Sam Loxton takes new leadership role with Sun Peaks Resort

Overseeing Sun Peaks’ vast network of recreational and nordic trails is a full-time job, with maintenance, development and creativity at play. To take on this challenge, Sun Peaks Resort LLP has enlisted the help of long-time local and recreational trail enthusiast Sam Loxton.

Loxton, who was the president of Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association for seven years, has stepped into a new role as the recreational trails and nordic supervisor

Phil Youwe was the previous Nordic supervisor who worked for Sun Peaks Resort LLP for 30 years to help develop the Nordic ski trails. Loxton took on the role, adjusted to meet the needs of the many multi-use trails used for snowshoeing, biking, dog sledding and hiking.

“It’s all happening together and being developed with a bit of a plan and making sure the trails fit together,” Loxton explained.

In his role, Loxton will keep an eye on all the trails whilst assisting and supporting different groups overseeing each trail section, working together and attaining strong relationships with the goal of connectivity in mind.

Communication with neighbouring First Nations, as well as a relationship with the provincial government to ensure the correct permits and approvals are acquired, are also things Loxton will be in charge of.

Another focus in this role includes managing the McGillivray Lake cabin, which is well visited in the winter and acts as a warming area for those using the Nordic trails. This involves making sure the cabin is in good shape and growing the area to be a focus destination for people accessing the Nordic trails in the winter.

In this position, Loxton will support the growing community and ensure there are trails with free access. Whether it be someone who wants to ride their bike on a trail that does not involve a chairlift or someone just wanting to take their dog on a hike, Loxton wants to keep accessibility in mind for both winter and summer recreation.

“We have a growing community and people… just want to get outside,” Loxton said. “The focus of this role is just to continue to enhance and expand…people-powered trails.

He is planning on adopting the accessibility improvements made to the Sun Peaks Bike Park by building bridges wide enough for adaptive bikes and more to boost access to trails.

Loxton is teaming with Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association to work on a new green and adaptive trail out to McGillvray Lake to create more accessibility for community members.

“We’re lacking a little bit on a really nice long, purpose-built green trail,” Loxton said. “Super excited to kind of help [Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association] with that.”