Sun Peaks Ski Resort Review & Mountain Guide

[@j.p.6228]

I’m a snowboarder, but love watching your videos man. Not enough Canadian KZbinrs on here with the quality you’re doing. Love that you go in depth on Canadian resorts - I’m tired of hearing about Colorado 😂

[@riseandalpine]

Always buzzing when the boarders chime in! It's pretty hard to leave my homeland, Canada is just so damn good.

[@AKxFrags]

Preach bro lol

[@connorwhite2745]

Sending love from the skiers. We all just love sliding on snow, no hate ❤

[@connorwhite2745]

Sorry some skiers are so wacky towars you gust

[@j.p.6228]

@@connorwhite2745hell yeah dude! Too many stuck up people have big voices. We all just having fun

[@slydogy41]

Dude, these Mountains should pay you for these reviews. They are the best. Very informative and positive. Each review makes me want to go to that resort.

[@riseandalpine]

Would be amazing if I made a little money from these. So glad you find them helpful!

[@FinduroVR]

Sun Peaks was my local for about 20 years growing up, and I never really went anywhere else to ski either so often my entire ski season would be made up on these lifts! I always knew I was being a bit held back in progression because of how basic the terrain is, but I never really cared. Me and my friends would find the biggest most disgusting moguls to jump off and would just go massive! Crystal chair and Elevation chair laps were constant. Last Chance, Spillway trees, Chute, Green Door, Hat Trick, Headwall ridge into the Bushwackers... all BANGERS because we skied it so often we'd know exactly where to turn to get as much airtime as physically possible. Same with Coquihalla and Cahilty trees or "Upper Half" as we called it. The Lone Fir and Bug Out areas on Sundance were consistent go-to's as well as the laundry runs on Morrisey (we called them that too), and we'd always loop back over to Burfield since it was the only time we'd get to rest our legs for more than 10 mins going up!! Freddie's Nightmare and Challenger are by far the steepest runs, but being so low on the mountain meant you had to wait for good snow else it's just be a total pain to try to get down. Freddie's with fresh snow was some of the best laps of skiing I've ever done in my life! Then last winter I moved to Whistler and I'm pretty sure the first black run I did was steeper than any of the double blacks I rode at Sun Peaks, and I can safely say despite being a competent skier Sun Peaks DID NOT prepare me for the couloirs and cornices that "real" alpine skiing offers. Still lots of love and LOTS of nostalgia for Sun Peaks, and I'm always looking forward to skiing there again. Sorry for the tldr. Awesome vid my dude :)

[@riseandalpine]

Love this comment! Nothing is better than knowing a mountain so well that you know exactly where to turn on any given run. I still recall all my favourite tree routes, turns and side hits at Manning Park!

[@JamesKovacsAgedstock]

I grew up skiing Sun Peaks and raised my kids on the mountains of Sun Peaks. As I watch your videos I’m totally amazed at your highlighting the BC and Alberta ski hills. I know you didn’t hit Sun Peaks as your supreme top mountain since a lot of the BC mountains have a so much more vertical but you hit the ball out of the park describing it like talking about your favorite sofa. Nothing really death defying but something for everyone. Bottom line is the memories of raising your family on the mountain and also the early memories you have as a kid that you cherish of your mom and dad.

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks for the great comment and memories! It's definitely special to have those memories of the mountains with family. I grew up skiing Manning Park with my fam and will forever love it.

[@sydakk]

Sunpeaks is a blast, went for a couple days back in February. Did like a full day of lapping the burfield during a powder day. No one wanted to ski to the bottom so I was able to ski fresh lines all day, it was crazy.

[@riseandalpine]

That's Insane! I've always wanted a Burfield powder day. The lower part of Burf is the perfect pitch for pow skiing.

[@danieltaylor3396]

@@riseandalpine I've had Burf pow days where me and a buddy got off at mid all day. Rare, though.

