Sun Peaks Resort Set To Unveil New West Bowl Express Chairlift
Sun Peaks Resort will soon be launching the much-anticipated West Bowl Express, a high-speed, detachable quad chairlift that will transform the upper reaches of Tod Mountain. A project three years in the making, the chairlift marks a significant enhancement to the resort’s on-mountain experience, replacing the old West Bowl T-bar and more than tripling the skiable terrain accessible in the West Bowl zone.
The $12 million investment by Sun Peaks Resort LLP underscores the company’s commitment to providing world-class skiing experiences. The West Bowl Express Chairlift, from leading lift manufacturer Doppelmayr, will give skiers and riders faster and easier access to 169 acres of terrain—up from 54 acres directly serviced by the previous T-bar. The new lift stretches 800 metres longer than its predecessor, reaching an elevation of 2,093 metres at the new top terminal location, making it the highest elevation chairlift at Sun Peaks.
“The West Bowl Express provides improved access to higher elevation ski terrain, which could arguably become some of the most sought-after intermediate slopes on the mountain, paired with some of the best views,” says Erik Meertens, Senior Director of Mountain Operations and West Bowl Chairlift Project Manager. “We’ve worked tirelessly with our in-house team, as well as local contractors like Newport Structures, Northwood Group, and Summit Electric, alongside Doppelmayr, to bring this vision to life. Everyone is excited to see our guests back in this zone utilizing the new lift, and to hear their feedback.”
The new lift offers a 5.5-minute ride with 80 carriers (chairs) and an initial capacity of 1,800 people per hour. The top terminal location provides expansive views and direct access to the newly extended 5 Mile green run, connecting skiers back to the broader Tod Mountain trail network. The bottom terminal, at 1,780m, features the first carrier parking rail in Sun Peaks, where the chairs will be stored overnight out of the inclement weather and potential for rime (a type of frost) that are common at higher mountain elevations.
The West Bowl terrain, which features primarily blue (intermediate) runs, is expected to be a popular choice for a wide range of skiers and snowboarders. The new West Bowl inset trail map is now available for guests to view, showcasing the new and improved zone. One of three new trails—Whyte’s Ryde—is a tribute to Donald Whyte, a surveyor and one of the original Tod Mountain founders. Whyte, along with five other visionaries, accessed the West Bowl in 1959 by horseback and saw the future of skiing on Tod Mountain.
The West Bowl Express Chairlift represents the eighth quad lift at Sun Peaks and is poised to become a signature feature of the resort’s lift system. In addition to enhancing and improving access to the upper reaches of Tod Mountain along with its neighbouring lifts, the Crystal and Burfield quads, it builds Sun Peaks’ reputation as a premier ski destination, known for providing both exhilarating terrain and family-friendly skiing experiences.
“This project is a game-changer for the resort and our guests. Our goal as we move forward has always been to enhance the on-mountain experience,” says Darcy Alexander, CEO. “With the new West Bowl Express, we’re not just replacing an old lift—we’re expanding the possibilities for skiers and riders of all levels.”
Sun Peaks Resort invites media and guests to experience the West Bowl Express Chairlift this winter. The lift is set to be operational by the start of the 2024/25 season on November 16, weather depending. Be sure to explore the new trail map and plan your adventure in Sun Peaks’ enhanced West Bowl zone.
