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.

Each December, our little alpine village transforms into a winter wonderland: twinkling lights line the snowy rooftops, and families stroll the village in cozy scarves and mittens, hot chocolate in hand. It’s everything you imagine when you picture a storybook Christmas. We’re delighted to welcome guests to experience the holidays here at Pinetree Chalet.

Why You'll Love Christmas in Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks has a special kind of magic at Christmas. 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 mountain Torchlight Parade, live music, Christmas caroling, and the village buildings "don their gay apparel" (twinkling lights).

Whether you love adventure or want a quiet retreat, there’s something for everyone.  Many come for world-class skiing and snowboarding across three mountains, but you'll also find an Olympic-sized skating rink, snowshoeing through the forest and beautifully groomed Nordic trails.

For a special experience, book an ice fishing or dog sled excursion, a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or a spa experience. For a slower pace, browse the village shops and enjoy an evening 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 (and some aerial shots show . 

Christmas Kick-off Weekend

The season begins with the annual Holiday Kick-off Weekend during the second weekend of December. The village lights up with music, food, and family activities.  It's also the start of 'Apres Bells' — at 3pm village restaurants beckon folks off the slopes to enjoy offerings like raclette, hot stone bites and s'mores on the patio.

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

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

Over the weekend, families can also enjoy public skating, tobogganing, snowshoeing, and local hockey games. 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

Christmas week is when Sun Peaks feels its most enchanting. On Christmas Eve, the Sun Peaks Community Church welcomes everyone to a 5pm candlelit service of readings and music, celebrating "The Reason for the Season" of hope and love. Then, follow the voice of none other than Olympic legend Nancy Greene, as your Christmas-caroling guide through the village.

During the days, the magic continues on the mountain as Santa joins skiers and boarders.  Catch glimpses of his bright red suit as he hits the slopes spreading holiday cheer. Families can head to the ice rink, or grab a tube (a big donut-shaped "pillow") and ride it down the hill, and soak in the festive village atmosphere.

Back at home base, warm up inside while you watch the kids build a snowman on the deck. Then order in a full Christmas dinner and gather around the big family table to share laughter and stories — all together.  Afterward, don your toque and step outside for a soothing hot tub soak surrounded by crisp alpine air and sparking lights from across the valley.

After a full day of activities, curl up by the fire and queue up a Christmas movie and let the perfect kind of wonder-filled tiredness settle in. And if you didn't fit everything in? That's the magic of Sun Peaks — there's always tomorrow.

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

The well-equipped kitchen makes preparing meals easy, and the massive dining table — “the biggest I’ve ever seen,” one guest reported — brings everyone together for meals, games and laughter.  With multiple bedrooms, generous living spaces and a large deck ready for snowman-making, the chalet is perfect for extended families or groups traveling together.

The large windows frame snow-covered trees, twinkling lights and mountain views — like you're standing inside a Christmas snow globe.  Our Canadiana rustic red buffalo check theme dovetails with the holiday season, and we add yeti's, gnomes, sparking lights, wreaths and 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 day on the slopes, come home 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 leave that to someone else, there are plenty of local restaurants, or have 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. Chilly days make 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 is 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 blends comfort, beauty, and mountain charm, we’d love to host you. Whether it’s your first visit or a new tradition, Pinetree Chalet offers the space, tranquility and mountain magic that make the holidays truly special.

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

Book your Christmas stay at Pinetree Chalet.