For seven years, Michael Pfeil has offered visitors a unique way to experience the mountain through his company, Snow Limo Tours. His business provided access to the slopes for those who don’t ski or snowboard, giving families and friends a chance to share the mountain experience together.
But following a lawsuit against Pfeil and Sun Peaks Resort LLP stemming from an offload accident on Crystal chairlift, Snow Limo Tours will not be on the mountain this winter.
“It has been decided by the management of Sun Peaks Resort to end our relationship with Snow Limo… and Snow Limo will not operate in Sun Peaks this winter,” Christina Antoniak, director of communications for SPR told SPIN.
In response, Pfeil is seeking signatures and statements for a petition he hopes will bolster support in encouraging SPR to reverse its decision.
Pfeil has gathered more than 600 signatures on a community petition, with support from over 30 local businesses, but SPR has not changed its position.
“Families tell me they come to Sun Peaks because of the snow limo. If it’s not here, they’ll go somewhere else,” Pfeil said. “This decision takes away accessibility. It’s a loss for the resort.”
While Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks offers multiple programs for individuals living with physical and visual disabilities and neuro-divergency, Pfeil feels Snow Limo Tours was a niche service that provided accessibility to visitors who might otherwise feel excluded from the mountain experience. Injured skiers, grandparents or simply non-skiers could still enjoy the slopes with family members thanks to Snow Limo Tours, he said.
“I’ve been here since 2008, helping to build this community,” he said. “To lose everything because of one incident in seven years feels unfair.”
He hopes to present at upcoming Tourism Sun Peaks and municipal council meetings, and continues to collect signatures and encourage community members to speak out.
“I just want people to let their voices be heard,” Pfeil said. “Because this isn’t just about me, it’s about making the mountain accessible for everyone.”
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