Sun Peaks Independent News - Vol 19 - Issue 3

MARCH 12 - APRIL 8, 2021 Volume 19 Issue 3

PATROL PICKS UP SKINNY SKIS AND FAT BIKES

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THE CLOCKTOWER WAS LIT UP IN HONOUR OF PRIDE WEEK THIS MARCH. PHOTO @SUNPEAKSRESORT INSTAGRAM

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LOCAL ARTISTS HEAD DOWN THE MOUNTAIN

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Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8 1

LOCAL News

Volunteer ski patrollers take to the Nordic trails PATROLLERS HAVE RECENTLY ADDED FAT BIKES, NORDIC SKIS AND SNOWSHOES TO THEIR QUIVER TO PROVIDE A SENSE OF SAFETY

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Our

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JARRETT HOFMANN

What was once a thing of the past has recently been reborn on the Nordic trails of Sun Peaks after a pilot program was launched for the Canadian Ski Patrol (CSP) in collaboration with Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) to include first aid and patrol services on Sun Peaks’ Nordic trail system.

The program was launched early 2021 and has already received positive feedback and early success.

“It’s a wonderful addition to the Nordic trails,” said Phil Youwe, Nordic co-ordinator for SPR. “We’ve already had a situation where somebody took a bad fall on Holy Cow and one of the CSP volunteers was able to take control of the situation.”

The reason for the added patrollers isn’t only because of the recent rise in outdoor recreation related to the pandemic, but also because SPR was looking at ways to expand their ability to provide first aid and trail checks to the Nordic trails.

“CSP is a conduit to help improve response times and manage guest experience in an effective and efficient way,” said Aidan Kelly, SPR’s chief marketing officer.

Nordic trail hosts used to roam the trails, offering assistance where they could, but were not first aid trained.

Since CSP’s inception to the trail system several of the hosts have transitioned into paid roles, said Kelly.

“It was a win-win for both organizations.”

Jean Strong, patrol leader at Sun Peaks for CSP, played a key role in reintroducing the organization to the Nordic trails this year.

“We are really excited that the resort has asked us to be involved. I think it speaks to the strong relationship between CSP and SPR,” Strong said.

“Ultimately, that relationship creates better outcomes for our

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CSP has taken to the Nordic trails with skinny skis and fat bikes this winter. PHOTO SUPPLIED

volunteers, the resort, but most importantly the patrons out there.”

She said the pilot program is modelled after similar programs found across the country, and one in Sun Peaks 15 years ago, except the current program includes two unique tweaks.

“We are experimenting on fat bikes and on snowshoes as well, which is a really cool opportunity and not something that I’ve seen while doing my research and building the pilot program.”

Feedback from trail users has been positive, and both Strong and Kelly said they hope to see the program develop into a permanent staple on the Nordic trails.

“What we’re able to provide

Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8

for people out on the trails is not only a sense of security if they’re injured or lost, but also more of a connection to the resort because we can be ambassadors out there,” added Strong.

“Based on early success and positive feedback, it will hopefully transition to a more permanent thing. There is also potential that we could even look at growth of this type of approach into summer activities such as cross country biking,” explained Kelly.

For now, if you experience a tumble or get a blister while out on the trails, or just want to have a friendly chat with CSP and get the report on which trail was recently groomed or is skiing the best, make sure to

keep an eye out for red jackets or call 1-250-578-5521 to contact patrol dispatch if you need help.

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Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8 3

LOCAL News More children puts stress on childcare JEAN STRONG

As more families are started in Sun Peaks or move to the mountain community, drawn in by the lifestyle and promise of one of the coolest schools around, a lack of childcare is causing stress for parents and altering career plans.

The only two daycare options in Sun Peaks, Sundance Kids Centre and Mountain Kids Daycare, are full with many families left on waiting lists.

Janice Hoppenreys, owner and operator of Mountain Kids Daycare, said it didn’t take long for her spots to fill when she opened last year.

“I’ve been full every day and I have currently 15 children on my wait list,” she said.

“Opening the daycare was out of a need or a want for us and our youngest daughter,” she said. “She loves being around other kids and we didn’t really have another option up here. I also needed to be at home with her so creating the daycare created an opportunity for me to stay at home with her.”

Hoppenreys said the family daycare style was especially popular during the pandemic as she takes a maximum of seven children at once.

She explained that as more families have moved to the community childcare has become very limited.

“There’s just not enough space for the amount of children up here.

A lot of people will use nannies which is what we used prior to me opening, but it’s also hard because a lot of those people working with children are seasonal as well, so you don’t often get someone that’s year round and long term.”

New parents Keith Massey and Fiona Haynes know the struggle.

Their daughter Paisley was born in October 2019 and they started looking for childcare in January 2020.

“Just before Paisley’s first birthday we were told there was

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Taking advantage of the snow at Mountain Kids Daycare. PHOTO SUPPLIED

not a place for Paisley in the daycare and we would need to find alternative arrangements,” Massey said. “This was a stressful time, as Fiona was to end her maternity leave and begin a new full-time position in a few weeks and I was already working full time at Sun Peaks School. To allow Fiona to begin her job, I took time off teaching while we struggled to find alternative childcare options.”

