Another winter season is coming to a close. In one week the lifts will cease to turn and the runs will be still and empty.

Slowly the snow will melt away, leaving the bare earth underneath. The population will dwindle as friends part ways.

On the surface it can seem a bit depressing. But as with any ending, there is always a new beginning. Spring has always been a transitional time for me; a time to move again and probably start a new job. When the warmer weather comes it is always a good time to take stock, think of what you have accomplished and what your next step will be. 


You know it's spring at the Peaks when the colorful plastic flower start showing up!



Looking back, November seems so long ago. Our early season conditions were phenomenal. An early opening had everyone’s snow stoke over the top! The energy carried on over Christmas, with resort buzzing with guests and events. Consistent snowfalls made for great conditions and temperatures stayed comfortable. It was great to share time and runs with friends and family.

In the new year, we braved through a bit of a cold snap but the snow kept coming. As the world looked on the snowless coast with trepidation for the upcoming Winter Games our Mid Mountain and Alpine bases continually rose.

In February, we enjoyed the largest snowfall of the season, nearly breaking the 200cm mark for our alpine base. In March, we saw a couple storms accompanied with the beginning of spring conditions. Hoodies and sunscreen were out in full force.

So far, April has been a bit tame, but who knows what’s in store for us? Last season we saw about 20cm on closing day! I had so many stellar days up here. Even when I didn’t think it was going to be great, I’d always be surprised to find some of my favourite places untouched or have fun exploring a new spot I hadn’t rode before.

Me, enjoying the snowy trees mid-season

For a place that depends on the weather, I can say with certainty, we did pretty well. I know they can’t all be powder days but we enjoyed every one of them. Even this past Easter weekend brought some snow and strong winds, which can seem like bad thing, until you find where the wind has been stashing all the powder.

As for accomplishments, I reached some goals while missing others. I got to know a mountain I thought I knew well, even better. I met some great and fun people who I saw work hard everyday to make this resort the amazing place that it is. I learned new things and found a self-discipline I wasn’t sure I had. But I’m afraid the season will end before I’m able to reach the number of days on the mountain I was aiming for. It’s unfortunate but I still rocked more days in a season than ever before and it means I always have something to aim for in the future.

While guests and seasonal staff may see everything winding down, for many people here it’s time to get ready. Already snow has been cleared from the golf greens and preparations are under way to open on May 22. Soon polo shirts and golf carts will take over the valley.

The mountain will explode with millions of flower blossoms, painting the hills a hundred different shades. The lifts will begin turning again and hikers from all over the world will enjoy the trails that whind across the mountains. The trail crews will kick it into high gear to clear the runs for the upcoming winter.

Plus, the hill transfroms into one of North America’s best mountain biking parks. It will host world class events as well as introduce thousands of people to mountain biking for the first time. While it doesn’t draw as many people as winter operations the numbers continue to rise every year. Home to pros, you can check out Anthill’s “Follow Me” premier partially filmed here on April 24.

So really, nothing is ending; it’s just progressing along the natural cycle. Before you know it the leaves will be changing colour again and a familiar chill will invade the air to remind us fun days in the snow are right around the corner.

As tradition, another spring move is in the works for me. But this one involves a much larger distance than ever before. I’ve decided to follow winter to the Southern Hemisphere and see what the New Zealand alpine ranges have in store for me. I can’t wait to strap in on the other side of world and rip their high alpine bowls!

 
I'll miss the snowy woods of my backyard but I'm looking forward seeing what's outside my window at my next home

I plan to celebrate a successful season with everyone this weekend at the Dummy Downhill and 80's Day on Saturday and the Coor’s Light Slush Cup and Top to Bottoms Race on Sunday (our last day of winter operations). Thanks to everyone who helped make this winter a blast and I hope people have enjoyed reading this blog as much I have enjoyed writing it.

Have a great summer (I know I will).

Brandi

On Monday morning I went to meet two women who I have come to know by working with the Sun Guides this season. Chase and Laurie are extremely passionate about skiing and love to share their knowledge of Sun Peaks. I knew they were on to something when they mentioned they were starting a branch of the ski school called The Ski Sisters.

The idea was hatched after several years of combined guiding experience. Commonly they would run into women on the hill who were skiing alone and not really enjoying themselves because they couldn’t keep pace with their family or were intimidated by the sport.

