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 

Pow and bluebird, anyone? Conditions have been surreal these days. Wednesday morning residents awoke to 20cms and a gorgeous clear day. What more can you ask for? The sun stayed through the weekend and everyone seemed happy for the visit.

Nice shades!

The more time I spend here, the more I realize how deep the sense of community and character is present at Sun Peaks. And just like other communities, local artists are a way to tap into that unique culture.

Art becomes a reflection of a place and its people. And the beauty and character of Sun Peaks shines strongly through its local art. 

Lorel Sternig is a local clay artist and manager of Treeline Studios and Lone Wolf Gallery at Sun Peaks (locations owned by George and Anne Terwiel) . Displaying more than a dozen local's work as well as many other British Columbian's, visitors can truly get a sense of Sun Peaks' personality.

Lorel poses with her Raku pottery work

"It's not that there are that many artists living and working at Sun Peaks, but many have a village connection and have been inspired by the scenery and the buildings," she said. "Many have vacation homes here, live close by or have lived here and since moved on."

"It's that connection and that Sun Peaks memory that many of the people who come in here are looking to take home with them."

Treeline Studios keeps a rotating feel to the gallery. If you come in the winter you may see some of the same pieces as in the summer but there will always be something new.

The first time I visited Treeline I was happily surprised to see so many Sun Peaks and riding related artwork. One standout artist for me was Kendra Smith. Having lived in Sun Peaks for two winters, she got her start here creating paintings for her own walls. She has gone on to have her watercolors displayed in galleries across Canada. Cindy Hayden's glass snowflakes are made from recycled vintage chandeliers and capture sunlight beautifully. Photographer Robert Koopman's panoramas and use of shadow, blues and purples to show Sun Peaks scenery is gorgeous. One day, I hope to have some of his work in my home. Ray Hellman, a long time Sun Peaks resident, creates strained glass works full of color and pop. But this is by no means a complete list as there is so much local art to see there.

Hayden's creations capture light and paint prisims on the walls

Art can be found all over the resort. At the resort's newest building, The Kookburra Tree ceramic mural was designed by another artist but done by Lorel. Her studio is located by along Heffley Road and sees many visitors in the summer. During the winter months she said she enjoys managing the two locations and sharing art with visitors.

At Lone Wolf, several local artists' work is also available including paintings by Pat Taylor, jewelry by Monika McKenzie and candleholders by Jamie Tattersfield, who also head of mountain operations at the resort. 

Charlene Hall has owned and operated Fusion North, located in the Sun Peaks village, for nine years. She has been designing the jewelry she sells there for even longer. She works with sterling silver, fused glass, semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls to create custom pieces.

Charlene Hall in her store, Fusion North, displaying her hand created jewlery

"People from all over, Australia, Japan, Germany, come in and buy a new piece every time they visit Sun Peaks," she said, adding that it's a great feeling to know her art is being worn all over the world.

Her standout piece this year has been an Inukshuk made from pearl. People love it because although it reminds of them of 2010 Winter Games, it can be worn always without feeling touristy.

Whether you are a first timer at Sun Peaks or have been skiing here before the village was built, there is definitely a piece of local art that will speak to you. I'm grateful to all the artists in the area for sharing their gift. I find their talent and eye for the true nature of Sun Peaks inspiring.

Enjoy the sun,

Brandi

After all the planning and anticipation the 2010 Winter Olympics have begun in Vancouver.  And as Alexandre Bilodeau said after winning Canada’s first gold medal of the games and the first ever at home, “The party’s just starting for Canada.”

And Sun Peaks is no exception. Masa’s Bar + Grill was packed for the opening ceremonies and people continue to gather and watch Canada’s best competing a mere four hours away. Bottom's Bar & Grill spontaneously started singing the national anthem after Bilodeau’s victory and on the slopes people are rocking their Canada gear. The atmosphere around here is definitely buzzing. To be honest, I forgot how easy it is to get so involved watching the Olympic Winter Games.

