Some like skiing to be slow, controlled and rhythmic. Others favour fast and flamboyant with a racer mojo. Whichever style, there is one thing many agree on and that is the epic nature of winter sports.
Epic has become the buzzword to describe a perfect ski day, but what does it actually mean? Originally, it was the name of a long and complex narrative poem that recounted the heroism of legendary figures or gods. Famous examples include Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Nowadays, in an epic ski day, the skiers and riders are the illustrious heroes, adventuring through difficult terrain, overcoming obstacles and hazards and conquering mountains.
The skiing at Sun Peaks Resort has influenced the poetic lyrics written by local songwriter, Colleen Hannigan.
“Sun Peaks is an inspirational place not only because of its sheer beauty but because of the many inspiring people you meet here,” she told SPIN. “Moving to Sun Peaks in 2005 represented a huge turning point in my life, once again triggering the creative urge to write which I had set aside in my working and children years. Music has always been one of my fortes, but I’ve always struggled with words, agonizing over how they weave themselves together with the melodies.”
One of her first odes to the local mountains was a clever combination of the names of 49 runs plus Top of the World. Called Five Mile Down, it was her tribute to Tod Mountain’s 50th anniversary. Produced and performed in 2011 in a collaboration with her husband Brian, it was also her first music video, notching up over 1,800 views so far. In the song, Hannigan interweaves runs such as Out of the Woods, Sacred Line and Seven Mile Road to describe an epic journey taken by The Chief, Father Tom and ‘Old Toddies’ as they heroically create the 50 year history of the hill. It’s a veritable anthem to Sun Peaks skiing.
In 2019, Hannigan wrote Carpe Diem. Focusing on “the ride,” it includes these lyrics: “Carpe Diem. Don’t let life pass you by. We are like the droplets of water flowing down from the mountains o’er rocks and the waterfalls of life.” In 2021, she wrote Out From Behind The Glass, which is a homage to the older folks of Sun Peaks who don’t let age deter them from winter sports.
A member of ArtZone Sun Peaks, Hannigan plays at various village venues including the Kitchen Party Jam sessions at The Magic Cattleguard last season and the Sunday afternoon Coffee House at Morrisey’s Public House.
“The first one was in December and we are planning one for each month of the winter season,” she said.
ArtZone has been her entry into this musical mountain sub-culture, she said.
“It has connected me to a creative arts community here in Sun Peaks. The organization, although largely made up of visual artists, is very supportive of all local artists, including musicians. I think being a member has given me the confidence to try and organize opportunities for local songwriters such as myself to have the opportunity to share our art with our community.”
Hannigan first discovered the beauty and bounty of the Sun Peaks area while touring B.C. ski resorts with her husband.
“I fell in love with Sun Peaks after our first run down a perfectly groomed Grannie Greene and before we left, we had put our Ontario home on the market and had an accepted offer on a cozy Timberline studio.”
Returning to songwriting to celebrate this epiphany, she said to her, skiing is music in motion. Add the words and it becomes poetry in motion.
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