Ultimately they found an arrangement with another family, but said it won’t be a long term solution.

“We anticipated that being responsible and planning ahead would have created predictable

Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8

and stable child care for our daughter,” they said.

“The reality, however, has been rather unpredictable and instead of having Paisley attend a single facility, we will have to transition multiple times. However, we have been so lucky to have an accommodating community and to have Paisley so well-cared for regardless of the solution.”

The parents said having reliable and accessible childcare in the community is a necessity and allows both parents to have a career if they chose to.

Another local parent, Jackie Van Vliet, had her second daughter last year and hopes to return to work in July, but whether

or not that will happen as planned remains uncertain.

“It’s just a matter of whether I can get the girls into daycare or not. I don’t know whether I’m going to be able to go back,” she said.

Currently her girls are on both waitlists. But with so many others in the same boat Van Vliet can’t make plans for the end of her maternity leave and has even considered taking them to a daycare in Kamloops or finding a nanny to allow her to continue working.

When asked if she would consider moving off the mountain, she said the thought had crossed her mind.

“But ultimately no. If nothing works and I need to stay home for a few more years and kind of give up my career then I would rather do that then move away.”

Van Vliet agreed with Massey and Haynes that there’s a significant need for the service.

And while Hoppenreys said she isn’t opposed to growing her business, it would take a lot.

“It’s definitely something that’s in the back of my mind, especially with the number of children that I have on my waitlist. It would require a bigger space and a different license. So it’s not something that I foresee doing right away but it’s definitely in the back of my mind.”

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Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8 5

LOCAL News Kamloops area golf courses poised to have another strong year GOLF KAMLOOPS, WHICH INCLUDES SUN PEAKS RESORT, IS PREPARING TO WELCOME RECORD NUMBERS

JOEL BARDE

Kamloops golf courses are coming off a very busy year, and an industry group that works primarily with high-end bookings said this season is looking even stronger.

“So far, it’s looking like 2021 is on pace to exceed [last year’s numbers],” said Lisa White, a communications specialist with Golf Kamloops. “The numbers that came in at January for bookings are tremendous.”

According to Golf Kamloops—a consortium of major golf courses and accommodation providers in the Kamloops region that includes The Golf Course at Sun Peaks—the 2020 season saw golf revenues increase by 107 per cent over 2019 figures. This despite the fact that 65 per cent of destination golf bookings acquired in the first three months of 2020 were cancelled or postponed, and many courses delayed opening when all discretionary travel was halted in March.

Golf is one of few activities that has flourished during COVID, as players are able to safely social distance and

courses were quick to adapt to safety protocol.

White said Golf Kamloops is encouraging people to book their golf get away early, utilizing primarily digital marketing to get their message out.

“We are really encouraging golfers to book now,” she said.

“We’ve got great cancellation policies in the event that provincial health authorities choose not to lift restrictions.”

White said the organization is seeing strong interest beginning in May and moving onwards, and is hopeful that inter-provincial travel

will be reinstated for the summer months.

Currently, the Provincial Health Authority has a recommendation against on all non-essential travel in B.C. White said that one of the area’s strengths as a golf destination is its wide range of golf courses located at various elevations. (The Golf Course at Sun Peaks is in fact the highest golf course in the province.)

White said most of the organization is focused on reaching the Lower Mainland, which tends to produce the lion’s share of the organization’s clients.

She said trips are kept at a relatively affordable rate. For about $550 to $600, golfers can experience a couple nights and four rounds at the area’s premier golf courses.

White added that going forward, the organization may look to other methods of marketing, such as by working with influencers and partnering with Global News.

Regardless of what happens for the summer, one thing is for certain.

“Golfers are excited to just get out there and enjoy some fresh air, embrace wide open spaces and the region’s diversity in golf courses,” she said.

SPCH receives neighbourly donation THE KAMLOOPS FOOD BANK HAS BEEN ON THE RECEIVING END OF DONATIONS FROM SUN PEAKS RESORT’S POPULAR HIGH FIVE DAY FOR YEARS AND RECENTLY RECIPROCATED BY DONATING THOUSANDS OF POUNDS OF FOOD TO SPCH JARRETT HOFMANN

The Kamloops Food Bank recently donated various non-perishable food items to Sun Peaks Community Helps (SPCH) food bank after reading coverage about SPCH in SPIN. “I think it was over 2,000 pounds of food,” explained Sydney Johnson, an SPCH volunteer.

“There were cases of tuna, vegetarian chili, baked beans, pasta, cereal, boxes of tinned tomato products.”

Bernadette Seracky, executive director of the Kamloops Food Bank, connected with Johnson after finding out about SPCH in SPIN, and said she

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was honoured to be able to support Sun Peaks after over 10 years of powerful support from the community in the form of Sun Peaks Resort LLP events and other donations.

