Family Ski Resort Guide | Sundance Mountain Resort

By Local Lexi Sep 8, 2021
Nestled beneath the iconic silhouette of Mount Timpanogos lies a wildlife preserve, an artist’s retreat, a world-class spa, fine dining and Sundance Mountain Resort.
Family Ski Resort Guide | Sundance Mountain Resort

Steeped in history, Sundance Mountain Resort got its start in 1944 as a small ski hill dubbed Timp Haven. It was run by a family of Scottish immigrants, The Stewarts, until 1969 when the land was purchased by a relatively unknown actor named Robert Redford. Redford renamed the resort Sundance after the role he played in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The resort exudes a quintessential charm and intimate feel thanks to the area's splendid natural setting.

For more of Sundance's legends and lore, check out our history article here.

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Families can plan a memorable weekend retreat and unplug, stop by for an evening of night skiing or sign up for one of the many classes, lessons or unique experiences on offer at Sundance. Sundance is the perfect place to settle in and immerse your family in the most inspired aspects of mountain living. A visit to Sundance allows families to connect in a stunning natural setting while relishing the spirit of the Old West, the fine art and the fantastic flavors of this boutique mountain.

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SUNDANCE'S LOCATION
Sundance Mountain is located off Highway 189 in Provo Canyon just east of Provo, Utah. Approximate driving times (in favorable driving conditions) and distances are listed below: 

Provo: 15 miles – 25 minutes 
Salt Lake City: 50 miles – 1 hour
Ogden: 86 miles – 1.5 hours
Logan: 130 miles – 2 hours, 10 minutes
St. George: 280 miles – 4 hours

In a 5th Grader’s Words:
“Whether you’re 20 years old or just one, whether you’re an expert or a beginner, Sundance is just plain fun!” 
- Fisher, age 11

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Sundance's Terrain & Mountain Stats

Skiable Acres: 540+ Acres
Vertical Drop: 2,150 Feet
Number of Runs: 72
Terrain: 21% Beginner, 32% Intermediate, 47% Advanced, Terrain Parks, Nordic Center
Chairlifts: 6, 3 Surface Magic Carpets 
Average Snowfall: 300"
Night Skiing: Yes—Click here for info & schedule
 
Deals at Sundance 

Children 5 and younger can ski or snowboard for FREE at Sundance.

You can rent children's gear at Sundance Mountain Outfitters for the duration of the entire season at just $120 with the option to add a $15 damage warranty. 

Don't miss Sundance's generous Utah Resident Rates when booking lodging. You can save up to 30% on your stay with a valid Utah ID at check-in. Visit Sundance's website for details.

Check out the Sundanece S-Card. on sale until opening day for $109. This includes one day of skiing (at a discount) and then you can ski for $69 on weekdays or $99 on weekends for the remainder of the season. Prices are further discounted for children.
 

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SUNDANCE'S TERRAIN
Sundance Resort lies in the foothills along the northeastern slopes of the awe inspiring Mount Timpanogos. Sundance feels intimate yet it contains enough terrain options to keep all ability levels entertained. The resort is anchored around two base villages with a frontside and a backside. The lower half of the mountain contains intermediate and beginner terrain while the steeper shots and advanced terrain are located along Sundance's upper reaches. 

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Blue and green terrain is on offer from either base area. True beginners may wish to kick off at the Lower Village where three magic carpets are nestled. From the Outlaw Express chair, you can offload at the mid-station to sample additional green terrain such as the Outlaw Trail to Stampede.

You can begin from either Outlaw Express or Jake's Lift to access the primo beginner and intermediate terrain surrounding the Wildwood Lift. Here, gentle green runs like Draw and Sidewinder wrap through the aspens and help youngsters build confidence. Level up and try Honey Butter to Lone Pine then Bluebird to Brightside to sample the Wildwood area's blue terrain. 

Jake's Lift serves up easy access to the Wildwood area and a handful of fun blue runs like Maverick and Flatnose. You can also link together a number of green-rated runs or use Jake's to return to the Lower Village terrain. 