Masa's ladies show their Olympic spirit

Seeing the Canadian Boarder Cross guys doing so well in all their heats was so exciting to watch. Anything can happen in that sport! Congratulations to Alberta's Mike Robertson on bringing home the Silver. In the post race interview he seemed so calm and humble. He reminded of so many of the great riders I see here everyday; they are just out there to do their thing. You never know where that little grom on the chair ahead of you will end up one day. I wish all the Canadian athletes the best and I hope they know how much we are all behind them.

This week we also have a ton of US visitors as it’s President’s Week and our out-of-country staff will be cheering on their home nations, so in a truly Canadian style, it’s a multicultural event. Sun Peaks is encouraging everyone to wear their home country colours and cheer on their athletes.

Throughout the Olympics, the resort is holding its own 2010 Sun Peaks Games. Yesterday I went out to see how people were enjoying the 3 Peaks Biathlon. It’s one of many Olympic inspired events taking place, including skeleton in the tube park, curling, cross country skiing and others. We all know how life can be stressful at times so it was great to see the families out there enjoying their vacations and each other's company. It is true parents will do anything for their children… even crabwalk around some pylons and shoot Nerf guns.


Set to go at the bottom of Gentle Giant

Intense!

Keeping on the theme of athletic competition, on Valentine’s Day The Garden lit up the Rockstar Energy Terrain Park. Seventy competitors battled it out (but in a loving fashion of course).  Many of the regular competitors moved up from the junior to open categories showing stellar progression. The women’s competition was fierce and numbers were up from last year which is great to see.

Watching these competitors I really got a sense of how hard they work. The timed jams were intense and hiking the park repeatedly is no easy task. Sweaty but loving it, everybody gave it their all. Thanks for such a great show!

Gap!

Local Gordie took second in Advanced Open Board

Sgt Seaby kept the energy high and could be heard far across the mountain

Pluggin the website! 

The results after the final five board took their first run

In the Advanced Open Snowboard, Tyler Clark was first and walked away with Best Trick. Parker Blackstock placed first in Advanced Open Ski. Zuzy Rocka won first in Women's Snowboard and Kelsey Martin took the Women's Ski. Over five grand in prizes was awarded.

Just to let everyone know the comments section of the blog has been reactivated so I am extending last week's contest until February 23. Share your favourite runs to win a Sun Peaks prize pack. 

Go Team Canada!

Brandi

According to Wiarton Willie, Canada’s most famous groundhog, we can look forward to another six weeks of winter! He awoke last week to see his shadow, so hopefully we can enjoy a couple more storms before its patio and goggle-tan time.

This month I was stoked to learn Sun Peaks was featured in the Local’s Laps section of my favourite Canadian Magazine, Snowboard Canada. In every edition one lap is showcased at a resort from the local’s perspective. The Winter 2010 magazine features our 5 Mile run, starting at the top of the Crystal Chair and winding down the mountain using Rice Bowl, The Other Way, and ending in the park.

Everyone has their favourite lap or run; the one you can hit every day and still have a ton of fun. You proudly show your out of town friends and can always count on it when you don’t feel super adventurous. 

Instead of sharing with you my favourite run, I thought I would combo up a couple to feature one of my favourite mornings. It is basically one big lap, starting at the Burfield Day Lodge or at my house nearby. Hop on the Burfield Quad and prepare for a long but relaxing chair ride. Then, if the snow is right, skate over and drop in anywhere between Kookamungas and Sunny Side. This area is full of tree trails and deep powder stashes. You can’t really go wrong. Keep your speed up as you to hit the Round A Bout cat track to get back to the Mid Burf loading station. A couple of those will get your blood pumping. Ride and repeat.

Head right from here and you won't be disappointed

 
Your personal playground


The Mid Burf loading station cuts the chair time in half and keeps you up top

When my tummy starts to give me little grumbles I know it’s time to move on. From Top of the World, take the 5 Mile then swing right onto Last Chance. Right at the top of the second mogul field sneak into the trees on your right. A super mellow gladed area is usually pretty untouched and mine for the taking. Pop out onto 5 Mile again and then take Homesteader (which has some fun hits on the sides) to the bottom the Sundance Express. At the top of Sundance if I’m feeling a need for speed, the Sundance run directly under the chair is super fun to rip down. Or if I’m not done with the trees Lonesome Fir Glades has a few choice lines. A hint is not to drop in too soon off Homesteader.


