Sun Peaks Bike Park Kicks Off Summer Season With A Strong Start

The Sun Peaks Bike Park officially opened on Saturday, June 14, and it’s already shaping up to be a summer to remember. Ridership saw a significant jump compared to last year, setting a strong tone for the months ahead. Both the Sunburst and Sundance chairlifts, as well as the carpet-serviced Progression Park, are spinning and an impressive variety of early-season trails have opened, welcoming riders of all skill levels.

Nearly 70% of the downhill trail network is now open, including fan favourites like Canada Line, Stella Blue, Super Nugget, Steam Shovel, Mach, and Barn Burner. Additional trails are set to open soon as conditions in wetter zones improve. The pedal-access Mt. Morrisey community trail network, maintained by the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association, is now partially open, including most of the climb trail, Cedar Twist, and Calypso Groove, the top-to-bottom blue descent trail.

Thanks to a multi-million dollar investment plan in trail development and lift infrastructure from 2019 to 2022, as well as stretching the lift operational season through September and introducing evening riding through 7:00pm, the Sun Peaks Bike Park has seen rider visits grow by a staggering 286% since 2018. With strong sales of Season Passes and Peaks Cards this year, momentum is expected to continue, driving tourism and supporting local village businesses throughout the summer.

This season, the bike park trail crew is again focused on trail maintenance to elevate the rider experience. Details are outlined in the Ride Into Summer article online. Key updates already completed include the new Mo’ Riders Connector trail that streamlines access from Sundance Mountain to the Mt. Morrisey trail network, as well as refreshed alpine pedal trails on Tod Mountain – Dr. Feelgood and West Bowl – which open in July with access to scenic Tod Lake.

Sun Peaks will host two major downhill events back-to-back in July: the Dunbar Series Canada Cup, July 18-20 and the returning Dunbar Series National Canadian Championships, July 25-27. These events are expected to sell out, drawing hundreds of top athletes to Sun Peaks and showcasing the bike park as a premier downhill race venue in Canada.  

With progressive terrain and expert instruction available, riders of all ages and abilities can take part in a range of programs and events:

• Locals Days - July 17, 31, August 7. Ride from 4-7pm for only $35, all proceeds benefit local mountain biking associations. Only 100 tickets available per date.
• Never Ever Days - June 24, July 15, August 19. Intro to downhill biking for $50. Includes 2-hr lesson, bike rental, and Progression Park ticket.
• Summer Stoke Series: Pump Track Races - July 25, August 29, September 26. Family-friendly races with prizes and proceeds donated to local non-profits.
• Sun Peaks Adventure Race - August 9. Bike, trek , and paddle using only a map and compass, presented by Immersion Labs.
• Peaks Pedal Fest - August 29-31. A celebration of all things biking: Grass Dual Slalom, Foot Down Derby, Scavenger Hunt, Mt. Morrisey shuttles, the Junior DH Championships and more!
• Women’s Bike Camp - July 5-6, with renowned coach Cheryl Beattie.
• Weekly Locals Kids Program - Tuesdays, ages 6-12.
• Connect Four - Group lesson tailored for riders aged 50+.
• Women’s & Men’s Bike Nights - Mondays and Tuesdays, respectively.
• Lessons - A full range of programs for all ages and skill levels.
• SPRTA Group Rides & Après - A variety of Group Ride dates are now posted on SPRTA’s Facebook page.
• For more information on mountain biking in Sun Peaks, visit: www.sunpeaksresort.com/bike-hike/bike/explore-biking