“But after a couple of runs with us they would be having a blast,” said Laurie. The Ski Sisters knew they had found their calling to help women discover their confidence and passion for skiing. 



My plan was to meet up, take some photos and get some runs in on my board with them as we chatted about their program and its goals. But that wasn’t their plan – I was in for the full Ski Sister experience.

After suiting up with a pair of demos from Jardines (Thanks guys!), I was on my way. Honestly, I wasn’t feeling too excited at this point. I have only skied a couple times and these ladies were pros. We headed up the platter to see where my skills lied and before I knew I was laughing and smiling along with them.

The spirit of the progam is first you have get women to relax and have a good time; that’s when they start skiing well. Everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace. While both ladies are certified instructors and will slip instruction in as they go along the main focus is putting the miles on and getting women comfortable on their skis.

“The best is when they can go back to their husbands and their kids with a great ski story,” said Laurie. “Like, ‘Today we found some great glades or today I did my first black!’”



Laurie went on to say women are constantly surprised by what they are really capable of and feel so great about themselves and the sport when they improve.

“We will push their comfort zone but we won’t push their safety,” said Chase. “It’s all about trust.”

So as the day went on they challenged me to try new things, like use the sides of the runs and take small jumps.  As I improved they provided encouragement and tips to keep me going.

Next season they will begin taking appointments. Booked through the ski school, women can ski with them from 9:30am to 12:00pm, from 1:00pm to 3:30pm or go for a whole day. A half day will run $75 and a full day for $135. Three women will go out with one Ski Sister and must be over 18 years old. They can run in conjunction with other lessons or just on their own.

The chair rides were full of great stories, laughs and their goals to provide women with a valuable skiing experience. I was struck by how strongly they feel every woman can have a great time on the mountain, they just need the right opportunity.



After pushing myself farther than I ever had on skis we headed to my crowning achievement of the day. The Lonesome Fir Glades are an area I would rip down on my board but never considered I would be able to conquer on skis. But with Chase and Laurie’s help I made it through with a smile on my face and a sense I had challenged myself and won. It’s great to know this experience will be replicated with hundreds of women next season.

With just a couple of weeks left in this season, it’s time to start squeezing every ounce of fun out of your days at Sun Peaks (if you haven’t been doing this all season).  This Easter weekend is jam packed with events for all ages.

The Canadian Alpine Masters Championships runs at Sun Peaks from April 1 to 4. This FIS event is no April fool’s joke and will host competitors from all over.

For the kids our annual Easter egg hunt takes place on Sunday. Everyone is welcome to meet at the top of OSV at 11:00am to join the chocolate hunt.

The Bluebird Day Fund is holding an epic patio fundraiser on Sunday as well. The Super Sender Spring Bender at Bottoms Bar and Grill will feature patio beats and drinks, barbeque burgers, Ride and Endeavor board demos plus a silent auction.

At the same time the Sund’eh in the Park comp will go down in the Rockstar Energy Terrain Park. Presented by 378 Boardshop this event is totally free and everyone is welcome to participate. Over $2000 in prizes is up for grabs and all you have to do is throw your name in a draw. No crazy tricks required! But if you do happen to have a couple up your sleeve, Best Trick will go down on the Quad Kink at 1:30pm.

See you on the patio,

Brandi

I’m not sure if the sky could have been a more perfect shade of blue over the Velocity Challenge 2010 FIS World Cup Speed Skiing course on Saturday. Participants and spectators alike couldn’t have asked for a better to day with light winds and a bright sun. Racers from all over the world donned their space invaders helmets and polyurethane-coated suits to race down headwalls at warp speeds.

I caught up with Adam Earle, event organizer and owner of Peaks Media and Spin, after he had done his semi-finals morning run. I couldn’t help but ask, “How do you get into something like this?” I wondered if it was similar to luge or skeleton. Do these speed demons just get up one morning and decided today is the day to try hurling themselves down an icy track or off a mountain top?


Adam poses with the Canadian flag

In Adam’s case it was something like that. Already a racer, in 1984 he entered a contest called “So You Think You’re Fast?” Turns out he was and after that he was hooked. His friend Kenny Dale began the event at Sun Peaks in the 80’s then Adam took over 15 years ago.




The area in front of Sunburst was packed with spectators coming and going all day. This couple from Tasmania was cheering and ringing their Velocity cowbell

So the event has strong roots at this resort. What’s great about having the event here is Sun Peaks is the only North American venue to hold a World Cup speed skiing event. The main racing circuit is around venues in Europe so for the racers to be able to come here is unique opportunity. 

