Top of the World
Elevation: 2,080m
Fresh season. Fresh tracks. Fresh experiences. Here’s what’s new for this winter at Sun Peaks Resort.
Winter 2026–27 is shaping up to be an exciting one in Sun Peaks! With continued investments in snowmaking, snow storage and mountain infrastructure and new winter experiences, there's plenty happening across the resort as we prepare to welcome another season on the slopes.
We’re proud to be Canada’s second largest ski area offering 4,400 acres of terrain and we hope you’ll enjoy reading all about the improvements we’ve been making in preparation for the 65th season of skiing Tod Mountain.
To kick things off, an important change this season is to our lift operating hours, now that British Columbia is staying on permanent Pacific Daylight Time. This means our morning lift start times and afternoon closing times shift later. Check out our Lift Operating Hours for details.
What's New for Winter 2026-27
More Snow, More Possibilities
Expanding our Snow Storage Program
Following a successful first season of storing snow in 2025, we’ve tripled the program for winter 2026–27!
Using Snow Secure's specialized insulated mats, we've been preserving three massive piles of snow on Tod Mountain, each containing approximately 17,000 cubic metres. The mats help retain an impressive 80 to 85% of the snow throughout the warmer months, allowing our Mountain Operations team to uncover and spread it across the Nancy Greene International Race Centre ahead of early-season race training that starts on November 6th this season.
The benefits go beyond the race lanes too! By using stored snow to prepare the Race Centre, our snowmaking team can focus their efforts and water to other areas of the mountain, such as 5 Mile and the learning areas, ahead of opening day on November 21. That means more efficient early-season preparations for everyone, from visiting athletes to skiers and snowboarders eagerly awaiting their first turns of winter.
Making Snow: A $5.5 Million Investment in Snowmaking Infrastructure
With changing winter weather patterns, snowmaking investments continue to be an important part of our snow management planning at Sun Peaks. Now in our third year of a six-year, $5.5 million snowmaking enhancement plan, we have been upgrading our snowmaking infrastructure, adding onboard weather monitoring and automation to the system and converting more equipment to automated, fixed-mount tower snow guns with longer hang time.
These improvements aim to increase system and water efficiency while improving snow quality, so we can get the most out of all snowmaking opportunities.
Investing in the Mountain
Grooming Upgrades: New Snowcats & the Disco Kitty!
There's so much happening behind the scenes to keep the mountain in great shape! Sun Peaks has expanded its grooming fleet to 12 machines with the addition of two state-of-the-art 2026 PistenBully snowcats, including one park cat and one Nordic cat, representing a $1.35 million investment.
These additions will give our Mountain Operations team more resources to deliver those freshly groomed runs and crisp morning corduroy that skiers and snowboarders know and love.
But fresh corduroy is only half the fun! Two existing snowcats have also been given new life to bring unique experiences to the mountain. Meet "Disco Kitty," a snowcat outfitted with a custom-built DJ stand that made its debut last season, bringing live music and a little extra energy to the slopes.
Another snowcat has been transformed with an eight-passenger cabin, offering non-skiing guests a memorable ride down 5 Mile following the mid-mountain Alpine Fondue & Evening Ski experience.
From fresh tracks to mountainside music and memorable alpine evenings, there's even more to look forward to at Sun Peaks this winter.
Powering Sunburst Lodge
As part of our continued investment in mountain infrastructure, a new electrical substation and backup diesel generator have been installed to support Sunburst Lodge and the Alpine Shop during power outages.
This $1.6 million project marks the first time these facilities will have backup power, while also addressing existing infrastructure needs and supporting potential future development.
Four Kids Adventure Zones: Connecting Local Wildlife to Family Entertainment
Sun Peaks Resort has long been an ideal family destination, with 58% intermediate terrain, a slopeside learning zone and average winter temperatures between -5°C and -10°C (23°F and 14°F).
Adding to the family appeal this season, all four of our new on-mountain Kids Adventure Zones will be ready to explore.
Each adventure zone features an animal native to the area, including grouse, fox, moose and bears, illustrated by local artist Zuzy Rocka and paired with a unique interactive component.
From a ski-up cabin and seek-and-find activity to a mini snow cross course and more, there's plenty for young adventurers to discover.
Check out the trail map to find all four Kids Adventure Zones across the mountain!
