It’s a fool’s errand to write a column about the weather.
But, screw it — I’ll be that fool.
Because it’s no secret we haven’t had much snow this winter, even if it is, in fact, snowing by the time this copy of KTW lands in your hands.
(Which, the forecast is calling for — but, who knows?)
Looking out the window in Kamloops (as of yesterday (Jan. 14) morning), you don’t see the result of the recent once-in-a-century snowfall.
Heaping mounds of shovelled snow have melted down into smaller piles.
The roads have been pretty bare.
The mountains have been, too.
The thermometer has crept into the teens at points and, if that groundhog even dares a peep at his shadow next week, we’ll promptly point that little critter to Environment Canada, which has all but declared an official El Nino winter.
If you’re like me, this has been nothing to complain about.
But, if you rely on the fluffy white stuff, you might be sweating a little — and not just because of the warmer temperatures.
I’ve heard complaints about the conditions at Sun Peaks, the one place that encompasses the majority of snowy activities in our area.
And, while it’s a shame for those who haven’t been able to get the most out of their season’s pass so far this year, well, it’s on you — because the weather is a gamble.
Sun Peaks has figured out as much.
And, after a recent trip there, I realized a sub-par snow season may not be the be-all, end-all up there.
The last few times I’ve made my way up the hill, in fact, haven’t been for those snowy activities at all, and, despite my preference for summer weather, I do appreciate strapping on my snowboard from time to time.
Recent visits have included geocaching and hiking, the free summer concert series and the wine festival, last weekend.
The village was buzzing with people who made the trip for the Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival, 10 days of unique food and wine events showcasing the best the region has to offer.
I met plenty of other Kamloopsians there, people from Vancouver Island and others from as far away as Wales.
Many of them weren’t there for the skiing — it was all about the festival.
That trip, as well as the other two, was a blast and they all had one thing in common — none of them required any snow.
Poking around the village, there’s so much more going on up there compared to the Tod Mountain days.
Sun Peaks is more than a ski resort.
It’s turned into a community, with a school and firehall.
It’s turned into a must-see and world-class place to take visitors.
And, it’s turned into somewhere you go for more than just the snow.
Looking back, those recent visits even unintentionally prompted more money to be spent on things like hotels, meals and such.
The old bagged-lunch at the day lodge was swapped for one or two sit-down meals in the village.
Hotels were non-negotiable for responsible drinking so far from the city.
The folks behind the curtain at Sun Peaks had enticed me to the hill, regardless of the snow conditions, and even tricked me into staying longer.
They, too, have realized it’s a fool’s errand to rely on the weather.
As for those passholders who aren’t convinced, I’m sure it’s snowing up there by now anyway.
Jessica Wallace is a reporter for KTW. Email her here. Follow her on Twitter here.
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