Where Stillness Inspires

At Sundance Mountain Resort, Robert Redford’s Original Vision Of Creative Sanctuary Lives On

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Robert Redford is not just an acclaimed, award-winning actor — he’s a visionary and a committed conservationist, long before environmentalism became mainstream. While his Hollywood success could have brought him a lavish lifestyle, Redford instead chose to invest in something more meaningful. In 1969, he purchased a swath of land in Utah’s Provo Canyon, driven by a dream to create a haven where nature and creativity could coexist. 

That dream became Sundance Mountain Resort, a place where the majestic beauty of the canyon began drawing writers, directors, actors and artists seeking inspiration and solitude. Over time, Redford’s vision blossomed into a full-fledged destination, and today Sundance Mountain Resort continues to evolve — now under new ownership — while remaining true to its founding spirit of artistry, sustainability and reflection. Redford, who turns 89 this month, is no longer directly involved, but he’d no doubt be proud to see the ethos he cultivated still flourishing in every detail of the guest experience. 

Whether you choose a standard room or one of the secluded mountainside cabins, a stay on this peaceful 5,000-acre property at the foot of Utah’s Mount Timpanogos brims with serenity. With wood-planked floors, stone fireplaces, Native American art and cozy wool blankets in earthy tones, accommodations marry rustic charm with refined comfort. Options range from cozy 400-square-foot rooms to spacious mountain suites and lofts with full kitchens, fireplaces and private decks. For larger groups or longer stays, private mountain homes with up to seven bedrooms offer a secluded, luxurious escape and include a two-floor cabin with a full kitchen and expansive living space upstairs. In recognition of its elevated guest experience, Sundance Mountain Resort was awarded One Michelin Key in the 2024 Michelin Guide — a new global honor distinguishing exceptional hotels and accommodations.

Meals are crafted with the same attention to detail. The Tree Room — constructed by Redford in 1970 as the resort’s first cabin — is named not for a tree it cut down, but for the one it was built around. Guests dine among Redford’s private collection of Native American art while enjoying seasonal dishes like King Salmon with Creole Honey Glaze, Shrimp Stuffed Piquillo Pepper, White Bean Puree and Broccolini; and Elk Loin with Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossom, Zucchini, Eggplant Hasselback Potatoes and Demi-Glace. 

For a more casual option, The Foundry Grill serves hearty breakfasts and fire-grilled lunches and dinners, including Niman Ranch Prime Rib and Certified Angus NY Strip. Shareables like Dirty Fries, Baked Truffle Mac and Cheddar Bay Biscuits are great starters. And don’t miss the legendary Sunday brunch. The resort also boasts several fast-casual spots: Mountain Camp Cafe, Bearclaw Cabin and The Lookout (all ideal for skiers and hikers), and The Deli in the heart of the village.

For a touch of Wild West lore, grab a drink at The Owl Bar. Once frequented by notorious outlaw Butch Cassidy, this 1890s saloon was relocated from Thermopolis, Wyoming, to Sundance Mountain Resort in the mid-1990s. With vintage liquor cabinets and historic charm, the bar abides by Utah’s 1.5-ounce alcohol limit but makes up for it with character and a robust menu of wings, burgers and nachos (with optional pulled pork, chicken or steak).

Winter brings top-tier skiing and snowboarding, but Sundance Mountain Resort truly shines year-round. In the warmer months, visitors can explore more than 25 miles of mountain biking trails and more than 20 miles of alpine hiking. Guests can also go horseback riding, fly fishing, ziplining or take a scenic lift ride for panoramic views. Summer operations typically run through early October, with the 2025 season concluding on Sunday, Oct. 5. Among the latest additions are The Springs, a trio of tucked-away relaxation pools with an outdoor sauna, and the Outlaw Express lift, which offers a quicker route to Mandan Summit — enhancing both wellness and recreation.

The ultimate goal is to replenish oneself, and what better way than a visit to the spa? Whether seeking the Sundance Signature Massage, High Altitude Hydration Wrap or Anti-Aging Facial, guests leave rejuvenated and restored.

The resort’s strong artistic bent comes through at the

Art Studio & Gallery, where guests can take hands-on workshops in painting, pottery, jewelry-making, soap-making and more — staying true to Redford’s vision of creative enrichment through nature. That commitment to creativity continues with events like Mountainfilm on Tour (showcasing thought-provoking documentaries), the Summer Theatre program (a beloved outdoor stage series featuring professional productions) and the Bluebird Cafe Concert Series, a collaboration with Nashville’s famed songwriting venue. 

And there are more exciting projects on the burner. In what the resort calls its “Act II” era, it is undergoing an expansion that includes the addition of The Inn at Sundance, set to debut for the 2025–2026 ski season. New Village Homes and a Mountain Camp Day Lodge are also in development, alongside design upgrades to existing guest cottages. 

It was Redford’s vision of merging art and nature that gave life to this mountain retreat — a place where creativity, cuisine and calm coexist in harmony. In a world that rarely slows down, Sundance Mountain Resort remains a canvas for renewal, inviting guests to pause, indulge and reconnect with what matters most. 

Sundance Mountain Resort is located at 8841 N. Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, Utah. For more information, call 801-225-4107 or visit sundanceresort.com.