Cradled between the peaks of Mt. Timpanogos, Sundance Mountain Resort is a world-renowned retreat with terrain for powder hounds, spas for the high-strung and Chef-prepared meals for those who prefer to let their phone eat first.
The late and great Robert Redford (yes, the Sundance Kid) stumbled upon the Provo Canyon property, then known as a small ski resort called Timp Haven, in 1969. The single chair lift, T-bar and homemade rope tow inspired something in Redford, who purchased the land to shield it from development and renamed it after his iconic character, The Sundance Kid. The resort has hosted countless actors, writers and artists over the years, and in 1981 became the home of the Sundance Institute. Humble beginnings notwithstanding, Sundance is a top-rated luxury resort that has retained a One Michelin Key distinction since 2024. Accommodations range between rustic suites, private mountain homes and, new this year, The Inn is a 63-room lodge with ski-in ski-out access. Sundance Resort encompasses 5,000 acres of snowy wilderness and is about to add an extra 165 acres of skiable terrain in the 26/27 season. Accessed through a new high-speed quad lift, the Electric Horseman Express, the expanded footprint is part of Sundance’s multi-year plan dubbed “Act II.”
Here are some things to do during your stay:
Pick Up a New Skill
How about taking a crack at one of your New Year’s resolutions to learn a new skill at Sundance Resort’s Art Studio? Choose between a variety of single-session workshops, from silversmithing to wheel-thrown pottery and soapmaking. You might even leave with a new signature scent (and well-earned snobbery) after attending an authentic French-style perfume workshop.
Soak Up the Views
New in 2025, The Springs is a year-round outdoor sanctuary featuring three relaxation pools, outdoor showers and a sauna. The wooded spa is surrounded by sweeping views of Mt. Timpanogos, allowing you even more time to soak in winter’s majesty. A limited number of mountain suites also feature private balcony hot tubs, available by request when booking.
Drink Like an Outlaw
Lined with local booze and glassware hand-blown on-site, The Owl Bar is Sundance’s flagship watering hole. The interiors pay homage to Utah’s favorite Robin hood figures, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, with wanted posters, revolver draft handles, and the original bar frequented by the Wild Bunch. The 1890s bar counter was relocated from Thermopolis, Wyo., to Sundance, where it has become a weekend hotspot for live entertainment, imaginative cocktails and the resort’s notorious dirty fries.
Post-Ski Self Care
Winter R&R begins with early mornings carving turns, and ends with après-ski spa treatments. Sundance’s wellness sanctuary, The Spa, offers everything from CBD sports massages to ultrasonic infusions to collagen facials and ski boot soothing foot soaks. The spa is tucked away from the main base at the Mandan Cottages. Arrive early to cozy up in complimentary robes and rest by the fire.
Feel the Rush
Sundance’s Winter Ziptour is 3,870 of high-speed fun on a double-lined cable system that gives riding pairs full control over their speed, the ability to stop mid-air for epic selfies, and to top off their adrenaline at 65-mile-per-hour cruising speeds. Explore even more of the mountain with a Ziptour + Full-Day Lift Ticket package.
In Search of Adventure? Mix up your cozy winter itinerary with these three excursions.
Go Fish
Among Utah’s many esteemed reservoirs and lakes, the Provo River is a blue-ribbon fly-fishing destination. Just up the road from the resort, Middle Provo River is a feat of modern restoration hailed for its all-season hatches, and with 3,000 well-fed Browns per mile, tapping into a tenkara state of mind is a breeze. Book a tour or rent gear from the experienced outfitters at Wasatch Guide Service, wasatchguideservice.com.
Explore the Backcountry. No Skins Required.
Over the hill in Heber, Utah Adventure Park offers full-day or half-day excursions into the backcountry. Sail through deep powder and secluded forests atop turbocharged snowmobiles, you can even add on sledding, tubing or skiing for a full day of face plants and fun, utahadventurepark.com.
“Stairway to Heaven”
Hike up Provo Canyon during the summer and you’ll find newlyweds and influencers crowding the base of Bridal Veil Falls. But in the winter, the water freezes over into a challenging multi-pitch formation that ambitious ice climbers have lovingly dubbed “Starway to Heaven.” Rent boots, tools, crampons and helmets from Pando Refitters in Provo, pandorefitters.com.
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