[@Paolo8772]

Skied there once with my dad and brother during a 3 day 4 night stay during the last week of 1995, staying at Nancy Greene's lodge. We got a lesson from her; just her and the 3 of us, since nobody else showed up at the meeting time and place; 11am at the top of Sunburst Chair. The lesson was held on "Bluff" which I think we picked because we enjoyed skiing it since I believe was the steepest groomed run there during our visit. It was during that lesson that we learned (so late in life) the centre of gravity is on the ball of each foot, not the palm. I'm sure my brother and I wished we'd learned that at least 9 years earlier, but at least we can say that it was Nancy Greene that got us to finally figure it out! Love the review, thanks for posting!

[@riseandalpine]

Such an awesome story! Thanks for sharing. Nancy Greene is such an amazing human and it seems like everyone has an awesome ski story involving her. Crazy how one person can have such a positive impact on so many peoples lives and skiing,

[@chrisgravel7157]

Great review of this Mountian you nailed it 100%! No Mountain in Canada is more approachable and a better place to level up your skills whether its green to blue or working on your carving. Its not the place to hone your uber steep, technical and fall line skiing. Thats WB, Red, Revy. Also perfect vacation spot for a group or family with mixed skills - everyone will have fun and find each other end or run or day.

[@riseandalpine]

I never forget the vacations I've had up there. Really love this place.

[@chrisgravel7157]

@riseandalpine same here! Never had anything but a blast at Sun Peaks. We were in Grouse Tyee and would come for the Nancy Green youth competition. The progression we would see in 3 days of skiing here was off the charts. Everyone, including the parents, was skiing better and more confident.

[@brettvandepeear6661]

Next time your up at Sun Peaks check out challenger for some steeper terrain!

[@andya688]

Looks like a fantastic family resort and it is enormous with a great looking base area. I love ski towns it's like constant Christmas to me.

[@riseandalpine]

That instant Christmas feeling is so relatable.

[@asanrules]

Great review! I learned to ski at Sun Peaks in '02 and I've been back pretty much every winter since. It's such a great resort for a variety of skill levels. On top of everything you mentioned, I also love the short lift lines and how well the mountain distributes people. Even on a busy day, once you're on a run, you feel like you still have the mountain to yourself. Keep up the great work with your vids and looking forward to more content!

[@riseandalpine]

Totally agree! Lift lines are good and the mountain always feels empty. That’s one of the best combos in skiing.

[@Subalpinism]

Lovin the cheeky thumbnail. Doing emails in the living room this morning so stoked this popped up.

[@riseandalpine]

So glad I could help you procrastinate.

[@Destiny-I-Draw-Things]

Rare footage of him actually feeling the spicy of the spice sauce. Super review btw keepthe good work!

[@riseandalpine]

I am not immune hahaha

[@GotWake4]

taking my fam to sunpeaks this upcoming February its one of the few western Canadian mountains i have yet to hit.... thanks for the review, looking forward to checking this one off the bucket list

[@riseandalpine]

Sick! Will be a great spot for the Family trip. Excited to see what you think of it.

[@GotWake4]

@@riseandalpine we are doing Pano, Revy and Sunpeaks back to back to back. Hopefully we get some good snow for that 2 week stretch of February

[@Ty-ye6ny]

@@GotWake4 That is an insanely good trifecta! You nailed that itinerary.

[@theshreditor625]

Well done. Sunpeaks is my home mountain. And you did really good job describing it. And yes we call it the Laundry Runs😂 Ever come back I’ll show you this mountains secret spots!

[@riseandalpine]

So glad I did your home hill justice, but it's easy to do because it rocks! Would love to chase a local around for a day.

[@kOlbThreeTimesOne]

Banger video once again! I was waiting for this to come out after watching your first sun peaks video. Hoping to check out this resort some time!

[@riseandalpine]

I hope you make it there. It absolutely rocks.

[@anguslove6130]

Heading to Sun Peaks this January from Australia. Thanks for the review and guide. So happy the West Bowl chair is going in this season.

[@riseandalpine]

That'll be a wicked time. Ya the West Bowl chair should be quite the upgrade.

[@johndark633]

Well done ,nailed that two trips to Sun Peaks plenty of good skiing to be had

[@riseandalpine]

Glad you enjoy Sun Peaks as much as I do

[@jenniferbutcher759]

Love Sun Peaks, was there from NZ for 2 weeks in February. Definitely will be going back!