“We’ve received such strong support over the last decade by the Sun Peaks community through High Five Day and other events, they’ve always been great to us,” stated Seracky. “We were delighted and honoured to be able to have an opportunity to give back.”

In addition to the food donation, Highland Valley Copper supplied SPCH with toiletry supply bags which included toothbrushes, toothpaste, bottled water, a mask and some cleaning products like hand soap and shaving cream, Johnson explained.

Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8

The combination of donations is timely, as in the latter half of the season the demand at SPCH has increased.

“It’s a huge spirit of generosity, it blew us away. Here we are busy supporting the community, and for other communities around us supporting ours, it’s incredible,” said Johnson. “We’re just trying to [keep up with] the demand as it comes at us, and certainly in the last three weeks it’s really popped.”

In fact, a recent SPCH client who has been a member of the Sun Peaks community working full time for the last 11 years, lost their job due to the pandemic, and recently turned to SPCH for help, explained Johnson.

“I just had [that] client in here and they never thought they would need the

help of a food bank, but they said they are so grateful and that it’s just been a game changer for them to have access to this food.”

Johnson added she thinks people are starting to recognize the fact that community support is necessary during the pandemic, and SPCH is there to help anyone in need.

Seracky added the global pandemic has led to the realization that some people may need to lean on community and social support at no fault of their own, and organizations like this are there for those in need.

“Many people are finding themselves in a situation they’ve never found themselves in [before]. It may be a short term requirement for those who are

needing it and that’s what we are here for. As a community we want to support each other,” Seracky said.

To support SPCH, Johnson suggested looking through cupboards at home and if there’s something you don’t need.

SPCH will take it and put it on their shelves for those who may be able to use it.

“We find when people donate stuff from their homes, we get such a variety of products that it fills the gap between all the bulk foods we’re buying,” she said.

To find out more about SPCH, visit their website at spcommunityhelps. ca, and to gain access to the food bank email spcommunityhelps@gmail.com to make an appointment.

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

SPORTS Traditional Timber Tour Freestyle competition goes virtual COMP GOES VIRTUAL FOR B.C.’S FREESTYLE SKI ATHLETES

JARRETT HOFMANN

The Sun Peaks Freestyle Ski Team athletes will finally get a shot to stand atop a virtual podium this season.

COVID-19 has made it impossible for athletes to compete but Freestyle BC has opened online events where freestyle skiers can showcase the skills they’ve been working on all

winter long.

The virtual events include slopestyle, big air and moguls.

Athletes aged nine to 20 were invited to create videos and submit them to the Freestyle BC website by March 8. The winners of each category and age group were announced on March 11 via a Zoom award banquet. (This was after SPIN’s press date.)

Weekly prizes are also being given out via Instagram to the best content regarding that week’s theme.

Daniel Hoerz, director of the

Sun Peaks Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Club, explained the event breakdown.

“Slopestyle videos will have two rail or box features and then two jumps,” he said, “Then for big air it’s three tricks with varied take offs and they can all be filmed on the same jump. For the mogul run you traditionally have two jumps within the course but we’re working with the one jump we’ve got and then airing off a mogul at the bottom.”

Hoerz also told SPIN it’s a unique experience for his athletes

as it gives them the opportunity to showcase their skills without the pressure of having only one or two runs to put down the perfect run.

“They’re super excited that there’s an event going on and it’s great because it’s a no pressure scenario. You don’t have to worry about crashing in your run because if you do, just delete the video and go film another one.”

With everyone submitting their best content the competition will be heated but will ultimately be about having fun.

He also noted the competition would not have been possible without the support of Sun Peaks Resort LLP, the groomers who helped build the new mogul course and big air practice site for the freestyle team this season, and the lifties at the Orient Express chairlift.

“The big air site is closed to the public but those who want to give moguls a try should head over to the Czech ski run and if they aren’t well versed in moguls but are curious about improving their technique, the Sun Peaks Sports

Sun Peaks to host social media-based snowboard comp EVENT MARKS THE FIRST PUT ON BY THE TRUTH SKATE & SNOW JOEL BARDE

Contests are anything but easy in the age of COVID, but a Kamloops snowboard shop and Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) have teamed up to make something special for the local community anyway.

The Sun Peaks Selection: A Socially Distanced Snowboard Media Event will run from March 3 to 15—and you can watch it all from your phone.

The event has been made possible by some quick thinking from its organizers.

Essentially, participants are being invited to upload clips onto Instagram, which will then be assessed by a veritable allstar set of judges that includes regional snowboarding legends Helen Schettini and Chris Dufficy.

Joel Hersey, co-owner of

The Truth Skate & Snow, said the shop desperately wanted to put on something for the community in light of the fact that key snowboard events, such as the traditional rail jam and Bluebird Banked Slalom had to be cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

Hersey, who has worked in tandem with store manager Michelle Urquhart on the project, said that they’ve found a willing partner to collaborate with the folks at SPR. “I think the community needs it,” said Hersey, speaking of the importance of the event.

