Resorts Rise to the Top Peaks Challenge Across Canada

            Photo by Reuben Krabbe: Marlie Marchewka skiing Gil’s at Sun Peaks Resort

Despite a size advantage and huge social media following, Sun Peaks Resort was lagging behind the top 3 in this year’s Mackenzie Top Peaks Challenge at the beginning of the week. At 6th place as the contest went into the Canada Votes segment, an urgent committee was assembled in Sun Peaks to design an appeal to fans all over Canada to start voting daily. 

Headed up by Olympian, Canadian female athlete of the 20th Century, and most decorated female Canadian alpine skier, Nancy Greene Raine, the committee brought together influencers and key resort personnel. Just three days later, their first efforts led to Sun Peaks nabbing 2nd spot, inching ahead of Stoneham, but with Mont Adstock way out front in first place. Every day counts, though, and the Leaderboard changes minute-by-minute vote-by-vote. 

Photo by Reuben Krabbe: Marlie Marchewka at Sun Peaks Resort

You can vote directly at: 

https://mackenzietoppeak.ca/vote/7532f387afdf777f0e95f63de4241eca  

And you can keep track of how Sun Peaks is doing on the Leaderboard at: 

https://mackenzietoppeak.ca/leaderboard

Use this new quick link to Vote for Sun Peaks:

Vote Now

And in a tech savvy move, Sun Peaks has come up with a speedy QR code to streamline the voting process. From the first time of voting, it’s just a question of remembering each day to click on it with 24 hour intervals and before 9pm BC time.

For Sun Peaks, the initial application submission and subsequent community effort to get through the first round was highly successful. A spot in the top ten was secured by significant numbers of locals nominating their favourite resort. The beautiful BC resort got into Round Two along with nine other Canadian ski resorts, all in the running for the podium. 

This current round is the ‘Canada Votes’ section, when all adult residents of Canada can vote for any of the 10 resorts daily up to March 3rd 9pm PST. When voting closes on March 3rd, the vote count will determine who is in the final three and those resorts will be judged by a panel for podium positions and coveted cash prizes to fund sustainable projects. Results will be announced on Friday, March 9 during CBC Sports Presents in the Top Peak Report. Bronze gets $10,000, Silver gets $20,000 and Gold will be awarded $100,000. 

             The Nancy Greene TELUS Alpine Classic Ski Cross Course at Sun Peaks Resort

The Sun Peaks project is to create a permanent Ski Cross Course made mainly from dirt which will save millions of gallons of water. It will effectively future-proof the course for generations to come. A leader in sustainability, Sun Peaks was the very first mountain resort in North America to be certified in April 2004 under ISO 14001, one of the world's most recognized EMS standards. 

On the surface, Sun Peaks looks well placed to make the podium and even win the $100,000 first prize. There are 73k Facebook, 65k Instagram and 4k TikTok followers for the central British Columbia ski resort which has the second largest biggest ski area in Canada at 4,270 acres (1,730 hectares). To put that in perspective, the current leading resort - Mont Adstock in Québec has around 14k Facebook followers and roughly 3.6k on Instagram (I couldn’t find an official TikTok page) and only about 120 acres (48.5 hectares) of skiable terrain. Close contender Stoneham has 39k Facebook fans, 1.3k on TikTok and 11.1k on Instagram plus 335.5 acres (135.8 hectares). And Mt Washington, the only other Western Canada ski area in the Top Ten, has around 44.7k on Facebook 41k on Instagram and 1600 acres (648 hectares) of skiable terrain.

              Sun Peaks Ambassador Marlie Marchewka at Sun Peaks Resort - photo by Reuben Krabbe

One of the volunteers spearheading the Sun Peaks voting campaign is Gabrielle Fox, who is the Nancy Greene Parent Rep on the Board of Directors with SPAC (Sun Peaks Alpine Club). ‘We live in the community on Burfield, my children also go to the school in Sun Peaks and I feel very passionate about how fantastic our community here is,’ says Fox. ‘Winning this award would benefit the whole community. We would be able to use snow making resources at other locations, be able to host more ski/snowboard cross trainings and events that would bring more visitors to our cherished home and allow our athletes to continue to train on world class terrain.’ 

                                                                  Simon Hudson at Sun Peaks

When the winner is announced on March 9th, it will be dubbed the ‘Top Peak’ with the most ‘invested’ community by competition organizers, Mackenzie Investments who have been running the contest for four years. The community at Sun Peaks has always demonstrated strong collaboration, volunteerism and fundraising enthusiasm. ‘The support we have received so far has been extremely humbling,’ says Fox. ‘It is truly an honour to live somewhere where all the residents take such pride in our community and show their love and support for worthy causes. All the kids at the school are rallying to spread the word, business are showing their support by displaying the flyers and our amazing community members are voting. I can't wait to see the effort pay off!’  

