If you think Sun Peaks is only a winter destination, summer may surprise you.
After the snow melts, Canada’s second-largest ski area becomes a summer playground. You can ride a chairlift to alpine hiking trails, go mountain biking, play golf surrounded by mountain views, or slow down and enjoy the walkable village.
Summer 2026 brought another season of outdoor adventures and village events, from the opening of the lifts in June through the festivals of September. Here’s a look at what made the season special—and what you might enjoy on a future summer visit.
For many visitors, summer in Sun Peaks begins when the lifts start turning again. In 2026, the summer opening day was June 13, bringing back lift-access hiking, mountain biking and sightseeing.
Once the lifts opened, visitors could enjoy:
Chairlift-access alpine hiking, with other hiking trails available without a lift ride
Sun Peaks Bike Park
Scenic lift rides
Disc golf
Village activities
If you’re planning a future trip around hiking or biking, it’s worth checking the resort’s opening dates before choosing your stay.
One of the most memorable summer experiences at Sun Peaks is taking the chairlift up the mountain and stepping into the alpine scenery. The Sunburst Chairlift provides access to hiking and trail-running routes, panoramic views and wildflower meadows.
Summer hiking options include gentle alpine walks for families, wildflower viewing, longer summit hikes and trail running. The trails rarely feel overcrowded, so there’s room to take your time and enjoy the views.
Bring a camera—you’ll likely want it.
Mountain biking remains one of Sun Peaks’ biggest summer attractions. The Bike Park returned on June 13 in 2026, with lift-access trails for a range of abilities. Cross-country and valley routes offered options for riders who preferred a more relaxed pace.
Visitors without their own equipment could find bike rentals, while lessons helped beginners get started. Families and mixed-ability groups could choose different rides and meet up again afterward.
The 2026 calendar brought concerts, festivals and celebrations into the village. Highlights included:
Canada Day Celebrations, June 26–July 1
Rockin’ in the Peaks, July 3–4, featuring Kim Mitchell, The Trews, Barney Bentall and Odds
Heartland Country Fest, August 7–8, Sun Peaks’ first country music festival
Retro Concert Weekend, August 21–23, celebrating classic rock artists
Paws in the Peaks, celebrating dogs and the mountain lifestyle
Alpenglow Arts Festival, September 11–13, with performances, workshops and art experiences
One of the pleasures of summer events at Sun Peaks is that they happen alongside ordinary village life. You can spend the day outdoors, then wander into the village for music or an evening meal.
Event lineups and dates change from year to year, so check the current calendar when planning your visit.
Golfers sometimes discover Sun Peaks unexpectedly—and many of our guests return specifically to play. The Graham Cooke-designed course winds through the valley beneath the surrounding mountains.
Cooler summer temperatures and mountain scenery make a round here feel different from a typical summer golf day. A morning tee time leaves plenty of time for lunch in the village, an afternoon at the chalet and a barbecue together that evening.
There’s more to a summer stay than the lifts. Depending on the season and what’s operating during your visit, you might also enjoy paddle boarding, lake activities, rafting, disc golf, horseback riding, tennis, pickleball, playgrounds or a guided excursion.
That variety helps when your group includes different ages or interests. Some people can spend the day on the mountain while others choose an easier outing, and everyone can come back together afterward.
For extended families and groups, the place you return to can shape the trip as much as the day’s activities. A kitchen and gathering space make it easier to share meals, compare adventures and spend unhurried time together.
At Pinetree Chalet, guests can return from hiking, biking, golf or village events to enjoy dinner together, relax on the deck, unwind in the hot tub and settle into a game. It’s a comfortable home base for groups who want to explore Sun Peaks at their own pace.
What visitors often remember isn’t just one attraction. It’s the pace of the day: a morning hike, lunch in the village, an afternoon to relax, and perhaps live music or dinner on a patio before heading home.
If summer 2026 has you thinking about a future visit, we’d be happy to help you plan a stay at Pinetree Chalet.
When did the Sun Peaks lifts open in summer 2026?
The summer opening day was June 13, 2026, marking the return of lift-access hiking, sightseeing and Bike Park operations that season. Check the resort’s current calendar for future opening dates.
Is Sun Peaks worth visiting in summer?
Absolutely. Hiking, biking, golf, festivals and family activities offer a different experience from winter.
What are some family activities in Sun Peaks during summer?
Families can enjoy hiking, village events, playgrounds, sightseeing, disc golf and scenic chairlift rides. For more ideas, see our blog on family activities in Sun Peaks.
This article will be updated as 2o27 activities and events are released.