Sun Peaks or Whistler?

[BlurryTrees]

This summer some friends and I will be doing the bike park scene for the first time...well we did Cypresses new park, but it's too small to count right now. So we were thinking either Whistler or Sun Peaks, and was wonder what your guy's impressions were of either one.
It will be a weekend trip, both will cost roughly the same (Sun Peaks is a bit cheaper). The difference is that most have said that Sun Peaks is more of lax environment compared to Whistler. Not as crowded and more melow. Maybe that would be better for a few Park noobs.
Opinions?

[synchro]

depends on your riding ability. sun peaks does have the benefit of being smaller and a more chill atmosphere. the terrain is pretty good as well. the village is a little limited tho and it's about an hour to get into town (kamloops).

whistler has way more advanced terrain (and more terain in general) and a far better nightlife, but is busier especially on the weekends.

if all you're doing is riding then sunpeaks may be the better option. but if you want to have some fun after riding whistler has waaaay more to offer.

[Smoke]

What about SilverStar?

[seand]

sunpeaks is steeper and rougher than whistler...small->no lift lines..much smaller village...less bikeable terrain available...the riding is far more natural...there are some jumps and bridges..but it is definitely geared more towards the nastier/steeper side of things.

whistler is the standard for bike parks...you find everything you want there...it gets crowded on weekends...you wont get bored there..no matter your riding ability...jumps, bridges, hucks..you name it..

silverstar...small, fun, got a bit of everything...i quite enjoyed silverstar...doubledog is super fun...non-threatening woodwork that you can progress on...they have 2 nice jump trails...and then there is the dh trail with the amazing wallrides...village is TEENY...

i say hit each up if you can....well worth the mileage you will put on your vehicle!

[synchro]

sunpeaks is steeper and rougher than whistler

really? there's only like two or three really steep lines on sunpeaks. i would not say it's steeper than whistler. rougher in spots i will agree with tho.

[BlurryTrees]

Our downhill experience is limited to the Cypress bike park...but we can do everything on Seymour except for the huge gap on Neds and the log ride on Boogyman still freaks me out. But thats more shore style stuff.
The nightlife is a very important point...this will be a weekend lond trip and a good night life is a must.

Strange how Silverstar didn't even register with us, especially when they put in that cool wall ride, but Sun Peaks only became an option when when the guy at the Sun Peaks booth at the outdoor show convinced us that it had to be.

[synchro]

with your ridng level and also wanting to party i'd say whistler is definitely the way to go. you will have more trail options up there and would be able to progress your riding a bit faster too i'd say.

before you make your final decision tho. let a few other people weight in with their opinions too. either way, you will have a good time. silverstar is almost worth it just for that wallride.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Sunpeaks is a great trip plan. Quiet, lots of fun trails, great way to spend a weekend.

[Wayne P]

No doubt, Sun Peaks.

[funkendrenchman]

Whistler can get crowded on weekends, but if you ride from 3-8 PM it will be pretty close to empty.

[GeoffG]

If you are more into the tech/steep trails goto Sun Peaks. I found there to be a huge lack of trails for what I like to do and the trails were not very well marked when I was there.
If you want a huge variety of trails, goto Whistler. Garbonzo has some good steep/tech trails as well as more freeride oriented trails on the lower mountain.
Whistler is hands down the best place to ride for the trails, but the lines can get really bad on a nice day on the weekend. Not to mention it can be discouraging to try out A-line for the first time and have people coming up behind you yelling at you.

[Tom]

This summer some friends and I will be doing the bike park scene for the first time...well we did Cypresses new park, but it's too small to count right now. So we were thinking either Whistler or Sun Peaks, and was wonder what your guy's impressions were of either one.
It will be a weekend trip, both will cost roughly the same (Sun Peaks is a bit cheaper). The difference is that most have said that Sun Peaks is more of lax environment compared to Whistler. Not as crowded and more melow. Maybe that would be better for a few Park noobs.
Opinions?

Why not do both? If it was a weekend trip, and I lived in Maple Ridge...I'd go to Sun Peaks. Just go to Whistler for a day trip.

[S-Dawg]

Why not do both? If it was a weekend trip, and I lived in Maple Ridge...I'd go to Sun Peaks. Just go to Whistler for a day trip.

agreed ride whistler as a day trip and do it more often than just once. then take a trip to sun peaks.

