Do we have to travel via Kamloops or is there a route to cut across near Chase. There is one shown on the map, but not sure whther roads would be open?

Gryphea

There's a road to Sun Peaks from Chase, but it's a forestry service road in part. OK in the summer (albeit slow and fairly rough in places), but it's not a route I'd choose in the winter.

Chase to Kamloops is about 25 minutes, then Sun Peaks is an additional 45 or so.