Sundance Resort
Discover Sundance Resort: a gorgeous, secluded mountain destination! ...
Redford's Sundance Resort is nestled at the base on the east-side of the Wasatch Range’s tallest and most majestic peak, called Mount Timpanogos.
It is arguably the most gorgeous mountain getaway in America with great Sundance Lodging, but it is a relatively unknown destination to out-of-state vacationers (while Park City—which is close-by—gets the most winter visitors). But, Sundance does get high ratings by travel experts and vacationers.
- Conde-Nast Traveler magazine ranks it as one of North America’s top 20 resorts.
- About.com voted Sundance the #1 resort in the United States.
Sundance is devoted to outdoor recreation, the arts, and the environment. Robert Redford says "Sundance is a mixture of old and new, lush and sparse, sophisticated and primitive—like art itself," (as reported in "High On Adventure").
He also states that he named the resort after the way the sun dances off the mountain peaks surrounding the area—not after his character's name in one of his most famous movies, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The photograph below may give you an idea of the "sun dance" he is referring to...
off the peak of Mt. Timpanogos" copyright 2007 by Howard A. Knudsen |
Sundance is only an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, yet it feels so far away from the hassles of everyday life. A vacation at this mountain getaway—any time of the year—is a great place to find solitude... to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
History of Sundance. Back in the late 1960's, Robert Redford must have fallen in love with this part of the world, because after his success in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park and the subsequent hit film version in 1967 he purchased a thousand acres of land.
Reports say that a year or two later he became concerned that a big corporation was getting ready to purchase the ski slopes called Timphaven and turn his backyard into a mega-ski resort... he also feared that they had plans to cover the North Fork of Provo Canyon with condos and more ski lifts.
So, after reaching "Hollywood superstar" status in 1969 with the hit movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Redford had the resources to purchase the remaining 5,000 acres, including the Timphaven ski area.
How's the Skiing/Boarding? During the Winter months, Sundance becomes an downhill and cross-country ski paradise. And because Redford limits the number of daily alpine skiers, there are no lift lines. A variety of expert to beginner ski slopes accommodate all levels of skiers. The downhill ski area at Sundance encompasses 450 acres, with a vertical drop of 2,150 feet.
copyright 2007 by Howard A. Knudsen |
What's pleasantly unique about the skiing Sundance is that the "LOCALS ONLY!" snowboarder gangs (that I have run across at one of the Salt Lake City area resorts) are no where to be found.
copyright 2007 by Howard A. Knudsen |
During the Spring, Summer, and Fall months Sundance Resort is a becoming a mountain biking Mecca (on the same ski slopes or on canyon paved-trails and mountain dirt-trails). Sundance resort also offers horseback riding on mountain trails and fly-fishing in nearby Provo River. Hiking is also a favorite of ours during any season (snowshoes work best during the Winter, of course).
Great Restaurants. The village has two restaurants. Redford's Sundance steak restaurant, the Foundry Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The atmosphere feels rustic, like the old west. The flooring is made out of old wood planks and the servers wear western attire. The Sundance Tree Room Restaurant—recipient of the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond award—serves seasonal mountain cuisine.
Sundance Lodging: How to get your money's worth? During our last stay we found out some interesting things that will help you get the "best of the best" accommodations for your luxury getaway (best location, best size, best quality).
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