[oceanseyes]

agreed ride whistler as a day trip and do it more often than just once. then take a trip to sun peaks.

plus if you go from whistler to sunpeaks during the day and take #99 its a very beautiful drive. The mountans both have their pros and cons, the lift lines can get prety badat whistler, sunpeaks lift lines are prety much non-existant. whistler has way more built up terrain(jumps, wood stunts, ect...) although sunpeaks is kinda getting there, the have trails like sugar and the sweet one that have more shore stuff and then they have steam shovel that starts out really steep and then moves into a jump trail. in the end its really just what you prefer.

[Fat Whacker]

To be honest, I prefer Sun Peaks much more than Whistler. I find Whistler was to caught up in the rock star attitude. I mean don't get me wrong, I try to spend about a week there every year, but it gets a little tiring with the mass amount of people. There are tons of stuff I want to try at Whistler, but every time I go its way to busy with agro rock stars to try anything new. I dunno, maybe I am just to used to riding Sun Peaks where its pretty rare that you even catch up to anyone on the trails let alone get yelled at for going to slow.
I am from Kamloops and I still try to spend weekends up at Sun Peaks. Either camping or getting a dirt cheap hotel room for a couple nights.
The night life is a little lacking at SP but I find it relaxing too. Sitting on a patio of one of the pubs, enjoying some beer after a long days ride. But I am not really into the club scene anymore either so I might have a different outlook than you do.
My vote is SP for sure.

[axisofevelknievel]

So the question is whether you should go to the best bike park in the world or to Sun Peaks? Is that the question?

Of course, there isn't anything wrong with doing both. Come to Whistler early in the summer and then head to Sun Peaks later in the summer. Then you can thank all of us later.

[Dan CH]

I would suggest Sun Peaks if you want more of a laid back trip, with very little lines, unless you go during a bc cup (which i don't suggest unless you're racing). If you have never ridden a big mountain bike park like whistler, sun peaks mite be able to introduce it to you better. Plus there is the new Route 66 trail, which is awesome to get the hang of fast and dlowy berms...and you can see where Ryan Newman did some excavating out of the side of the hill with his shoulder!

[0_o]

If you have to ask you've obviously never been to Whistler.

[seand]

plus if you go from whistler to sunpeaks during the day and take #99 its a very beautiful drive.


we did that trip last year going from kamloops->whistler...what a drive! took us a few hours, but man was it worth it! we left around 10am or so from the loops...did the sight-seeing thing....arrived at the hotel in whistler in plenty of time to catch up with people at the pubs and plan out the next week of riding...

if you do go that route, you will come across a gas station that has a sign that it is the last gas for 110 or 200km...they are serious..and the road is crazy steep/windy...if you are questioning your gas mileage...just fill'er up :)

here are a few shots from the trip...

http://gallery.autisticpig.com/albums/loops_to_whis_2005/normal_PICT0034.JPG
http://gallery.autisticpig.com/albums/loops_to_whis_2005/normal_PICT0011.JPG
http://gallery.autisticpig.com/albums/loops_to_whis_2005/normal_PICT0015.JPG
http://gallery.autisticpig.com/albums/loops_to_whis_2005/normal_PICT0004.JPG
http://gallery.autisticpig.com/albums/loops_to_whis_2005/normal_PICT0018.JPG

got lots more..but whatever....its worth it..do it...now...go!




anyways...

mark - i found sunpeaks to be much steeper than whistler. of course, i was a much worse rider last time i was there so my memories are probably far from accurate...plus we have done so many laps at whistler that i have grown quite used to it and don't think of it as that steep anymore...

the HUGE thing missing at sunpeaks that i wish there were more of...rockfaces. the only one i remember is the one going into steam shovel from that unfinished entrance...

[Wayne P]

I prefer Sun Peaks as I prefer Cypress of the 3 shore mountains - not a lot of over groomed trails and steep, natural trails, and zero crowds. Did I mention no attitudes?

[seand]

ah wayne...nice :) i have grown to love cypress and hate it at the same time..but my perfect shore day is a couple laps on cypress and then a nice fun run down seymour...

i cant wait to get up to sunpeaks for a few days this summer...revisit silverstar again...mmm yes.

[Lady Gravity]

man am i ever looking forward to riding sun peaks again. totally different vibe than whistler, but both are fun.

seand - is that what they call the hurley highway? i've always wanted to do that drive.

[Fat Whacker]

If you have to ask you've obviously never been to Whistler.

Is it safe to say then you've never been to Sun Peaks?

[DaveM]

man am i ever looking forward to riding sun peaks again. totally different vibe than whistler, but both are fun.

seand - is that what they call the hurley highway? i've always wanted to do that drive.

