Robert Redford’s serene gaze still overlooks the Sundance Resort, which is growing. But by growing, we don’t mean sprawling up and out. Think of it more like a tree adding branches and leaves to better feed and nourish its roots. The foundation behind every decision following the iconic founder’s passing in September of 2025 has been WWBD? What Would Bob Do?
Redford sold his interest in the resort in 2022, but it went without saying that shovels weren’t going to turn on anything like the two-towered Four Seasons rising in Deer Valley’s eastern expansion. If Sauron’s eye turns to Sundance, it will meet with Redford’s steely gaze.
“When people arrive at Sundance, we want them to see mountains and trees—not buildings,” says General Manager Chad Linebaugh, who has worked at the resort for 30 years.
As an example, Linebaugh points to the Sundance Inn, a 63-room full-service hotel, the resort’s first, which opened in January of this year. “Sure, this easily could have been a 200- or 300-room hotel. But we intentionally kept it small and intimate.”
And well below the tree line.
The new inn is one of a few new additions to the still-modest resort: serene hot pool and sauna area called The Springs, installation of high-speed lifts and a terrain expansion that eventually will add 165 acres and a new lift (called “The Electric Horseman”).
“We never want to become the size of Park City, Deer Valley or Snowbird,” Linebaugh says. “That's not who we are.”
Play
Sundance is a year-round resort with the usual scenic chairlift rides, lift-served mountain biking and hiking that are pretty much par for any resort these days. What makes Sundance stand out is its beloved Art Studio, which has been moved in the recent renovations to a more central area, features docent-artists who lead hands-on workshops in pottery, glass blowing and jewelry making, among others. Sundance’s earthy vibe can be found in its spa that offers long sessions with an emphasis on rejuvenation and restoration and fitness classes that lean toward yoga and meditation. The cowboy vibe (which permeates the resort) takes form at the stables, where horseback riding and other equine activities are offered. (Yes, your daughter can pet the horses.)
Dine
It all started in the Tree Room, the resort's premiere restaurant, which is part of the first building Redford developed on the property after he purchased the land in 1969. The center of the restaurant is a living tree that Redford (the old softie) didn’t want to cut down. The tree (and the restaurant) remain the heart of the resort and the chef-driven menu, ambitious wine list, knowledgeable staff and carni-forward menu is a must for any stay. (Linebaugh started at Sundance on the Tree Room’s busing crew.)
Stay
Sure, you can make a summer or winter day visit to Sundance to enjoy, but the real magic begins when the lifts close and the resort empties. Sundance’s older lodging has been subtly updated and the Mandam Cabins remain the gold star for a cozy couples' retreat. These small cabins are adorned with native american art and stone fireplaces, deep roof overhangs and decks oriented toward the surrounding forest and views of Mount Timpanogos. The new Sundance Inn, however, offers all the rustic charm with the creature comforts of a full-service hotel. Hotel guests have access to The Living Room, a beyond-comfortable sitting area with food and drink service along with views of towering Timp. “What surprised us was how many people simply didn't want to leave,” Linbaugh says. “People were playing chess, backgammon, mahjong, reading books, sipping cocktails and spending entire afternoons here.”
A Personal Connection
Bull Stockwell Allen (BSA Architects, bullstockwellallen.com) designed the new Inn and was tapped to help unify the resort’s design aesthetic to match the existing cottages and cabin lodging. BSA designed the Inn as two low-profile wings connected by a bridge spanning the North Fork Provo River. The architecture intentionally stays below the tree line, preserves views of Mount Timpanogos, and uses materials and forms intended to feel like a natural extension of the existing resort village rather than an austere luxury hotel.
“After we selected BSA, we realized that John Ashworth, one of the principals, had a personal connection to Sundance,” Linebaugh says. “His family had a home in Wildwood, right at the bottom of this canyon. It was a summer cabin, and as a young boy, he spent time up here. From the beginning, he understood how special this place was, and I think he put a little extra into the project.”
Sundance Resort
8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Sundance
sundanceresort.com
