Top of the World
Elevation: 2,080m
Published January 5, 2026
Holiday long weekends are meant to be relaxing, but crowded lift lines, over-skied runs, and overpriced après can quickly take the fun out of a winter getaway. With MLK Day and President's Day holidays coming up, Sun Peaks offers a refreshing alternative with better value, fewer crowds, and a laid-back vibe that makes your ski trip actually feel like a vacation. Even better news for our U.S. friends: the exchange rate is in your favour! That makes now the perfect time to experience something new north of the border and make unforgettable winter holiday memories.
Why Are U.S. Ski Resorts So Busy Over Holiday Weekends?
As the first holiday of the new year, the three-day MLK long weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for skiers in the United States. Resorts book out months in advance and skiing on a long-weekend Saturday is about as relaxing as a Black Friday sale.
President’s Day usually overlaps with BC Family Day, making it a bit busier than a standard Canadian ski weekend, but still calmer than major U.S. ski holidays.
Consider heading north of the border for your next ski holiday for a taste of real relaxation and the alpine all to yourself.
Sun Peaks is Your Crowd-Free Holiday Ski Getaway
Sun Peaks generally provides a much more relaxed lift line experience than major U.S. ski destinations, without compromising on incredible ski terrain. With over 4,400 acres of skiable area, Sun Peaks is the second largest ski area in all of Canada.
A Real Ski-in, Ski-out Village
One of the best parts of skiing and riding in Sun Peaks is the true ski-in, ski-out experience. Accommodation, apres, and shopping can all be reached without clipping out of your skis! Glide straight from your front door, through the charming Sun Peaks alpine village, and straight onto the chairlift with ease.
Read our guide to ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Sun Peaks.
Room to Roam
With three mountains and wide open terrain, skiers naturally spread out across the resort, keeping lift lines much shorter and the experience feeling uncrowded. For U.S. skiers used to busy base areas and lift queues, Sun Peaks delivers a smoother, more relaxed day on the mountain.
Plus, with over 20 restaurants in our cozy village, you can actually find a spot to sit down for lunch!
The U.S. Dollar Goes Further in Canada This Season
Your ski trip budget goes further when you go north of the border! Thanks to favourable exchange rates, U.S. skiers can enjoy real savings in Canada on everything from lift tickets, lodging, and travel to meals and après. At Sun Peaks, that extra value is just the start, with winter deals that make planning a ski getaway a little bit easier. See current winter deals and rates to find offers that turn great snow into an even better value.
How to Plan a President's Week or MLK Ski Trip to Sun Peaks
Getting to Sun Peaks
Getting to Sun Peaks, BC is easier than you might think! Many U.S. visitors choose to drive up from Seattle, while others fly into Kamloops and take advantage of convenient shuttle options straight to the village.
Where to stay
Once you arrive, staying slopeside keeps things simple, with a range of family-friendly condos and true ski in ski out hotels right in the village. Learn more about getting here and explore options for ski-in, ski-out accommodations and village-centre hotels to find the perfect home base for your stay.
Quick Tips
- Book flights and lodging early during peak winter dates.
- Discover the lift pass options that will work best for you, and book ahead for the best prices.
- Don’t forget your passport!
Sun Peaks is Your Crowd-Free Holiday Ski Getaway
Sun Peaks generally provides a much more relaxed lift line experience than major U.S. ski destinations, without compromising on incredible ski terrain. With over 4,400 acres of skiable area, Sun Peaks is the second largest ski area in all of Canada.
A Real Ski-in, Ski-out Village
One of the best parts of skiing and riding in Sun Peaks is the true ski-in, ski-out experience. Accommodation, apres, and shopping can all be reached without clipping out of your skis! Glide straight from your front door, through the charming Sun Peaks alpine village, and straight onto the chairlift with ease.
Read our guide to ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Sun Peaks.
Room to Roam
With three mountains and wide open terrain, skiers naturally spread out across the resort, keeping lift lines much shorter and the experience feeling uncrowded. For U.S. skiers used to busy base areas and lift queues, Sun Peaks delivers a smoother, more relaxed day on the mountain.
Plus, with over 20 restaurants in our cozy village, you can actually find a spot to sit down for lunch!
Make the Most of Your Long Weekend
A long weekend in Sun Peaks offers more than just exceptional skiing, with a wide range of winter activities perfect for rounding out your trip. Take a break from the slopes with snow tubing, scenic snowshoeing, dog sledding and snowmobiling tours, relaxing spa treatments, and a diverse dining scene that ranges from casual après to elevated mountain cuisine. These off-mountain experiences make it easy to customize your getaway and enjoy everything the resort has to offer on and off the snow.
Suggested U.S. Holiday Long Weekend Itinerary in Sun Peaks: Thursday Night – Monday Morning
Thursday Night: Arrive in Style
Arrive in Sun Peaks Thursday evening and check into your ski-in/ski-out accommodation for a smooth start to your trip. Enjoy a casual village dinner, take a short stroll through the pedestrian-only village, and settle in early so you’re rested for your first full ski day.
Friday: Hit the Slopes
Fuel up with breakfast in the village before hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing across Sun Peaks’ three mountains. After lunch in the village, continue skiing or switch things up with an afternoon snowshoe or snow tubing session, then unwind with après-ski drinks or a relaxing spa treatment in the afternoon.
Saturday: Find New Lines
Spend Saturday exploring new terrain to make the most of Sun Peaks’ wide, uncrowded runs, or try out a ski or snowboard lesson to improve your skills. In the afternoon, take a break from riding to enjoy winter activities like tubing or a guided snowshoe tour, followed by a memorable dinner at a cozy Sun Peaks restaurant.
Sunday: Relaxed Laps
Enjoy another full ski day, perfect for revisiting favourite runs or skiing at a more relaxed pace. Wrap up your final evening with après-ski in the village, last-minute shopping, or a farewell dinner to soak in the alpine atmosphere.
Monday Morning: Leave Relaxed
On Monday morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take a final walk through the village before checking out and heading home. With easy departures and a well-planned itinerary, Sun Peaks delivers a full relaxed winter vacation in just a long weekend!
U.S. Holidays in Sun Peaks FAQs
Is Sun Peaks busy during MLK Day or Presidents Week?
Sun Peaks is not typically busy during the MLK Holiday, and can be a bit busier than normal during Presidents Week due to school holidays in both Canada and the U.S., but it remains less crowded than many major U.S. ski resorts. With three mountains and a large skiable area, guests can still enjoy shorter lift lines and plenty of open terrain.
Do I need a passport to ski in Canada?
U.S. citizens traveling to Sun Peaks, BC will need a valid passport to cross the border by land or by air.
How does Sun Peaks pricing compare to U.S. resorts?
Sun Peaks typically offers more affordable lift tickets, lodging, and dining compared to many U.S. ski resorts. Favourable exchange rates and fewer resort fees help make Sun Peaks a high-value destination for American skiers and snowboarders.
Is Sun Peaks good for families and kids?
Sun Peaks is widely known as one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in Canada. The resort features ski-in, ski-out accommodations, a pedestrian village, excellent ski schools, and a wide variety of beginner and intermediate terrain perfect for kids.