I think it's called the Duffy Lake road. That's what we called it when we used to take our motorcycles up there. Amazing road, no traffic, no police. It was a great place to take the bikes up for a good rip. Some scary corners though, lots of runout, unfortunately it's all vertical!


I like Sunpeaks better than any other lift accessed mountain I've been to. That includes Whistler, Silverstar, Red, and Mt. Washington. I also hate crowds and like more tech trails than paved jump/berm style trails. Don't get me wrong, I like all the others very much, I just like Sunpeaks better. The village has enough nightlife for an old fart like me, it's got some fine dining, and some good pubs.

Whistler I find to be just too "busy".

[Chump]

we did that trip last year going from kamloops->whistler...what a drive! took us a few hours, but man was it worth it! we left around 10am or so from the loops...did the sight-seeing thing....arrived at the hotel in whistler in plenty of time to catch up with people at the pubs and plan out the next week of riding...

if you do go that route, you will come across a gas station that has a sign that it is the last gas for 110 or 200km...they are serious..and the road is crazy steep/windy...if you are questioning your gas mileage...just fill'er up :)

here are a few shots from the trip...

http://gallery.autisticpig.com/albums/loops_to_whis_2005/normal_PICT0034.JPG
http://gallery.autisticpig.com/albums/loops_to_whis_2005/normal_PICT0011.JPG
http://gallery.autisticpig.com/albums/loops_to_whis_2005/normal_PICT0015.JPG
http://gallery.autisticpig.com/albums/loops_to_whis_2005/normal_PICT0004.JPG
http://gallery.autisticpig.com/albums/loops_to_whis_2005/normal_PICT0018.JPG

got lots more..but whatever....its worth it..do it...now...go!




anyways...

mark - i found sunpeaks to be much steeper than whistler. of course, i was a much worse rider last time i was there so my memories are probably far from accurate...plus we have done so many laps at whistler that i have grown quite used to it and don't think of it as that steep anymore...

the HUGE thing missing at sunpeaks that i wish there were more of...rockfaces. the only one i remember is the one going into steam shovel from that unfinished entrance...


You bastard! All this whistler and sunpeaks talk I can't wait! Then you post those photos. I love the drive there ahh I cant' wait for the summer windows down ealry morning drive to whistler I love it.

Steve

[seand]

steve -

you are more than welcome to toss your bike on our car when we make the trip again :) some extra insane company is always welcome! of course, i cant gaurentee you would get back to the loops any time soon :lol:

[Dude]

I love Sun Peaks, but if you're planning on going when Garbonzo is traditionally dry, go to Whistler. Garbo is the big difference maker...with that, you do get the same gnarl factor as the steeps at Sun Peaks.

Bottom line...you can't miss with your choice. You'll love either.

[corey@nsmb.com]

really? there's only like two or three really steep lines on sunpeaks. i would not say it's steeper than whistler. rougher in spots i will agree with tho.


I would say Sun Peaks has more technically difficult riding. The toughest natural knarl at Whistler is on Garbo, and maybe the lower DH track...and IMO, that stuff is easier and less steep than Sun Peaks equivalents.

[synchro]

crack addict? upper/lower joyride?

[seand]

crack addict is not steep! joyride has a few steep parts (the rock faces) but that too is not steep.

I would think parts of goats gully would rank as the steepest parts of whistler...

well the part of clownshoes with the concrete berm...where you can ride off clownshoes into whistler dh to avoid the steep and nasty part..i think THAT is the steepest part of whistler....

[Chump]

Ha sounds like a deal sean. I really wanna make the trip to the coast area there this summer that is a goal. Ths trails where you are look so amazing and flowly. Everything that i see madison post i wannd ride. So ya its time for me to pay a visit I think.

Steve

[corey@nsmb.com]

crack addict? upper/lower joyride?

Crack addict is the Boogie Man of Whistler.

Upper and Lower joyride isn't that difficult, its steep, but nothing over the top.

Honey Drop and Twisted Sister are more demanding, and steeper.

Difference of opinions I suppose. All I ever ride at both mountains is the steep techy stuff, and that is the impression I came away with .

[synchro]

for teh real steepness nothing beats bridle path

[Wayne P]

Synchro, are you nuts, NOBODY can ride the Bridle Path on a bicycle.

I like the terrain at Sun Peaks, but it does need some serious work, like the horrible jumps and snowboarder berms. You should not have to brake check into berms!!! (make 'em steeper)

I'd like to revamp the entire mountain....well, almost. The DH run and the rest of the single track is magnificent.

[corey@nsmb.com]

for teh real steepness nothing beats bridle path

I wont even walk that line...it is insane.

