Sun Peaks is the 2nd largest ski resort in Canada, but flies under the radar compared to big-name resorts like Whistler or Lake Louise. Don’t be fooled—it’s a gem offering an all-around unbelievable ski resort experience with incredible terrain and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe.
The best way to experience this review is to watch my detailed YouTube video review and guide of Sun Peaks. You can watch the full video HERE.
Table of Contents
Location & Accessibility
Sun Peaks is located just 45 minutes from Kamloops and about a 4.5-hour drive from Vancouver. It’s easily accessible by car, and if you’re flying in, Kamloops Airport is the closest. You can also fly into Kelowna, with shuttle services directly to the resort.
Skiable Acreage & Vertical
Sun Peaks is the second-largest ski resort in Canada, boasting an impressive 4,270 acres of skiable terrain, second only to Whistler Blackcomb. Currently, they are working on an expansion to add a lift where the West Bowl T-bar used to be, which will improve lift-accessed (non-hike) skiable acreage. The highest elevation is Mount Tod at 2,152 meters, with a vertical drop of 882 meters, making for long, fun, and flowy runs from top to bottom.
Total Lifts
With 13 lifts, including 4 high-speed quads and a magic carpet, getting around Sun Peaks is easy and efficient. You’ve got lifts serving all levels of terrain, and no part of the mountain feels out of reach. Just make sure to pack a snack if you’re riding the Burfield chair from top to bottom because it’s a fixed quad that takes forever to reach the summit.
Mountain Breakdown
Although massive, Sun Peaks is fairly easy to navigate. The mountain is divided into four main areas: Tod, Sundance, Orient, and Morrisey.
Tod is where I love to play, as it offers the steeper terrain. The Burfield and Crystal chairs provide access to the most challenging runs. Sunburst Express features world class, steep groomers. The Sundance area is perfect for cruising and light glade skiing, ideal for those looking to level up for more challenging terrain. The Orient mostly serves as ski-in, ski-out access to the East Village but still offers some fun, chill runs. Across the road, the Morrisey side has tree island-style groomers and some steep, bumpy runs. It’s often quieter, making it a great escape when crowds appear.
Beginner Terrain
Sun Peaks is the best beginner mountain in Canada and is home to what I consider the best beginner run of all time: 5 Mile. This run is wide, mellow, and—true to its name—five miles long! It’s long enough that beginners might level up to blue runs before reaching the bottom. While there are lots of blues on the map, many are very approachable, especially around the Sundance Express. A beginner can explore most of the mountain, aside from skiing down Burfield. I’d recommend starting with a lap down 5 Mile from the summit of the Crystal chair, trying Homesteader off the Sundance, and playing around on the Sticks over on the Morrisey side.
Intermediate & Carving Runs
Intermediate terrain is where Sun Peaks outshines every other resort in British Columbia. The groomers are unbeatable—every time I visit, I swear it’s the best groomer of my life. My personal favorite is Cruiser, but the runs off the skier’s right of Sunburst chair are steep, sustained, and absolutely rock. If you want mellower groomers, the Sundance and Morrisey chairs have you covered.
For intermediate skiers looking to challenge themselves, much of the alpine terrain is accessible. Head up the Crystal or upper Burfield chairs, where the alpine opens up, and pick your line. I love the Chief Shoulder and Juniper Ridge. The West Bowl area is also a hit among intermediates offering mellow alpine turns and good snow.
Advanced/Expert Terrain
Don’t be fooled by the family-friendly reputation—Sun Peaks has some killer advanced terrain. If you enjoy steep and challenging terrain, focus on the upper Burfield and Crystal chairs. On the Crystal side, check out Hat Trick, Green Door and Chute. Green Door is one of the steeper areas, perfect to blast to in the morning if Sun Peaks has a fresh Powder dumping.
For bump skiing, the black runs between Elevation and Sunburst (Broadway to Cariboo) are long, sustained, and ideal for a spring hotdog. When it snows, these tree areas are fantastic to explore as well.
