FIRST NATIONS TEAM PREPARES TO COMPETE PAGE 17
RUN RENAMED AFTER SUN PEAKS FOUNDER PAGE 4
JANUARY 22—24
Heavy snow, mild
JANUARY 25—31
Snow showers, sunny, cold
FEBRUARY 1—2 Sunny, cold
FEBRUARY 3—9 Snow showers, mild
FEBRUARY 10—11 Sunny
FEBRUARY 12—18 Snow showers, mild
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1
ONE FOR THE books by SUN PEAKS NEWS
T
he snow has continued to fall in Western Canada, prompting many to cross their fingers in hopes of continued good news, including Tourism Sun Peaks’ president Christopher Nicolson.
“There are a whole variety of factors that are helping us,” Nicolson said. “I would say the year, right now, has
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JANUARY 22 — FEBRUARY 18
very good potential to be a record year.” At publication time Sun Peaks had around a 20 per cent higher alpine base than this time last year. Combined with stellar weather conditions the resort is attracting increased visitors from almost every established market. Immediately following what many considered a poor 2014-15 winter season, the snow and resort visitation have been especially welcomed throughout the province. “This year to date we’re at an all-time high of over 18,000 (room nights), which represents about an 11 per cent increase over last year,” Nicolson said, noting December 2015 numbers were up
about six per cent from 2014. The highest year on record was 2007-08 at around 70,000 total room nights. Nicolson said if average snow conditions persist Sun Peaks could exceed those numbers. Room nights are generally an indication of overall
“I would say the year, right now, has very good potential to be a record year.”
resort business and in this case, manager of Vertical Café, Meghan Kolodka, said they seem to be an
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WESTERN CANADIAN RESORTS ON WAY TO BREAKING RECORDS
accurate reflection. “It’s noticeably much busier than last year,” she said. “It’s been steady through our doors since Dec. 22.” According to Kolodka that sentiment is echoed from most local business owners she’s spoken with. And Sun Peaks isn’t the only ski area enjoying the powder and resulting revenue. “What all the snow has done is stimulate the marketplace. Most resorts within Western Canada have had a very good Christmas. It’s fantastic to see the North Shore mountains doing so well, as well as the Seattle mountains. It has a stimulating impact. It piques interest in going further away, perhaps for a week, at resorts
such as Sun Peaks. There’s a direct correlation.” According to an early January press release from the Canada West Ski Area Association (CWSAA), many ski areas are enjoying big business this year due to early openings and record snowfalls. Red Mountain Resort reported the best December for both revenue and skier visits in its entire 67 year history. Whistler Blackcomb said they enjoyed their highest year-to-date visitation in their history over the Christmas period. ”It has been a really great start to the year, both in terms of snowfall and skier numbers,” said Cynthia Thomas,
Vol 14 Issue 1 January 22 — February 18
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