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If you ride Outlaw Express beyond the first unloading station, the lift deposit guests at the top of Mandan summit. Venturing on to the terrain below, guests will discover Red’s Lift which accesses the bulk of Sundance’s seldom crowded expert terrain. From the top of Red’s Lift, you’ll find the Bearclaw Cabin which serves savory food and awesome views. Intermediate skiers and riders can swoop down a good variety of blue-rated, groomed terrain like Wildflower, Bearclaw. Don't miss the stunning views from Amy's Ridge!

Expert skiers and riders will likely prefer to drop into Bishop's Bowl with its steep and challenging terrain. Don't miss one of the best powder stashes in the state, Shauna’s Secret in the Far East area.  The Flathead Lift provides a gateway to black diamond terrain and Grizzly Bowl. This area offers fun evergreen tree skiing and challenging steeps. From the upper half of the mountain you can either return to the base via the Stairway lift or catch Red's Lift and use the Roundup cat track to return to the Lower Village.

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Sundance maintains three freestyle terrain parks with small jumps, kickers, wooden boxes, metal rails and a quarter pipe. One is located off the Outlaw Trail on the frontside and the other can be reached via Moonrise underneath the Wildwood chair. The ski area's largest terrain park is located on the Maverick trail run.

The majority of the frontside terrain is available for night skiing on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:30 to 9PM. A wide variety of ticketing options are available to suit guests interested in night skiing—click here for more info.

Sundance's Nordic Center maintains 15 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski tracks for both classic and skate techniques. Wide, groomed trails give unparalleled views of Mount Timpanogos and meander through Sundance's pristine nature preserve. Snowshoers may also wander along 10 kilometers of dedicated trails that wind through wooded groves. The Nordic Center is located 2 miles beyond Sundance along SR-92.

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If you have family members that prefer not to downhill ski or snowboard, you can still show them a fantastic time at Sundance. The Sundance Winter Zip Tour provides a high-adrenaline experience with nearly two miles of zip line and a 2,100-foot vertical drop! There are art classes, an award-winning spa, The Springs at Sundance and winter fly fishing lessons. At Sundance, there is something for just about everyone!

Public Transportation & Parking

PARKING
Sundance has spent a number of years improving and expanding parking areas to address demand on the busiest holidays and weekends. There are two zones of parking with the bulk of spaces clustered around the upper village called Mountain Camp. To support their conservation priorities and maintain the natural splendor of the area, Sundance has implemented paid parking and carpooling initiatives. 

During the winter season Lots A & B in the lower village require a parking fee for these preferential spots between the hours of 7AM to 2PM. Lodging guests can enjoy free parking in these preferred lots.

Parking around Mountain Camp lies near Jake's Lift includes lots C, D and E and is complementary on weekdays. On weekends or holidays it is $10 to park in the upper lots or free with a carpool of 4+ passengers. You can purchase parking in advance online or pay at one of the solar-powered kiosks. For electric vehicles, there are 2 electric charging stations located in Lot C, which are complimentary on a first-come, first-serve basis.

ADA parking at Sundance is located in parking lots A, B and the Back Lot located next to The Foundry Grill. These spaces are free of charge, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

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PUBLIC TRANSIT
In winter months, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) runs a daily service along the 880 route with stops in Provo and Orem to and from Sundance. This useful service eliminates the need to drive up Provo Canyon and ensures a speedy and convenient drop off. Daily service begins in mid-December and winds down in March. For more information, please see our complete guide to riding the Ski Bus.

Sundance's Base Areas & Lodges

Both of Sundance's base areas offer facilities, restrooms, ticketing, gear rental and dining. The Lower Village provides access to the 3 magic carpets for beginners and the Outlaw Express chairlift. Mountain Camp is adjacent to Jake's Lift and offers a larger number of parking spots. 

