Summer Events at Sun Peaks Resort
Summer is in full swing at Sun Peaks Resort, near Kamloops, BC. Check out these events, from the serene and relaxing to the full-on and exciting:
Capturing the Natural Beauty: Alpine Blossom Season
Local art and postcards feature Sun Peaks’ famous mountainside meadows of alpine wildflowers. But instead of simply buying, guests are encouraged to create their own memorable souvenirs. During the annual Canada’s Alpine Blossom Festival (July 31 to August 2), local professional photographers will share their knowledge and tips during daily photography workshops in the alpine.
After loading the Sunburst chairlift, students will learn how to capture the kaleidoscope of colour in the height of the season, surrounded by inspiring sights, scents and sounds. Kelly Funk, an award winning tourism photographer and Editor of Outdoor Photography Canada Magazine, and Gemma Harris, a Documentary Photography graduate from the University of Wales and owner of local shop Alpine Images Photography, will lead participants on a journey to capture their perfect mountain moment.
A hot dry summer resulted in an earlier-than-normal flower bloom this year; the flowers are not currently at their peak bloom. But resort reps assure there are still plenty of reasons to attend: “Of course the views don’t change and are spectacular, with 360 views to the surrounding mountain ranges, Shuswap Lake and Dunn Peak near Wells Gray provincial park.”
Further, Nancy Greene, resident Olympic Champion, will be guiding her annual hike to the summit of Tod Mountain – ‘Reach the Peak’ – on Saturday morning.
Newly Sanctioned: 2015 Canadian National 50-km Trail Championships, September 12
For the first time in four years, the North Face Dirty Feet Mountain 50 km & Relay will be fully sanctioned as the 2015 Canadian National Trail Championship! Fully utilizing Sun Peaks’ unique mountain terrain, the clover-leaf design course takes advantage of mountain bike trails off the Sunburst chair, high alpine hiking trails on Mount Tod and backcountry mountain bike and Nordic trails on Mt. Morrisey. Known as a challenging and interesting course to run, spectators are also part of fun with viewing spots accessed via the Sunburst chairlift on Mount Tod.
The Only Ultra Beast in Western Canada: Spartan Returns to Sun Peaks, September 26 & 27
Over 42 km and more than 56 obstacles are waiting for the hundreds of competitors who will flock to Sun Peaks for the only Spartan Ultra Beast race in Western Canada. One of the most epic race categories offered by the popular organization, many racers will travel thousands of kilometres to finish the race to earn their Spartan Trifecta by conquering the Sun Peaks venue. The weekend also features a Spartan Beast (20 km; 25 obstacles) and a Spartan Sprint (5 km; 15 obstacles) and a Spartan Junior. A festival-like atmosphere takes over the village, including beer gardens, as thousands of competitors and their supporters come to cheer each other on!
