Sun_Peaks_Attraction_Okanangan_Summer

North America’s first Mountain Cross Cart Course opens while warm weather bodes well for opening weekend trail conditions

Summer fun is full steam ahead in the alpine village of Sun Peaks with Summer Kick-off Weekend from June 26 to 28, signifying the beginning of more outdoor activities, one-of-a-kind festivals and events, and the Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market. Just one week later the first concerts in the Free Summer Concert Series will draw thousands of guests to the resort community.

Completion and testing of North America’s first Mountain Cross Cart Course (MCC) took place this month with the public opening scheduled for Friday, June 26 at 11:00 a.m. Located on Sunbeam ski run and utilizing the Platter lift, this exciting new activity will give Sun Peaks’ guests brand new means of descending the mountain. A valid driver’s license is required and four laps are only $25.

“Initial feedback on the track has been phenomenal,” says Aidan Kelly, director of sales and marketing for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR). “It’s a super fun experience and we are really looking forward to watching guests race the clock for the first time.”

New this season is an opening weekend Lift and Lager promotion with Molson Coors, where purchase of a lift accessed hiking or Bike Park ticket on Saturday and Sunday is packaged with a beer at the mid-mountain Sunburst Lodge. Here guests will also enjoy a BBQ, live DJ, and free freezies for the kids.

Above average temperatures have had positive impact on the alpine hiking trails and both the downhill and cross country mountain biking trails. Sun Peaks’ famous alpine wildflowers are also ahead of schedule, with many buds already blooming in the meadows on Tod Mountain.

“Our Bike Park trails are in some of the best condition for Opening Weekend our crews have ever seen,” says Kelly. “Our trail crews have been hard at work throughout the spring on both maintenance and improvements that riders will definitely notice once they descend. At this point we’re about a month ahead of schedule.”

The village will also be bustling with activity, including kids’ entertainers and live outdoor music on Saturday and Sunday plus a community dog walk supporting the BCSPCA on Saturday. New this summer, family entertainers CircusWest will perform, showcasing juggling, unicycle, hand to hand acrobatics, aerial tricks, and more. For times and locations go to www.SunPeaksResort.com/Summer-Kickoff.

The first Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market will be held in the main village walkway from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. Featuring regional vendors, it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs, gifts, produce and meat products as well as take in local live music. The market runs every Sunday through September 6. For more information go to http://sunpeaksresort.com/events-and-festivals/farmers-market.

The first major Free Summer Concert Seriesperformances take place on July 3 and 4 and is sure to be one of the most exciting weekends of the season. Pop rock icons Platinum Blonde and rock singer/songwriter legend Lou Gramm: The Voice of Foreigner will both take the main stage over the weekend, along with other musical performances around the village.

“The community is looking forward to welcoming the thousands of visitors from across B.C., Alberta and even farther afield to the village for the weekend,” says Christopher Nicolson, president of Tourism Sun Peaks. “It’s one of the biggest weekends of the year and sets the tone for a busy summer. The energy during these live performances is palpable and makes for some of our most memorable summer moments – it’s really become a signature Sun Peaks experience.”

While General Access is free, packages including two nights’ accommodation and Front Stage Access tickets start at just $140 per person, based on double occupancy. Go to www.SunPeaksResort.com/Concerts for times, locations, and package information.

About Sun Peaks: Sun Peaks is a four season resort community located in the interior of British Columbia. With the addition of two, new alpine ski zones for the 2014-15 winter season, it now ranks as the second largest ski area in Canada. Sun Peaks offers a diverse range of leisure activities including 18 holes of golf on B.C.’s highest golf course, both downhill and cross country mountain biking, lift accessed alpine hiking as well as numerous concert events and festivals.