Sun Peaks Home for the Holidays:
The Magic of Christmas at Pinetree Chalet

Christmas at Pinetree Chalet: Snow, Family, and Mountain Magic in Sun Peaks

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending Christmas in the mountains — snow falling softly outside, a cozy fire inside, and loved ones gathered around a big, laughter-filled table — Sun Peaks is the perfect place to make that dream come true.

Every December, our little alpine village transforms into a winter wonderland: twinkling lights line the rooftops, snow crunches underfoot, and families wander the village in cozy scarves and mittens, hot chocolate in hand. It’s everything you imagine when you picture a storybook Christmas — and we’re so happy to welcome guests to experience it here at Pinetree Chalet.

Why You'll Love Christmas in Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks has a special kind of magic at Christmastime. It’s Canada’s second-largest ski area, but it still feels intimate and welcoming — it's a true alpine village where you can take a deep breath, slow down, and simply enjoy the season.

Throughout December, the village comes alive with festive events: the Torchlight Parade down the mountain, live music, Christmas caroling, the village buildings "don their gay apparel" (twinkling lights), and even a visit from Santa on the slopes.

Whether you love adventure or want a quiet retreat, there’s something for everyone.  World-class skiing and snowboarding across three mountains, and Olympic-sized skating rink, or snowshoeing through the forest and gliding on Nordic trails, horse-drawn sleigh rides.  For a special experience, book an ice fishing or dog sled excursion, or time at the spa.  For a slower pace, enjoy village shopping and evenings by the fire.  It's just like the backdrop of a Christmas movie.  Come to think of it....

Fun fact: Sun Peaks village IS the charming location for the Netflix Christmas movie My Secret Santa.  You might recognize some familiar scenery as you ski or stroll through the festively decorated village. Pinetree Chalet can be spotted from some of the aerial shots.

Christmas Kick-off Weekend: December 12-14

Watch the village Christmas Tree light up as you celebrate Sun Peaks annual Holiday Kick-Off.  The village is transformed with festive lights, music, food, and family activities.  It's also the start of Apres Bells — at 3pm village restaurants beckon folks off the slopes to come partake and fuel up with specials like raclette, hot stone bites and s'mores on the patio.

Friday’s events include an evening Artisan Market, live “Sounds of the Season” performances, a bake sale, the annual Christmas Tree Light Up, and free public skating at the arena.

On Saturday, the festivities continue with an expanded Artisan Market, Santa’s arrival by horse-drawn sleigh, drop-in Santa photos, maple taffy tasting, live a cappella music, gingerbread cookie decorating, and hot chocolate and s’mores stations throughout the village.

Throughout the weekend, families can also enjoy winter activities including public skating, tobogganing, snowshoeing, and local hockey games. Overall, it’s a warm and festive kickoff to the Christmas season, filled with things to see, taste, and enjoy.

Christmas Week Magic in Sun Peaks

With the village activities in full swing, Christmas week in Sun Peaks becomes the most enchanting time of the year.  Follow the voice of none other than Olympic legend Nancy Greene, as your Christmas-caroling guide through the village. On Christmas Eve, the Sun Peaks Community Church welcomes everyone to a special holiday service.

During the day the magic continues as Santa joins skiing and boarding on the mountain.  Catch glimpses of his bright red suit as he glides down the slopes spreading holiday cheer.  

Back at home base, order in a full Christmas meal and gather around the big family table to share laughter and stories — all together.  After dinner, don your toque and step outside for a soothing hot tub soak surrounded by crisp alpine air and sparking lights from across the valley.  Then come on back inside, curl up by the fire and choose the perfect Christmas movie to end the night — a great way to wrap up another wonder-filled day.

Welcome to Pinetree Chalet: Your Home for the Holidays

After a day in the snow, there’s nothing better than coming home to Pinetree Chalet, your home base for a Sun Peaks Christmas vacation.

Our spacious, family-friendly chalet was designed for comfort, connection, and relaxation. The open-concept great room is filled with natural light, with plenty of seating centered around a cozy fireplace — the perfect spot to warm up with cocoa or a glass of wine after skiing.

The fully equipped kitchen makes preparing Christmas dinner a pleasure, and the massive dining table — “the biggest I’ve ever seen,” one guest reported — brings everyone together for shared meals, games and laughter.

With multiple bedrooms, generous living spaces and a large private deck ready for snowman-making, the chalet is perfect for a group of friends, or several families traveling together. The large windows look out over snow-covered trees, twinkling lights and mountain views — like you're standing inside a Christmas slow globe.

Our Canadiana rustic red buffalo check pattern fits perfectly with the holiday season, and we also bring out the yeti's, Christmas gnomes, sparking lights, wreaths and banners, plus reminders of the real "Reason for the Season'.  You'll also find a selection of Christmas movies.

Planning Your Christmas Getaway

Christmas at Sun Peaks is the ideal mix of excitement and rest. Start your morning on the slopes, come back for lunch by the fire, and spend the evening playing games, baking cookies, or soaking in the hot tub as the snow falls around you (bring your toque!).

You'll find our kitchen a delight to cook in, but if you’d rather skip the cooking, there are lots of options from eating out at local restaurants or having a heat-and-serve meal delivered.

Some of our favourite ways to celebrate the season here include:

• Taking a sleigh ride through the snow — or seeing the glee on kids' faces as the horses pass by.

• Strolling (or skiing) through the pedestrian village for music, lights, and a hot drink on a heated patio.

• Simply enjoying quiet family time by the fireplace.

It’s a special Christmas-time that feels peaceful, joyful, memorable — a chance to focus on what really matters.

Tips for Planning Your Sun Peaks Christmas Vacation

• Book early! Accommodation, sleigh rides, ski lessons and spa appointments fill up quickly.

• Pack layers. Sun Peaks can be chilly (but that makes the fireside evenings even cozier).

• Bring your holiday spirit. We add festive touches at the chalet, and guests can bring their own traditions.

Celebrate Christmas in the Mountains

For us, Christmas has always been a season of warmth, reflection, and gratitude — a time to gather, celebrate, and appreciate what matters most:  faith and family. That’s the feeling we hope every guest experiences at Pinetree Chalet.

If you’re dreaming of a Sun Peaks Christmas getaway that combines comfort, beauty, and mountain charm, we’d love to host you. Whether it’s your first visit or a new family tradition, Pinetree Chalet offers the space, peace, and mountain magic that make the holidays truly special.

So this year, trade shopping malls for snowflakes, and traffic for a horse-drawn carriage ride —  make Sun Peaks and Pinetree Chalet the place where your Christmas memories are made.

Book your Christmas stay at Pinetree Chalet.