[@riseandalpine]

Glad you had such a good time. It's such a gem.

[@Coconautify]

Cheers mate, was waiting for this one to drop.... and you didn't disappoint. Everything you said was bang-on. I was put onto Sun Peaks by some Kiwi friends (note: there are TONS of Aussies and Kiwis up there) and went there as a relative beginner. It was absolutely the best place to progress, and for those of your viewers who are in the Intermediate-progressing-to-Advanced skier bracket, you could do a lot worse than choosing SP to stay and ski. Just all around fantastic services, ski in-ski out accommodation, friendly people and awesome, empty slopes to progress on. I especially enjoy the Morrissey side, because its even less busy than the rest of the resort and has some ripper groomers on that side - the 'Sticks' is one of the best green slopes for a beginner I think I've ever skied, period. Thanks again for this excellent review!

[@riseandalpine]

Always happy to hear that you think I did an okay job with the review. I totally agree, it's just such a fun time or everyone and the people are phenomenal!

[@danieltaylor3396]

I've been known to recommend "The Sticks" to advanced skiers. You can get going pretty fast by not turning much and just doing big arcs between the tree islands.

[@Coconautify]

@@danieltaylor3396 Yeah man, you can crank through there, especially on that last steepish section.... I like to warm up on that one.

[@AlfrSjalfr]

I was at Sun Peaks for the first time last March. I will definitely go back, after I try Big White and Silver Star. As an East Coast skier, I couldn't believe the snow quality. NO ICE, whatsoever. Met Nancy Greene and Tom Gellie even. It was just a fantastic week on all accounts. Thanks for the spot-on review (though you forgot to mention the Alpine fondue dinner and the starlight descent🤩). Love your channel, no crazy music, calm but lively voice.

[@riseandalpine]

So fun you met Nancy and Tom! The snow is always really good at Sun Peaks. So glad you had a taste of how amazing it is. Next time I need to try this fondue thing!

[@danieltaylor3396]

When ever someone at Sun Peaks refers to the conditions as "icey", it causes an Eastern skier to laugh.

[@jimspargo]

great review, I have been using your videos to plan our first family Canadian ski trip for this Aussie family

[@riseandalpine]

Sick!!! You're gonna love Sun Peaks!

[@c3ecl1]

The grooming at SPs is second to none. And the quality of the snow is fantastic. But dude, you forgot one thing. NO LIFT LINES (even on weekends). I skied there last February. 30cm of fresh snow on Sunday. Maximum lift line - 2 mins.

[@riseandalpine]

No lift lines on a weekend pow day??? That's good to know!

[@AlexM-zc7ib]

Sun Peaks is a wonderful family hill, probably top 3 for families in Canada. I take my two youngest kids there every year....closer to Vancouver than Big White, and a better hill in my opinion (we also love Silver Star, there lots as we have family in the area). Some really nice tree skiing as well. For advanced skiing, if all you want to do all day is blacks and doubles, I would avoid Sun Peaks...I take my two oldest kids (teens) to Apex, Revy or Kicking Horse for that...

[@riseandalpine]

I completely agree with you! The best family hill. Definitely not the place if you're looking to scare yourself silly.

[@Ty-ye6ny]

Dude, such a good solid review. I absolutely love Sun Peaks! Can't wait for this season. This video got me stoked.

[@riseandalpine]

Glad this got your buzzin' Going to be a great season!

[@SkiBikeBoys]

Awesome thumbnail, i would’ve clicked anyhow tho 😂❤

[@riseandalpine]

You're the best!

[@jeffputnam3517]

The bomber Nachos are from Bottoms Bar & Grill under the Sundance Lodge ❤🔥

[@riseandalpine]

Yup!!! Those things are amazing.

[@jean-francoiscloutier7361]

That's a great review. One day I'll go. Thanks...