A list of amenities at the Lower Village include:

  • Winter Sundance Zip Line Tour
  • Fly Fishing center
  • Dining options include The Tree Room, The Lookout, The Foundry Grill, The Owl Bar and the Sundance Deli
  • General Store
  • Sundance Art Studio Classes
  • Movie Screening Room & Rehearsal Hall
  • The Spa & The Springs at Sundance
  • Guest Reception & Lodging
  • The Creekside Building: Sundance Mountain Outfitters (demo, rental, and ski shop), day lockers, complimentary ski storage for lodge guests, Activity Desk and Administration
  • Ticketing Office
  • Outlaw Express lift & 3 Magic Carpet conveyors
  • 2 paid parking lots (preferred parking & lodging guests)

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Mountain Camp features the new Mountain Camp Day Lodge (opening Jan 2025) which provides everything you need for a day at Sundance. Amenities at Mountain Camp include:

  • Day lockers
  • Parking lots C, D and E
  • Sundance Mountain Outfitters 2.0
  • Access to Jake's lift
  • Ticketing Office
  • Ski & Snowboard School HQ
  • Mountain Camp Cafe

Sundance's Ski & Snowboard School

Learn how to ski or snowboard or brush up on your fundamentals with the PSIA/AASI Sundance Ski and Snowboard School. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are available for ages three and up. All lessons need to be booked at least 24 hours in advance, there are no walk-ins offered and lift tickets and gear rentals are not included in lesson pricing. Nordic skiing lessons are available at the Sundance Nordic Center.

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Private Lessons
Private lessons for skiers and snowboarders are available in full-day (5-hour) and half-day (3-hour) blocks. Kids aged 3-5 are required to book private lessons.

Group Lessons for Children
Group Lessons for older children are offered for ages 5 and up. Lessons are offered at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM for either 2.5-hour or full-day lessons. Additional time slots will be added during peak periods. Lessons are sorted by experience level and by skiing or snowboarding.

Adult Group Lessons
Group Lessons for skiers and snowboarders 13 and older are offered daily at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM in 2.5-hour or full-day sessions. Ability level will dictate placement with similarly skilled skiers or riders.

Clinics
Sundance offers a variety of clinics and sessions to work on specific skills or goals. Visit Sundance’s website to view current offerings—click here.

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Sundance Mountain Outfitters & Gear Rental

Sundance Mountain Outfitters
With two convenient locations, Sundance Mountain Outfitters offers both rentals and demos for guests in addition to mountain essentials and great gifts. High-end skis and snowboards are available for rent and a full-service repair shop can tune or repair equipment or perform binding mounts. Sundance Mountain Outfitters is a larger shop located in the Lower Village while Sundance Mountain Outfitters 2.0 is located up near Jake's Lift in Mountain Camp.

Rental packages include skis, boots, and poles or a snowboard with bindings and boots. Rental options are also available for those with their own boots.


Sundance Nordic Center

Up SR-92 from the Sundance Lower Village lies the Sundance Nordic Center. This full-service Rossignol Demo Center features products from introductory gear for beginners to World Cup racing equipment. Tubbs snowshoe products are available to rent, featuring the latest in technology and comfort. Retail products include hats, gloves, eyewear, nordic apparel, skincare and Swix wax and tuning equipment. The Nordic service department will also mount and tune skis.

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The General Store
If you’re looking for Sundance logo gear, unusual gifts that reflect the Sundance spirit, jewelry, or beautiful art, look no further than The General Store in the Creekside Building. Much of the clothing features organic fabric and the store strives to feature upcycled arts and crafts from local and global artisans.

Lodging & Dining at Sundance

LODGING
For easy access to the slopes and a family-centered weekend away, lodging options abound at Sundance. Their exemplary lodging features cozy western décor, luxurious and comfortable furnishings as well as eco-friendly touches that showcase Sundance’s commitment to preserving a bit of balance in mountain living. Mountain lofts, standard rooms, suites, studios or entire 2-7 bedroom mountainside homes can be reserved for a weekend away.
 

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There are many private homes around Sundance resort that are often available as vacation rentals. Inexpensive lodging or motels can be located nearby in Provo or Midway.

DINING
For its size, Sundance offers a huge variety of casual and fine dining options suitable for a quick bite, family fun, romance or a memorable night out. Food and flavors take center stage at Sundance with an emphasis on integrating the intimate atmosphere with nature's splendid beauty. The largest number of dining options can be found at the Lower Village with additional options located at Mountain Camp and Red's summit.

The Lookout
Newly reinvented and family friendly, The Lookout is conveniently located in the Lower Village near Outlaw Express and the conveyor surface lifts. This eatery serves fast and fresh food in casual style with sweeping mountain views and a lovely patio. The menu features kid-friendly items like burgers, loaded mac-n-cheese, fried chicken sandwiches and more. 

