July 6, 2020 UPDATE:  The Sloth Summit is being rescheduled for August 20/2020.

Sun Peaks Trail Report is showing all the Upper Trails as closed, due to snow.  This is unlikely to change in a week, so I am rescheduling this hike, as I have been informed that all hikes there are likely to be quite yuggy in present conditions.  As well, lift ticket sales are now online and numbers are being limited each day due to Covid.  No refunds are available from Sun Peaks if we cancel hike for rain.  Our weather has been so unsettled and already there is a long range forecast for 40% possible rain this coming Sunday ……. Sooooo……rather than hiking through rotten snow, we will go in August when the ground will be free of snow, will be dry, and flowers will be out!

EMBRACE YOUR INNER HIKE-SLOTH IN AUGUST!!  GO SLOTHS GO!

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**Due to Covid-19 government restrictions of max 6 people, hike participant numbers have been reduced to 6 people, and there will be no official car-pooling.  As per Club Policy, there is no wait list.  Cancellation openings are first-come, first-served.  My apologies, but with the Covid situation, there is nothing I can do. 

Please email me if you have any questions or concerns.

I am embracing my Inner Sloth!

An approx 10-11 km loop from Sunburst Lodge (top of lift) to Tod Peak, before the “Peak” Season Blossom Crowds set in.  The purpose of this hike is to reach the summit of Tod Mountain…lots of climbing, but an easier pace – we will not be moving hard and fast. If you like hard and fast, this will not be a happy hike for you.  More like a slower but steady pace with breath breaks and some stops for photo-taking.  It’s a Sloth-Hike!  Maybe you aren’t in touch with your Inner Sloth, but do enjoy relaxed outings.  That said, you will need to have endurance here – it’s a looooong hoof uphill and back down again.

All participants must carry The Ten Essentials, listed on the Kamloops Hiking Club website, and make sure you carry a good whistle.  (I will be checking for your whistles on your packs… : D )  Bring lots of layers – as always, weather in the mountains is unpredictable – isolated storms can come up.  Could get Cold.  Could get Wet.  Could also be very hot.  Bring Sunscreen, as you can get quite sun-burnt high up.  Bring Bug spray/bug hat.  Gaiters are good to pack along in case of snow leftover from winter…..The usual.  If you are not sure what to pack, I recommend reading the Club Website articles (links below) on good things to bring – they’re written by very wise and experienced hiking people.  Take advantage of that wisdom.  I have also included a link describing Club Guidelines and Expectations.  Hikers are expected to know all these things before participating on a hike.  (Thumbs UP!)

LINK TO ESSENTIALS:  https://kamloopshikingclub.netkhc-activities/recommended-essentials/

and

GUIDELINES & EXPECTATIONS:  https://kamloopshikingclub.netkhc-activities/guidelines-and-expectations/

**YOU WILL NEED TO BUY A LIFT TICKET ONLINE PRIOR TO THIS EVENT!! 

Meet at the Paul Lake Rd Meet-Up Spot at 8:45am to caravan-drive up to Sun Peaks (leave there at 9:00am).    Once at the hill, gather at the ticket office, (mention the club discount when you buy your lift ticket) then head to the lift as a group.  We will strictly observe proper social distancing.

Trails range from easy to difficult:  we will ride the Sunburst Chair to the top of the lift, then take the Top of the World Trail (#5) to the Westridge Trail (#10), to the West Bowl Trail (#7), to Tod Peak Trail (#11) (to the peak for the summit experience and lunch break) then back to Sunburst via Gil’s Trail (#9) to return to the village by chairlift, sloth-style.  Apres-Hike (cold drinks {no alcohol on Club events} and snacks) before heading back to Kamloops.  This is an All-Day outing, so if you need to be back in town by a certain time, this is not a good hike for you.  (Important Points have been bolded for the “Skimmer-Readers“…)   ; )

Approx 10-11 km, estimated 3 to 4 hour hike.  Elevation at top of Sunburst chair is 1850m, and at the Peak, it’s 2152m.  Not a huge difference, but keep in mind that there are lots of “ups-n-downs” that are not reflected in the elevation gain…..

For more information, you can check out the article about the Tod Summit that Doug Smith wrote, and take a look at his incredible photos on the Kamloops Trails Website:  https://www.kamloopstrails.net/tod-mountain-summit-at-sun-peaks/