Photo via Sun Peaks Resort LLP/Reuben Krabbe
As a new bike season gears up, big changes are in motion in the Sun Peaks Bike Park – all aimed at enhancing rider experience and safety across all skill levels.
Progression Park trail reclassified to blue
One of the first major updates is the decision to revert the black advanced trial to a blue-level trial. The goal is to make the space truly reflect its name, a place where riders can build confidence and skills.
“First of all, mitigate some of the conflicts between the higher-skilled riders and beginner-level riders,” said bike park manager, Shawn Melnechuk. “We’re stepping them back down to a little bit more of a progressive theme, so that by the time you can work your way through all the different levels of runs in the Progression Park, you’ll be ready to go and ride the 2,000 feet of a more challenging skill level runs that we have in the actual bike park on the mountains.”
This change is based on observations from the previous season and park management is confident it will improve the progression experience.
Expanding blue tech in the Sun Peaks Bike Park
A key project underway is Melhouse, a new easy blue tech trail on Sundance Mountain. While the initial section opened last season, construction is expected to continue this summer, ultimately connecting the trail to the Old Homesteader Road.
“Blue tech trails are easier than some of our blue tech trails over Tod mountain, like Gummy Bear,” Melnechuk said. “There are no tech trails over on Sundance, so it seems to be a natural progression over there to start building some tech trails mingled into with all the machine trails over there.”
The long-term vision is to expand tech trail options on Sundance, offering everything from beginner to potentially black and double-black trails without needing to cross over to Tod Mountain.
Trail updates
Over on Tod Mountain, the Bermalade trail will undergo adjustments to improve flow and reduce maintenance needs. The changes include reducing features to avoid overwhelming riders and easing breaking zones.
“We’re hoping to lessen the frequency of features to make it a little less difficult,” Melnechuk said. “It will decrease our maintenance by quite a bit. If we can have people having to break less and slow more.”
Dr. Feelgood, a rebuilt version of the old Altitude trail, offers an exciting new challenge. Designed to be more bike-friendly, the trail connects the tops of Tod to the top of Sundance, opening up massive ride loops for both e-bike enthusiasts and experienced riders.
“It’s the nicest cross-country trail, it’s up at nearly 7,000 feet,” Melnechuk said. “The views go all the way out through the West Bowl and back to Tod and then down through the gills to the reservoir.”
A brand new connector trail at the base of Easy Wind now links Sundance directly to Morrisey, eliminating the need for riders to travel via paved roads.
“You can now ride the trail the whole way to make sure you experience it in peace.”
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