So why Sun Peaks? Adam attributes it to the fact we have the perfect hill for the race. Headwalls, normally an alpine mogul run, was smoothed to perfection by the grooming crew days in advance and then maintained carefully throughout the event. If you have ever been at the top of this run looking down you will have some sense of what these racers are doing.


A Racer guns it down Headwalls

Sun Peaks is also home to about ten speed skiers so the atmosphere here is healthy to support an event like this. Many of the volunteers are also very dedicated with many having up to a decade of experience with the race. Adam also said the community sponsors and support make it all possible for Sun Peaks to host this world class event.

On Saturday, Adam’s speed was 156 kilometers per hour, which according to him was not bad, but he could still go faster. The fastest speed reached at the contest was an amazing 174.11 km/h by Italy’s Ivan Origone. The fastest woman, Karine Dubouchet-Revol of France, hit just over 161 km/h. You can find complete results here.

 
The results board

While the premise is deceptively simple (top to bottom with speed measured at a certain point on the track) there are several things which set the racers apart. One is wax. If you took a walk over by the Sunburst Lodge it was easy to see how important this was to the racers. Many had their eight foot skis out and were applying wax with care and precision. A practiced hand would trace the bottom of the skis to feel if they were ready while their trained eyes would look at them sharply.

 







Another factor is equipment. Like many other sports the more money you sink into it the better your outcomes may be. Special skis are needed, along with customized suits with aerodynamic helmets and fairings on the calves which turn the racer into a human bullet when he takes the tuck position. Warped-looking ski poles have a bracing affect when they are wrapped around the torso. Amazingly, the only protection besides the helmet is provided by a thin back pad in case of a crash.
 

A racers profile shows how different their gear is from conventional racing suits

What about courage? According to Adam you need a healthy does of fear to compete successfully, but you also need be very confident in your skiing ability. Especially on the Sun Peaks course.

While most courses are concave, allowing the racer to see all the way to bottom, the Sun Peaks course is convex with two big rollers. This means the racers can only see about the first 50 meters and are then flying off into the unknown. So while it may not be the fastest course on the circuit, it is the most challenging one. Racers love it, as well as the community and the venue with Sunburst Lodge as their headquarters.


The two large rollers make an already interesting sport even more challenging

While all the precautions available are taken, the element of danger is certainly present at this event. We know how injured regular racers can get so imagine a bail at seemingly mach speeds. The consequences could be deadly. While I speaking with Adam the crowd gasped as I looked up to see one racer barely keep it together after a slip. Adam congratulated him on a great recovery at the bottom of the hill and the look in the racer’s eyes mirrored everyone’s relief.

On Sunday one racer wasn’t able to make such a recovery and went off the Headwalls course. The safety nets caught him and thankfully he was mostly uninjured save his hand. So after two successful races the course was shut down due to escalating winds. Because of the aerodynamic nature of the suits the racers are highly susceptible to winds gusts. Despite the early ending, racers and organizers were happy to take part in another sucessful Velocity Challenge.

While the world’s fastest racers were present, there were also many rookies and amateurs. Rick, of Kamloops, hadn’t raced in seven years and was just happy to be back out racing again. He was there to have a good time and beat his personal best. Local rookie racer Blade Cleaver walked away with $200 for being the fastest first timer with a speed of 151.82 km/h.

It goes to show anyone with an insatiable need for speed that this might be the sport for them.

While the weather was definitely spring-like this weekend, we received more snow last night and are expecting cooler tempertures and more systems throughout the week. Hopefully the March that came in like a lamb will go out like a lion.

Winter isn't over yet,

Brandi

How could I not start off talking about what was one of the greatest days in Canadian sport’s history? On Sunday the resort was basically at a complete standstill as everyone waited with pounding hearts for the outcome of the overtime period of the gold medal hockey game. Suddenly the tension was broken and the entire village erupted! The Canadian Men’s hockey team had won Olympic gold on home ice. What a way to end two weeks of outstanding achievements by our athletes. With a record setting gold metal tally we showed the world what Canadians are made of.