                                                                          Mont Adstock

With Mont Adstock notching up around 1000 votes per day, how is it steaming ahead? Is it an early spurt which will lose speed by the finish line? Or is it part of a pre-planned concerted effort to get gold? Is it people power, loyalty, marketing, media coverage, or canny targeting of the right demographics? 

I asked volunteer, Brian Gignac about the keys to their success. Advance preparation was vital: ‘Our planning began immediately after the holiday season to ensure that we would be ready to submit our application as soon as possible. Given that phase 1 voting was accessible for less than a month, having a well-structured plan was essential.’ A committee was formed of volunteers, led by parents of the local ski team. Although only five parents at the outset, others joined the campaign as word got out. ‘We established smaller sub-committees to handle specific tasks, including the management of the application, the development of the environmental project, compliance with the various challenges that needed to be accomplished, social media and a dedicated group to keep the team motivated,’ says Gignac. ‘The active participation of both the parents and athletes has significantly contributed to our success in this first phase.’ 

                                                               Photo courtesy of Mont Adstock
            

Mont Adstock’s three-pronged environmental project consists of a multifunctional timing cabin made from secondhand materials to LEED standards, ski gates and reduction in snow canon usage. The ski gates are particularly innovative, with tentative plans for wider scale manufacture in the future. ‘We plan to continue the development of ski gates manufactured by recycling water bottles,’ Gignac elaborates. ‘Our collaboration with the Cégep de Thetford’s plastic department has already led to prototyping and testing. If the results continue to be successful, we seek approval and market these innovative ski gates.’

Through Facebook and Instagram, Mont Adstock has leveraged social media to generate engagement. ‘Our athletes who are quite familiar with social media actively spread the word and rallied support from friends and family to vote,’ says Gignac. ‘Our community shares a deep bond with the Mont Adstock ski resort for several reasons. Proximity: Being the only ski resort within an hour’s drive from larger urban centres. Family atmosphere: Our resort resonates with a strong family vibe and the love of skiing has been passed down through generations. Tourism hub: Over the past few years, our resort has transformed into a year-round playground for diverse activities – golfing, hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and alpine skiing. More recently, we inaugurated a new ski chalet, and the development of a residential development has taken form.’

The network of supporters is posting daily reminders to urge repeat voting. As Gignac says ‘for many, it has been part of their daily routine’. The local newspaper took up the story, he adds, and there is some municipal, provincial and federal support from elected officials. 

      Background logo provided by Mackenzie for resorts to use to help spread the word about the contest

For Mackenzie Investments, the buzz created by around two months of participation on social media is key to their brand building goals. The concept was born out of the pandemic when the investment company spotted a way to connect nationwide skiing communities via social media through this collaborative contest. With over 30 years supporting the national ski industry, Mackenzie aims with this challenge to celebrate Canada's most invested ski community - one that embodies the Top Peak mantra: ‘Be Invested - On and Off the Hill’.

Melanie Smith, Mackenzie’s Brand and Sponsorship Lead says the challenge is different this year as it includes bonus points for sustainable initiatives. Recognising the importance of wintersports to Canadians, the Toronto-based company has supported racing, Alpine Canada and grassroots skiing over the past three decades. The Mackenzie Top Peak Challenge has grown significantly since it began in 2021. ‘What has grown has been the engagement, doing the challenges, and voting,’ says Smith.  Partnering with CBC last year helped amplify awareness, shifting participation in the challenge from local communities to coast-to-coast engagement. 

                                        Me at Sun Peaks, sporting my latest Alchemy of Ride jacket

So how will Sun Peaks keep the social media momentum going over the next few weeks? ‘It takes a village,’ says application designer, Colleen Hannigan. ‘We are competing against some large population centres like Québec City, Ottawa, and the entirety of Vancouver Island for votes. But our village is full of creative minds who love Sun Peaks and we already have other alpine peaks, not in the top ten. that are coming on board to help us. If we can get everyone to vote every day until March 3rd we can show the country how invested everyone is in our tiny village.’

                                                                     Colleen Hannigan

Details of the Mackenzie Top Peak Challenge are at: 

https://mackenzietoppeak.ca 

You can vote directly for Sun Peaks at: 

https://mackenzietoppeak.ca/vote/7532f387afdf777f0e95f63de4241eca  

And you can keep track of how Sun Peaks, Mont Adstock and the other resorts are doing on the Leaderboard at: 

https://mackenzietoppeak.ca/leaderboard

                                The countdown clock is ticking!