[@riseandalpine]

I think you'd really love Sun Peaks if you've never tried it. Groomer paradise and it's seldom icy :)

[@MythicPi]

Absolutely love these reviews. Would love to see one for Marmot Basin in Jasper someday, I've had a ton of fun out there, along with the craziest powder day I've ever been lucky to experience (midweek bluebird day after a freak 2 day blizzard, ungodly amount of pow, almost nobody on the slopes)

[@riseandalpine]

That day sounds insane!! I'll 100% make a Marmot review once I get there :)

[@chuzzwade288]

That place looks perfect for a week of shredding 😮 😃🤙🏼

[@riseandalpine]

Can't be beat! Wonder how my stomach would fare if I ate those nachos every night?

[@chuzzwade288]

@@riseandalpine never mind you stomach, it's when they are coming out! You'd have to wash them down with plenty of hot sauce and a beer or two!

[@BeetsByHometownBrew]

Sun peaks looks like a good ski in - ski out joint. I heard a lot of doctors vacationed there, when I used to work in the hospital...

[@riseandalpine]

Sounds like a good place to be if you get injured on the mountain!

[@mognut1]

Hell yeah! Was waiting for this one

[@riseandalpine]

Enjoy!

[@tarfeef101]

Oh man i went to sun peaks for an afternoon at the end of a road trip to bag Mount Tod. Had to rush to try and get done in the daylight, but made the mistake of taking the Burfield chair the whole way up, thinking "oh just 1 chair, that should be faster" 😅😂 Ended up not really mattering about the daylight anyways because it was a total whiteout, so vis was crap regardless. Did get to ski brand new cord on the way down via headlamp tho, that was pretty sweet

[@riseandalpine]

Noooo the Burfield hahaha. That chair is so damn long. I absolutely love how hard you get after it. A fresh cord headlamp run sounds like a bucket lister to me!

[@FritzFrank]

Another cool review/guide. 👏

[@riseandalpine]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jmoore1420]

Thanks for this very detailed review. I can’t wait to try it out next Jan. 2025.

[@riseandalpine]

My pleasure! Have fun out there.

[@MatthewLoewen-x4u]

Great vid dude

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Matthew!

[@anonymous134y]

hey can you make a video talking about Canadian resort ski infrastructure upgrades and what you think about them? Like WB's Fitzsimmons Eight-Pack and Jersey Cream Express 6-pack? Get us stoked for this year's season! Other resorts got upgrades too: Sun Peaks, Whitewater, Big White Ski

[@riseandalpine]

That would be a sweet video idea. What did Big White upgrade?

[@anonymous134y]

@@riseandalpine small upgrade but something to do with the bullet chair

[@craigiannucci9914]

I feel like he would love snowbird, they have light snow and good fall line as well as extreme terrain and boot packs

[@riseandalpine]

I feel like I'll love it there too. Hopefully I make it there this season!

[@logand8811]

Teasing us with fatmaps. I already miss it

[@riseandalpine]

Don't remind me..... :(

[@alainbrouillaud484]

James you really do a skitastic job on these resort reviews. I do enjoy watching you carve you way down the hill… not everyone looks good when they are carving. I am looking forward to when you review the American resorts next summer. I gotta win Euro Millions so I can fly you over to ski in Switzerland & France.

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Alain! I appreciate you adding me into your Euro millions plan hahaha. Hopefully I can grow to this channel to the point where a Europe trip wouldn't make me broke... I have a feeling it would be worth the financial turmoil though. Might never come back to Canada LOL.

[@neildibnah1002]

Evening Squire, as it is here in the uk Heading to Sun Peaks first week in March, was wondering what the weather and snow conditions are like that time of year. Going to try Gils for the fresh snow, first venture into the deeper white gold, are there guides as I will be on my own a nervous about venturing that far out? Ta Dibs

[@riseandalpine]

March should be pretty awesome! Don't be nervous on Gil's, totally doable without a guide. You will always end up back on a cat track. Helps to download some mapping software on your phone if you want more peace of mind.

[@neildibnah1002]

@@riseandalpinemorning, thanks for the reply, what mapping software do you use? Ta Dibs

[@HawgRiderBC]

I don't know what happened to Whistler, but last year was my last year of getting a seasons pass at Whistler. The amount of ppl and the length of time you spend in lines just isn't worth the 290 a day.

[@riseandalpine]

The population of the lower mainland continues to grow and Whistler stays the same size. I think we are screwed either way.

