Sun Peaks Resort BC: Canada’s Second Largest Ski Area — 4,270 Acres, 137 Trails & Lift Tickets
British Columbia
Sun Peaks Resort — Canada’s Second Largest Ski Area
Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops, British Columbia, is the second largest ski area in Canada by skiable acres. With three interconnected mountains, a purpose-built alpine village, and snow quality that rivals Japan’s interior resorts, Sun Peaks delivers a complete mountain experience without the crowds of its more famous neighbours.
Resort Overview
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Skiable Terrain | 4,270 acres |
| Vertical Drop | 882 m |
| Trails | 137 |
| Lifts | 13 |
| Day Pass | $139 |
| Distance from Kamloops | 45 minutes |
| Pass Affiliation | Ikon Pass |
Three Mountains, One Resort
Sun Peaks spreads across three distinct mountains, each with its own character:
- Tod Mountain — the main peak with the most vertical and advanced terrain, including steep glades and alpine bowls
- Sundance Mountain — perfect for intermediates with wide groomed cruisers and consistent pitch
- Mt. Morrisey — gentle terrain ideal for beginners and families learning to ski
Japan-Quality Snow
Sun Peaks sits in BC’s dry interior, far from the wet coastal snow that plagues Lower Mainland resorts. The result is light, dry powder comparable to what you’d find in Japan’s Hokkaido region. The interior location also means more sunshine and better visibility than coastal mountains.
Village and Activities
The purpose-built village at the base offers ski-in/ski-out accommodation, restaurants, shops, and a genuine alpine atmosphere. Beyond downhill skiing, the resort offers:
- Cross-country skiing on groomed Nordic trails
- Snowshoeing through forested terrain
- Dog sledding excursions through the backcountry
- Fat biking, ice skating, and tubing
Why Sun Peaks Stands Out
Despite being Canada’s second largest ski area, Sun Peaks sees a fraction of the traffic that hits Whistler or the Banff resorts. The 45-minute drive from Kamloops keeps it accessible, while its Ikon Pass inclusion makes it a smart add-on for pass holders visiting BC. For skiers who value space, snow quality, and a relaxed village atmosphere, Sun Peaks is hard to beat.