New Year New Gear

Simon in his Heat Holders Puffer Packaway Jacket - probably one of the most useful, cosy ski layers he has ever owned! Works on its own in milder temps shown here in Vancouver. And he also took it on our four-month voyage with Semester at Sea in September-December. Rolls up so tightly and lightly, that it is the best travel outer layer! Now, in Sun Peaks Resort, BC, Canada where we are spending the winter, Simon also wears it daily beneath his thicker ski jacket for skiing. Scroll down below for the latest warm and affordable Heat Holders products for 2024.

Every year new gear comes out, helping us look great, feel good, and perform well on the slopes as well as last longer outdoors in adverse weather conditions. Quirky, colourful, creative, utility, or techie - here’s my round up of some of the newest items.

ARTSY AND ADVANCED HELMETS FROM SMITH Optics

This season saw the launch of Smith's new Method snow helmet featuring Koroyd impact technology to crumple, absorb, and protect. The unisex freeride style helmet has a low profile, clean styling, and top technologies for on-snow protection and performance. Offered in a variety of color ways, including a tonal graphic version celebrating Japanese big snow culture in collaboration with Oyuki and illustrated by artist Mike Shankster, with corresponding Squad MAG goggle. This creative collaboration features a full graphic interpretation of the mythical Japanese Yōkai, translated into ‘strange apparition’, a class of supernatural entities and spirits popular in Japanese folklore. Centred around the shared brand ethos of experience and combining Oyuki’s premium materials with SMITH’s best in class technologies, the collab showcases and celebrates winters in the Land of the Rising Sun when the area is literally buried by snow for much of winter, slowing life and stirring up endless opportunity for adventure.

For more info and all the colour choices: smithoptics.com.  

BRAND NEW FOR 2024 - Smith’s Venture Performance Sunglasses:

On summit bids or high-speed descents, the Smith Venture Performance sunglasses provide much-needed eye protection in alpine environments. They're Smith’s take on glacier glasses, with removable side shields that protect against light reflecting off snow, rock and ice. ChromaPop™, lens technology offers a terrain-boosting view of every wind drift and crevasse. Autolock hinges make for easy on and off when one of your hands is occupied with an ice axe or ski poles. And then there are the iconic round frames that look just as good glissading down a snowfield as relaxing post adventure.

Available in eight different colours, they also come with a snow-goggle inspired retainer strap and a microfiber bag and hard case. For the latest info, go to: https://www.smithoptics.com/en_US/p/sunglass/venture-performance-sunglass/206728S9W53L5.html

Fun Fact: In 1965 Dr. Bob Smith, orthodontist and original ski bum, developed the first sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. He hand built goggles in his garage and sold them out of his van on weekend ski trips in Utah and Colorado. By 1969, he had refined and perfected the Smith Original Goggle which he started producing with a contract manufacturer. 

WARMEST WINTER WEARABLES FROM ORORO:

When it comes to keep hands warm skiing and snowboarding, it’s got to be mitts - and they have to be heated! New this season, the unisex heated Duluth Chopper Mittens have a premium goat-skin leather shell, a waterproof battery pocket zipper, and are water and wind resistant, breathable, sweat wicking and odor-resistant. But BEST OF ALL, the heating is in all the fingers and palm. The batteries last up to 8.5 hours on the lowest setting which typically is all you need. If you are going for just ONE heated item this winter, go for mitts and get them now while the sale is on and another cold spell is just around the corner!

 

The beauty of heated apparel is that it can be as warm as you need, responding to the fluctuations of weather as the day goes on. Ororo Wear keeps coming out with new items each season to fill all the gaps in the wintersports lifestyle for men and women. The Pufflyte lightweight jacket works on its own, as pictured below, or as an underlayer beneath a shell. Heat settings are easily accessed via a button on the outside of the jacket, with the rechargeable battery pack concealed in a pocket. There’s also a Pufflyte Vest.  

There are several versions of heated jackets now available at Ororo Wear for men and women. New colours for the women’s line this season include Haze Blue, Sunshine Orange, and Purple as well as the classic black. Three heated panels offer unmatched, on-demand warmth in unpredictable weather so there is no need to layer in most cold weather conditions. This adds freedom of movement and less restriction. Machine washable, wind- and water-resistant, the heating system gives up to 10 hours of lasting warmth (3 hours on high, 6 hours on medium, 10 hours on low). And the detachable hood provides added protection on cold chilly mornings and windy days. 