Here on the mountain other competitors were also out to prove their resilience last weekend. It was time for Helly Hansen’s Big Mountain Battle. I’d been looking forward to the event all year and was stoked when big, lovely snowflakes begin falling the previous day. But I was totally shocked in the next morning to learn 27cm had fallen and it still wasn’t letting up. My first instinct was to forget the competition and hit all my favourite powder spots until my legs gave out.

But in the end, I knew I had to try. Course maps were posted online the day before with checkpoints and hikes. I had a plan and I had a partner and I didn’t want to wait another year to give it a go. We signed in, received our Flaik GPS units which would track our every move on the mountain, and headed to the start gate.

One hundred and two people, the largest group Helly Hansen had this year, was ready to give it their all for a chance to win an all expenses paid trip to Aspen Snowmass. It was a Le Man’s start, and soon after plunging into the powder to race round the Mid Mountain Chapel it became apparent to me just how difficult the conditions were going to make this already challenging race.


Team Lombard was ready to go!


Teams discussing their action plans

The pros were out of there before I could even strap in, but even if you weren’t Mr. Hardcore it was a great race. Relying on how well you knew the trails and how hard you could push yourself was satisfying. Although it was a competition, everyone was friendly and just out there for the experience.  The best part for me was the waist deep powder turns after the Mid Burf hike.


Walking through the finish

After finding the finish, many soggy people gathered around pints and barbequed burgers in Memories restaurant to celebrate personal determination. Third place went to Team Jackson, with a time of 2 hours and 25 minutes and were rewarded with some gear. Second place winners, Captains of Compost walked away with two super cool GoPro HD digital headwear cameras for their time of 2 hours and 22 minutes. Two Sun Peaks’ locals, Brian and Ben (aka Team North and South) took first place, with a time of 2 hours and 17 minutes and can look forward to competing with all the other resort winners in Aspen at the end of the month. Good luck guys! Check out the top ten course and hike times here.

The winners with thier new Dakine luggage bags to haul their gear to Aspen Snowmass at the end of March

There were also mad giveaways with awesome prizes just for competing. There was Helly Hansen gear, roof racks, and t-shirts just to name a few items. A bonus was logging on to the flaik website to see all your race stats.  It was definitely a day I won’t forget for a long time and one that will inspire me to prepare harder for next year.

Here is video of last year’s race. If anyone has pics of footage of last weekend’s race let me know and I’ll post it here.

Also, just a heads up: If you see people walking around the resort this week dressed like they may be visiting from the future, don’t be alarmed. They are competitors in the Subaru Velocity Challenge FIS World Cup Speed Skiing and will be competing on Headwalls from March 4 to 7. If you think you rip, wait until you see theses guys!

Keep Riding,

Brandi 

Despite the usual slowdown after the holidays, Sun Peaks has had a lot going on. The resort played host to The Okanagan GS Ski Races over the weekend as well as the Sun Peaks Family Cup which spanned from the 4th to the 10th.  The Family Cup invited multinational participants to compete against other in a myriad of competitions. There were over 200 racers in the GS Race and over 30 racers in the Cross Country Race. I think some people may have forgotten how much energy kids have until they watched these guys motor around all week. Kids and parents donned in racing bibs and big smiles were all over the place and looked like they were having a great time.

One person who may have been just a bit of better time was Thiago, the Sun Peaks Snow Bum. Since his arrival he has been soaking it all up and enjoying the perks of the title. I caught up with him yesterday to do a couple runs and get to know this super lucky guy.

My Monday morning buddies, Dave, visiting from the U.K, Jose, a friend of Thiago's, Thiago, and Sun Peaks local Blair.  

Before we were even on the chair, there were numerous, “Hey Thiago! What’s up?” and one “Hey, Snow Bum!” proof of his semi-celeb status on the mountain. Since his plane touched down he has been photographed, interviewed and introduced to a ton of people.

The buildup surrounding the contest would be intimidating to deal with, but he is handling it like a pro.  Over 22,000 people read about the contest on the day of launch via Twitter and a “Sun Peaks Snow Bum” search on Google yields over 46,200 hits on sites from all over the world. They range from Utube videos of contest entrants to Facebook pages dedicated to promoting a specific winner and almost every winter sports forum, online skiing magazine and tourism site mentions the contest. It is really a testament to the power of social media when it is harnessed correctly and how prominent the internet is to the winter enthusiast lifestyle. While it was inspired by Australia’s Best Job in the World Contest, it was so successful it inspired around six similar contests by other resorts and is being regarded as example of excellent use of social media by experts.

