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Serenity Found at Sundance Mountain Resort

by Keri Bridgwater

Sundance mountain resort, utah

Creativity and conservation converge beautifully at Robert Redford's once-private Shangri-la in Utah's stunning Wasatch Mountain range, where a visit during wintertime rewards with inimitable boutique ski and spa experiences, among other memorable moments.

With its "Greatest Snow on Earth" catchline, no destination dominates winter travel itineraries in North America quite like Utah, but in the present era of ski-industry consolidation comes the popularity of multi-mountain passes and much larger crowds. Founded by Robert Redford in 1969,Sundance Mountain Resort remains wonderfully independent. An hour's drive from Salt Lake City International or a 20-minute hop from Heber Valley Airport, arriving to see towering pine trees and a serene alpine landscape laden with snow sparkling in the mid-morning sunshine is nothing short of spectacular. 

Framed by views of Mount Timpanogos, the second-highest mountain in Utah's Wasatch Range, the resort's hideaway setting and beguiling mix of rustic yet luxe lodgings landed it on the first-ever Michelin hotel ratings guide with a One MICHELIN Key designation last year. Mountain homes with enchanting names like Dream Catcher feature western décor, including cowhide rugs and clawfoot soaking tubs, while recently updated rooms and suites a short walk from the main lodge boast cozy stone fireplaces.

A spa inspired by the Elements

While the mountain rewards with over 500 skiable acres, The Spa at Sundance also draws its share of visitors. Inspired by the elements, treatments range from a CBD sports-recovery massage and high-altitude hydration wrap to the Sundance signature facial. With its trio of rest and relaxation pools and just-added sauna, onsen-style experience, The Springs is a wonderful place to chill out after a day on the slopes or before skiing. Centrally located and available exclusively for guests, head here post-yoga (classes are held daily at 8am in the yoga yurt) prior to the weekly sound bath or afternoon spa treatment.

And a soulful skiing experience

Utah's ski resorts average upward of 500 inches of snow a year, and Sundance was blessed with 14 of them over Christmas, plus several more since then. As much about embracing the tranquil beauty of the mountains as the thrill of the descent, it's a cherished place to ski and, although smaller in size compared to neighboring resorts, still packs in 72 trails over 2,150 vertical feet. Beginners spend time on the mellower frontside, but technical terrain on the back mountain is a playground for the more advanced – on powder days locals typically head here via Red's Lift – although the 360-degree views from Bearclaw Cabin are worth making the journey for lunch alone. Night skiing is another option, and there's a twice-monthly guided snowshoe Night Owling tour led by local non-profit the Great Basin Wildlife Rescue, while those nonplussed about spending time on the mountain can sign up for a class at the Art Stuido.  

Dining at Sundance is also stellar, and reservations at the Tree Room restaurant are a must for a memorable dinner. Constructed around an actual tree and adorned with Native American art from Redford's personal collection, the menu skews rustic fine dining, featuring dishes like rabbit confit with pomegranate. For an unparalleled après-ski experience or that big last-night hurrah, though, the restored 1890's Owl Bar (once frequented by Butch Cassidy) is the buzziest place to be in the canyon.

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