[Smoke]

I wont even walk that line...it is insane.

Johnny Cash just called, says he wants to bitchslap you.

[onepunch]

I love both resorts, have had many days riding both, and am an intermediate rider at best. There is no debate that Whistler reigns in amount of terain. Jumping and drops can be had in every run in whistler. Bigger stuff, with better safeties imo. Night life at whislter wins by a 10 second, one strike KO. I have had many a good pub night at SP, but there is no comparison to the amount of places to go, and the amount of "talent" at whistler. Sun peaks does have its share of tech terrain. As far as steep...rocks at whislter are steeper( Rock City, Tripple humps, Dropin Clinic). The general pitch over the most amount of time, may be edged by Sp. Smitties steeps, honey drop, Penny candy, Twisted sisters's sister are all examples of that. They have a couple of good, long tech trails with stunts (Sugar, Sweet one)and U simply will not log as much air time at SP as whistler. The tech trails at whistler like Lower Jr, and Goats gully seem harder to me. Maybee i have less time logged on them. Attitude, can be found at either. The major attitide issue at Whislter is riders who are very familiar with the trails, and expect others to get out of their way. They think their time and money is more valuble than yours. They will yell, and some pricks may pass in a terribly unsafe maner. Keep ur eyes and ears out for that. I would suggest Whistler during the week. Sp is still not too busy on the weekends. Wheather being a factor, Sp will dry up faster with the exception of a few trails. Whister can handle more rain and is more forgiving as far as having more trails less affected by rain. SP will be cheaper, especially if u stay at the resort, and dont camp. HIT EM BOTH!!!:rocker:

[seand]

steve -

no worries...gladly show yah around...we have lots of stuff that would keep you amused...


onepunch...i cant agree more with your last statement.... HIT EM BOTH!

[Bryce]

I'd go to Sun Peaks if I were you guys unless nightlife is important. And someone mentioned Silver Star, that would also be a good choice with similar terrain, costs, and distances. Then do Whis later in the summer.

Also, don't forget to check when the mountains open (and Garbanzo)

[bansheeair]

Cast my vote for the SunPeaks weekend and a couple day trips(mid week) to Whistler. I do the Williams Lake (Saturday) and SunPeaks (Sunday) a couple times a summer.

[Luudwig]

I would say Sun Peaks has more technically difficult riding. The toughest natural knarl at Whistler is on Garbo, and maybe the lower DH track...and IMO, that stuff is easier and less steep than Sun Peaks equivalents.

I think I have to agree. Especially Honeydrop sections, Smitty's steeps, etc. when its been hot and dry for a while. One year the soil was like a fine white powder and you basically had no control (and if u where behind someone could not see anything!) and just had to hang on and "surf" down. i was all good however :-).
Watch the "crowds" on opening day when they only charge a toonie (SP chair not as efficient with bike transport as e.g Fitz chair)

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

I would say that Whistler has some great steeps for sure.
Sunpeaks has some trails like Insanity One that have a some challenging steeps as well.
One man's steeps is another man's treasure.

[DaveM]

I would say that Whistler has some great steeps for sure.
Sunpeaks has some trails like Insanity One that have a some challenging steeps as well.
One man's steeps is another man's treasure.

My sphincter is still slightly cramped from fear riding Insanity One last summer.

That wooden ramp "easy" route around that rocky cliff.....I think I actually cried for my mommy on that one. Parsons says Dustin Adams used to launch the whole thing!

[synchro]

My sphincter is still slightly cramped from fear riding Insanity One last summer.

That wooden ramp "easy" route around that rocky cliff.....I think I actually cried for my mommy on that one. Parsons says Dustin Adams used to launch the whole thing!

pffft

i saw posernewbie do a one-footed can on his hardtail off of that ramp

[BlurryTrees]

Wow...thanks for all the input. So i guess that settles it, we're just gonna have to do both this summer. The weekend at Sunpeaks and then a couple of day trips to Whistler. I wanted to hit crankworks this year anyways, so I'll check out Whistler a few weeks before that starts.

Should be one hell of a summer, can't wait.:D

[Loopie]

You bastard! All this whistler and sunpeaks talk I can't wait! Then you post those photos. I love the drive there ahh I cant' wait for the summer windows down ealry morning drive to whistler I love it.