“We just want people to get out there and ride their snowboard first and foremost.”

Hersey added that the shop has been working particularly close to SPR’s Ryan Boucher (park crew), Joey Riegler (grooming) and Jeff Topham (events coordinator) to put on the event.

The contest will consist of five features: the blue line, spine

(hip), the three pack, Jaws, and the rail garden. Each of these features will have its own sponsorships.

Winners can expect to take home some fine new gear, including snowboards and other hard goods.

The judges are looking for cleanliness and style of trick, as well as documentation by filmer.

The contest is open to all ages.

Hersey, who has a long history of working in the snowboard industry and putting on events, said he’s particularly excited to see what people throw over Jaws, which is essentially a double quarter pipe takeoff with a landing in the middle “There’s no question that the one that probably holds the most variance of options for a single trick is Jaws,” he said.

“That’s a new feature that you start to see in other contests like the US Open, Laax Open, X Games.”

The event also promises to be

Getting sendy in the terrain park. FILE PHOTO ROYCE SIHLIS

the first that The Truth Skate & Snow is putting on, marking an important passing of the guard from Oronge Boardshop, which long held down the local scene through its many events and closed its doors last year.

Hersey said that he hopes people understand that the

shop’s goal is to carry on Oronge’s legacy and nurture the boarding community in the same way it did.

Participants can post their videos directly onto Instagram, tagging all the instructed accounts and hashtags for each zone. Helmets are mandatory.

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Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8 7

GET OUT There

TRU adventure guide alumna breaks ski industry barrier CHRISTINE FELEKI BECAME THE FIRST FULLY CERTIFIED ACMG SKI GUIDE WHO IS BOTH A WOMAN AND A SPLITBOARDER, AND SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE EXAM ON A SPLITBOARD IN JANUARY. JARRETT HOFMANN

A predominantly male industry has just welcomed the first ever fully certified female splitboard guide after Christine Feleki successfully passed her Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) full ski guide exam on a splitboard earlier this year.

Feleki’s path to becoming the first female splitboard guide was anything but easy given that a full ski guide certification is no simple undertaking in and of itself, nevermind the fact that doing so on a splitboard is uncommon and had never been done by a woman.

The ACMG lays out the ski guiding certification so candidates who build a successful resumé with personal days out, related work or practicum experience, and required avalanche training, typically finish the full guide’s exam in five years.

Feleki took six years to complete her journey which was riddled with injuries; she needed two attempts at the apprentice ski guide certification, and then a worldwide pandemic postponed her full guide’s exam last year.

Feleki also ran into difficulties both associated with being a splitboarder, and being a female in a male dominated industry.

“I’m super lucky that there were many females in front of me,” said Feleki. “They had to go through a lot more of the problems that we think of with sexism and certain cultures in our industry than I’ve had to.”

Feleki has first hand experience in the evolvement of the industry, describing that currently it’s a time of more inclusivity and progressive conversation around sexism and misogyny, but there’s room for improvement.

“I’ve personally had a positive experience, but I know that’s not the case for some of the other females that have gone through it.”

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She was able to compartmentalize struggles surrounding sexism, and said that even though the difficulties could have been due to her sex, she didn’t allow herself to think of it in those terms as she was worried it would affect her focus.

“It’s freaking 2020 and if someone can’t accept that I’m a female in the industry, it’s not my problem,” she said.

She has even been accused of getting guiding jobs because of her appearance and not because of her skill by other ski guide candidates.

“I think that was bullshit because I worked hard and did a good job.

I’ve even had [discrepancies] with guests once in a while, but once they’ve done a run with me it kind of went away.”

In general, Feleki said she sees an industry that is getting better, more inclusive, and welcomes women with fairly open arms.

“There’s still some old school mentalities out there and old culture that’s still lingering, but it’s becoming a lot less tolerated.”

She said she believes a portion of the problem arises from a broader perception of a confident guide, how confidence is typically portrayed, and the differences in how that is presented and perceived by men versus women.

“There’s been times when I’ve had feedback on my guiding style that [even though it] was totally correct, I was told I wasn’t displaying confidence in that role because of the word choice I used, or the fact I was making a decision by including my group, which was seen as less confident. I think that kind of thing happens a lot in our industry,” Feleki explained.

She also has received pushback due to being a female splitboarder, and there were times where she was asked to ski instead of snowboard just so she could land a job to gain the experience she needed, even though her male counterparts were not asked to do the same. “[Eventually] I thought, I’m a

Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8

Christine Feleki shredding in the backcountry. PHOTO ROBIN O’NEILL

splitboarder, this is what I’m doing, I don’t plan on skiing any longer so I’d say either hire me as a snowboarder or don’t hire me at all,” Feleki stated.

“That’s what I like to use out there, and I want to make sure that I’m proficient and skilled enough to do so if I’m going to be leading people in this terrain.”

Feleki said there’s always been pushback and stigma against snowboarders in the industry, as it was not originally seen as a legitimate way to move in the mountains.

