Always on the hunt for the perfect family ski holiday destination? There’s no going past Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia, Canada.
With three mountains that all slope down into a European-style, ski-through village, this is a spot that delivers peak convenience and endless activities – all wrapped up in one really scenic bow.
It also happens to be the second-largest ski resort in the country, with a jaw-dropping 4270 acres to explore, delivering a variety of terrain alongside all the kid-friendly slopes.
Ready to make a bunch of new family memories? Here are six more reasons why Sun Peaks Resort is the place to do so.
1. Terrain for everyone
Whether you have a family that’s shredding the most extreme terrain or still mastering the pizza slices on gentler slopes, there’s something at Sun Peaks to suit.
Each of the 13 chairlifts (with a new 14th chair about to be installed next season) has a green, blue and black run option from the top, so members of the family can choose their own adventure down before meeting at the bottom.
With 138 runs to explore, you’re unlikely to get bored here. But if you don’t know where to start, you can opt for a free Mountain Host tour at 9.15am or 1pm daily to discover some highlights.
Our family picks for runs include the iconic 5 Mile run that winds its way down from the summit of Tod Mountain for the best views; the Lone Fir Glades for some powder skiing fun between the trees; and the Platter Park for small and medium kid-friendly park features.
2. Ski schools for mini shredders
Little ones love a ski school, and Sun Peaks has got children as young as three covered with their programs.
There’s the Sundance Kids Centre for those up to five years of age, featuring a mix of indoor and outdoor play, with fresh and unique experiences each day. You can even opt to add a one or two-hour private ski lesson for your kids alongside their day of care. Open 8.30am to 3.30pm, it starts from $120 for the full day and includes lunch.
Or for kids aged six and up, there are plenty of options for half-day and full-day ski and snowboard lessons, with a focus on fun along with progress.
3. The village vibes
Did we mention ski-through? With restaurants, shops and accommodation options all nestled into the village, it’s not only quaint and picturesque but mega-convenient. Forget lugging everyone’s ski gear through streets and car parks, or on and off buses – you’re only ever steps away from the slopes here.
Sun Peaks also has a number of ski-in, ski-out hotels, making lift access easy from the moment you wake up. There are also a variety of hotels with outdoor hot tubs, along with kiddie favourite, the Sun Peaks Grand for its heated outdoor pool.
4. Easy to get there
There’s that convenience factor again. Get to Sun Peaks by connecting to Kamloops Airport from either Vancouver or Calgary. From there, it’s just a 45-minute shuttle ride to Sun Peaks.
If you need to stock up on groceries and drinks before hitting the mountain, you can book a private transfer that stops in at the well-priced stores of Kamloops. Alternatively, you can pre-order your shopping online and have it delivered directly to your accommodation.
5. Activities for all
Sun Peaks is a winter wonderland that needs to be explored, and you don’t need to be a ski bunny to make the most of it. The whole family can enjoy snowshoeing through a variety of trails, ice skating on an NHL-sized rink, tobogganing down cruisy slopes or dog-sledding with the four-legged locals.
Although the highlight of many people’s time on the mountain is something the family will never forget – skiing and snowboarding in the dark, with just the stars overhead for company. It’s called the Alpine Fondue and Starlight Descent. You can all head up the chairlift and enjoy a three-course dinner before following a guide down the freshly groomed Five Mile run, all while wearing headlamps.
On the entertainment side, there’s always something on – like scavenger hunts, movie and popcorn nights, craft nights, fireworks shows, and après experiences complete with live music for both adults and kids to enjoy.
6. Food for hungry little ski bunnies
Over 20 cafes and restaurants on the mountain have got even the pickiest eaters covered, from hearty burgers to pizzas, Japanese, a steakhouse and even a poutine shop with at least ten variations of poutine – even a curry poutine.
Don’t feel like cooking? There are ready-to-go meals and meal packages available from Ohana Deli and Market, or Sun Peaks Catering can help deliver on a special occasion.
When it’s time for a treat, the kids will love visiting Baby Doh’s Mountain Fair for fresh mini donuts; shopping fror handmade chocolates at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory; discovering why the sticky cinnamon buns are famous at Sunburst Bar + Eatery; or, a real highlight, skiing into Sneaky Scallywags to discover the entire wall of jellybeans.
Ready to book your own family adventure to Sun Peaks? Click here to find out more.
