, with enough variety to keep a week interesting. The village restaurants range from casual family spots to more refined options, and several on-mountain venues make lunch a proper sit-down affair rather than a rushed refuel. The atmosphere across the board is relaxed and welcoming.

  • Mantles Restaurant & Lounge: The village's top dining spot, with locally inspired Canadian cuisine and a warm, lodge-style atmosphere.
  • Bolacco Café: Excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and light lunches - the go-to morning spot in the village.
  • Cahilty Creek Kitchen & Taproom: Craft beer, pub classics, and a buzzing atmosphere popular with families and groups.
  • Oya Japan: Japanese restaurant serving sushi, ramen, and bento boxes - a welcome change from mountain fare.
  • Masa's Bar & Grill: Lively spot for burgers, ribs, and comfort food with big portions and a casual vibe.
  • Sunburst Bar & Eatery: Mid-mountain restaurant with deck seating, panoramic views, and hearty soups and sandwiches.
  • Vertical Café: Slope-side coffee and snacks for a quick pitstop without a long sit-down.
  • Mountain Thunder Pizza: Wood-fired pizzas with generous toppings, popular for takeaway back to accommodation.

WeSki insider tip: Book the fondue night experience - you snowshoe or ski to a backcountry cabin in the forest for a multi-course fondue dinner by candlelight. It's one of the most memorable dining experiences at any Canadian resort.*

Sun Peaks après-ski

Sun Peaks' après-ski is relaxed and sociable rather than loud and late. As the lifts close, the village terrace bars fill up with skiers unwinding over craft beers and hot chocolates, still in their boots with the afternoon sun on their faces. The atmosphere is friendly and family-inclusive - children are welcome in most venues, which sets the tone for the kind of gentle, convivial après that suits the resort's character.

Later in the evening, things stay mellow. A handful of bars and restaurants keep the village lively without ever getting rowdy, with live music on some evenings and a crowd that's happy with good conversation and another round. It's not a destination for party-seekers, but for anyone who prefers a relaxing end to the day over a 2am dance floor, it hits the right note.

Après-ski spots to know:

  • Cahilty Creek Kitchen & Taproom: The liveliest spot in the village, with craft beer flights and a buzzing post-ski crowd.
  • Masa's Bar & Grill: Big screens, cocktails, and a fun atmosphere - a good spot for groups.
  • Bottoms Bar & Grill: Slope-side deck bar at the base where the first post-ski drinks happen in the sunshine.
  • Mantles Lounge: More refined setting for wine, cocktails, and a quieter conversation after a big day.
  • Morrisey's Public House: Cosy pub atmosphere with local beers, comfort food, and a welcoming locals-and-visitors mix.
  • The Annex: Late-night option with DJ sets and dancing on weekends - the closest Sun Peaks gets to a club.

Planning your trip to Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks accommodation

Sun Peaks' accommodation is concentrated in and around the pedestrianised village, which means almost everything is ski-in/ski-out or within a very short walk of the slopes. Options range from hotel rooms and condo-style suites to larger chalets and townhouses suited to families and groups. The village core puts you closest to restaurants, shops, and the main lifts, while properties on the edges are quieter and often slightly more affordable.

Self-catering is a popular choice here, with many condos and chalets offering full kitchens and generous living spaces. Hotels in the village centre provide a more serviced experience, with some including pools, hot tubs, and spa facilities. The compact layout means even the furthest accommodation is only a few minutes' walk from the nearest lift, so there's no need for shuttle buses or car parks in the morning.

Sun Peaks ski pass

The Sun Peaks lift pass covers all 13 lifts and access to all three mountains. Multi-day passes are available and become better value the longer your stay. The resort is also included on the Ikon Pass for those planning to visit multiple North American resorts in a season. Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Sun Peaks ski holiday through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.

Equipment hire

Equipment rental is available at several shops in the village, including the resort's own rental centre near the main lifts. A full range of skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and poles is offered, with performance upgrades for those wanting to try higher-spec gear. The village layout means you can collect your equipment, walk straight to the slopes, and return it at the end of the day without any hassle. Booking ahead during peak periods is recommended.

Getting around Sun Peaks

One of Sun Peaks' biggest practical advantages is that you rarely need transport once you've arrived. The pedestrianised village is compact and walkable, with accommodation, restaurants, shops, and lifts all within a few minutes of each other. There are no shuttle buses to catch and no car parks to navigate - you simply walk out and ski.