New P6 Parking and Activity Staging Area
In the East Village, the temporary P6 lot located at the end of the Switchback Creek development is being moved further back to better accommodate Mountain Man Adventure Tours (snowmobile and dog sled tours) and to provide ample space for the Kamloops Snowmobile Association staging and trail access.
Some Nordic trails are being adjusted to accommodate the changes.
Parking lot P5 will remain the primary Nordic hub and the best place to park for convenient access to Nordic facilities and Mt. Morrisey.
Signage Refresh
To provide guests and our on-mountain teams with clearer navigation and wayfinding, new trail signage has been installed across Sundance and Orient. Our Nordic trail signage has also received a full refresh this year.
These updates follow the new signage installed across Morrisey last year, with Tod and Sunburst the focus for next season.
With reflective, high-visibility yellow strips incorporated to improve visibility, you won’t miss these signs as you’re deciding where to make your next turn.
Terrain Improvements
Our Mountain Operations teams have been busy this year with targeted earthworks and trail improvements across Elevation top unload, Lower Chute and more!
Elevation Unload Expansion
One of the most substantial improvements has been the expansion and reshaping of the Elevation chairlift unload area to provide a better experience getting off the chair and improved access to the Nancy Greene International Race Centre and trails such as OSV and Chute.
Thanks to extensive earthworks over the summer, this area is now three times its previous size.
Crystal Lane Culverts
To help open Crystal Lane earlier in the season and improve connectivity between Sunburst, the Crystal chairlift and Top of the World, we've removed several water bars and installed culverts to improve drainage.
These upgrades allow water to flow beneath the trail, reducing the amount of snow needed to open the run safely. Similar improvements are taking place across other areas of the mountain as part of an ongoing initiative.
Flight School Feature
Sundance has a new permanent feature in its intermediate terrain park this year!
The jump was previously built entirely from snow each winter, but thanks to recent earthworks, it will be larger and can open earlier with less snow required. This is a key feature for hosted competitions during the season.
Ski and Snowboard Cross Training
To support winter athletes in these disciplines, a portion of Lower Chute has been modified to accommodate dedicated ski and snowboard cross training.
The terrain has been reshaped, start gates relocated and additional rollers and terrain features incorporated.
We look forward to welcoming the Alpine Canada World Cup Ski Cross Team and NextGen Ski Cross Team to our training centre this November.
Glading on Orient
With the opening of the new Orient Return trail last winter season, we’ve now added glading between this trail and the East Village Ski Way, providing even more skiable gladed terrain that has become synonymous with the ski experience on Orient.
The Sun Peaks Grand Hotel Wellness Centre Renovation
One of Sun Peaks' prime locations for post-ski slopeside relaxation is undergoing a major, multi-phase renovation.
The Wellness Centre at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre is known for its iconic outdoor pool and hot tubs overlooking the base area, with prime sunset views.
This October, the indoor sauna and welcome area are being transformed into an elevated, contemporary, spa-like setting, while a refresh of the outdoor area will follow in 2027.
As winter holidays become about so much more than skiing and snowboarding, the property offers a full slopeside experience, from an in-house breakfast buffet to a well-earned après soak at the end of the day.
Alpine Dining Experiences at Sunburst Lodge
Mountain dining is reaching new heights this winter! Sunburst Lodge is expanding its evening alpine dining experiences for the 2026–27 season, giving guests even more opportunities to enjoy a memorable evening on the mountain.
The popular Alpine Fondue experience returns with additional evenings throughout the week, combining cozy mountaintop dining with a unique journey back down the mountain. Watch for the schedule coming soon.
A Cozier Resting Spot at the Village Day Lodge
After last season’s new slopeside deck installation at the Village Day Lodge, the deck surface heating system has been completed and will be turned on this season. The new heating system will melt surface snow, reducing the need for manual snow removal and improving access throughout winter.
This will provide extra comfort as you relax between runs or settle in for some après-ski.
Drop by and enjoy the firepits with a warm drink from Café Soleil and unwind as you enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
40+ Reasons to Add More Than Skiing to Your Trip
Our winter events calendar includes more than 40 planned events, competitions, camps and activities from opening weekend through to closing celebrations.
The Christmas and New Year's period is always a highlight, with Santa-themed ski and sled experiences, festive village programming and a New Year's Eve celebration giving many reasons for a holiday stay.
The bustling calendar continues throughout winter with alpine, snowboard, freestyle and Nordic competitions, community and inclusion-focused events, spring festivals, film, music and après programming, and a multi-event closing weekend.
Check out the winter calendar for details!