Steve
I'll be trying to host a few day trips (possibly overnighters if everyone is in agreement). I'll be able to do 8 passengers on leather seats. I'll only be asking for 100% of my expenses to be covered...so split 5-8 ways, it's gonna be a wicked, wicked deal :cool:

[Beerme]

I'll be trying to host a few day trips (possibly overnighters if everyone is in agreement). I'll be able to do 8 passengers on leather seats. I'll only be asking for 100% of my expenses to be covered...so split 5-8 ways, it's gonna be a wicked, wicked deal :cool:

Hey loopie what the heck 8 passengers leather seats you sell the volvo for a limo....I'm in

[Loopie]

Still have the Volvo. Sold the Dakota, bought a pimp 97 Safari.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/loopie/Astro%20Safari%20van/100_1117.jpg

[Jurz]

Whistler was an awsome experiance for me. But, I perfer riding Sun Peaks due to the steeps and "Sugar".No large crowds is another plus at Sun Peaks, Nite life is very limited.If you make it to Sun peaks take the time to check out Harper and Jamieson creek for more riding awsomeness.Since I live in Kamloops I checked out Silverstar again this past summer and the improvements were awsome.Great place for riding.

[Jerry-Rig]

for me, no trails can get any better than A-Line or Dirt Merchant.... Kyber Pass was uber sweet for the natural stuff.

I would do 2 days at Whister, 1 day at Sun Peaks and 1 day at Silver Star.... best of all worlds.

[Beerme]

Still have the Volvo. Sold the Dakota, bought a pimp 97 Safari.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/loopie/Astro%20Safari%20van/100_1117.jpg
hey loopie, where are the 33's and the fuzzy dice

[Loopie]

hey loopie, where are the 33's and the fuzzy dice
No dice...but actually, it will be getting 30" tires :D
I'll be doing this (http://www.overlandvans.com/0104_BMeyers.html)

[synchro]

^^^

that's a great little rig. a really nice option when compared to a suburban.

[Loopie]

^^^

that's a great little rig. a really nice option when compared to a suburban.
Definitely a sweet alternative to the Sub, better for a lot of reasons actually. Even if a guy needs some offroad ability, these AWD vans are basically still a half ton truck, can tow 6000lbs, are super easy/cheap to lift for more clearance, and a "proper" 2spd transfer case is easily installed aswell if needed. And when/if the motor ever has to come out..for the grand price of a $150 set of motor mounts...a 350 drops right in.

[Air Supplier]

There isn't that much on Sun Peaks. WHen it rains, it takes about a week to dry, but there are no line ups. Whistler will be funner but expect crowds especially on the weekend!

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Wow first time I have ever heard someone mention rain being bad in Kamloops! hahaha....just kidding.

[seand]

cheryl -

haha..

i remember rose on a particularly rainy day...it was like riding on ice all the way down....that was the day I folded my bars :)

then all of us got wicked drunk that night, and did sunpeaks in the snow the next day...i was still drunk through the first couple runs...I dont remember how I made it from your couch that night...

what a way to end the season :lol:

[Bryce]

yeah not much rain but when it does open up things get much slicker than the shore

[rusty sandwich]

There is only one answer....Silver Star!!!

[Dude]

Sorry guys, but once Garbonzo Opens, there is no comparison. Silverstar is pretty good, but after one day, you've seen and done everything a couple of times, and it is tired.

Sun Peaks is great...love it. Many trails to select, steep, flowy, gnarly...almost up there with Garbonzo!

[seand]

whoa. way to resurrect a thread!

[Supervokes]

This must be a joke. Whistler by a LONG SHOT!!! You can say that about Whistler Vs any resort in BC. Let get real here !!

[Hack On Wheels]

Meh, your opinion not mine.

I go to Whistler for progression, to get a fix and have some fun.

I go to Sunpeaks for a real vacation and great single track fun, with some full throttle sections, I doubt I could take Whistler for many days in a row, not my style really, but who knows.

Lots of people will have good reasons for their own favourite place, I say try as many places as possible and see which one fits.

[DaveM]

^^^I feel the same.

Whistler is a 2 hour drive away and I might make it up once a year. Sunpeaks is 4 hours and I usually go 2-3 full weekends a year. It's all what you like.

I despise crowds, line ups, and attitude. It's an easy decision.

[synchro]

^^^I feel the same.

Whistler is a 2 hour drive away and I might make it up once a year. Sunpeaks is 4 hours and I usually go 2-3 full weekends a year. It's all what you like.

I despise crowds, line ups, and attitude. It's an easy decision.

you go to sun peaks because you don't have the cajones to handle whistler. this past sat at whistler there were basically no lines ups on garbo.

[DaveM]

You sure did just sum up the attitude though.

[synchro]

You sure did just sum up the attitude though.

:(

[couch@nsmb.com]

I was at SP today and saw 2 people riding the lift. I think they were the only ones there.