For excursions beyond the village, such as a day trip to Kamloops, a rental car is useful but not essential. Taxis can be arranged for evening transport if needed, and the resort occasionally runs shuttle services to nearby attractions. If you're driving to Sun Peaks, parking is available at the village edge, and most accommodation can advise on the best options.

How to get to Sun Peaks

The nearest major airport is Kamloops Airport (YKA), approximately 50km from the resort, with a drive time of around 45 minutes. Vancouver International Airport is roughly 420km to the southwest, a drive of about four and a half hours through stunning BC mountain scenery. Calgary International Airport is around 600km to the east. Flights from the UK typically connect through Vancouver or Calgary, with onward domestic flights to Kamloops available on several carriers.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private, shared, and scheduled transfers to Sun Peaks. Add them to your Sun Peaks ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Sun Peaks FAQs

Is Sun Peaks good for families?

Sun Peaks is one of Canada's top family ski resorts. The ski-in/ski-out village eliminates transport stress, the ski school is well regarded with programmes from age three, and the pedestrianised layout is safe and easy to navigate with young children. Activities like tubing, ice skating, dog sledding, and snowshoeing keep the whole family entertained, and the dining options are relaxed and family-friendly. Teenagers will find enough terrain across three mountains to stay challenged, including terrain parks and steeper runs on Mt Tod.

How does Sun Peaks compare to Whistler?

Sun Peaks has a very different character from Whistler. It's quieter, less crowded, and has a more intimate village atmosphere. The skiable acreage is comparable (Sun Peaks is actually the second-largest in Canada at 4,270 acres), but Whistler has more vertical, more advanced terrain, and a much bigger town with nightlife and shopping. Sun Peaks suits families and those who prefer a relaxed pace, while Whistler appeals to those wanting a bigger, more cosmopolitan resort experience. Sun Peaks also tends to be more affordable.

How much snow does Sun Peaks get?

Sun Peaks receives an average of around 6 metres of snowfall per season. The resort sits in BC's interior, which delivers drier, lighter snow than the coastal ranges. The interior location also brings more sunshine hours than many BC resorts - it's called Sun Peaks for a reason. Snowmaking supplements natural coverage on key runs, and the cold, consistent temperatures keep snow quality high throughout the season.

How do North American trail ratings work for UK skiers?

North America uses a different system from Europe. Green circles are beginner terrain (similar to European greens). Blue squares cover intermediate runs but span a wider difficulty range than European blues - some feel more like a European red. Black diamonds mark advanced terrain, and double black diamonds are expert-only. There's no direct equivalent to European red runs, so intermediates should expect some blue squares to be noticeably steeper than what they're used to at home.

Is Sun Peaks good for beginners?

Very much so. The dedicated beginner area at the base of Sundance has its own lift and gentle, wide slopes separated from faster traffic. Mt Morrisey adds another mountain's worth of mellow green and easy blue runs once confidence builds. The village's ski-in/ski-out layout makes the whole learning process less stressful, and the ski school has an excellent reputation. Around 19% of the runs are graded green and 34% are blue, so there's plenty of terrain to progress through.

Is there enough terrain for advanced skiers at Sun Peaks?

Yes, though advanced skiers should head straight to Mt Tod. The upper mountain has steep blacks, double black diamond chutes, and tree runs that are genuinely challenging. Around 38% of the runs are graded advanced and 9% are expert, so there's more high-end terrain than the resort's family-friendly reputation might suggest. On powder days, the trees on Mt Tod hold fresh snow well into the afternoon thanks to lower skier numbers. It's not Revelstoke, but it's far more than enough for a week.

What is there to do in Sun Peaks besides skiing?

Sun Peaks has a strong selection of non-ski activities. The 63km cross-country ski network is one of the largest in BC. Dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, fat biking, snowmobiling, and tubing are all available. The village has shops, cafes, and a spa, and the fondue night - snowshoeing to a forest cabin for dinner - is a standout experience. Kamloops is a 45-minute drive for a change of scene with museums, shopping, and restaurants.

Ready to build your next trip?

Click on the button below, choose your dates, departure airport and group size, and find the trip that fits you best!

Years of experience in making customers happy