Sun Peaks Resort, the second largest ski resort in Canada, will be upping its skiable terrain for the 2014-15 ski season. The resort has cleared two new expert and high intermediate zones that will bring its total skiable acreage to 4,270. The new acreage offers skiing in former backcountry terrain called “Offset” in the Gil’s area off of Mt. Tod, sure to be a welcome addition for steep skiers everywhere. For more on the expansion, see the press release below.
Press Release provided by Sun Peaks Resort:
Sun Peaks, British Columbia — Skiers and riders at Sun Peaks will have more options than ever before for powder turns, face shots and steep and deep terrain for the upcoming season. The addition of two new alpine zones brings Sun Peaks Resort to 4,270 skiable acres this winter. This ranks the resort as the second largest ski area in Canada. All new terrain will be classified as expert or high intermediate, significantly increasing the advanced terrain available and continuing to diversify the Sun Peaks ski experience.
“It’s incredible to see the amount of work we’ve accomplished in the short window we have available at this elevation,” says Jamie Tattersfield, head of mountain operations for Sun Peaks Resort Corporation. “And there is plenty more to come in future winters as well.”
Three new ski trails are nearing completion in the West Morrisey area. Still unnamed, Run “G”, has been prepared top-to-bottom and will be buffed to a “ski-ready” state for Mt. Morrisey’s opening day. With an incredibility steep pitch, skiers and riders will roll over the upper crest into the fall line, bringing the fourth fairway below and legendary Burfield trails “Freddy’s Nightmare” and “Challenger” across the valley into plain view for the very first time. Guests will be able to ski the entire vertical to Fairways and Mountain View Drive, or choose to take the higher connector run back to Static Cling ski run and the Morrisey Express Chairlift. In addition, the upper sections of ski runs “B” and “C” are nearing completion and will also be skiable to the Static Cling connector this winter.
The ski area boundary has moved from Top of the World outward to an area locally known as “Offset” in Gil’s. Traditionally backcountry terrain, it’s been out of resort bounds for more than 50 years. New this winter, powder hounds will find almost 100 additional vertical metres due to a new, lower ski out. High above, the wilderness and incredible tree skiing has been preserved, keeping the aesthetics and vibe the area is famous for while becoming a safer, ski patrolled and avalanche controlled area. Lower areas have been gladed as part of Sun Peaks Resort’s ongoing Forest Health Program.
Rockstar Energy Terrain Park, Sun Peak’s top-to-bottom, ten acre Terrain Park, has also been updated for the 2014-15 season. Signature hit “Nancy,” a 60-foot jump, has received significant dirt work by building up the landing pad and readjusting the position. This translates to less snowmaking requirements and an earlier opening. By shifting the entire jump downslope, there will be a more natural transition into the lip. Also, a higher area of the park has been flattened out which means less snowmaking and smoother features throughout the winter.
