Sunday, May 1, 2011

Year Round Fun Awaits In Sun Peaks BC

By Janine Hester


Fun and adventure can be found any time of year in Sun Peaks BC. This new municipality is third largest ski resort in Canada. As the largest ski area in British Columbia's interior it is challenging the province's other great ski destinations. There are also any number of activities to enjoy during the summer months. Located northeast of Kamloops, better access is need to continue Sun Peak's growth in popularity. More guest accommodations and affordable employee housing are also necessary. Some major names are involved with this project so it should have success. The town is surrounded by mountains and is a fun location to come and enjoy the outdoors or simply relax and unwind.

Sun Peaks became Canada's first mountain resort municipality in June 2010. The designation will allow the community to have a greater say in it's own development. The year round population is under five hundred people. Controlled growth must happen if the area is to make it to the big time as a tourist destination.

Three mountains make up the ski area. A variety of terrain is available for all levels of skiers. The vertical drop of 2894 feet, or 882 meters, ranks it with some of the best in North America. The average snowfall is about eighteen feet, or five and a half meters. For snowboarders there is a nine acre terrain park.

Summer brings other activities. The par 72 golf course will distract you with its mountain surroundings. Lift access is available for the thrill of downhill mountain biking. The town hosts the Sun Peaks & Region Farmer's Market. This weekly summer event has local foods along with artists and crafts.

More affordable housing is needed for resort employees. Without the workers, the resort can't grow. Additional lodging for visitors is also necessary for this to become a destination resort.

Overall access needs improvement. Direct flights from Seattle are available through a couple different airlines. The drive from the east is indirect and longer than it would be with a new access road. This hinders travelers from Banff and Lake Louise.

Sun Peaks BC has a bright future. The first mayor is Al Raine who was a major contributor to Whistler's development into the premier resort on the continent. Olympic gold medalist Nancy Greene Raine, the mayor's spouse, is the resort's director of skiing. She out on the slopes most weekends and holidays hosting public mountain tours. Having high profile personalities like these involved can only lead to positive results.

Sun Peaks BC




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