BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Long before sustainability became a buzzword in hospitality, Robert Redford had already woven it into the DNA of Sundance Mountain Resort.
When the actor, filmmaker, and environmental advocate first discovered the alpine land beneath Utah’s Mount Timpanogos in the late 1960s, he saw more than a potential ski resort. He saw a landscape worth protecting. When he purchased the property in 1969, his intention was not expansion but preservation, ensuring the mountain could remain both wild and welcoming for generations to come.
More than five decades later, Sundance still operates according to that philosophy. Today, 3,343 acres surrounding the resort are permanently protected under conservation easements, safeguarding the forests, wildlife habitats, and viewsheds of Provo Canyon. Development has been intentionally limited, allowing the resort to remain intimate in scale while still delivering the kind of refined mountain experience travelers expect from a luxury destination.
In an era when many mountain resorts have grown into sprawling villages, Sundance stands apart as something quieter, more thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the land itself.
SUSTAINABILITY AS A WAY OF LIFE
The resort offsets 100% of its energy use with renewable sources, and water conservation is equally central to operations. The resort has invested in upgraded snowmaking systems designed to increase efficiency while reducing water consumption. Across the property, bathrooms and kitchens feature low-flow fixtures, while waterless urinals are being installed to further reduce water usage.
Even irrigation systems have been redesigned with sustainability in mind. Traditional sprinkler systems are gradually being replaced with drip irrigation, minimizing water waste while keeping landscapes healthy.
The environmental commitment extends to transportation, as well. Electric vehicle charging stations are available throughout the property, while guests who arrive with four or more passengers receive complimentary parking as an incentive to carpool. The resort also partners with Utah Transit Authority and local transportation provider The Ryde to offer alternative transit options for visitors and employees alike.
Waste reduction is another cornerstone of Sundance’s philosophy. A no-plastic-bag policy is enforced across the resort, composting programs divert organic waste from landfills, and an on-site glass-blowing studio transforms used bottles into art pieces, plates, and drinking glasses that are reused throughout the property. It is a circular system that turns yesterday’s wine bottle into tomorrow’s water glass.
LAND FIRST, ALWAYS
Perhaps the most significant sustainability achievement at Sundance is the one that guests may not immediately notice.
More than 70% of the resort’s land has been permanently protected from development, including portions preserved through partnerships with organizations such as the Sundance Nature Alliance. The property also collaborates with the Wild Utah Project to support wildlife research and with Great Basin Wildlife Rescue to rehabilitate injured birds and return them to their natural habitat.
A NEW CHAPTER: THE INN AT SUNDANCE
While Sundance has always prioritized preservation over growth, the resort entered a new chapter in early 2026 with the debut of the Inn at Sundance Mountain Resort.
The 63-room, ski-in, ski-out property represents the most significant lodging addition in the resort’s history. Designed to elevate the guest experience without compromising the resort’s environmental values, the inn blends contemporary comfort with natural materials and thoughtful design.
Located in the heart of the Resort Village just steps from the Outlaw Express lift, the property features two wings connected by a covered bridge spanning a mountain stream. Inside, expansive windows frame Mount Timpanogos, while intricate woodwork and a curated mix of regional and international art echo Sundance’s long-standing relationship with creativity.
Guests can ski directly to a dedicated valet and boot room before retreating to the warmth of the Living Room lounge. A wellness and fitness center offers yoga and movement classes, while the Inn Gallery showcases rotating works that reinforce Sundance’s deep connection to the arts.
Included with every stay is access to the Springs at Sundance, an exclusive relaxation experience reserved for overnight guests. Overlooking Mount Timpanogos, the springs feature two hot tubs, a plunge pool, and a barrel sauna.
EASIER THAN EVER FROM ARIZONA
American Airlines recently launched a nonstop flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Provo Airport, placing the resort within easy reach. From the airport, the drive to Sundance takes roughly 30 minutes through scenic Provo Canyon.
The route, often referred to as the Provo Scenic Skiway, winds past limestone cliffs, alpine forests, and the winding Provo River before arriving at the base of Mount Timpanogos. It is the kind of arrival that feels like entering another world.
WINTER ON THE MOUNTAIN
During winter, Sundance offers 540 skiable acres set within more than 4,000 acres of conserved land. The terrain ranges from beginner-friendly groomers to powder-filled bowls and tree-lined glades that reward experienced skiers with quiet runs and dramatic views. For guests who prefer a slower pace, Nordic skiing trails weave through stands of aspen, while snowshoe routes provide peaceful access to the surrounding wilderness.
Night skiing illuminates portions of the mountain several evenings each week, adding another dimension to the winter experience.
SUMMER IN SUNDANCE
When the snow melts, the mountain transforms into a summer playground. Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails wind through aspen groves and pine forests, offering views of Mount Timpanogos and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. Scenic lift rides provide effortless access to panoramic vistas, while zipline tours deliver a dose of adrenaline above the treetops. Fly fishing along the Provo River is another favorite summer pastime, with cold mountain waters known for healthy trout populations. Horseback riding excursions traverse alpine meadows and forested trails, allowing visitors to experience the landscape at a more contemplative pace.
Art and culture remain central to the Sundance experience year-round. Guests can participate in creative workshops and explore artisan shops featuring goods made from natural and recycled materials, or visit the on-site glass-blowing studio to peruse or purchase functional works of art.
A LEGACY THAT ENDURES
Robert Redford once said that if a root is planted deeply enough, what blossoms will inspire others. At Sundance Mountain Resort, those roots run deep.
Guests arrive for skiing, hiking, art, or relaxation, but many leave with something more lasting: A renewed appreciation for the natural world and the realization that travel, when done thoughtfully, can protect the very places that inspire it.
