Sun Peaks Resort has just released a new alpine trail map (here) showcasing the new terrain and runs ahead of opening day on November 22. SPIN takes a closer look at the 2014-15 trail map and show you some of the things you may have missed.
1. Gil’s: Let’s get the big one out of the way. An alteration to the ski boundary to include Gil’s means Sun Peaks is now the second largest ski resort in Canada, with 4,270 acres of terrain — take that Lake Louise.
So what’s new in Gil’s? The Offset ski-run now comes within the ski area boundary, and is rated black. Following Offset down gives two return options, the traditional Gil’s Cat Track, or further down, the newly created Boundary Road. Both runs will link back onto The Other Way.
The ski boundary around Offset is double-roped, ensuring no ski-traffic misses their last chance to get back to The Other Way. Some flat sections on Gil’s Cat Track and Boundary Road will likely lead to some skating for snowboarders.Gil’s also has two gladed sections, identified as Inner Gil’s and Main Face on the new maps, while the entry to Gil’s has received its own markings, as Gil’s Hike (from Burfield Chair) or Gil’s Traverse (from Crystal Chair).
2. West Morrisey: The other obvious change, the new runs on West Morrisey continue with the laundromat theme. The black rated Tumble Dry connects Back in Time down to Fairways Drive, which should make for a great run home for Fairways and Mountain View residents. Non-residents could time their run with the shuttle-bus service during operating hours for easy access back to the village.
The other new run on West Morrisey, Lint Trap, is only half-completed. The top half of Lint Trap links up with Tumble Dry and continues down to Fairways. If you’re not done skiing for the day, you can catch the Static Cling Return over to Static Cling and back to the Morrisey Platter.
3. Snow Safety Boundary: An orange dotted line on the map marks the Snow Safety Boundary, which will restrict access to Gil’s at times of avalanche risk. SPIN will have more information on the Snow Safety Program and what it means for Gil’s users in our next issue.
4. Delta’s Return no more: In honour of the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, the return run from Mt Morrisey back to the village has been re-named Grand Return. The Delta’s Return glades have also been renamed the Grand Return glades.
5. 7 Mile: The west side of the Burfield Chair have also been given a make-over, with 7 Mile Road and Hidden Valley given official run status. 7 Mile Road is a blue, and Hidden Valley is a black.
6. Upper Other Way: The changing of the ski-boundary has allowed for an extension to The Other Way. This black designated run could become a popular connector from 5 Mile to The Other Way.
7. Hully Gully: Coming out of the Cahilty Glades, Hully Gully has been a popular drop in for skiers and boarders, offering some great banks and opportunities for jumps. It’s also the course for the banked slalom. Hully Gully has made it onto the map and is rated as a blue run.
8. Three Bears Glades: The Three Bears Glades look to have been extended between Three Bears and Rambler. This could become a popular gladed area for those looking for some early-morning powder before the other chairlifts open.
Check out the new interactive alpine trail map on the Sun Peaks Resort website here.
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