The Burfield chair offers some of the best alpine runs, especially if you start at the mid-station to avoid the long ride to the bottom. The lower Burfield runs can be fun on cold, snowy days, but the snowpack is often thinner making conditions marginal.
Powder Stashes at Sun Peaks
There are a few hikes that reward you with powder turns. The first is called “mid-mountain” a small hike just above the mid-Burfield chair area, offering 10-15 powder turns before you hit the cat track back to the mid-station.
The best hike and powder turns can be found in the Gil’s Area, accessible from the Crystal chair and a hike up Skunk. This area isn’t overly steep but is loaded with mellow powder and tree skiing. Just be sure to exit on the Gil’s Cat Track. If you venture out to Offset, expect a bit of a skate back on Boundary Road. Gil’s is one of my favourite zones in Sun Peaks and it is approachable for an advanced skier who enjoys trees.
Extreme Terrain
There’s nothing truly “extreme” at Sun Peaks, but there are plenty of technical tree laps, secret drops, and pillow lines if you know where to look. While I love extreme terrain, Sun Peaks keeps me entertained—everything is just so much fun!
Tree Skiing
Sun Peaks, like many interior BC resorts, is full of tree skiing. You can pop off nearly every run into the trees, and the lack of cliffs makes it perfect for exploring. I loved the trees between Hat Trick and Chute. I also loved playing around in the last chance trees near the Elevation chair. For intermediate tree skiers who want something mellow and really spaced, try Peak-A-Boo and Three Bears—always a favorite when I was a kid.
Terrain Parks
Sun Peaks has some dialed parks. The entire run under the Sundance chair is essentially a park, which makes for a fun ride up as you watch people throw down.
Lift Lines
One of the best things about Sun Peaks is the lack of lift lines. Even on weekends, the mountain never feels crowded, and you’ll rarely wait more than a few minutes for a chair. If lineups do appear, head to Morrisey or Burfield for peace and solitude.
Snow Conditions & Climate
Sun Peaks gets over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, hence the name. It receives around 600 cm (240 inches) of snowfall annually. While it doesn’t get the huge dumps like Whistler, the snow quality is excellent, with light, dry powder. It’s often colder here, so the snow stays in great condition. Just be sure to dress warmly, especially in January and February.
Backcountry Access
While Sun Peaks isn’t known for backcountry skiing, Gil’s offers a semi-backcountry experience. You might find some mellow turns off Mount Tod, but nothing overly notable form a Backcountry perspective. If you like mellow backcountry and tree turns, it could be fun to explore—just be sure to have a trip plan, map, avalanche gear, and proper training.
Family-Friendly
Sun Peaks is incredibly family-friendly. With gentle, well-groomed beginner terrain, great ski schools, and kid-friendly activities, it’s the perfect spot for families. There’s a dedicated learning zone for little ones, and off the slopes, kids can enjoy tubing, skating, and snowshoeing. The village vibe makes it easy for families to explore together and I made some of my fondest ski memories with my family here when I was a kid.
Views
Sun Peaks has great views. While it’s not the Rockies or Whistler, the panoramic views of the valley and snow ghosts really make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.
Tickets & Passes
Sun Peaks is affiliated with the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective, which is great for pass holders. They also offer an Alpine Peaks card, which provides a decent discount on multi-day skiing.
My Honest Opinion
Sun Peaks absolutely rocks and is one of my family’s all-time favorite resorts. There are a few downsides—there aren’t many steep, aggressive alpine lines, and the weather can be chilly, especially early in the season. The resort also receives 150-200 cm less snow than Big White, but it makes up for it with much better visibility.
Overall, Sun Peaks is the best all-around resort in BC. It’s perfect for families or groups with varying skill levels. The terrain, affordable accommodations, accessibility, and great food make it an awesome place to visit. If you’re looking for a ski trip focused on skiing and relaxed winter fun, Sun Peaks is the ultimate option.
