Imagine the crisp mountain air, a symphony of pine and snow, as the sun warms your face while you take in the vista of the surrounding peaks. From the hushed frosted mornings to the vibrant, sun-drenched afternoons, nature at Sundance Resort isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a living, breathing experience that ignites your soul. Focused on community, creativity and a respect for the natural world, this Utah destination is as unique as the snowflakes drifting from the skies.
Conservation concentration
This land, originally home to the Noochew Ute tribe and then used for sheep herding by the Stewart Family from 1899-1969, found a true champion in Robert Redford in 1969. He recognized the inherent value of its biological beauty and, even as his fame grew following his rise to stardom in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, prioritized preservation over profit. His dedication is evident in the 2,600-acre resort, where 1,862 acres are under a conservation easement and the strict building codes that keep structures nestled within the trees, allowing the natural splendor to reign supreme. Experiences at Sundance are crafted to nurture your complete self while being in harmony with the beautiful natural world that surrounds you.
Lodging
There are currently 95 cabins at Sundance Resort, with an “Act 2” continuation of the story opening a 63-room Inn later in 2026 alongside the North Fork Provo River. Continuing the practice of not building higher than the highest tree, the cabins all but disappear from higher vantage points, allowing for the natural landscape to remain the focal point. Recently updated, the cozy lodging affords tile heated floors, balconies, kitchenettes and in original cabins: wood-burning fireplaces that you can light yourself or have cheery bell staff light for you. The comfortable beds will have you drifting off to sleep while you watch snowflakes flurry or the fading light of summer through your windows into the forest beyond.
Dining
There are several dining options at Sundance Resort, from casual grab-and-go to fine dining. On the mountain, be sure to enjoy Bearclaw Cabin, open seasonally and accessible by the Outlaw Express. Known for their nachos (make sure to have a healthy appetite or friends to share this sizeable portion with), other menu items include a Taco Salad and Frito Pie. Indoor and outdoor seating are perfect spots to take in the jaw-dropping 360-degree views atop the mountain peak.
Owl Bar features the actual bar of Butch Cassidy, bought by Redford in Wyoming, restored in LA and settled in to the resort. Shared plates such as the Bavarian Pretzel, Dirty Fries, or an entrée Angus Wagyu Burger are all great ways to warm up after a day on the slopes or to fill your belly from a day of summer hiking. Specialty cocktails such as the Owl Bar Old Fashioned, Mountain Mule, and Pear Necessities are all enjoyed in the saloon-style establishment, which features occasional live music and a festive atmosphere.
Taking in the view of the 12,000-foot Mt Timpanogos, The Lookout is a great space to loosen your ski or hiking boots, grab a bite of slopeside fast-fresh style food, and relax. If looking for a quick bite or something to take back to your cabin, The Deli is well-stocked with breakfast burritos, tasty pastries, wraps, and flatbreads.
Adjacent to the Deli is the Foundry Grill, where guests can enjoy soaring ceilings, a roaring fireplace, and fare that is fantastic. The flagship fine dining establishment, it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the outdoor patio a popular locale when the weather is amenable. Sip on a Huckleberry Hound or Spiced Apple Cider while deciding whether to order the Steelhead Trout or Pappardelle with wild mushrooms for dinner in this welcoming atmosphere.
Finally, the Tree Room is not to be missed while on property. The first building built by Robert Redford in 1970, the original cabin was centered around a living tree. The trunk still stands, while the resort has grown around this enchanting candlelit alcove. The seasonal and locally sourced fare has caught the attention of Michelin, awarding the resort a One Michelin Key, which is very much deserved. Menu items delight with an ever-changing assortment to suit available ingredients and seasons. While dining there myself, the Crab Rillette, Sundance Salad, and Elk Osso Buco were stars of the menu. Make sure to leave room for dessert, with tantalizing offerings such as a Huckleberry Clafoutis Tart or house-made sorbettos in interesting flavors such as Yuzu.
