Sundance Ski Resorts

Written by K. Hart at www.casago.com

About

Utah is an outdoor enthusiast's playground. And when winter covers the mountains with snow, head to Sundance Ski Resort for a rich blend of history and natural beauty. Covering over 5,000 acres on Mount Timpanogos' slopes, the resort has been a beacon for alpine skiing since 1944. 

The resort's story starts in the mid-1800s when the Stewart family, under Andrew Jackson Stewart Jr., first surveyed the area. Drawn by the breathtaking view of Mt. Timpanogos, they settled under the Homestead Act and established "Stewart Flats."

Mount Timpanogos gained popularity for hiking after 1912, thanks to Eugene L. Roberts from Brigham Young University, who initiated a trail and an annual hike and integrated local legends into the experience. 

Organized ski races on the Mount Timpanogos Glacier started in 1941, eventually leading to the establishment of Timp Haven in 1944. This ski area, later owned and managed by Paul and Ray Stewart, was the precursor to today's Sundance Resort.

A significant turning point in the resort's history came in 1968 when actor Robert Redford acquired the area. Redford's vision of a year-round resort preserved the region's natural beauty, birthing the renowned Sundance Film Festival and the Sundance Institute. 

Today, Sundance Resort stands as a celebrated destination, offering a blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities, a plethora of hiking and biking trails, and a deep appreciation for the natural environment.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

Sundance Mountain Resort prides itself on offering world-class skiing without the crowds. With 450 acres of skiable terrain, it remains relatively undiscovered in Utah, providing a serene and exclusive skiing experience. The resort's tranquility adds a unique charm, distinguishing it from more crowded ski destinations.​

Sundance Mountain Resort boasts an impressive array of skiing options. It features 45 runs and a vertical drop of 2,100 feet, catering to various skiing abilities. From wide-open bowls and groomed runs to steep chutes and a terrain park, Sundance has something for every skier. Night skiing, a winter zip tour, and a Nordic center enhance the skiing experience, making it a comprehensive winter sports destination​. 

Sundance is continually evolving. The addition of the Outlaw Express, a high-speed quad lift, in 2021 and the development of the Wildwood Lift with 40 new skiable acres in 2022 has significantly expanded the skiing terrain. These enhancements improve access to the mountain's slopes and offer Heber City visitors new adventures. 

The resort's summit is 8,250 feet, and its base is 6,100 feet. This provides a substantial vertical drop of 2,150 feet, a critical factor in its excellent skiing conditions. Additionally, Sundance receives an impressive average of 275 inches of snowfall annually, ensuring a consistently snow-rich environment for winter sports enthusiasts​. 

Getting There

 Here are your step-by-step driving directions from Heber City to Sundance Mountain Resort:

  • Start by heading west on US-40 W/US-189 S towards S Main St.
  • Continue on US-189 S. This route will take you through the beautiful Provo Canyon. Drive for approximately 18.9 miles.
  • Turn right onto UT-113 and continue for about 1.4 miles.
  • Turn left onto E 300 S. Drive for about 0.8 miles.
  • Continue onto River Rd. Drive for about 1.3 miles.
  • Turn right onto N Charleston Rd. Drive for about 1.4 miles.
  • Continue onto W 3000 S/W Charleston Rd. Continue to follow W 3000 S for about 1.6 miles.
  • Turn left onto S Main St and drive for approximately 0.2 miles.
  • Turn right onto W 4000 S/W Midway Ln. Continue to follow W 4000 S for about 2.4 miles.
  • Continue onto Cascade Springs Dr. Drive for approximately 0.9 miles.
  • Turn right onto N Alpine Scenic Loop. Drive for about 6.7 miles.
  • Turn right. Sundance Mountain Resort will be on your right.

Cost

Here's a breakdown of the ticket fees for Sundance Mountain Resort:

  • Adult Passes: Full Day $129, Twilight $99, Afternoon $59, Night $59; additional charges on Saturdays & holidays.
  • Children (6-12): Full Day $89, Twilight $75, Afternoon $49, Night $49; extra fee on select dates.
  • Seniors (65+): Full Day $65, Twilight $65, Afternoon $50, Night $50; additional cost on certain days.
  • Beginner Area: Same pricing for all times; extra on specific dates and holidays.

Prices are subject to change. Please check their website for updates.

Local Tips

  • A free shuttle service is available within the resort.
  • The free daily mountain host tours are a great way to get acquainted with the slopes. 
  • The back mountain and far eastern areas are must-try for advanced and expert skiers. 
  • Sundance replaced the Arrowhead Lift with Red's Lift in 2016. Some older maps may still reference the Arrowhead Lift, which can be confusing​.

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