The trees between Last Chance and Spillway

At the top of Sundance again I make a break for Morrisey Mountain. Take Rambler and bear left at the fork with some speed onto the East Village Ski Way. Instead of taking Carpe Diem to the skier underpass, keep traversing over to the Orient Ridge area. It’s not widely used and has some great runs, like Ca M’a Fait Plaisir, and Fair Dinkum, which also take you right through the underpass to the bottom of the Morrisey Express.

Depending on how I’m feeling I might make a b-line for home or take my time and get in some Morrisey runs. This is the mountain I know the least and definitely demands more exploration. Many locals will tell you it is the best mountain out of the three because it is never crowded and gets less sun so the fresh snow lasts longer. Sooner or later, I’ll head straight off the chair and onto Back in Time. The first part is an easy sloped traverse into the wilderness.  You have no problem feeling secluded there. Then the vert begins with great snow along the sides I can slash all the way home. From the bottom I can walk to my house and grab some lunch or head back to the Burfield chair. Not a bad way to start your day.


My home run

What’s great is although I started and ended about 3 kilometers away from the village it was still basically ski in- ski out. The resort has been designed to provide almost 360 degrees of runs and terrain and has great flow from one mountain to the next. To view on the alpine trail map, click here.
 

This is also available as an interactive map on the website, just click on the link above

Even though this is an example of great morning, it comes nowhere close to hitting all my favourite spots, like Bluff Trees, The Other Way, Run Away Lane, and Cruiser and Blazer Glades just to name a few.  So don’t hold out on me! If you have a favourite route or run you would like to share for the chance to win a Sun Peaks prize pack, post it in the comments section or email me at marketingassistant@sunpeaksresort.com.

You can also share your photos in the Sun Peaks and Rockstar Energy JAY-peg Photo Contest. All season long you can submit your photos taken all over the resort for prizes and bragging rights. Some great, magazine-worthy photos have already been uploaded, so be sure to check them out and share your own. So far I’ve been amazed at the talents of both the photogs and the riders and skiers.

So keep on blazing your own favourite trails around Sun Peaks and take advantage the rest of this winter the groundhog has promised us. This week the 2010 Sun Peaks Games start on the same day as the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver and run throughout the duration of the games. Everyone is welcome to come out and represent their country in the events ranging from hockey to the biathlon. On the weekend, for it’s sixth year, The Garden competition will held in the Rockstar Energy Terrain Park. Presented by Oronge Board Shop, there will sure be some talent wowing the crowds and walking away with cash and gear. 

Keep riding,

Brandi

A beautiful powder day started off the work week here on Monday. It was foggy at the top but it wasn’t stopping many people from getting out there to play in the snow.  After a couple powder and tree runs off the back of the Burfield, I headed over the East Village to enjoy the snow in a different way- on a sled.

My own snowmobiling experience has been pretty limited, but that doesn’t stop me from staring in envy at some of the machines I see loaded in the back of trucks around here.  They can take you places almost totally inaccessible by any other means and are the ultimate mode of winter transportation.

Sun Peaks Snowmobile Tours has been operating at Sun Peaks for over a decade. Its current owner and operator, Andy Mastusky, has been at the helm for three years. His goal is to offer “safe, good backcountry tours,” with the emphasis on safe.

Bruce, my guide for the two hours, explained these tours serve as introduction to snowmobiling. He takes hundreds of first timers out every season to experience the scenery and fun of touring. All ages, and especially families, are welcome. The mellow, groomed trails mean everyone can have a chance to experience the backcountry.

We headed off slowly climbing towards the 500 kilometers of trail accessible from Sun Peaks created mostly by B.C. Forestry Services.  It soon became apparent we would have first tracks all morning. The forest around us was heavy with fresh snow and I felt we were far away from any civilization. The fresh snow made the trails smooth and easy to ride.  We started on some wide trails and moved into windy, skinnier trails through the trees. Then we would come to clearings full of snow and burn around for a while before heading back to the trees. Bruce stopped occasionally to explain things about the terrain and how the tours operate.


