While Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) was the first in the province to begin operations this winter, local businesses say Sun Peaks’ economic outlook is about more than just the white stuff.

The low snowpack is undeniable, with the ongoing drought in Kamloops and mild weather across the province. Conditions in Interior B.C. are dire enough that Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna recently cancelled the B.C. Snowboard provincials slated for Feb. 2 to 4. 

However, Rob O’Toole, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) councillor and co-owner of Vertical Cafe told SPIN several factors other than the weather contribute to whether people visit and spend their money in Sun Peaks.

Events and investments

Three large hockey tournaments at Sun Peaks Arena in November, race training at SPR and the big push from the resort’s snowmaking team all contributed to bringing money into the village, O’Toole said.  

Mild weather also meant people felt cozy sitting under the heated patio at his cafe.

Advertisement

“All those factors really contributed [to the economy]. November for us was actually a little stronger than last year,” O’Toole said.

Some of the success of his business came from hiring a social media manager, an investment that ensures the restaurant keeps the attention of people as far away as Perth, Australia throughout the year, he explained. 

“We’re staying relevant, so I feel that makes us top of mind when people roll into the community,” O’Toole said.

December 2023 was also better than 2022 for the cafe because there wasn’t a cold snap over Christmas, and most terrain opened up at SPR. 

The terrain opening meant the local market returned to the cafe and the mountain, according to O’Toole.

Another factor he pointed towards for economic impacts is the rising cost of living.

Grocery prices affect households and restaurants alike, O’Toole said, but focusing on local products helps reduce prices by dealing directly with distributors.

“We have definitely had to be more shopping savvy,” he said. “The consumer is also more savvy. Looking back to last year, we’ve had slight increases in our pricing, but not significant. But our check averages are down slightly. People are spending less, but they’re still coming out.”

Rentals and snowmaking 

Vacation rentals are also doing fairly well despite conditions.

Arlene Schieven, president and CEO for Tourism Sun Peaks, which markets the resort and tracks guest visitation, said nights sold in hotels and properties rented by owners for November were up over the year before, but down in December. 

While there have been fluctuations in months compared to last year, Schiavon said it’s “not significantly different than last year,” which was a record winter for room nights sold. 

Aaron Macdonald, marketing director for SPR, also explained the snowmaking capacity at the resort was a huge benefit.

“We definitely have the luxury over other resorts from our amazing snowmaking capabilities,” Macdonald explained.

The snowmaking ensured the resort opened on schedule on Nov. 18, making it the first resort in the province to open, albeit with limited terrain.

The frequent grooming of runs throughout the year and a lack of rocky terrain meant people could ski on shallower snowpacks. 

Visitor numbers have steadily increased, with more white stuff coming down at the end of December and throughout January, Macdonald said.

Other revenue streams on the rise for the resort include lessons and rentals, indicating that new people are getting into snow sports.