[Hack On Wheels]

Oh god, is that good or bad? I can't decide.

[Fat Whacker]

Its just mid week at Sun Peaks. Not too much traffic until after July1st.

[Revscene]

i cant wait to get up whistler again, not untill end of august though

[sheffy]

Sorry guys, but once Garbonzo Opens, there is no comparison. Silverstar is pretty good, but after one day, you've seen and done everything a couple of times, and it is tired.

Sun Peaks is great...love it. Many trails to select, steep, flowy, gnarly...almost up there with Garbonzo!


Sunpeaks ..up there with Garbanzo.....ha ha thats rich....................they went from being epic to completely falling apart...not even in the same ballpark with Silverstar..

[Hack On Wheels]

Completely falling apart? Sun Peaks is great for the tech and gnarl. Don't know where you have been...

[Fat Whacker]

Completely falling apart? Sun Peaks is great for the tech and gnarl. Don't know where you have been...

Are you serious dude? Sun Peaks is past falling apart. Other than Sugar and Sweet One, that mountain has been ridden into the ground. The lack of maintenance up there disgusts me. People are paying 35 bux a day to go ride there. And its full of bomb holes and bracking bumps (more like ditches). How hard is it to get out with rakes to fix it? Its easy to blame the hot weather but lets face the facts. The mountain has water piped all the way through it for snowmaking. Why not turn a couple guns on in the exposed areas overnight and then buff it the next day? They seem to have no problems turning on a couple guns at the bottom to keep the driving range grass nice and green. Why not the trails people pay to use?

I won't even get into the lack of building up there. Lets just say that without some serious direction next year, Sun Peaks is on the verge of falling off the premier biking resort map. I would like to see the real numbers for this year. How many passes were sold vs last year and previous years. I would be very suprised if the number are up this year.

With Silver Star only 1.5 hours from Loops, its hard to drive the 45 to SP and know your going to be riding the same ol beat up crap.

My question is, why are our local trails around Kamloops that are only maintained by people on a volunteer basis in better shape that a multi billion dollar resort corperation? Doesn't make sense to me.

I know my dollars will be going to Silver Star next year. SP has pretty much lost all my interest. I have rode there for the last 3-4 years and every year it gets worse and worse no matter how much feedback they get from the public that they need to fix things. Too bad, cus I think SP has more potential with their terrain than SS has anyday.

[Jerry-Rig]

10% of SS season passes are from the 'Loops

[DaveM]

Are you serious dude? Sun Peaks is past falling apart. Other than Sugar and Sweet One, that mountain has been ridden into the ground. The lack of maintenance up there disgusts me. People are paying 35 bux a day to go ride there. And its full of bomb holes and bracking bumps (more like ditches). How hard is it to get out with rakes to fix it? Its easy to blame the hot weather but lets face the facts. The mountain has water piped all the way through it for snowmaking. Why not turn a couple guns on in the exposed areas overnight and then buff it the next day? They seem to have no problems turning on a couple guns at the bottom to keep the driving range grass nice and green. Why not the trails people pay to use?

I won't even get into the lack of building up there. Lets just say that without some serious direction next year, Sun Peaks is on the verge of falling off the premier biking resort map. I would like to see the real numbers for this year. How many passes were sold vs last year and previous years. I would be very suprised if the number are up this year.

With Silver Star only 1.5 hours from Loops, its hard to drive the 45 to SP and know your going to be riding the same ol beat up crap.

My question is, why are our local trails around Kamloops that are only maintained by people on a volunteer basis in better shape that a multi billion dollar resort corperation? Doesn't make sense to me.

I know my dollars will be going to Silver Star next year. SP has pretty much lost all my interest. I have rode there for the last 3-4 years and every year it gets worse and worse no matter how much feedback they get from the public that they need to fix things. Too bad, cus I think SP has more potential with their terrain than SS has anyday.

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I've been a huge and loyal Sunpeaks fan. I spent the July 1 long weekend and this past long weekend there, and at least 2 long weekends for the past 3 years. I can't see any real maintenance work that has been done between the two visits this year. I'd like to hope that there has been, but it's not readily noticeable. Like you said, it's being ridden into the ground. If Sunpeaks is not willing to put any money into the park, I'm no longer willing to put my money into their pockets. It's a real shame, the terrain has so much potential and the village has a very cool vibe, much moreso the Silver Star in my opinion. It was our goal to eventually buy a rental property at Sunpeaks, but those thoughts have changed this year. These thoughts will be relayed directly to Sunpeaks as well, I'd like to hear their reply.

