With its “Biggest Snow on Earth” catchline, no vacation spot dominates winter journey itineraries in North America fairly like Utah, however within the current period of ski-industry consolidation comes the recognition of multi-mountain passes and far bigger crowds. Based by Robert Redford in 1969,Sundance Mountain Resort stays splendidly unbiased. An hour’s drive from Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide or a 20-minute hop from Heber Valley Airport, arriving to see towering pine bushes and a serene alpine panorama laden with snow glowing within the mid-morning sunshine is nothing wanting spectacular.
Framed by views of Mount Timpanogos, the second-highest mountain in Utah’s Wasatch Vary, the resort’s hideaway setting and beguiling mixture of rustic but luxe lodgings landed it on the first-ever Michelin resort rankings information with a One MICHELIN Key designation final yr. Mountain houses with enchanting names like Dream Catcher characteristic western décor, together with cowhide rugs and clawfoot soaking tubs, whereas lately up to date rooms and suites a brief stroll from the primary lodge boast cozy stone fireplaces.
A spa impressed by the Components
Whereas the mountain rewards with over 500 skiable acres, The Spa at Sundance additionally attracts its share of tourists. Impressed by the weather, therapies vary from a CBD sports-recovery therapeutic massage and high-altitude hydration wrap to the Sundance signature facial. With its trio of relaxation and leisure swimming pools and just-added sauna, onsen-style expertise, The Springs is a superb place to relax out after a day on the slopes or earlier than snowboarding. Centrally positioned and out there solely for friends, head right here post-yoga (lessons are held each day at 8am within the yoga yurt) previous to the weekly sound bathtub or afternoon spa remedy.
And a soulful snowboarding expertise
Utah’s ski resorts common upward of 500 inches of snow a yr, and Sundance was blessed with 14 of them over Christmas, plus a number of extra since then. As a lot about embracing the tranquil fantastic thing about the mountains as the fun of the descent, it is a cherished place to ski and, though smaller in dimension in comparison with neighboring resorts, nonetheless packs in 72 trails over 2,150 vertical toes. Inexperienced persons spend time on the mellower frontside, however technical terrain on the again mountain is a playground for the extra superior – on powder days locals usually head right here through Pink’s Elevate – though the 360-degree views from Bearclaw Cabin are price making the journey for lunch alone. Evening snowboarding is another choice, and there is a twice-monthly guided snowshoe Evening Owling tour led by native non-profit the Nice Basin Wildlife Rescue, whereas these nonplussed about spending time on the mountain can join a category on the Artwork Stuido.
Eating at Sundance can be stellar, and reservations on the Tree Room restaurant are a should for a memorable dinner. Constructed round an precise tree and adorned with Native American artwork from Redford’s private assortment, the menu skews rustic fantastic eating, that includes dishes like rabbit confit with pomegranate. For an unparalleled après-ski expertise or that massive last-night hurrah, although, the restored 1890’s Owl Bar (as soon as frequented by Butch Cassidy) is the buzziest place to be within the canyon.