Early Season Ski Race Training Begins at Sun Peaks

It's October 18, 2025.  The yellow aspen leaves are shedding, the nights consistently dip below freezing, and today brings the second snowfall in as many days. One thing is clear: Sun Peaks is getting ready for an early ski season. 

While Sun Peaks Resort is expected to officially open to the public on November 22nd, for some the lifts open even sooner. On November 8th, the mountain is expected to open exclusively for ski team race training at the Nancy Greene International Race Centre.

The Legacy of Early-Season Ski Training at Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks has earned a reputation as a hub for early-season race preparation, with a legacy stretching back over two decades and includes notable international partnerships.

“A few years (beginning 2005) before the Vancouver Olympics, the Austrian National Ski Team came to us to set up a training base for their athletes,” said Vincent Lafontaine, Director of Sports at Sun Peaks (2013).

In response, the resort made significant investments — introducing a new lift and developing the OSV run, named in honour of the Österreichischer Skiverband (Austrian Ski Federation... the "V" stands for Verband, German for Federation). Since then, Sun Peaks has continued to expand its training capacity, offering up to four custom training lanes groomed on OSV, designed to meet the needs of visiting teams.

Each year, more than 20 teams from across Canada and the USA, representing over 400 athletes, coaches, and helpers, take advantage of Sun Peaks early-season infrastructure.

Mountain Innovations: Snow Storage & Sustainable Snowmaking

This year, Sun Peaks is taking things even further with major investments in snow preservation. In spring 2025, the resort stockpiled snow on the OSV run under insulated mats, using a new system developed by Finnish company Snow Secure. This resulted in a 300-foot-long, 100-foot-wide, 30-foot-deep snow pile, monitored in real time to preserve coverage and support snowmaking efforts.

This innovation:

• Helps to guarantee reliable early-season snow for training

• Conserves over 1.5 million gallons of water

• Supports consistent lane preparation, regardless of fall weather

Sun Peaks is the first ski resort in Canada to implement this technology—strengthening its position as a premier early-season training destination.

What Ski Teams Can Expect This Season

Beginning November 8, teams are expected to return to train on the OSV, serviced by the Elevation chairlift. Lanes are reserved for Giant Slolam and Slolam training sessions, with early uploading and downloading available via Sunburst Express as snow coverage builds at lower elevations.

Here’s what’s ahead:

• Race Training Begins: November 8, 2025

• Planned Public Opening Day: November 22, 2025 (actual opening day Nov 27th)

• Training Sessions (Nov 8–30):

Session 1: 7:00am–11:00am
Session 2: 11:30am–3:30pm

After November 22, race teams will have access to additional open public terrain, while scheduled lanes remain available throughout the season.

Why Race Teams Love Staying at Pinetree Chalet

If you’re organizing a pre- or post-season training camp, Pinetree Chalet offers the comfort, space and location to make your team’s experience seamless. Just a short walk from the Sunburst Express chairlift (used to access the Race Centre), the chalet offers the perfect home base for classroom time, rejuvenation and routine.

Key benefits for teams include:

• Flexible sleeping arrangements for athletes, coaches, and staff

• Multiple bathrooms to keep your morning start running smoothly

• An especially well-equipped kitchen for team meals made easy

• Spacious dining and gathering areas for group meetings and grand table for classroom-style sessions

• Enough room to stay together—you'll never feel cramped

• Private bedrooms and quiet spaces for coaches and on-site supervisors

• Free parking, wifi and on-site laundry—comforts that make a difference during busy training time

• Private hot tub—reward your training muscles with a relaxing soak and massage jets

• Comfortable beds and bunks—get a great night’s sleep for a strong start on the hill

Whether you're in Sun Peaks for early-season training, a mid-winter retreat, or a post-season team stay Pinetree Chalet is a reliable, team-friendly home base just steps from the action.

Planning Your Stay

Take advantage of early-season specials and even lower shoulder-season rates while the mountain comes to life. Pinetree Chalet offers a flexible, spacious and well-located home for your team stay.  Here's to the thrill of a new season, almost here.

Check the Sun Peaks tab for availability and specials or reach out directly with questions.

October 18, 2025