[Luudwig]

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I've been a huge and loyal Sunpeaks fan. I spent the July 1 long weekend and this past long weekend there, and at least 2 long weekends for the past 3 years. I can't see any real maintenance work that has been done between the two visits this year. I'd like to hope that there has been, but it's not readily noticeable. Like you said, it's being ridden into the ground. If Sunpeaks is not willing to put any money into the park, I'm no longer willing to put my money into their pockets. It's a real shame, the terrain has so much potential and the village has a very cool vibe, much moreso the Silver Star in my opinion. It was our goal to eventually buy a rental property at Sunpeaks, but those thoughts have changed this year. These thoughts will be relayed directly to Sunpeaks as well, I'd like to hear their reply.

Could it be that they are focussing all their effort and money on the real revenue generators: real estate, skiing and golfing?

[DaveM]

Could it be that they are focussing all their effort and money on the real revenue generators: real estate, skiing and golfing?

It could be, but they will at the very least lose any revenue coming from me if things don't change, and that does include real estate. I'm sure I'm not alone, but if that's not a priority to them, I'm quite sure someone else will be more than happy to take my vacation dollars.

[enduramil]

It could be, but they will at the very least lose any revenue coming from me if things don't change, and that does include real estate. I'm sure I'm not alone, but if that's not a priority to them, I'm quite sure someone else will be more than happy to take my vacation dollars.

Instead of bitching about the trail conditions. Do something postitive and write them and see what they have to say.

[DaveM]

Instead of bitching about the trail conditions. Do something postitive and write them and see what they have to say.

If you look up a couple of posts you will see that I said I have relayed these thoughts directly to Sunpeaks and am interested in hearing their reply.

Try reading a bit before tapping away at the keyboard.

[Wayne P]

I have a pretty good idea of what's going on up there, and believe me, it's not changing anytime soon unless something drastic happens.

I still love the rutted up technical trails, wouldn't have it any other way. But the man made stuff is pretty bad.

[DaveM]

I still love the rutted up technical trails, wouldn't have it any other way. But the man made stuff is pretty bad.

Me too, I'd hate to see a superhighway of berm/jump trails take over.

Some improvement and new stuff would sure be nice.

It might be ok for you local guys to go and rip it for a day, but when you plan weekends around it, it would sure be nice to see some improvement/progression year after year.

[enduramil]

If you look up a couple of posts you will see that I said I have relayed these thoughts directly to Sunpeaks and am interested in hearing their reply.

Try reading a bit before tapping away at the keyboard.

Sorry. Caffine and sugar levels where low. Situation has been rectified.

[DaveM]

Sorry. Caffine and sugar levels where low. Situation has been rectified.

no cake?

oops, wrong thread.

[enduramil]

no cake?

oops, wrong thread.

Dammit I hate working at 6am.

[Dude]

I guess I'm guilty of being biased.

For me, the most fun I've had on any lift access trail this season was Insanity 1, as well as Honey.

But, true enough, the structures and man-made stuff at Silverstar is superior, no doubt. I guess it comes down to the type of riding one prefers.

Davet...we've tossed that around too, and the commitment, or lack thereof, Sun Peaks shows to the park would directly influence my decision to buy / ride there.

[DaveM]

I sent this email on September 6 to marketing@sunpeaksresort.com



It is with great disapointment that I feel I must write this email. My wife and I, as well as a small group of friends have been loyal fans of the Sunpeaks Bike Park for the past few years. We make the trip from Vancouver at least twice yearly. The resort combines a very cool village vibe with an outstanding technical masterpiece of a bike park. Well that is until this past year. We have watched the condition of the bike park steadily degrade. Between our first visit this year (July 1st long weekend) and this past Labour Day long weekend we saw no appreciable maintenance or upgrades to the trails. It is quite literally being ridden into the ground. It is truly a shame, because the village itself used to be able to overcome any shortcomings of the bike park, unfortunately it can't make up the ground any more. While Sunpeaks chooses to let the bike park slide, you competitor, Silver Star, seems to have picked up the ball and run with it this year, and are enjoying a 30% increase in visitors. Can Sunpeaks boast the same? I highly doubt it.

We had interest in purchasing a rental property at Sunpeaks in the next year, but are forced to rethink our future investment plans. If Sunpeaks is not interested in maintaining and improving it's bike park, we are not interested in continuing to support it with our dollars and will look elsewhere.

On our first weekend visit this year, we noticed a comment board in the T2R shop. It was filled with comments, the most common being a request to increase the amount of bike racks on the lift, and more maintenance/new trails. By our experience in this past weekend, it seems you have chosen not to listen to your customers, and that is truly disheartening. This mountain and village has the potential to far surpass anything Silver Star has to offer, but for some reason you choose not to take advantage of that.

