Spotlight: Wasatch Mountains - Sundance Mountain Resort

Spotlight: Sundance Mountain Resort opened in 1944 as Timp Haven. It started with a tow rope, but later added T-bar lifts and eventually chair lifts. Actor Robert Redford purchased the land in 1968. Not only did Redford build the posh ski and spa resort, he renamed it Sundance, reminiscent of his role as the Sundance Kid in the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. He also set about cultivating a small community by the same name devoted to establishing a balance between art, nature and recreation. The name also evokes images of how the sun dances across the mountain tops in the mornings and evenings. In 1981, the Sundance Institute was created to "foster and celebrate diversity in American film making." The Institute sponsored the Sundance Film Festival, a popular competition for independent film makers; but the film festival is now usually held in nearby Park City.

Location: Sundance Mountain Resort is located on the backside of Mount Timpanogos, about 13 miles north of Provo. To get there, head up Provo Canyon to the HWY 92 turnoff (the first major turnoff to the north, about a mile past Vivian Park). Take this road a couple of miles until you reach 8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Sundance.

Cost: - Season ski/snowboard passes start at $169/junior (6-12), $199/youth (13-18), and $329/adult, $125/senior (65+) when purchased before Oct. 31 (a $100 discount off those purchased after 10/31). There are additional discounts available for college students and military personnel.
- Single use tickets are available for full day, half day, super day, twilight, afternoon, and night skiing starting at $24/child and $32/adult (2 hour afternoon block). For more info click here.

Time: The ski season starts in early December and runs through early April. Single use tickets are available for specific blocks of time ranging from 2 hours to 20 1/2 hours. We usually find that 6 hours is just about right for skiing.

Description: The Sundance Mountain Resort ski area spans over 5,000 acres of slopes on the eastern side of Mount Timpanogos. The ski runs are for both skiers and snowboarders. In addition to a bunny slope with a tow rope for beginners, the ski resort has 5 green runs (novice), 17 blue runs (intermediate), and 27 black diamond runs (advanced). The slopes run on both the "front mountain" and the "back mountain," with all the beginning runs on the front mountain. The most unique run is called the Outlaw Trail. It has several "store fronts" related to the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Several of these have doors in them that skiers can ski through. It even has a few headstones for added ambiance.

     The first couple of times we went to Sundance, we spent the entire time on the front mountain since we didn't feel advanced enough to brave the back mountain. Interestingly, even though there are twice as many runs on the back mountain, there are not near as many skiers. Once we finally tried the back mountain, we realized that there were even more intermediate slopes than the front mountain, and they were much less crowded. Instead of waiting in long lines to get on a lift, we were able to get right on most of the time.

     The resort offers a variety of lodging options from cabins to suites. There are multiple dining options including the famous Tree Room. The Spa at Sundance is nature oriented with a Native American influence designed to restore inner balance. The Sundance Art Studio offers workshops in painting, pottery, jewelry making, watercolor, print making, photography and drawing.
     Other winter activities include: the Winter ZipTour, Ski School, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Winter Fly Fishing. Summer activities include: the Sundance ZipTour, Fly Fishing, Scenic Lift Rides, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Golfing, River Rafting, and the Sundance Summer Theatre.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - If the lift lines are long, try the single skier line. Even though you probably won't ride the lift up with your group, you can meet at the top and ski down together.
- If you go skiing when the snow pack is low, you have a good chance of skiing over slightly exposed rocks. Not only can they cause you to lose your balance, but they can scratch the bottom of your skis. If you are renting skis and know that the snow pack is low, you should strongly consider getting the insurance to cover incidental damage that wouldn't normally happen.
- Season ski passes purchased before 10/31 are significantly cheaper ($100) than those purchased after that date. For an even cheaper option, check out the night skiing rates. Check out the Hot Deals link for additional promotions.
- The ZipTour is nearly 2 miles (3rd longest in USA), with 2,100 feet of vertical drop (most in USA).
- Sundance Resort offers venues that support group business meetings or retreats. The facilities can also be rented for weddings or other celebrations.
- The 2016 Sundance Film Festival will be featuring 195 independent films, shown at 16 venues in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden. The ten day event will run from Jan. 21-Jan. 31. All tickets are $20 except for Sundance Kids Films which are $10. For more information, click here.

Nearby: Alpine Scenic Loop, The Tree Room, Aspen Grove Family Camp, Stewart Falls, Bridal Veil Falls