Sun Peaks received its first real dose of Vitamin D this weekend as the sun came out for some beautiful bluebird conditions. Crystal stole the show on Saturday, swimming above the cloud layer, but on Sunday the entire mountain was bathed in wonderful sunshine. As promised, there was great snow on Mt. Morrisey for its seasonal debut. As Mother Nature continues with her generosity Sun Peaks can look forward to full winter operations soon.
Late afternoon on Sunday at the top of Sundance
On Saturday, skiers stop to gaze at the rainbow around the sun on the 5 Mile
Seth, Sun Peak Resort’s Slopes and Grooming Manager’s main goal this summer was to create more beautiful gladding for skiers and riders, which will be the main emphasis over the next couple of years. Because of tree removal from pine beetle kill and also the ability to limb the trees at 18’, Sun Peaks were able to open up most of the treed areas. Sun Peaks have big plans for the resort and aim to have the best and most glade skiing available in the future.
This summer showed them what they could really accomplish and next year they are planning to really amp it up! Seven guys worked four days a week on 10 hour shifts and did an amazing amount of work for the size of the crew. As winter groomers, they knew the problem areas and were able to concentrate on some of their favourite lines.
To experience some of their handiwork head to the trees around East and West Bushwacker which were opened up and limbed this summer.
Super fun trees on the right! West Bushwacker pictured with the village and Mt. Morrisey in the background
In addition to the gladding they also worked to widen and clear runs of brush and obstacles. 5th Avenue, a black run accessed via Distributor, was cleared using brush and chain saws all the way to the bottom and is going to become part of regular grooming schedule. Intimidator, another black run off Distributor, was also cleared and will now be a mogul run this season. On Burfield, Challenger, a favourite double black was brushed top to bottom. This was quite a feat for the crew, walking up the very steep terrain carrying their brush saws. Back Door and Sunny Side were brushed and will be part of the regular grooming this season (Expo will be done next summer). The trail out of Kookamungas was also widened.
The crew also hit Mt. Morrisey hard as it hadn’t really been done since it opened, including a locals’ favourite, Spin Cycle. Delta’s Return was re-graded to make it more user friendly for people heading back to that side of the mountain.
Now you are in the know on some of the best new spots on the mountain. Thanks to the Sun Peak Resort’s summer trail crew and the winter operations team for keeping the mountain in such great shape for all of us!
If you are thinking about visit
Well I was lucky enough that my wife woke me up early yesterday and told me, “It’s still snowing, you better get out there!”. I quickly dressed and headed out the door, my neighbour was digging her car out of the snow and I told her, “There’s no friends on a powder day!” and left her behind. I started on Mt. Morrisey expecting to be alone as it’s generally the quieter of the three mountains however word had spread about the 30+ cm overnight so unfortunately for a spoiled local, there were others on my mountain.