Ski Resort and Spa
If traveling during the winter months, getting on the slopes at Sundance Resort is a must. Offering complimentary mountain guides at 10:00 am at the base and 10:30 am on the mountaintop, it’s a great way to learn more about the surrounding area and acquaint yourself with the mountain. Something for everyone: greens, blues and blacks are found on both mountains, with recently updated lifts whisking skiers and snowboarders up the terrain. Summer is a very popular time in Sundance as well, with screenings in the Screening Room and Director’s Lab event in the Rehearsal Hall. Scenic lift rides, summer concerts in the amphitheater and hiking, biking, fishing and horseback riding are all popular activities.
The Spa at Sundance Resort continues the theme of holistic presence; tuning your mind and body with a plethora of wellness experiences. A High Altitude Hydration Wrap, Mountain Stone Massage, or Mountain Top Yoga session leave guests feeling otherworldly. For a unique experience, try the drum making class, where you learn to make your own 15” bison or elk hand drum and beater stick (reserve this offering at least two weeks in advance for materials to be prepared).
The Springs is a new addition of three rest and relaxation pools (two hot tubs and larger warm pool). Guests can enjoy lounge areas, a sauna, outdoor shower and changing rooms alongside the river. Nothing quite beats a hot tub soak after a day of skiing…
Arts
The arts at Sundance have always been an important part of the fabric of the resort. A far cry from a stale, cliché afternoon arts-and-crafts class offering, the resort prides itself in unique and quality instruction. Try your hand at printmaking, jewelry making, perfume making, soap making, painting, and pottery where you are actually proud of the piece you create and it doesn’t go directly in the bin when you return home. Our painting class was a two-hour instructed course where we were instructed in underpainting, light composition, and execution of a landscape photo we had taken ourselves as a reference. In jewelry making, guests can create their own ring, bracelet, or pendant in the silversmithing shop.
Next to the arts annex: a hot shop with glass artisans creating stunning glassware from recycled glass. Found throughout the property as drinking glasses, candleholders, charger plates and more, the pieces exemplify the focus on sustainability, craftsmanship and community. With demonstrations October through March, the glassblowing studio is not to be missed while on property.
The Saga
“This place in the mountains amid nature’s countless casualness toward death and birth, is the perfect host for the inspiration of ideas: harsh at times, life-threatening in its winters of destruction, but tender in attention to the details of every petal of every wildflower resurrected in the spring. Nature and creativity obey the same laws, to the same end: life. To us, Sundance is and always will be a dream. What you see, smell, taste and feel here is a dream being carefully nurtured.” – Robert Redford
Although Mr. Redford sold Sundance Resort to Broadreach Capital Partners and Cedar Capital Partners in 2020, the resort’s core values and meticulous attention to detail remain. From its ancient geological origins to its present-day status as a luxurious retreat, Sundance Resort continues to offer guests and extraordinary experience. I feel privileged to have visited and eagerly anticipate a future return.
For rates and reservations, visit www.sundanceresort.com.
Enjoying horseback riding in the summer with outstanding views through the Aspens.
Atop of the ski slopes in winter at Sundance Resort.
Breathtaking biking at Sundance Resort.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding are a must in the winter.
Bearclaw Cabin at the top of Outlaw Express is open seaonally with epic nachos.
Fine dining at Foundry Grill.
Pork Chop at Foundry Grill.
Steak from Tree Room.
Owl Bar outdoor seating is enjoyed in summer and winter.
The Tree Room, with the original trunk of the tree that the cabin was built around.
The Rehearsal Hall at Sundance Resort.
The Screening Room at Sundance Resort.
Fall at Sundance Resort is magical with the changing of the leaves.
Outside the Rehearsal Hall, the water features can be heard throughout the property.
Enjoy an art class on property.
Watch the artisans at the hot shop create stunning, recycled glass art pieces.
Bowls made in the on-site hot shop.
The Springs is an idyllic spot to soak in the warm waters.
Enjoy the Spa on site.
