Sundance, a Winter and Summer Resort with Something for Everyone

Less than an hours drive from Salt Lake City airport one takes exit 272 from I-15 to enter the rugged rock canyon leading to Sundance resort. After seven miles we turn onto scenic route 92 and follow a picturesque river of whitewater flowing over large boulders and through beautiful fir tree lined banks. Every mile or so during sumer and spring there is a fly fisherman casting happily upstream.

As we turn up the canyon on the road leading to Sundance we pass lovely mountain villas, all constructed of wood and stone to the extent they seem to blend right into the mountainside.

Within minutes we arrive at Sundance, the self contained ski resort tucked in at the base Mount Timpanogos. Arriving at the main lodge we are warmly greeted by a young and enthusiastic staff. Check in is fast and easy and in minutes we are driven to our assigned lodge which consisted of a rustic rough hewn wood chalet tucked in between evergreens and firs which seem to be undisturbed by the imposition of the buildings.

Inside the lodge are warm and cozy surroundings. Natural wood paneled walls are decorated with theme paintings often displaying native Americans who once inhabited the area. Warm earth tones are complemented by bright colors of the carpets, bed linens and upholstery. Brightly colored ceramic Lamps and vases provide additional native American accents which lend contrasting color to the rooms.

Winter activities at Sundance include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and toboggan runs.

There are some 41 ski runs at Sundance ranging from beginner slopes to expert. All are well maintained and monitored by Sundance staff.

In addition Sundance has 26 km of cross country skiing trails and 10 additional km of snowshoe treks through wide and well maintained trails.

During the winter season the resort offers special ski packages, ski clinics and both ski and snowboarding schools. The ski and snowboarding school is also available for children.

After days of skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, and snowshoe hiking the muscles may be tense and/or the body may be bruised from falls. It is at these times the Sundance Spa offers welcome relief to aching muscles and sore bodies.

The Sundance Spa is like none you have ever experienced. Like much that can be found in Sundance the Spa follows practices originally developed and practiced by local native Americans. This is the Sioux Indian concept of Hocoka, a unique practice combining mind and muscle relaxation techniques. The objective of Hocoka is the restoration and healing of the body and spirit.

While Sundance is known primarily as a winter ski resort it is fast becoming known for summer recreation as well.

Summer activities include mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and moonlit lift rides to the mountain top.

There is also a children's camp provided June-August of each summer. Camp activities include hiking, mountain exploration, waterfall discovery, stream exploration and art camp.

If there no other activities at Sundance a visit here could be justified for the dining experience alone. Sundance was recently recognized by Conde Nast Travel Gold as serving the second best food in the nation.

Two restaurants provide a wide and delicious range of menu items.

The Foundry restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and specializes in wood fired grill items.

The Tree room (which actually has a tree growing through the roof) provides more formal dining and offers dinner only.

Breakfast offerings are hearty and wonderful! These include: Mountain flapjacks with rich maple syrups and thick slices pepper bacon, Cinnamon apple french toast, smoked trout hash, vegetable omelets, and fresh fruit plates. Side items include fresh fruit, granola, hash brown potatoes, cereals, oatmeal, and a wide variety of fresh juices.

Lunch includes: Black bean quesadillas, wild turkey sandwiches, four cheese pizzas, veggie calzones, portobello mushroom sandwiches, and New england fish and chips.

Dinners are a special treat and include: Pan seared trout, Rotisserie roast pork, Yankee pot roast, grilled wild boar, roasted Utah elk, beef short ribs, glazed duck breast, seared sea scallops, and grilled quail.

Each of the Sundance restaurants take pride in serving fresh, local organic ingredients.

Our stay at Sundance was a memorable experience which we will include among our favorite vacations. After one final delightful dinner in the tree room we closed out our stay at Sundance with a moonlit ride on the ski lift to the mountain top from which we watched the moon hanging lazily over the surrounding mountains as if it were keeping watch over the distant Sundance lodges tucked in the valley below. .