I discovered first tracks are almost as satisfying on a sled

A Forestry marker along the trail surrounded by fluffy snow

We ran into these Forestry employees who had neat maps and GPS devices

The tours are tailored if people want to go faster or slower or to what kind of trails they like. Bruce encourages everyone to make requests and ask questions. One of the most popular tours is the wiener roast at McGillivary Lake Outpost. Guests get about an hour and half of sledding plus a chance to enjoy the outdoors around a bonfire. Seeing the snow ghosts on a full moon would definitely be a treat.


Huge portions of the trails are groomed by Andy's team every three days by this old gal

The McGilllivary Lake Cabin was our final destination. On the way there we passed a outlook to Little Shuswap Lake and the Trans Canada by Chase. The fog refused to budge to show me the view, but Bruce assured me it was gorgeous. I was also told there are great views of the backside of the resort from some trails. Then we came to perhaps my favourite part of the whole tour. It was the “go as fast as you like” bit. We sped along the huge firebreaks created to protect the resort just before the outpost. It was exhilarating to fly along the snow.


Perhaps not a powder machine but these guys get the job done

On the way to McGillivray Lake

Bruce poses with his machine outside the McGillivray Lake Cabin

After a little warm up at the cabin we headed back to P5. On our way, the sun finally broke out and the world brightened outside my helmet shield.  I had fully enjoyed my morning of sledding, thanks so much to Andy for inviting me and to Bruce for the great guiding. He even switched me machines when mine’s hand warmers weren’t working and helped me get my sled out after I got it stuck. What a gentleman! He said he loves his job and never tires of hearing how guests are amazed by the snow, terrain and scenery he gets to show them. And after my time out there I can see why.

And so another morning flew by, just as the season is. With the Winter Festival of Wine and Learn to Ski and Snowboard Days finished the Adaptive Snow Sports Festival is coming to Sun Peaks this weekend. We will host the Western Canadian and B.C. ParaAlpine Championships, among other events, so come on out if you want to see some great racing!

G'Day and Happy Australia Day!

Brandi

At hills all over the nation, resorts are participating in the National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Days, running from January 16 to the 24. It has been happening all over Canada for over 30 years as a way to encourage everyone to get out try winter sports. At Sun Peaks, the Ski and Snowboard School is offering major discounts on lessons to beginners of all ages.

I’m a snowboarder by discipline, so in honor of this week I decided to trade in my board for a pair of skis and take a lesson.  Yesterday morning we awoke to a nice snowfall so I was a little sad to trade my morning of pow for the long-forgotten bunny hill, but soon I wasn’t thinking about that at all.

Thanks to Jim and his crew in the rental shop for setting me up with everything I needed. I felt super-self conscience as I walked away in my ski boots, concentrating on not stumbling out the door dropping my new, awkward feeling equipment.

I meet Liz, an instructor from the UK, underneath the Rendezvous sign by the ski school. I was level one. It was a little intimidating to be starting all the way at the bottom again, so I was relieved when Justine, on vacation from Australia, joined our lesson so I would I have someone to share the experience with. She had skied once before and now found herself on eight day stay at Sun Peaks with her skier husband. I had skied a couple times in junior high, so I was wondering how much ability my body had retained.


Some of the little groms who were showing us up

We headed over to the beginner’s area to give it a try. I felt a little like Bambi on ice, with some giant sticks attached to my legs. First we were just pizza-ing but we slowly worked our way up to the platter lift and began turning. After I used my airplane arms for a couple of runs I really had a feel getting the weight on my downhill foot. Liz told me it didn’t matter how silly I looked because everyone was concentrating on their own skiing and not looking at us. Good advice for any day on the hill I think.  I also noticed many of the kids ripping past me were humming or singing to themselves, so I think that might help as well.


Liz demonstates weight distributution to Justine, the key to successful turning

Pizza, Pizza!