[@HawgRiderBC]

@@riseandalpine At one time, there was supposed to be a third base in Cheakamus, but I don't know if those plans are still on. Especially after the last couple of years when the snowpack was higher.

[@GigaChadRealington]

Yoooo Sleepy Terry from my corner store just told me it’s supposed to snow in the northeast. Might yonk some early lines

[@riseandalpine]

Unreal! Ya better send me some pictures.

[@wyldcanuck]

Hit me up next time you’re there! We’ll shred some spicy runs 🌶️

[@riseandalpine]

Would love to chase ya around!

[@erinb4919]

Have only been here for one weekend... Really fantastic, wide, well groomed groomers and fun carving. Also very good conditions (on my one weekend there), no ice or Hard pack . So I think a good place for beginner-intermediate or people who just want good groomers for carving. However for an advanced skier looking for steeps or sustained vertical, I would look elsewhere. Ie louise-revy-kicking horse-sunshine. Not much in that department and I got a bit bored. We definitely covered the full mountains, hiked to the top etc, and while there were a few fun pitches, it's not a place I would go back to, as I like alpine steeps. Also the lift tickets are quite expensive relative to what you get, and the on mountain accommodation was very expensive, for a random mid winter weekend... Like, are we at Whistler?? We stayed in Kamloops and drove in everyday...

[@BeetsByHometownBrew]

Yup I was just consulting the website for February accommodations in the village, and I can confirm, she's a no-go. Whistler is ridiculously priced. Like wtf, are we in Vail, Telluride, Aspen, here? Is Whistler really justified charging like that? It's like they don't want newcomers to the sport.

[@erinb4919]

@@BeetsByHometownBrew it is really becoming insane... I can't comprehend the prices 😳

[@BeetsByHometownBrew]

@@erinb4919 Price is the reason I'm very unlikely to ski either of these places. Why should we be able to score 3 nights in early March peak pow season, for under 500 bucks, at RED. Also notable RED has some more up-scale lodging available. Places like Sun Peaks & Whistler really need to get their stuff together with the basic level cheaper accommodations. RED offers superior terrain, lb for lb, and although it's not a full fledged Tyrolian village lay out, it's way better value for the money.

[@riseandalpine]

I agree. Pricing everywhere is whack. Sun Peaks accommodation is still 5x less than Whistler ski in/ski out mid-winter. Whistler is absolutely nuts and the most unaffordable vacation. But groceries are barely affordable these days :(. I'm very lucky that mountains hook me up with passes when I visit.

[@erinb4919]

@@riseandalpine yeah... Whistler is next level expensive 😬😭😭... My strategy when visiting Whistler buy groceries at Costco in Kamloops and then drive to Whistler... Like who can buy food there 😳?

[@Phlip1167]

if you can you should try the heliskiing in bugaboos

[@riseandalpine]

That sounds amazing, but there is no way I can afford heli skiing LOL.

[@Phlip1167]

@@riseandalpine 🤣

[@travelinCanada-f4s]

Hello, it would be interesting if you could make a separate video with leg exercises

[@riseandalpine]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/en2wYZlne752pJY

[@shipsinker3052]

Go back there sun peaks is opening a brand new chairlift on the west bowl side

[@riseandalpine]

I'm excited to check out the new chair!

[@lelleiv]

have u ever visited the Alps or just USA/Canada skiing for you? I'd love to visit Whistler sometime but the cost is incredibly ridiculous compared to even the fanciest resorts in the Alps...

[@riseandalpine]

I'd love to visit the Alps. A dream of mine. Very expensive for me to fly over there. So far I've really just skied Canada because the mountains are all driving distance to home for me. Will try some USA mountains this season.

[@danieltaylor3396]

One big failure of the video was no mention of the world famous Cinnamon Buns. The original recipe came from Velma Brady, a local rancher's wife who worked in the kitchen/cafeteria at the Burfield Lodge log building in the 1970s. The building now houses Sun Peaks upper management but back in the Tod Mountain days that log building was a cafeteria, Beer Stube, licensed Lounge, ski shop, kite shop, dinning room, and guest rooms.....not all at the same time, though.