Sundance Deli
In the heart of the Lower Village, the Deli fashions made-to-order sandwiches, salads, baked goods and smoothies. Delicious espresso and coffee are available in addition to a handful of breakfast options. Limited indoor seating is situated near the counter. Don’t miss the famous Sundance suckers; kids love the endless flavors and they are a Sundance staple. 

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Bearclaw Cabin
The best dining on the mountain can be discovered at the top of Red’s Lift in the mountaintop Bearclaw Cabin. Enjoy fast mountain food and stunning 360-degree views of Mount Timpanogos and Utah Valley below. The fare is Mexican themed, with nachos, tacos, burritos and specialty salads. Note that there are few easy runs down from the Bearclaw Cabin, so this dining option is for intermediate to advanced skiers.


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Foundry Grill
The Foundry Grill whips up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a charming atmosphere that conjures images of the western frontier. The seasonal menu highlights regional flavors showcased by the cooking techniques used in the open “Foundry” kitchen. Sunday brunch at the Foundry is not to be missed by anyone who appreciates a good meal. The Foundry Grill is a great option for a nice sit-down lunch or dinner; weekend reservations are recommended.
 

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Tree Room
If a weekend of romance is on the itinerary, then the Tree Room is the best place to celebrate love over dinner. This romantic restaurant features beautiful Indigenous art from Robert Redford’s private collection and boasts many awards in excellence. The menu features fresh and seasonal mountain cuisine crafted by renowned chefs and acoustic acts that can often be enjoyed in the perfectly cultivated atmosphere. Reservations are recommended and children under the age of 12 are not permitted to dine at the Tree Room.

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The Owl Bar
Opening in the afternoons, the Owl Bar is the heart of the après scene at Sundance. Patrons must be 21+ to enjoy the cozy atmosphere, tantalizing cocktail menu and live acts from local and national musicians. The Owl Bar has a limited but tempting menu of appetizers, salads, and larger entrees that pair well with a cocktail crafted by a mixologist on hand.

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Childcare

Childcare is available for Sundance lodging guests. Reputable childcare providers can be booked through the concierge to come and provide childcare in the family’s hotel or lodge room.


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Medical Facilities

Sundance is staffed by a professional Ski Patrol and maintains multiple ski patrol stations strategically located across the resort at the Resort Village, Mandan Summit and Red's Summit. Ski Patrol can provide initial emergency care and stabilization. Guests requiring more comprehensive medical treatment can be swiftly transported to hospitals nearby in Provo or Orem. The Ski Patrol base has been relocated to the new Mountain Camp Day Lodge to better serve guests and allow employees to provide stellar service to Sundance's guests. 

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Points of Interest

For a memorable visit, consider these unique points of interest when planning a trip to Sundance Mountain Resort.
  • Rockwell Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co.
    If there is one thing Utah does well, it’s ice cream and Provo’s Rockwell Ice Cream Company is a must-taste. Inspired by the old-fashioned ice cream parlors of yore, Rockwell’s whips up their ice cream with less air and 16% butterfat. Swing by downtown Provo to satisfy the family with a lip-smacking good time and unique flavor selections.

  • Bridal Veil Falls
    Near the mouth of Provo Canyon along Highway 180 lies the stunning double cataract Bridal Veil Falls, plunging 607 feet (185 meters) to the canyon’s floor. This waterfall is easily accessible via a trail adjacent to a large parking lot. The trail is open year-round, however may be snow-covered in winter months. If it’s a particularly cold day, look for adventurous ice climbers scaling the frozen water formations.

  • Art Studio, Visiting Artists & Glassblowing Studio
    When Robert Redford purchased the land that would become Sundance in 1969, he envisioned a community where artists would hone their creativity in the stunning mountain setting. Each Saturday, in the Art Studio, artists will give a live presentation of their work. Tour the gallery and meet the artists after you’re done exploring the slopes. If you’re craving heat, visit the Glassblowing Studio to watch artisans from Tlaquepaque, Mexico hand-blow gorgeous glass vessels from glass recycled onsite.

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Visit Sundance's Website & Learn More
CLICK HERE


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