I look forward to hearing your reply, and I hope it will bring a fresh outlook to the future of Sunpeaks Bike Park, because without change you will have lost a loyal group of customers. I am not alone in these thoughts, there is a growing opinion in the mountain bike community that Sunpeaks' interest in the bike park industry is dwindling.


Amazingly I didn't get a reply, but it's only been a week.

[Fat Whacker]

I encourage each and every one of you who are disapointed with Sun Peaks' progression to do exactly what Dave did. Write a PROFESSIONAL letter stating why you think the resort is lacking. I did the same at the end of July. I included links to this BB and other mountain bike BB's where there were valid comments as to the lack of improvments SP has made. I can honestly tell you its not the efforts of the local people running the day to day opperations that need to be convinced. ITs the corp that doesn't see the big picture. The more they get these types of letters and emails, the more it will open their eyes to the issues at hand. But remember...PROFESSIONAL! The last thing we need is a bunch of pissed off mountain bikes just writing hate letters.

[Bryce]

hmm, maybe I'll send them a short note too. I've always enjoyed Sun Peaks but I was disappointed to see how little upkeep has been done. I mean, it was still fun this year, but Silver Star has them beat.

[seand]

I sent this email on September 6 to marketting@sunpeaksresort.com



Amazingly I didn't get a reply, but it's only been a week.


I hope someone gets back to you with SOMETHING. Sunpeaks used to be my favorite resort for biking, and now it is a distant 3rd :(

[sheffy]

We actually sent SP a nicely typed letter as well voicing our concerns(after talking to one of the shop managers at the hill and asked us if we could do that cause hes as frustrated as the riders) and got a complete BS letter back...... YADA YADA YADA.... We have done have done this ...WE have done that?????? I want to know where.....same nails and shit sticking out from last year.....same errosion??????? Ive also heard that only one of the trail crew is actually a rider so you cant blame it on them but come on YOU GOTTA HAVE RIDERS DO THE BUILDING....if your gonna have a bike park either step up or drop ticket prices to $10.....Im a vernon local so im going to mainly ride SS but having SP still in the bike park game ...makes a good road trip to change things up and it only benefits our resort as well....more riders will road trip to the interior.If they dont get their shit together they will just be sending more business straight to vernon without a pit stop in Loops first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They went from EPIC to HURTING!!!!

[Jurz]

I was told by "someone in the know" that sun peaks only sold 30 seasons passes for the bike park in 2006, what does that tell you. .Myself like others will be sending them a letter for there own benefit.

[Wayne P]

I will maybe make 1 or two trips there next year, and I'm in Kamloops!

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Wow everyone... I am glad to hear you are sending some well thought out letters. I hope it gets into the hands of someone and they hear and understand the concerns to make Sunpeaks rockin for 2007.

[DaveM]

Well it's been almost a month and I never did get a reply. That's probably a statement in itself as to the attitude of management.

Did anyone else get a reply?

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Let me look into it for you.

[Wayne P]

You won't get one Dave.

[Jurz]

No reply here either.

[Fat Whacker]

I got a reply from Jordan almost immediatly after sending mine.

[ben neil]

one of the reasons nothing was well maintained this year, is becasue they have such a small trail crew, and they were working on there new downhill run pretty much all year, at least that is what i hear

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

I spoke to Jordan who says that Jurz and Davet are getting responses. They have just been going all out since before World Masters. Keep writting letters people.

[bryce mcl]

from a riding point of view, they both have different styles and they are both great fun

[DaveM]

I spoke to Jordan who says that Jurz and Davet are getting responses. They have just been going all out since before World Masters. Keep writting letters people.

Just to drag it back up out of boredom.

I never got a response, which says more than whatever the reponse would have been. Looks like it'll be Silver Star this year.

[Jurz]

I never recieved a reply either. I will ride Silverstar alot more in 2007.

[sheffy]

I never recieved a reply either. I will ride Silverstar alot more in 2007.

A little birdie told me that there are BIG PLANS FOR 07 at SS:woot:

[Fat Whacker]

I for one will be there more as well. SS that is.

[Hack On Wheels]

SS is right up near the top of my list of places to ride this summer. However, Sun Peaks still has a spot on the list, I'd enjoy riding the DH course again and some of the tech trails are great fun too, and if the trail crew does some good work on the existing trails that need it I will most certainly bump it up my list. Anyways, lots of good places to ride!