(CFJC Today/File photo).
Sun Peaks Expansion

‘Game changer’: Sun Peaks’ mountain bike expansion includes 31 kilometres of new trails

Feb 23, 2022 | 9:50 AM

SUN PEAKS, B.C. — Sun Peaks Resort plans to expand its mountain biking capacity this summer.

The resort community announced Wednesday (Feb. 23) that 31 kilometres of new trails, a second chairlift, and riding on all three of its mountains will be available by summer 2022 following $1.5 million in total funding.

Sun Peaks says $1 million will be put into Sundance Mountain for six new trails totaling 19 kilometres, ranging from novice to intermediate to advance, and a second chairlift for access to the bike park. Of the funding, $200,000 is from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

“Being part of the team to build the Sundance expansion is a huge responsibility,” Jeff Cook from Lifetime Outdoor Inc, one of the mountain’s trail builders, says. “Nowhere in B.C. is there blank canvas like this, with lift access, high quality dirt, slope angle, and unique terrain perfect for a bike park just waiting to be built. It had to have something for everyone — progressive and creative. This expansion had to be our best work yet. It’s a total game changer.”

Sun Peaks says future phases of the Sundance Mountain expansion will see further builds, including single-track technical trails.

Elsewhere, Mt. Morrisey will see a six-kilometre multipurpose climb trail, four-kilometre downhill trail, and two-kilometre multipurpose viewpoint trail open in stages this summer. It comes from nearly $300,000 from the B.C. government’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program and $150,000 from Tourism Sun Peaks.

The Sun Peaks Bike Park is scheduled to open on June 17 and operate daily through Sept. 25. The resort community says details on specific trails will be released closer to opening day and are weather dependent.