Day 5
Location: Sundance, Utah
Resorts: 4 out of 50
Another day, another resort. Today marked day number five and the next ski area on our list. We didn’t know much about Sundance Resort. Only that it’s owned by Robert Redford and the legendary Sundance Film Festival started there. But what interested us most was the skiing and riding.
Sundance is reached by heading 15 minutes south of SLC, then banging a left at Provo. After a short, scenic drive up the canyon we came to a tiny parking lot surrounded by rustic buildings tucked into the woods.
It’s easy for the smaller resorts in the Salt Lake area to get lost in the shadow of fellow ski giants, but Sundance is worth the trip. There are plenty of tree runs, open bowls, and gate access trails to keep even the most hard-charging experts busy.
We spent most of the day hitting up Bishop’s Bowl. A steep groomer on the far right combined with zero crowds provided some “hold on tight” morning flybys. Then we struck out to explore the Far East ridge line. Some of the best turns on the day aren’t even mentioned on the trail map — the Pipeline Gates which are accessed off of Amy’s Ridge.
It can’t be perfect all the time, but the views from Bearclaw’s Cabin can’t be beat on a bluebird day. This cozy cabin on the top of the mountain is perfect for grabbing a quick snack. Kudos on the nostalgia lined walls covered with 10th Mountain Brigade memorabilia. The staff up there was top notch, answering all our inane questions about the revolutionary composting toilets that are employed at the cabin.
A stop into the Owl Bar for apres-ski is a must. It’s the same bar which that Butch Cassidy saddled up to and now sees the likes of Ed Harris and Christopher “Shooter McGavin” McDonald. Don’t leave without trying the Butternut Squash Pizza. While your’re at it, you might as well order a pint of Cutthroat Pale Ale and let the friendly bartenders (thanks Chris!) entertain you with Sundance history.
The Cheat Sheet
Sundance Resort
8841 Alpine Loop Rd
Sundance, UT
(801) 225-4107