January 2015 saw a group of 22 head to Sun Peaks and Silverstar ski resort for a two week Canada ski holiday. These resorts are located in the Okanagan Valley near Kamloops and Vernon.
Our first week was in Sun Peaks– now the second largest ski area in Canada after Whistler and is renowned for its Europeans styled village( mostly ski-in and ski-out), varied terrain, superb grooming and of course powder snow which we were blessed to experience on our first 2 days. In a nutshell, Sun Peaks has something for everyone on and off snow.
Our group is diverse in age and ability from 7-76yo, intermediate to Expert and the best way to cater to these needs is to take advantage of Sun Peaks free mountain guides leaving twice a day to show you around the ski resort. You choose your ski ability level and spend a couple of hours exploring the mountain at your own pace with people from around the world. You do need to be aware that the Sun Guides are local Canadians that have pretty much grown up on the hill and love their resort and you may not be able to give up skiing with them or vice versa. This has happened with our Estours group who has affectionately been adopted by Ross from Kamloops over the past 3 years. When his Sun Guide jacket is on during Sunday tours it is strictly business, but he meets up with us each day after that you get to learn where the locals like to ski- if you choose to do so. This year we had a Nordic skier with us and I am pleased to say that Les was full of praise for the facilities and trails on offer for the skinny skis and entertained us with his adventures each evening- for us downhillers it sounded like a lot of hard work. Lunch time is easy in Sun Peaks with a great choice of eateries, all mostly table service and a great selection of well- priced, nourishing meal options.
At Sun Peaks we have stayed at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Residences. This property offers accommodation from hotel style rooms to 2 bedroom self -contained apartments. The Grand hotel is located right in the village centre and is a short ski to the main lifts servicing the resort. Besides having the most comfortable beds, ski valet, onsite restaurants and bars, the hotel also boasts an outdoor heated swimming pool and 3 hot tubs with the most amazing views over the resort.
During our time at Sun Peaks we try and explore the village and sample the varied cuisines the numerous restaurants have on offer. One of our favourites has been the Voyageur Bistro- themed on Canadian ingredients available for hundreds of years- Bison, berries, bannock and local fish are all features on the menu. The Bistro is warm and friendly, full of Canadian artifacts with a story of their own to tell.
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We had another fabulous meal at the Steakhouse at Sun Peaks Lodge. Here we enjoyed a marvellous selection of house cuts of 100% Canadian beef, daily features, vegetarian selections and a nice bottle of wine in a casual family atmosphere. Just what was needed after a day skiing. On the Wednesday evening a group of us headed to Kamloops to watch the Junior league game of Kamloops Blazers vs Tri City (across the US Border) which is code for Canada vs USA, so it was always going to be an exciting game in a sport that runs in the blood of a lot of Canadians. Loaded with Nachos, popcorn, beer or cider we settled into an exciting game which fortunately saw the Kamloops Blazers come away with the victory in what was a fast paced, action packed game.
Thursday evening was another highlight and a must do in Sun Peaks- the Fondue Dinner and evening Descent. The evening starts by catching the Sunburst Chair at 5.00pm at twilight up to Sunburst Lodge where we were treated to a sumptuous fondue meal. There is a broth to warm a variety of pre-cooked meats and of course a sensational cheese fondue with fresh vegetables and crusty breads. If that is not enough, what fondue dinner is complete until your pots of melted chocolate, strawberries, melon and shortbread have been delivered. During the course of the evening you are entertained by a local musician and Sun Peaks hosts to ensure your evening is a memorable one. Once the meal is completed it is time to put your skis on along with a supplied head lamp and follow your guide down the five mile run lit up just with the meandering line of headlamps of each designated group. Friday evening was one of the Sun Peaks Signature evenings in their winter season events- the Progressive Wine Tasti From here our merry band of explorers set off to sample some of the best wines the Okanagan area of Canada had to offer, along with what seemed to be the rest of the resort. There were various reds and whites, honey wines and ice wines on offer. Whilst the evening was very enjoyable I think we can safely say that the Aussies may have it over them in the wine making department, but I am not going to tell them that. Sun Peaks must do’s- Fresh cinnamon sticky buns at Sunburst lodge, pineapple curry chicken wings from Bottoms bar, Ice Hockey game and the Fondue Dinner and a stop at the chocolate shop. |
ng. On collection of our tickets we were supplied with a wristband, a map of locations and a Sun Peaks event wine glass (happy it made it home in my luggage.)
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