I forgot how much fun it is to try something new! By the end I was doing turns in parallel all the way down. We both progressed really quickly and at the conclusion of our two hour lesson Liz said we were ready for Blue lessons. Thanks so much to the Liz and the Ski School for helping me to rediscover skiing. She was a great instructor, I could hardly believe it when she said it was her first year teaching skiing.

For anyone out there who is thinking of trying skiing or snowboarding for the time (or switching set-ups) I highly recommend it. I didn’t start snowboarding until my second year of university, so I don’t think you have to be a child to start hitting the mountain. Hailing from the flatlands it wasn’t something I had the chance to do growing up.  But when I did discover it, I decided it was about the best thing you could do, and I don’t think it’s much of exaggeration to say it changed the course of my life. It influenced me in way nothing had before, eventually prompting me to move, change my major and make it central point of my life. It has lead to me where I am today and introduced me to many amazing people. I couldn’t be happier about it.

The best thing about learning to ski or snowboard is that it isn’t a one-time lesson deal; it’s a lifetime of learning that never stops. There is always room for progression. As soon as you master one part, there is always another challenge to be conquered.  It’s such an awesome feeling to see yourself improving and trying things you never thought you would.  It’s a great thing to be a part of a lifestyle where falling down and getting back up to try it again is just a part of the culture.

Always keep learning,

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

So, you are stoked to check out a resort you have never visited before. You’ve heard good things, checked out the website and joined forces with a few pals to partake on a good, old roadie. You arrive, unload and check the map. Where to? Maybe the terrain is huge, maybe it’s a bit foggy or maybe you are looking for something really specific. You’re left thinking, what I really need right now, is a local.
 
Ah, the envied local. Vast sources of resort information, they can lend you tips not written anywhere, show you secret stashes and order you the best chili in the village.
 
At Sun Peaks, some the friendliest and most knowledgeable locals are the Sun Guides. And unlike some locals you may encounter, they love to share their knowledge. You may have seen them at their gathering spot by the Village Day Lodge, meeting every morning and afternoon to take guests out and guide them around the mountain. There are no reservations or costs; just show up at 9:15am or 1:00pm and these friendly folks will lead the way.

The meeting place


Just look for the orange coats with "Sun Guide" on the back

I joined Damien, one of our guides originally from Australia, as he guided members of the Master the Mountain family ski tours (also from Australia) yesterday. Clive, manager of the tour group has been bringing his group to Sun Peaks for four years. He said he loves the mountain and he loves the guides. This year he is joined by 52 other Aussies who will be taking advantage of everything the resort has to offer over the next 18 days. He also mentioned something about a Master of the Mountain 30cm guarantee, where every time they come to the mountain it pukes.  So I am definitely holding him to that!

The group was sorted into ability levels and then we took off to explore the mountain. Damien showed off  the resort with pride, showing them how to get around and helpful hints while hitting some of the best runs.  The three mountains can be overwhelming when you are visiting for the first time. Being shown what runs to take to get to the lifts that will deliver you to particular parts of the mountain is invaluable information that will save people time and maximize their enjoyment here. All the guests had a great morning and were ready to see more of the mountain in the afternoon.

Many guests continue to ski or ride with the guides throughout their visit, room permitted after their first tour. I highly recommend a morning or afternoon with these guys, whether it is your first time here or if you are a Sun Peaks veteran. Every time I have been out with them I learn something new, hear a great story and enjoy my time. They know the mountain like nobody’s business and use the connecting terrain in unique and surprising ways. They love showing off the great, white circle and telling you how they came to be here. Ride with them one chair and you have a friend for the rest of the season.

 Malcolm, jokes and gets to know guests while they wait for others

Speaking of friends, I’ll be joining some of mine tonight at Masa’s to watch the Canadian Juniors take on the USA for the World Juniors Championship. Go Canada! After that, Masa’s will host the Snow Bum Welcome Party where everyone can say hello to Thiago, winner of Sun Peaks Offical Snow Bum Contest,  who is out enjoying his first day on the slopes as I type. If you happen to see him, in the spirit of the Sun Guides, share some of your hard-earned local knowledge so he can make the most of his time here.

Keep your stick on the ice,

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