The uniqueness of the contest was mirrored in its winner, a Brazilian skier, which is a rare breed indeed. Throughout my morning runs with Thiago, it really hit home how special this opportunity is for him. Back home, or on his skiing vacations he is always acutely aware of how little time he had to get in as much skiing as humanly possible. South America also has a much shorter season than us. The thought of three whole months to do nothing but explore Sun Peaks is still blowing his mind. 

When I asked him what he was looking forward to the most, he said it was impossible to pick one aspect, but the combined experience of belong  to a true mountain community will be untouchable. I don’t think the judges could have picked a more grateful person.

Thiago has begun to post his blog entries. He will also be posting content on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Back home he is a freelance videographer and has worked on everything from advertising to documentaries so I am really looking forward to his videos.  I think he is going to do a great job of portraying this mountain and its atmosphere. It will be refreshing to look at from a new perspective, especially from someone whose normal day-to-day is so far removed resort life.  

He is easy to talk to, interesting and a great skier, so don’t be shy. Let’s show him some Canadian hospitality and give him some great Sun Peaks stories to share with the world.

Adios,

Brandi

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and Santa was kind to everyone. My personal gift wish was delivered a few days early in the form of close to 15cms of fresh, white powder on top of an already good snow week!  It fell right in time for Christmas and was met by bluebird skies and mild temperatures making for excellent runs with family and friends. That snow has lasted us throughout the holiday week and more is forecast for Thursday and Friday!

Some of my favourite parts of the mountain have been opened, including the West Bowl T-Bar and Hidden Valley. Here are some pictures from the Christmas Eve day.

We are now close to 100 per cent winter mountain operations, with only the top section of the terrain park to be completed it the next couple weeks. The Park Crew has outdone themselves with Phase Two.  It has crazy jump lines and mega features. Check out the park update, http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/winter/terrainpark/updates.aspx or better yet strap on some gear and see for yourself.  

The resort has been buzzing with holiday activities. Kids could ski, skate and have breakfast with Santa. I enjoyed seeing the wide eyed looks from kids as they met the jolly guy in the flesh. Guests also gathered in the village for caroling and sleigh rides. The atmosphere around the resort has been amazing; from the lights and decorations to the attitudes and personalities of the people I meet.

It was exactly those amazing attitudes that made the best of a Christmas night with no power. Due to an unfortunate event outside the resort's control, many people were left with not-quite-cooked turkeys and only candlelight to dine by.  Staff all around the resort pulled together to help guests in anyway they could. The restaurants that were able to operate on back-up generator power fed an incredible amount of people.  Thanks to everyone who went above and beyond and sacrificed their own Christmas dinner to help others. It was really in the spirit of the season and it was wonderful to see smiles and hear Christmas wishes all around even under straining circumstances.  There are some great stories out there of people getting creative (think barbeques) or just by making do and enjoying what they had. While it wasn't the optimal circumstances, many people will have a memorable Christmas story to tell for years to come.

2009 was a standout year for me and 2010 looks even better! Thanks to all the people I have met in the last couple years and those who have always been there for me who helped make last year what is was. New Year's at Sun Peaks is a great opportunity to celebrate everything that has happened in the past year and look back on the memories you have created. At the same time, celebrate all the new memories you will make in the upcoming year and all the great days on the mountain we still have ahead of us this season.

Happy New Year!

Brandi

Happy Winter Solstice everyone! Today is the shortest day of the year and has been celebrated by cultures dating back to Neolithic times. Countless civilizations on every continent have done their own take on the astrological event throughout the ages and many communities, especially in the north, still use this as a day to gather, celebrate and feast. It also comes an important time of year for many people, the Christmas season.

For people who go against the grain and live for winter, this day is a time for us to celebrate as well. I enjoy my time spent with others who embrace this season and know how fun and challenging it can be.   

Last Thursday I had an experience that mirrors this attitude exactly. I joined the volunteers and guests who took part in the season’s first Fondue Dinner & Evening Descent at the Sunburst Mid Mountain Restaurant. It was definitely a memorable evening.

We loaded onto Sunburst Chair at 5:00pm, after the sun had set. The chair was moving just for us as we made our way up to Mid Mountain. Sunburst Lodge was inviting and warm as we entered, places and fondue pots set for a great meal.