[@riseandalpine]

Oh my god I forgot the buns 😂… best in the world for sure. When I went this year they were already sold out. Never been so sad in my life.

[@bigx9963]

Hey you got a new pair of Nordica with out bindings. What happens to the other pair?

[@riseandalpine]

So far I keep all of my skis don’t have any doubles of the same width that aren’t fully broken

[@danshelledy]

What about skiing Sun Peaks in April or how late does the season go?

[@riseandalpine]

I'm actually not sure when closing day is or how the conditions are. Someone in the comments might be able to help?

[@danieltaylor3396]

With skiing on both sides of the valley on 2 mountains and 2 ridges, you would be hard pressed to name another resort in NA that spreads skiers out better than Sun Peaks. Sun Peaks gets Utah quality snow, just not Utah volumes. So I tell folks that Sun Peaks is not for Powder Hounds, Its for Speed Freaks. Even on a busy day, look down a run, there will be no one else on the run...go as fast as you want. They lost the main sponsor for the Speed Skiing event but they sometimes groom the black diamond Big Headwall where the race use to be held....make sure to make a few turns on the way down.

[@riseandalpine]

Speed Freaks for sure! I always love looking at those speed helmets. I've attempted to tuck down headwall when I was a kid and it was groomed. I kept lapping it over and over again and starting higher and higher. Terrifyingly fun!

[@TheNewGreenIsBlue]

Do you like Sun Peaks more than Big White? I know Big White gets all the attention.

[@riseandalpine]

They are both awesome. Sun Peaks is more approachable and gets more sun. Big White has a bit more expert terrain and gets more snow. My family and I always lean towards Sun Peaks because it's so much fun for everyone.

[@xthe_moonx]

whistler prolly thinks people will go there whether they groom it or not so they save money by not grooming it. only way they start grooming good again is if people complain AND stop giving them money.

[@riseandalpine]

100%... Grooming has been a disaster at Whistler

[@Blo55]

Trying to decide between sun peaks and panerama for a trip this winter, any thoughts?

[@riseandalpine]

Panorama has more intense and steep terrain but is way icier. Sun peaks conditions are way more consistent and the runs trend a little more mellow. Can't go wrong with either if you've never been. Love them both.

[@markhills628]

I agree with James' comment. I'm an older intermediate boarder just looking to carve and both places were a blast. I think it depends who you are travelling with and what they want to get out of the trip. If everyone is intermediate or above and focussed on the skiing side of the holiday, then I'd maybe lean towards Pano. If you're after a wider range of activities, maybe have some less experienced skiers in the group, want a broader choice of restaurants and a bit more of a vibe, then I'd go Sun Peaks. But as James said, can't go wrong with either. Hope you have a great trip.

[@Holeysocks464]

SunPeaks ! Enough said.

[@amdcaaa]

The plan: start a popular KZbin ski channel to sell hot sauce

[@riseandalpine]

Imagine 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.... I sell the sauces mainly for fun. The small profit is pretty hard to justify the time it takes to prep everything and pack orders. But, the idea of others chugging hot sauce while skiing world wide makes it all worth it. Hilarious!

[@HenrLL128bc]

skibidi

[@DaltonNichols-lu9ub]

Ignore this video. Sun peaks is horrible. Don’t waste your time. Stick to any other resort.

[@anthonysharwood1962]

Yeah the mountain looks like junk. Basically looks like the Keystone of Canada. Too many groomers, not enough interesting stuff. I'm an Aussie and am well aware how many of the my compatriots absolutely love the place but meh, I can see it's not for me. Give me a hill with a few natural terrain features. I'm not just talking about double blacks and crazy gnarly off piste. I'm 55 and don't ski too much of that stuff anymore. But I want a hill with a few interesting bits where I can feel the shape of a real mountain, not the equivalent of a slopy golf course covered in snow. Oh and the Sun Peaks village looks kinda too twee and Disneyfied. Gimme a real town! Having watched all of James's vids, and having skied Panorama and Whistler and Fernie and the Banff 3, the one I really want to try, based on his videos, is Red Mountain.

[@riseandalpine]

If you want natural features Red or WhiteWater will be your faves!