LOCATION: Kamloops, BC
DRIVING DISTANCE (YVR): 4hr 30min (416 km)
MARKED RUNS: 144
TERRAIN: 4,270 acres
RATING: 4/5 Stars
Family-Friendly Destination in BC
Sun Peaks Resort is the second-largest ski area in British Columbia (second only to Whistler), offering over 4,270 acres of skiable terrain with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, as well as plenty of cross-country skiing options. It’s popular with families and makes a great ski/snowboard vacation.

The day we went, we were lucky enough to catch some fresh snowfall, which added a soft layer to the mountain, making for some really fun turns in the powder. The chairlift lines were surprisingly short, so we spent more time on the slopes than waiting around. As for visibility, it varied throughout the day—at some points, it was low, especially lower or mid-mountain, so for the most part, we stayed in the alpine. Up high, the views were stunning, and the conditions were perfect for a good ride. Overall, it was an excellent day.
We bought a Canada Ski Council Platinum pass that allowed access to Sun Peaks for under $100. Otherwise day rates are $175 with 10-40% off online depending on how far in advance you buy tickets.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS
Overnight Parking
For those traveling in an RV or van, overnight parking is available in Lot 5 for $21 per night. Conveniently located near the Morrisey Express and Orient chairlifts, this area also provides access to toilets and fresh water.
So Much Terrain, So Little Time
As Canada’s second-largest ski area, there’s far too much terrain to explore in just one day—especially with the shorter daylight hours. To fully experience all the mountain has to offer, it’s best to plan a multi-day adventure.

Pros
- With the wide terrain, the line-ups even during busy Christmas and New Year’s were miniscule. Also, no gondola line ups here, only fast-moving chairlifts.
- There’s so much variety here, lots for beginners, intermediate and more advanced skiers/snowboarders. Choose your own adventure! Probably can’t finish all the runs in one day, lots of glade run options
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Fair value in lift prices and accommodation, and there’s a vibrant apres scene and lots of stay in options in the village. Ability to ski in and ski out is a plus.
Cons
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Magic carpet chairlifts are unnecessary. I thought it made it harder and more annoying… I prefer to control my movements instead of a machine.
- It’s easy to the take the wrong turn and suddenly find yourself on the path to ski down at end of a long day instead of taking the gondola.
- Mountain chair lifts can close as early as 2:30, so you have to plan your day well.

Sun Peaks Resort is a great Whistler alternative. It’s further than Whistler from Vancouver, but pros include shorter line-ups, and a week at Sun Peaks costs less than a weekend at Whistler. If there are days you don’t feel like going up the mountain, there’s also options to snowshoe, toeboggan and go tubing too. A bonus, if you are into winter camping, is Sun Peaks also welcomes RV-ers in winter. Overall a great spot for overnighting and skiing/snowboarding.
WEBSITE:
www.sunpeaksresort.com