Fondue has long been a family tradition for me. It was always an appreciated time when we could sit down and enjoy each other’s company and savor the food in front of us. Coming from a culture that is so orientated to quick meals, it’s a nice change to unwind and indulge. Just when you think you are done, you can sit back, listen to another story, have a sip of wine and find that another dip into the pot looks very appealing. I was happy to find this family tradition of mine was replicated with fellow snow lovers that night.

The atmosphere was set by the live acoustic guitar sounds of local singer and songwriter Margit Bull. Her folksy quality covers set the tone for a relaxed evening and matched the warm glow of the wooden lodge we were dining in. For a taste of her music, check out Margit’s site, www.margitbull.ca.  Throughout the season, her and other local artists will make their way up the mountain to entertain guests on fondue nights.

Margit's tunes helped to make the evening

We sat down to a spread of delicious food prepared by the Sunburst chefs. In one pot was a mushroom and sage red wine broth, warmed and flavorful for dipping the chicken, beef pork and shrimp into. In the other was a fantastic Emmental cheese, white wine sauce with baskets of bread and a plate of fresh veggies for dipping. So good!

No matter what your taste, there was something for everyone

Yum, cheese and wine together in one dish!

Over the food there was great talk as strangers became friends and connections were made. Peter, a volunteer who has been guiding the descent for eight seasons, said he has met many interesting people hailing from all corners of the globe on these special nights and has had some of the best dinner conversations he can remember. Throughout the years he has gathered many engaging fondue stories to share.

Good friends, good times and great fondue

Sunburst Lodge Chef, Chris Nowak, tells the guests it only gets better as the season goes on

Just when we thought we were done, a third pot filled with sweet and silky milk chocolate accompanied by strawberries, melons, marshmallows and Christmas cookies made its way to our table. Suddenly, everyone found a little more room for dessert.

After the food came the best part of anytime on a mountain: the descent. Headlamps were distributed and the dinners were split into smaller groups. We made our way through the darkness to the top of 5 Mile and began to navigate down with the help of a guide at the front and the back of the single file line and lamps on the side of the run.

Stars were out and the temperature was perfect. The trees were silhouetted all around me and the runs on Mt. Morrissey glowed in the distance. All you heard was the carving of boards and skis on the fresh cord. I looked behind me and saw the blue lights moving from side to side in line down the mountain, every person taking it all in. A run I cruise every day was transformed into something completely different.

The pace was slow and there were stops along the way. It’s not too often people get a chance to live in the moment like that. It made me think and take stock of where I was. So often we can lose sight of how lucky we are to live, work and play where we do and this simple experience made me realize it all over again.

So I hope this next week, with the rush of last minute Christmas details and traveling, we can all take the time to appreciate the people around us, the friends and family that make the holidays what they are, and this place we have all found.
 
Happy Holidays,

Brandi

P.S. Check out http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/activities/events/calendar.aspx for the fondue night schedule.

It’s been an exciting week here at the Peaks and the upcoming week doesn't seem too shabby either. We received a nice amount of the lovely white stuff last night and more is forecast for the next couple days. Conditions are getting better and better everyday, and while I'm usually off hunting powder in the trees, my attention was turned to our terrain park last weekend.

Over 70 competitors met in the fading light to compete in Sun Peaks' first park competition of the season, Block Party, on Saturday night. These park rats, hailing from as far away as Ontario as well as some home town heroes, did not disappoint the spectators who gathered in the chill of the evening to watch these kids hit it.

One competitor gives 'er off the last feature in the darkness.

As the music began to pump so did the energy. During 30 minute jam sessions competitors used every feature they could to show judges they deserved a share of the over three G's worth of prize money and gear up for grabs.

First up were the little guys, 12-years-old and under. It never ceases to amaze me how the little groms show no fear and charge the park. I love watching them pull crazy tricks and think of where they are going to be in five years. I also wonder if they make their parents nervous. But nervous or not, I’m sure there were some proud papas in the sidelines Saturday night.

Throughout the Junior, Women’s Open and Advanced Open Categories, came wave after wave of sick park lines. The pace was high to get everyone as many chances as they could. Everywhere you looked people were throwing down and sometimes taking some hard-earned spills.

The evening ended with giveaways from event sponsors thrown into the eager crowd who cheered loudly for the comp winners, especially for Sun Peaks and Kamloops local ladies Emma Whitman and Zuzy Karczewska who placed first in Women's Open Ski and Snowboard. Many locals did well and deserve many congrats, as well as Whistler local Gord Emery who placed first in Advanced Open Snowboard. Later the party continued for some in Bottoms with a celebratory pint or two for the thirsty competitors. They had earned it.