However, new technologies have made a lot of the strenuous aspects of splitboarding a little easier, she explained.

She also accredited some of her success to the professional network she gained during her time at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

Feleki leveraged the contacts she made to land several practicums and tail guiding positions which boosted her into a position to further her career.

“I probably would have had a harder time, especially as a female on a snowboard, trying to break into these ski industry jobs without them,” she said. “The great thing about TRU was the fact that when you’re out in the field, you’re working or being instructed by other guides that are in the industry, and if you leave an impression on them, then you have a reference as soon as you walk out that door.”

For those that are going through the TRU adventure guide diploma program she said to take advantage of the opportunities.

“There won’t always be learning that you’re stoked on, but there’s

still value in all of it, and showing up and doing the work gets noticed and [that] will help you in the long run.”

Now that Feleki has completed her goal, her focus is on the rest of the ski season where she can’t wait to get back out with clients on days where it all comes together.

“When there’s a big objective ahead that challenges the group you’re with, and you’re able to guide them through that terrain, I think that’s as big a success as summiting a big peak.”

As for aprés ski season, Feleki said she is looking forward to taking a breather, seeing friends, and focusing on other hobbies such as surfing where she won’t have to singularly focus on training for a guides exam, that is, when COVID-19 restrictions lift of course.

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM @SunPeaksNews

GET OUT There SPIN’s Winter Safety Tips: Spring backcountry ski safety KEEP UP WITH THIS MINI-SERIES OF THREE WINTER SAFETY ARTICLES THAT HIGHLIGHT HAZARDS FOR SUN PEAKS RESIDENTS AND HOW TO MITIGATE THEM JARRETT HOFMANN

Days are getting warmer, the light is shining longer and a dark COVID-19 winter is beginning to turn to spring.

Hoards of new and veteran backcountry travellers are starting to eye-up the lines they’ve been dreaming up during their mid-winter, stormy tours where gaining experience, fitness and face-shots was the name of the game.

Now, that objective list is burning a hole in the pockets of many as the end of winter looms, but Avalanche Canada forecaster (and former Sun Peaks Resort avalanche forecaster) Simon Horton spoke with SPIN and warned backcountry travellers against getting overly stoked on an objective.

“The need to get more skiing in at the end of the season and trying to finish off objectives can put a pressure on some people,” Horton explained.

“Patience and the right timing for those objectives is key. Not every year is the right time for certain things.”

Another hazard to watch out for, which avalanche professionals refer to as human factors, that is prevalent in the spring is what Horton called ‘blue sky syndrome.’ This is when backcountry travellers tend to underestimate avalanche risks because the days are getting longer and warmer even though the snowpack still has a lot of weak layers.

“Be mindful. Just because it’s a nice sunny bluebird day, it doesn’t mean that there’s no avalanche danger,” Horton added.

In a recent Avalanche Canada blog Time to consider

It is important to evaluate the changing variables spring conditions may bring in the mountains. FILE PHOTO

warming by Horton, which was sparked by rapid warming forecasted for the first week of March, he warned readers to expect a quickly changing snowpack and that on average, March has the highest amount of avalanche deaths.

“March is the deadliest month for avalanche fatalities, likely due to a combination of snowpack and human factors,” read the blog.

Horton said that the March snowpack is challenging in the backcountry because it is in a state of change.

“Spring-like conditions typically are more predictable, but during this transition time in March, we still have a lot of dry snow on the ground with [weak] layers and that, plus the initial warming we’re seeing and big warm ups throughout March often come with big avalanche cycles.”

Horton said during this transition phase to watch out for signs of instability including recent avalanches, cracks in the snow, or a ‘whumphing’ sound under your feet.

“Whenever the surface becomes more moist, wet, sticky, that’s a sign that the snowpack could be becoming weaker.”

Persistent slabs are of special consideration during the transition.

“There are concerns right now within the Cariboos and North Rockies. They’ve had more persistent problems and even the last week or two there have been two fatalities in those areas,” Horton said.

He also warned backcountry travellers to be weary that avalanches will begin to run the full extent of their path and that avalanche characteristics may begin to change.

SUN PEAKS’ SOURCE FOR

“Typically in the spring the most common avalanches would be wet, loose or wet slabs under really intense warming cycles. They don’t usually move very fast but they can be heavy, dense, powerful avalanches with high consequences.”

Horton’s advice for when the temperature starts to rise is to keep in mind that north facing, shaded slopes don’t warm up as much and can be the go to aspects for the spring and to watch for signs of warming such as snow-bombs off of trees and pinwheeling snow on steeper features.

“Matching your terrain to the conditions and reading the forecast to learn about conditions on a given day, and getting the terrain and travel advice from the forecast that highlights what to avoid and where to travel is really

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important,” Horton added.

Horton also reminded backcountry travellers to make sure that they have some training, can recognize avalanche terrain before heading into the backcountry, get the gear and have practised using it.

He also added that this year, forecasters are relying on reports from users which can be submitted via the Mountain Information Network at www. avalanche.ca.

