Artistic Roots, Alpine Slopes
Robert Redford's passion for nature and art converged to create Sundance Resort in 1969, evolving from land he acquired in Utah's Provo Canyon. Originally
part of a small ski area named Timp Haven, established by Scottish sheep herders, Redford's vision extended beyond mere skiing. He founded the renowned Sundance Institute on-site in 1981, a hub for independent film and artistic expression that gave birth to the celebrated Sundance Film Festival. Although Redford sold the resort in 2020, his influence is palpable, evident in the resort's historical timeline displays, cinematic artwork, and even a vintage motorcycle reminiscent of his own, parked outside the new hotel. The upcoming lift, named 'Electric Horseman' after his 1979 film, further cements this artistic heritage. Sundance, while modest in size at 540 acres with an 8,250-foot summit, offers a compelling ski experience with 2,150 feet of vertical drop, featuring broad beginner-friendly runs and challenging tree-lined slopes. Its manageable scale makes it ideal for families and less experienced skiers who can easily navigate the terrain, ensuring a sense of freedom and exploration without the risk of getting lost.
Modern Luxury Arrives
Until recently, lodging at Sundance primarily consisted of charming log cottages situated on a hillside above the main area. However, the resort has undergone a significant upgrade with the opening of its first hotel, The Inn at Sundance. This luxurious, slopeside accommodation significantly enhances convenience for skiers. The inn is thoughtfully designed, spanning a creek via a covered bridge and featuring two wings, offering 63 rooms that artfully blend rustic wood elements with warm textiles and patterns, creating a distinctive Western-meets-alpine aesthetic. Guests can enjoy a private first-floor lounge for cocktails and light fare, as well as a gallery space showcasing rotating exhibits focused on nature and conservation themes. Despite being slightly taller than other buildings in the base area, the inn's design harmonizes with the resort's overall scale, maintaining its intimate feel. This new hotel is part of a series of enhancements over the past four seasons, including a faster base lift, the Wildwood lift accessing 10 new runs, improved snowmaking capabilities, parking upgrades, and a new day lodge. Additionally, guests can relax at The Springs, an outdoor pool and hot tub area offering stunning views of Mount Timpanogos.
Terrain Expansion Beckons
Sundance Resort is set to unveil an exciting expansion for the upcoming winter season, promising to elevate the skiing experience. A new lift will grant access to over 100 additional acres of challenging bowl skiing on the mountain's eastern side. This expansion includes a new run that traces the easternmost ridge, opening up opportunities for short but rewarding chutes that will appeal to more adventurous skiers. Complementing these developments, the renowned Tree Room restaurant, famously built around a central pine trunk, has received a stylish refurbishment. The updates include elegant new live-edge wood tables and a more inviting lounge area complete with a fireplace, offering a lighter menu for guests. These enhancements, combined with the resort's ongoing commitment to artistic integration and natural beauty, ensure that Sundance continues to offer a unique and magical mountain escape, blending outdoor recreation with a refined cultural atmosphere that honours its founder's original vision.
