Hardly a week passes during winter and summer without a festival or event taking place at Sun Peaks Resort.
From charity events to the Alpine Blossom Festival to the Wine and Culture Festival there is something for all ages. For the past three years Sun Peaks has hosted the Canada West region of the Porsche Club of America. In September, 2010, the resort will be the venue for the Porsche Club of America's national gathering, attracting Porsche owners from across Canada and the US.
The four-day Velocity Challenge brings together the world's fastest downhill skiers to race against the clock at speeds of up to 165km/102mi per hour. These speed skiers use 240cm/7.8ft long skis to maximize speed, and teardrop shaped helmets and latex suits to facilitate aerodynamics.
Winter Wine Festival
Previously the Sun Peaks Ice-wine Festival, the newly named Winter Wine Festival, which gathers 20 or more Okanagan Valley wineries pouring their products, is Canada's only ice wine festival. Ice wines are rich and sweet wines made from frozen grapes – a late-harvest wine pressed while frozen. During the wine festival, usually in the middle of February, there is a full schedule of seminars, tastings, dinners, events, and winter recreation. The intimate atmosphere of Sun Peaks Resort allows for social interaction between vintners and guests. Festival events are scheduled for late afternoons, so mornings are free for winter activities such as downhill and cross-country skiing.
Alpine Blossom Festival
In summer, the Alpine Blossom Festival at Sun Peaks (usually the last two weeks of July and first two weeks of Aug) offers nature tours, wildlife walks in the alpine, afternoon teas, and mountain top BBQ's followed by interpretive tours of the region.
Wine and Culture Festival
The mid-July, three-day Wine and Culture Festival combines wines, fine cuisine, food products from local farmers and ranchers in the Thompson Valley, and performances by the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra. The festival is designed to introduce visitors to largely unknown boutique BC vineyards. The festival is held in the village at the Delta Sun Peaks Hotel Health Club Terrace and the mid-mountain Sunburst Restaurant.
Autumn Bounty
Autumn Bounty, held in early October, showcases the food and wine and best culinary offerings of the Thompson Valley. The signature event of the weekend is the Gala Dinner and Reception. This multi-course dinner features local produce prepared by top regional Chefs and wines matched by sommeliers.
Gummy Bear Bike Race
The Gummy Bear Bike Race is a winding single-track trail race that involves negotiating roots, rocks, short uphills, and short steep descents. It tests the abilities of even the most advanced mountain bikers.
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