Sundance Mountain Resort in Provo Canyon, Utah County, Utah, sits on the northeastern slopes of Mount Timpanogos in the Wasatch Mountains, 15 miles northeast of Provo. Founded by actor and director Robert Redford in 1969 and still owned by the Redford family, the resort is a distinctive hybrid of ski area, arts center, outdoor retreat, and the year-round home of the Sundance Institute — the organization that runs the Sundance Film Festival in Park City each January and funds independent film development globally. The ski area covers approximately 450 acres with 42 runs served by four lifts, suited primarily to intermediate and advanced skiers rather than the scale of destination ski mega-resorts. The absence of large hotel developments within the resort complex keeps the atmosphere intimate and unhurried compared to Park City or Alta. In summer, the resort operates scenic chair lift rides to Ray's Summit at 8,250 feet, with panoramic views of Mount Timpanogos, Provo Canyon, and Utah Lake below. The Sundance Art Shack offers art classes in multiple mediums for adults and children throughout the year. The Sundance Outdoor Theatre presents live theatrical performances in a natural mountain amphitheater during summer evenings from June through September. The Tree Room Restaurant, built around actual living tree trunks with original Robert Redford artwork and Native American artifacts on its walls, serves American cuisine in a distinctive rustic-artisan setting and is one of the most atmospheric dining rooms in the state of Utah. The resort is 50 miles south of Salt Lake City via I-15 and US-189 through Provo Canyon — no public transit reaches the resort.
Good to know
- Hours
- Summer lifts: daily 10 AM–5 PM; Winter skiing: daily 9 AM–4:30 PM
- Best time
- December–March for skiing; June–September for outdoor theater and summer activities
Location
8841 N Alpine Loop Rd, Sundance, UT 84604
40.3895, -111.5744 View on map
Highlights
- Ski 42 runs on 450 acres of uncrowded Wasatch Mountain terrain suited to intermediate and advanced skiers
- Ride the scenic chair lift to Ray's Summit (8,250 feet) in summer for panoramic Provo Canyon and Timpanogos views
- Attend a live outdoor theatrical performance at the Sundance Outdoor Theatre in a mountain amphitheater (June–September)
- Dine in the Tree Room Restaurant, built around living tree trunks and featuring original Redford and Native American art
- Take an art class at the Sundance Art Shack, offering adult and children's classes year-round
Tips for visiting
- Ski lift tickets at Sundance ($95/day) cost significantly less than Park City or Deer Valley — a strong value option for uncrowded intermediate terrain
- The summer scenic lift ($22/adult) operates daily 10 AM–5 PM with no advance booking needed in most conditions
- Outdoor theatre tickets (June–September) sell quickly — book at sundanceresort.com well ahead of the performance date
- The resort road through Provo Canyon can be icy in winter; all-wheel drive or snow tires are strongly recommended December through March
- The Tree Room Restaurant is popular for dinner — reservations are strongly recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings
- Mount Timpanogos summit trails from the resort area require an early start (before 7 AM) to summit safely before afternoon weather
When to visit
December through March for skiing on uncrowded intermediate terrain with a quieter atmosphere than larger resorts. June through September for the outdoor theatre, scenic lift rides, and summer hiking on Timpanogos trails. The resort is most affordable in shoulder seasons — late April through May and October through November.
Accessibility
The resort base lodge, Art Shack, and Tree Room Restaurant are accessible at ground level. The ski area has an adaptive ski program for visitors with mobility impairments; contact the resort in advance to arrange adaptive equipment and instruction. Summer scenic lift cabins require stepping up from a loading platform; assistance from lift operators is available on request.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Sundance Mountain Resort best known for?
Sundance is best known as Robert Redford's creation — an intimate, arts-infused mountain resort combining skiing, an outdoor theater, art classes, and distinctive dining in a Wasatch canyon setting. The Sundance Institute operates from the resort year-round.
Is Sundance Mountain Resort suitable for beginner skiers?
Sundance has limited beginner terrain; its 42 runs are weighted toward intermediate and advanced difficulty. Beginner skiers may find better progression options at larger resorts such as Park City Mountain or Snowbird.
How far is Sundance from Salt Lake City?
Sundance is approximately 50 miles (about 60 minutes by car) from downtown Salt Lake City via I-15 south and US-189 north through Provo Canyon. No public transit serves the resort — a personal vehicle is required.