Top of the World
Elevation: 2,080m
GReat PLace to Work: Celebrating the successes and growth of our team members.
We’re proud to showcase a selection of outstanding team members of Sun Peaks Resort and Sun Peaks Grand Hotel through our Employee Spotlight feature, in conjunction with our Great Place to Work certification. These employees are achieving successes in their career journey with us and these movements are fueled by passion, dedication, and teamwork. Our conversations with them explore their motivations, highlights, and other fun insights to working at Sun Peaks.
Whether working on the front lines or behind the scenes, our employees are at the heart of our organization, and we thank each and every team member for their commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience. As their employer, we strive to create and provide a rewarding and meaningful workplace, so that employees look forward to coming to work every day and feel valued for their contributions and ideas.
Enjoy the read and be sure to check back for new spotlights every few weeks!
Sun Peaks Resort and Sun Peaks Grand Hotel are Proud to Earn Great Place to Work® Certification for 2025
At Sun Peaks Resort (SPR) and Sun Peaks Grand Hotel (SPG), we believe that a great workplace is built on trust, teamwork, and a shared passion for what we do. We’re proud to announce that in January 2025 we’ve been officially Certified™ by Great Place To Work®! This recognition is a testament to the incredible people who make Sun Peaks an outstanding place to work and grow.
Great Place to Work Employee Spotlight: Amy Whitty
What is your name, role title, and how long have you been with Sun Peaks Resort?
My name is Amy Whitty and I am a Millwright with the Lift Maintenance department. I have been with Sun Peaks Resort for just over a year. Before Sun Peaks, I was working at Revelstoke Mountain Resort where I did the other 3.5 years of my apprenticeship.
In which trade have you achieved your Red Seal certification?
I recently got my Millwright Red Seal certification.
What drew you to Sun Peaks Resort for your apprenticeship?
There were a few things that drew me to Sun Peaks Resort. Sun Peaks has a good reputation, it is large enough that it would challenge me with a variety of different lifts, and I knew someone that worked up here. It is hard to find apprenticeships within the Ski industry, so when the position became available, I was interested in applying for it.
What are some highlights from your apprenticeship you’d like to share?
I like that I get to learn and work on a variety of different chairlifts. Sun Peaks also gives its apprentices and staff more opportunities for leadership. The leaders in the Lift Maintenance department at Sun Peaks seek out the opinions from their apprentices. They listen to my ideas and want to hear what I am thinking even if the idea may not work out. This is different from my experiences in the past.
How would you describe your experience with Sun Peaks Resort as an employer?
My experience with Sun Peaks Resort has been good. Sun Peaks Resort has a good mix between feeling both corporate and family-friendly. Sun Peaks shows they care about safety and put it as a priority. I have a really good team – they have never once shown any concern with me being a young woman in the trades which is typically a field dominated by men.
What do you think has helped you the most with your success in your role?
The support from my family to keep pushing into the trades has been good. Even on my bad days, they kept pushing me. The Sun Peaks environment is also supportive. The Lift Maintenance department has the mentality that “The only stupid question is the one not asked”. They are always wanting to help you learn.
Where do you envision taking your career from here?
Since I was a teenager, I always knew I wanted to work in Lift Maintenance. I would like to move up in Lift Maintenance and would like to see a specific course on “Lift Maintenance Mechanics” be developed.
If there’s one thing you’d share with people thinking about entering an apprenticeship with Sun Peaks Resort, what would that be?
If you love the outdoors, aren’t scared of heights, and enjoy mechanical things, then a Millwright apprenticeship would be a good fit. The Lift Maintenance team at Sun Peaks is open to teaching you. Even the employees in ‘summer helper’ roles get things broken down and explained to them, if that is something they want.
How does working at Sun Peaks Resort complement your lifestyle?
I mountain bike and ski, and I used to ski race. Both me and my partner work here at Sun Peaks Resort and moved here together. I was actually born on a ski hill! My parents met while working at Whistler years ago. My whole family has worked in the ski resort industry and some still do.
Great Place to Work Employee Spotlight: Riley Holowatiuk
What is your name, role title, and how long have you been with Sun Peaks Resort?
My name is Riley Holowatiuk and I am a Certified Journeyman Millwright. I have worked for Sun Peaks for over 6 years in a few roles – Lift Operations, Bike Trail Crew, Snowmaking, etc. All outdoor jobs.
In which trade have you achieved your Red Seal certification?
I completed my Millwright Red Seal certification.
What drew you to Sun Peaks Resort for your apprenticeship?
I grew up in Whitecroft, skiing and mountain biking in Sun Peaks all throughout my childhood. I was the Assistant Manager in Lift Operations when I saw the opening for the apprenticeship. I thought it would be a good career and would help me to stay in the ski industry long-term.
What are some highlights from your apprenticeship you’d like to share?
One highlight for me was when we got to change the haul rope on one of the lifts. That was cool. We also changed out the bearings on the bull wheel. Another thing I really like is the combined years of experience between the entire team. Five of the guys have been here for over 15 years. They know the lifts well and things run smoothly.
How would you describe your experience with Sun Peaks Resort as an employer?
Sun Peaks has been good as an employer. The supervisors have been really flexible and the department works hard to accommodate. Upper management is super friendly – everyone’s door is always open. The benefits are good too.
What do you think has helped you the most with your success in your role?
Trades are fairly individual – you have to be willing to learn if you want to be successful. The Lift Maintenance department has been good in supporting with my learning.
Where do you envision taking your career from here?
I like working with my hands and I want to do more learning in the trade.
If there’s one thing you’d share with people thinking about entering an apprenticeship with Sun Peaks Resort, what would that be?
I would say first join as a summer helper in a trades department and see if you like Sun Peaks. Then you know what to expect should you want to apply for an apprenticeship, and you’ll have already met the crew and department.
How does working at Sun Peaks Resort complement your lifestyle?
It’s great! Sun Peaks is super flexible. I snowboard, ski, and mountain bike so Sun Peaks is great for my lifestyle. It’s also great socially.