Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Silvia Senna

wrapping up the season

Sun Peaks finishes off winter season with annual Slush Cup

Apr 8, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Sunday (April 7) was the last winter day at the Sun Peaks Resort. From a dry December to big snowpacks in January and a warm March, it was a rollercoaster season for the resort. Even though the numbers were lower than expected, the resort finished up on the right foot with its annual Slush Cup.

“Weather is always the variable in our industry that we can’t control. We certainly didn’t anticipate the highs and lows of the fluctuating temperatures, which then impacted our visitation […] But considering the closures we saw through the province this winter — some ski areas actually had to shut down, didn’t open on time — we’re very fortunate here at Sun Peaks and we feel just very grateful that we had the season we did,” said Christina Antoniak, the director of communications of the resort.

And there is no better way to wrap up the season with a fun day on the hill.

“Our crews dug a big snow pit, filled it in with water, and then we brought 150 people — sold-out event — that will be attempting to cross the pond on skis or snowboard, make it to the other side for bragging rights,” explained Antoniak.

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The Slush Cup is a long-standing event at the resort and participants wear all kind of costumes. Their reasons to take the challenge vary.

“I just think I just desperately need a bath. I think that’s the real reason I’m out here today,” said one of the contestants.

Others, want to make people laugh.

“I like embarrassing myself in front of lots of people and it’s going to be awesome,” said another participant

However, the challenge is not for everyone.

“It’s a lot more fun to watch everyone else get wet. You get a good laugh out of it,” explained a guest.

Now, the resort is getting ready to open its doors for summer activities soon.

“This summer we’ll be turning our operations focus now onto for preparations for hiking and mountain biking and golfing. We may end up opening the golf course a little bit earlier this year. It’s hard to tell just with the lower snowpack. And then we’re celebrating our 25th anniversary of our bike park,” told Antoniak.