“You don’t need to be an experienced backcountry user to make a report. Even just taking a photo and saying a few things about your day can help the forecasters, but also it’s a really good way to reflect on your day and think about what you saw, whether there were signs of danger and how your decision making process went.”

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Sun Peaks BC

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Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8 9

GET OUT There

Nordic skiing is taking off in Sun Peaks and around the province—and for good reason SOLO NATURE MAKES IT A GO-TO PANDEMIC ACTIVITY

JOEL BARDE

Perhaps it will come as a surprise to few, but Nordic skiing is taking off in B.C. For many, it’s the perfect pandemic activity—(relatively) affordable, easily accessible for those living in the beautiful Thompson Okanagan region, and good for your overall health and well-being.

And, oh yeah—it’s sort of COVID-proof.

“A lot of people have gravitated to the sport because of [COVID-19],” said Ivor McMahen, president of the Sun Peaks Nordic Club.

“COVID restrictions have shut down a lot of other sports, but because of the nature of cross country skiing, being outside and not requiring close proximity to other people, we’re able to continue almost normally.”

Across B.C., the popularity of the sport has grown by around 50 per cent, according to McMahen and a recent interview Sun Peaks Independent News had with a representative from Tourism Kamloops.

McMahen said he has definitely noticed the uptick in usage of Sun Peaks’ acclaimed trail system, and that membership levels in the club, which have increased to 111 this year from 92 the year previous, don’t fully capture the picture.

“I think the actual popularity and interest in the sport is up

much more than that,” he said.

Unlike other local clubs— such as the Overlander Nordic Club and the Stake Lake trail system—the Sun Peaks Nordic Club does not manage the local trail system, which is operated

by Sun Peaks Resort LLP. Adding to the usage of local Sun Peaks trails is the fact that anyone with a downhill pass can now utilize them.

“Overall, I think it’s a really great thing that the resort is doing that,” said McMahen of the deal, which it has been offered for the past ouple years.

“It really encourages people to get out without having to buy an extra pass, but it makes it harder to tell how many people are getting out, and doing Nordic as opposed to alpine.”

The club plays a pivotal role in supporting Sun Peaks’ cross country skiing community and fostering the next generation of skiers through events and programs.

While it’s had to shut down its popular group skis sessions, the club has had success promoting its popular junior development program.

It provides instruction for kids and youth from four to 16-years old. The program is informally known as the “Jackrabbits” program.

It has a total of 32 kids involved this year. And for the first time in club history, it’s had to put a cap on its numbers.

“It was named after Jackrabbit Johannsen, who was a legendary fellow in eastern Canada who skied every day until he was over 100 years old.”

The Jackrabbits practice their strides on Sun Peaks’ Nordic trail system this winter. PHOTO SUBMITTED

McMahen said the idea of the program is to get kids turned onto the sport in an organic way and develop all-around athletes.

“The main philosophy, especially in the really young ages at this, is not to aim to produce elite skiers,” he said.

“It’s aim is to produce healthy, well balanced, physically capable kids. The word that they refer to as physical literacy, so it’s balance, agility, the ability to jump, run and just self-propel yourself.”

McMahen added the club hopes to get a masters

program up and running next year, where more experienced (and mature) skiers can get some tips on how to improve their performance.

“There’s a few tricks to the sport, it’s not as simple as it looks,” he said with a laugh.

The Thompson Okanagan provides a number of options for people to enjoy cross country skiing if you’re looking to try something new.

- The Stake Lake Trails, located south of Kamloops and operated by the Overlander Ski Club, boasts a 60-km trail system.

- Harper Mountain offers a three kilometre groomed trail system that meanders through a forested area, and is great for both traditional cross country skiing and skate skiing.

-The Telemark Nordic Club, located in West Kelowna, offers 60 kilometres of trails - The Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club offers 75-km of trails.

- Sovereign Lake, located in SilverStar Resort, is also open. It offers 105 kilometres of daily groomed trails and is the largest network of crosscountry ski trails in Canada.

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TOURISM Moccasin Trails looks to diversify its business model

CONNECT WITH US

INDIGENOUS-LED TOURISM OPERATION IS LOOKING TO GROW CONSULTING SIDE OF BUSINESS /sunpeaksnews JOEL BARDE

An Indigenous-led tourism business based out of Kamloops is expanding into the arena of consulting.

Moccasin Trails launched in 2018, offering interpretive canoe and walking tours. Its owners have used the downtime created by the pandemic to focus on their next venture.

“Instead of just sharing authentic experiences, we also want to help communities and individuals who want to be a part of Indigenous Tourism,” said Frank Antoine, who owns and operates the business alongside his partner Greg Hopf.

Antoine said that he and Hopf can draw on the challenges they faced early on in launching their businesses, as well as their long

respective histories working in the tourism sector.

Like so many tourism businesses, the team’s plans for last summer were derailed by COVID-19, as the business was effectively unable to operate under restrictions.

Antoine said that he hopes to be able to operate in a reduced capacity this summer.