It was an awesome way to set the stoke for the rest of the park season. Today the park crew is reworking the novice park and beginning to build their masterpiece under the Sundance chair. Snowmaking ended last week and with the amount that has fallen from the sky the Park Crew has more snow to work with than ever. Combine that with Rockstar Energy’s official sponsorship this year, the Bluebird Fund’s donations and the creative genius of the Park Crew and you get one sick set-up. Updates for the park can be found at http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/winter/terrainpark/updates.aspx.

Members of the Park Crew work on their labour of love.

The plan is to have the lower half of the large park ready for people to play on by this Saturday. With the next Sun Peaks park competition, The Garden, in February, there is plenty of time to sharpen your skills. Sun Peaks will also be holding the 2nd Annual Shredidential Election ’10, followed by Chairman of the Board in April. So get out there and show us what you got!

 See you out there,

 Brandi

My first two weeks here have been unbelievable. I’ve had so many great days on the mountain and it is only the first day of December. At this very moment, big, fat snowflakes are blowing around outside. It’s only the tip of the iceberg, and this season is fully on!

All over the mountain and the village, people are settling into their new jobs and working to prepare for the guests from all over the world who will visit us this season.   

The slight nervousness of the “new job, new people” feeling is being replaced by excited anticipation for the amazing experiences that lie ahead this season. Besides endless days of exploring the mountains, there is so much to do here that I’m actually feeling a little overwhelmed.

But among the array there are definitely some standouts.

The first is the holiday season, which is actually a bit of an anomaly for me.  It’s not that I’m a Scrooge or a Grinch, I’ve just never been a big Christmas person, but I think this year it might be a little different.

People from all over the world come to celebrate here during the Christmas season, and with a ton of Christmas events throughout the village, the holiday amp reaches such a high level that we may as well be at the North Pole itself. While I won’t be home for Christmas, a few members of my family are coming to visit and I’m stoked to spend time with them in a great atmosphere. And then comes New Year’s Eve, one of my favorite party nights of the year. And from what I’ve heard, New Year's Eve at the Peaks is the stuff legends are made of.

Come January, I’m looking forward to the resort’s famous Winter Wine Festival. Those three words alone guarantee a good time. I’m not a huge wine connoisseur, but I have started paying more attention to different wines over the last couple of years, so I’m excited to learn more at the festival. I’m hoping to come out with a couple favorites I can relax with on those après evenings when you really feel you’ve earned it.

February is a big month for all of BC, with the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver and Whistler beginning on the 12th and the Paralympics games beginning in March. I think Sun Peaks is going to be the perfect place to celebrate the games. We are close enough to catch the excitement and feel we are a part of it, but far enough away we will still maintain the laid back Sun Peaks attitude. People all over the resort are planning ways to maximize the Olympic experience, from events to more screens for viewing. You’ll be able to be out on the slopes without missing too much of the action.

Also in February is the Helly Hansen Big Mountain Battle. It’s a competition where teams of two make their way all over the mountain using a GPS device to track them. Points are earned for using as many different lifts as you can, highest elevation, quickest time etc. I missed out last year due to school commitments but this year it is on! My teammate and I have decided to give it our all this year and are preparing for the challenge already. The first place prize, a trip to Aspen Snowmass to compete against winners from other resorts, is great motivation.

Before we know it, spring riding will be upon us. It is hard to beat those sunny, bluebird days accompanied with the great Sun Peaks patio atmosphere. I love watching people huck off the massive table tops in the park as both the jumps and people’s bravery seem to grow in the spring. While my park skills leave quite a bit to be desired, there is no shortage of skilled park fanatics around here. March also brings the Velocity Challenge, the fastest non-motorized sport in the world, which is always exciting to watch. You will get over their outfits once you see these guys in action.

And in between the main events, I hope to take advantage of everything else offered here. I plan on getting out and skiing the Nordic trails and maybe even some snowshoeing. I know there are some great meals with great friends waiting to be had all around the village. And if I’m feeling a little indulgent, maybe even a visit to the spa with a couple girlfriends.

Throw in the annual Top to Bottoms Race and we will call it a season!

Wishing you a great winter,

Brandi