A long parka is always a must for those who walk a lot in winter. But can you imagine owning a battery-heated one? Taking warmth to the highest level, the SOHO Women’s Down Parka is definitely a winner. The two-way YKK front zipper provides flexibility, allowing you to unzip the bottom slightly for improved ease of movement during activities such as walking, sitting, and other daily pursuits. Inner stretch storm cuffs provide additional protection against cold winds. The 3-piece hood enables a customizable fit, adding style and comfort and there are two zippered hand pockets as well as the inner battery pocket. 

And then there’s the gym. It may be warm when you are there, but the journey can be chilly in fall, winter and spring. Bring on the heated Women’s Color Block Recycled Fleece! The white is new this year - but you can also choose from Navy Blue and Brown. Machine washable, it has heating zones in the hand pockets, collar and mid-back. 

There’s a Winter Sale on right now at Ororo Wear, so go to: https://www.ororowear.com/ to see the extensive range and get your 30 % discount as well as other rewards. 

CUDDLY AND COSY CLOTHING FROM SMARTWOOL

Women’s Intraknit™ Merino Insulated Jacket: Recycled wool insulation provides warmth and breathability, while Smartwool’s Intraknit™ technology allows you to move with ease and comfort during higher-intensity activities.

Women’s Intraknit™ Active Base Layer Long Sleeve: Smartwool’s 3D-knit Intraknit™ technology has mesh ventilation zones built for cooling, and a supportive fit that moves with your body.

Women’s Ski Targeted Cushion Extra Stretch Over the Calf Socks: Made with Smartwool’s most advanced sock technologies, this sock has a narrower heel and slimmer, women’s specific fit, with extra stretch around the calves.

Women’s Active Fleece Colorblock Tight: This baselayer is a colorful addition to your look and keeps you moving. Made soft-brushed Merino next-to-skin and a durable synthetic material to protection you against the elements, plus pockets.

CHECK OUT Smartwool’s range for MEN at: https://www.smartwool.com/shop/mens-wool-clothing-and-socks and KIDS at: https://www.smartwool.com/shop/kid-wool-clothing-and-socks

SKEA SKI APPEAL

The Jocelyn Ultra Puffy Jacket looks so chic in champagne gold! How fabulous, too, paired with the champagne-toned Giro goggles!! It comes in black or black/gold, too, and is a tribute to SKEA’s founder Jocelyn Boyer, presented as a limited edition design for the company’s 50th anniversary. Adorned with oversized gold zips, it is water-repellent, down-filled, with a high collar and helmet-compatible hood. An interior draw cord ensures a customizable fit. Check out the SKEA story at: https://www.skealimited.com/pages/about-us 

The Coco Parka by SKEA is a combo of retro style with downhill practicality. Stretch fabric is key to a perfect fit as well as ease of movement on the slopes. In red/black, too, the belt is removable, the hood fits over a helmet, and there is an option for faux or real fur trim. Recommended for sleek city chic, too! 

With the flattering centre front leg seams, Goldie Pants by SKEA are a canny crossover between high fashion and functionality. Comfort and mobility comes with 4-way stretch nylon and an elastic belt, enabling a form-fitting svelte silhouette. Ideal for downhill and après, they are a fusion of classic ski pants with today’s technology. The fabrics are water repellent, with am over-the-boot powder cuff adding extra waterproofing. Love the high-rise design! Available in black, white and red. 

The Mary Ultra Puffy Vest is another dramatic design from the 50th Anniversary Collection. In champagne, black or black/gold, it features a snap-off fur trim. Although not as practical as a jacket, a down vest is often just the luxurious layer required for fall or spring wear. 

A touch of drama with SKEA’s down neck gaitor. Ultimate warmth from the down filling, it’s also windproof, with a breathable printed stretch panel insert for piste pizzazz. Comes in a variety of creative colour combos.   

HEAT HOLDERS 

MEN'S AND WOMEN'S CERAMIC BASE LAYERS 

The ultimate in warmth without the bulk, with softness and comfort. A truly innovative lightweight product, Heat Holders® Ceramic Base Layers offer you warmth without the bulk - making them perfect for peak coziness at home and peak performance in the outdoors. 

Made from a revolutionary ceramic-infused fabric, these thermals bake in the warmth, keeping you almost as warm as our thicker ORIGINAL™ base layers while being almost as thin as our ULTRA LITE™ base layers.