While still a young business, Moccasin Trails has built a number of key relationships, including with tour providers, local schools and postsecondary institutions.

“The relationships that we built in those two years [since starting out], haven’t gone away,” said Antoine. “We’re all waiting for those borders to be open and COVID [restrictions] to be lifted.”

Antoine said that the business was successful in attaining a

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number of grants that they have helped keep things operational.

He added that the business will also be applying for a government-backed loan.

Since opening for business, Moccasin Trails has worked closely with youth, including those enrolled at Four Directions Secondary School in Kamloops.

The school is designed to serve students of Indigenous ancestry and has a heavy focus on Indigenous culture.

“We did a lot of different work with them from a cultural standpoint,” said Antoine, adding this involved a canoeing trip.

Antoine added that Moccasin Trails is keen to work with youth of all backgrounds going forward. He said that the business is seeking to develop similar relationships with other schools.

“Youth are youth in my eyes,” he said. “The youth and children want to learn, and if you can expose them to different cultures, they’ll have more of an appreciation of what and how we live in society today.”

COVID of course has been a difficult experience for almost all tourism businesses, including Moccasin Trails.

But in Antoine’s view, challenges are part and parcel to the entrepreneurial life “I think that like any entrepreneur, you have your feast and famine and highs and lows,” he said “Being an entrepreneur, regardless of what you’re getting into, involves hours of work and a lot of commitment.

But in the end, it’s about having a passion for what you do, not so much the dollar signs in the end.’

“20 years of experience in the industry and counting.”

.

@sunpeaksnews

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Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8 11

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Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8

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ARTS Kamloops Film Festival returns this spring with creative COVID solutions SPIN

After being postponed due to the global pandemic, the Kamloops Film Festival (KFF) committee has been reimagining the event to allow

for a safe and exciting viewing experience for everyone. The 25th annual festival will be their biggest ever, running for 12 days from April 21 to May 2 both at the Twin Rivers DriveIn and online, and will feature more films than ever before.

“The goal is to reinvent the

KFF into an exciting event that the community can get jazzed about, not just a watered down version of the past,” said a release from the organization.

Showing films at the drivein location at McArthur Island Park was successfully piloted last summer and the

festival will also use the newest technology to ensure the online experience is both intuitive and engaging.

The organization plans to partner with local eateries for special film festival pick up, dine in and delivery meals, as well as offer concession items

for pre-order.

Local filmmakers can submit their creations for the Kamloops Independent Short Shorts competition, with submissions due April 19.

More details will be announced at www. kamloopsfilmfest.ca.

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Local artists’ work to head ‘Off the Hill’ in Kamloops Art Council exhibition MANY LOCAL SUN PEAKS ARTISTS WILL HAVE WORKS ON DISPLAY IN A VARIETY OF MEDIUMS AT THE OLD COURTHOUSE IN KAMLOOPS JARRETT HOFMANN

From Mar. 26 to April 17, Sun Peaks ArtZone’s artist members will be given the opportunity to have their works on display during an exhibition in the Old Kamloops Courthouse, organized by the Kamloops Art Council, dubbed the ‘Off the Hill’ exhibition.

After being postponed almost a year due to COVID-19, local works will take the form of photography, paintings, fibre arts and stained

glass pieces, including president of ArtZone Sun Peaks, Marj Knive’s, Sun Peaks Tartan.

All the work that will be on display has been inspired by the surroundings of Sun Peaks. “[Last year] we were asked by the Kamloops Art Council if we would consider doing this, we thought it was a great opportunity to showcase local artists of Sun Peaks in Kamloops and to get their names out there, and to showcase what Sun Peaks was all about,” Knive said.

The exhibition will be displayed

in three spaces within the Old Courthouse. One of the spaces will display local photographer Bill Fell’s black and white photography, which will be his individual exhibition named ‘On the Hill.’

“In the beginning we were afraid because of COVID-19 that we would have a hard time getting enough pieces to fill the spaces,” said Knive. “But we’ve been completely surprised by how many of the artists have stepped forward and they’re really taking the opportunity

to show off what they’ve done during the pandemic. We’re going to have a really great exhibition in Kamloops.”

Now that all the COVID-19 protocols are in place, Knive added it’s much easier to plan the exhibition and it gives people a real opportunity to see some art during the pandemic, something that hasn’t been easy to accommodate.

Contributions to the exhibition had to be in by March 6 and if artists wanted their pieces on display, they had to become

ArtZone members beforehand.

“We’re always accepting new members and are more than happy to have people join so that they can be part of the exhibition,” explained Knive. “Just go to our website and there’s a button that says become a member.”

@sunpeaksnews

Join us for Dinner at

The Steakhouse and the Fondue Stube For reservations call 250 578 7878

Limited seating and COVID-19 protocols apply

More information on our website www.sunpeakslodge.com

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Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8 13

PUZZLES and Services You Can Say SAY That Again!

YOU CAN THAT AGAIN! Across 1 Take___view of (frown on) 5 Like a three-alarm fire 11 Anthropology deg.

