‘A semi-normal winter’; Sun Peaks bounces back after years of COVID restrictions and travel disruptions

“The bounce back is good. The interest from the staff, we do get a lot of international workers from all over the place that balances out with the domestic work force. And we have been able to get the numbers back. Housing remains a concern, as it is in any popular tourism destination seems anywhere in the planet these days housing is a top top priority,” added Kelly.

With the temperature well above freezing, and not a cloud in sight, Sun Peaks was putting it’s best foot forward on Tuesday (March 21) for both locals, and the first timers.

“I honestly thought the drive here was going to be really tough, it was just a pleasure to drive. You stop over in Merritt, meet the community and it’s beautiful. Then you get here and the community is great, the whole experience is way better than the trepidation that I had,” said a tourist who made the first trip to Sun Peaks from the Lower Mainland.

“It’s great to see tourists, everybody coming back. I ride up the chairlift with people from all over the world, so it’s a lot of fun,” added a local season-pass holder.

Local businesses, like Jardines Ski Shop, have also seen the mountain perk back up this year, as the slopes remained busy all winter long.

“You started to see a bit of a shift at the end of last year when we saw some of those international guests coming back. But this year has been a completely different story. You can tell that everybody has put all that stuff in the rearview mirror,” said Jardines owner Derek McGowan. “The positivity level has been fantastic. Everybody is just happy to be here and business has been great for us. And as far as I know, for all the other business in the village, it’s been a strong year.”

With only a few weeks left of the winter season, staff at the resort are looking forward to the full summer of mountain biking ahead.

“Shifting our focus into some summer as well, last year we opened up the Sundance chairlift for the first time for mountain biking. We partnered with the local trail association, built some climb trails on Mount Morrissey. We have world-class mountain biking on all three mountains,” said Kelly.

Skiers and boarders have until Easter Monday (Apr. 10) to hit the slopes this year before spring officially takes over on the mountain.

by Michael Reeve

‘A semi-normal winter’; Sun Peaks bounces back after years of COVID restrictions and travel disruptions

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