The Ceramic Base Layers have all-way stretch for full range of motion and fit. Made with flat seams for comfort and easy layering. The fabric is also brushed during the manufacturing process for softness...resulting in the ultimate thermal for lightweight warmth, softness, and comfort. 

I’ve been wearing the thicker ORIGINAL™ base layers whenever the temps are testing. But I switch to the ULTRA LITE™ base layers when it’s not so cold - looks like the new Ceramic Collection could be the clever cross over for both conditions! 

The Heat Holders Men’s Puffer Vest (pictured here in Black but also available in grey ) is a really cosy layer option when you don’t want to bulk out your sleeves but you need to keep your torso toasty!

Versatility is key - helping you stay warm and dry in the changeable weather of Spring and Fall, as well as being great for layering in the cold of winter.

The Men's Puffer Vest has an all-weather resistant woven shell on the body that's designed to help keep you dryer and warmer in wet and windy conditions. This wind-resistant shell provides superior protection by repelling moisture while maintaining breathability. 

Optimal insulation for your core is provided by a lightweight synthetic fill combined with Heat Holders® luxurious HeatWeaver® lining.

And for Women, there is the equally useful, warm and packable Women’s Hybrid Vest from Heat Holders® - helping you stay warm and dry in the changeable weather of Spring and Fall, as well as being great for layering in the cold of winter.

The Heat Holders® Women’s Hybrid Vest is made with an all-weather water-resistant woven shell to keep you dry and warm in wet conditions and, along with our luxurious HeatWeaver® lining, that holds warm air next to your skin, keeping you warmer for longer. 

The vest, available in black or grey (pictured) has uniquely designed side panels and underarm seam for comfort, range of motion, and a flattering silhouette. This versatile vest is great for layering and has two zippered outside and two interior pockets for secure and convenient storage of valuables.

NOT JUST FOR SNOWBOARDERS! 

Dope Snow has the market cornered in piste pastels. This Adept W style comes in plain colours but I prefer the washed ink colourway pictured below.   

Here’s the Men’s version in Spray Blue Green: 

KNOCKAROUND GOOGLES

SLINGSHOTS X-RAYS KSSRB1209: Take your snow game to the next level with the X-Rays Slingshots snow goggles! These bad boys are helmet compatible and have UV400 protection to keep you safe on the slopes all day long. The anti-glare, anti-fog red-to-pink fade lens will keep your view clear all day, and your goggles will stay secure thanks to the silicone strap featuring swirls of green atop hot-pink chevron patterning. 

While the standard easy-swap magnetic lens is best for bluebird days, you’ll also get a magnetic yellow lens for cloudier conditions, as well as a hard case and handy cleaning cloth. The Caribbean Blue lens is best for sunny conditions (VLT = 20%). The quick swap magnetic yellow lens included is for overcast or low light conditions (VLT = 62%)

They are Unisex, with a regular fit and there’s a 45mm elastic strap with adjustable buckle and three row silicone strap backing which prevents slippage.

Make a statement with contrasting colors and turn some heads on your next day on the slopes!

VOLT HEAT

For the active female:

• Ski season is in full swing but nothing ruins a day on the slopes more than cold hands and frozen feet. Check out Volt’s lineup of women's heated gloves/mittens and heated socks that will help keep you warm. The Women's Impulse X gloves and Titan heated gloves are not only heated providing full heat coverage on both sides of the hand, they also have a waterproof membrane to help keep you dry. These glove styles were specifically designed for snow skiing and to fit a woman's hand. Volt Heat also makes heated mittens which a lot of women prefer as they typically are warmer - including me! I wear Volt heated mitts in the coldest winter months. 

For the winter sportsman:

• This is the time of year when if you are going to be outdoors you are taught to layer up for warmth. Why not layer up with heat and eliminate some of those extra layers? This will also help keep those laundry loads much smaller. Take a look at the Tactical Base Layer or the Torso Vest Liner which are designed to be worn as a mid-layer garment over the top of a thin shirt and then under an outer jacket or hoody. When the temperature dips simply power on the heat with the included battery and select from 4 power level settings. Simon (pictured at the top of the blog) wears the Tactical Base Layer and never has a cold torso! 

CHIC AND SNUG GLOVES FROM VOLT HEAT 

From the slopes to Main Street, Volt has developed a slimline pair of heated gloves:

Check out the full range of VOLT’s heated ski wear at: https://voltheat.com/

New for 2024 Urban Leather Heated Dress Gloves Classy New Design Low Profile Gauntlet and Cuff  Easy Function Heat System Super Warm and Comfy Rich and extra soft, 100% genuine sheepskin leather.