14 Cloverleaf product 15 Pound with one's fists 16 Muesli morsel 17 Utter exhaustion in Switzerland's capital 19 Jagmeet Singh's pol. grp.

20 Hilo hello 21 Sprinkled arsenic on the eggs, say 23 Sorry feeling 25 Stirs up the pot 27 Lunch counter request in India's second largest city 31 Years and years and years 32 Umbrella part 33 Belonging to "cet homme" 34 Medium ability?

37 Boutique section for little ladies 40 Four-song discs, briefly 41 Off base?

43 One with a smart comeback 44 ___ loss for words 46 Bosom buddies in an Olympic city of South Korea 51 ___ blue streak (babble at length) 52 Narrow strip of land 54 Pudding ingredient, it is said 58 "___ tell" ("My lips are sealed") 59 Product testing org.

60 "No problem," in a French film festival city 62 Be down with something 63 Look up to 64 Legit 65 "The pond": Abbr.

66 Flying threat in Africa 67 "The ___" (B.C. e-magazine named for a salmon)

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38 Mañuel's uncle 39 Dryer electricity 42 Mark's "Star Wars" role 45 At a right angle to, as a ship 47 Leg-warming feline 48 They're on a long-term cell plan?

49 Bitcoin, e.g.

50 Dairy Queen treat 53 Was a pickpocket 55 X-ray dosages 56 Withers hit "Lean ___" 57 "Don't bet ___" 59 Grp. whose members get free towing 61 Match, in a poker match

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Down 1 Before the court, to a lawyer 2 Faced off at dawn, perhaps 3 Where to do as the locals do, per a saying 4 Access to a city's sewer 5 Manjula's spouse on "The Simpsons" 6 Gave a pat on the back, maybe 7 K-P line 8 Mine, in Mascouche 9 Big cheese on Mount Olympus 10 Sevilla snorter 11 Lazy, and then some 12 Prepare for a trail ride, say 13 Sponsor at the Indy 500 18 Go on a pub crawl 22 CBC Radio's "Spark" host Young 24 Tendons 26 Mumbai monsieurs 28 Verdi aria that means "it was you" 29 Course with Lamb or Bacon, for short

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Volume 19 Issue 3 March 11 - April 8 15

Serving Sun Peaks and area since 1995

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#417 COAST SUNDANCE LODGE | $62,900 One of the largest top floor studio suite in centrally located Coast Sundance Lodge. This property is a prime ski-in/ski-out location where skis come on and off right at the ski room door. This Resort retreat features great south facing views and its own private sun deck. The kitchenette is more generous than most with stove top burner and dishwasher. The room also features a cozy gas fireplace. The Sundance Lodge shared amenities also include shared ski storage, exercise room, outdoor hot tub, and secure underground parking.

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Stone’s Throw offers one of the best ski-in, ski-out locations on the mountain with unobstructed views to the Top of the World, Mt. Morrisey and the valley towards the Village with a groomed ski trail right out your doorstep accessing both the Orient Ridge and Morrissey Chairlifts. This attractive two bedroom, 2 bathroom condo features an inviting, open living and dining area, spacious kitchen with granite countertops, cozy gas fireplace and sliding glass door to your private patio and hot tub.

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#205 COAST SUNDANCE LODGE | $49,000 The Coast Sundance Lodge is a full ownership condo hotel with the ultimate ski-in/ski-out village location. Owners have a generous 180 days of personal use per year and the comfort of knowing all is looked after in their absence.

This property is managed by Coast Hotels, a well known and experienced operator that makes ownership care free. This south facing property sleeps 4 and has kitchenette and fireplace.

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242/244 CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES | $187,900 Convenient floor plan with the ability to use both apartments as an open one bedroom to sleep six or using the lock-off doorway to separate and have two separate suites. This property has unlimited owner use and a professional rental management agreement in place. This apartment has great ski-in, ski-out access and is offered fully furnished and completely turn-key ready for your personal use and enjoyment. Hotel amenities include indoor and outdoor hot tubs, exercise room, restaurant, ski & bike storage rooms, 24 hour desk and secure underground parking. GST not applicable.

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One bedroom, one-bathroom condo that sleeps 5 comfortably and is conveniently located in the Fireside Lodge. Great ski-in, ski-out access and is close to all resort amenities. This ground floor condo features higher ceilings, a full kitchen, private owner storage, cozy gas fireplace and private patio with mountain view. Unlimited owner use and zoning allows for short term rentals and the ability to self-manage, providing excellent rental potential. New fridge, paint, lighting and countertops in kitchen and bathroom. GST is applicable.

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#107 KOOKABURRA LODGE | $559,000 High traffic corner exposure and great storefront visibility and patio area that offers the opportunity for significant growth, as Sun Peaks continues to improve and expand its development. Concrete structure for strength, acoustic and fire qualities with sprinkler system in place. Great location adjacent to the village with year round community and school. Existing lease in place. 1076 sq.ft. Monthly strata fee $690.63.

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