Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) has pushed the mountain’s opening day back by a week. All scheduled activities will be running, just at a later date.
Because of recent low temperatures and no fresh snow in the last week, the original opening day of Nov. 16 wasn’t a viable option.
Snowmaking, which is a part of the SPR’s operations and is helpful to opening early, requires below zero temperatures.
“In terms of the next few days, temperatures are cooling again right away,” director of communications for SPR Christina Antoniak said. “I see some of the snow guns are firing already.”
The new date of opening is Nov. 23, and Antoniak is confident that date is achievable with the weather projections for next week seeing cooler temperatures.
Opening day activities
“We have a pretty routine kind of approach as to how we create some excitement around that day,” Antoniak said about opening day.
The first wave of people in line at Sunburst and Sundance chairlifts will be given free cinnamon buns, something the kids especially love.
With a banner on display, Harry the Bear making an appearance and hoards of smiling faces, there will be lots of entertainment.
As they do every year, Masa’s Bar and Grill will host Après and Ales on opening day. Those with a seasons pass or a day ticket can receive a complimentary beer from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., along with a DJ playing music for the celebratory atmosphere.
A movie night will take place as well, so keep refreshing the events page at sunpeaksresort.com if you’re interested in hearing about that as details unfold.
The West Bowl Express opening
Regarding the West Bowl express chairlift, the details of its opening are still being worked out.
“We definitely have some activities planned,” Aaron Macdonald, chief marketing officer for SPR said, adding that these will be detailed closer to the day.
The festivities revolve around who gets to ride the first fleet of chairs up to the top of the lift.
Folks can expect an announcement with more details five days before the lift starts running, according to Antoniak.
Getting stoked for opening
The team at SPR is getting prepared for opening day and the anticipation is building up.
“Everyone’s getting excited about all the preparatory work that’s happening right now in all departments, it’s very full on,” Antoniak said.
Kamloops is going to have some events brought to them a bit before opening, to ensure they’re as stoked as everyone up the mountain is.
SPR sponsored the showing of Calm Beneath Castles at Paramount Theatre on Nov. 14 and rail riot was a hit again at the Thompson Rivers University campus on Nov. 15.
The rail riot in particular will hopefully get some students interested in skiing Sun Peaks or at least give them a place to have a blast riding the rails on campus with snow.
“It’ll just create that extra bit of buzz,” Macdonald said.
What did you think of this story?
Your feedback after we publish a story helps ensure we're always improving our reporting to better serve you.
