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Sundance prepares for winter opening with new lifts

By Craig Conover - | Sep 16, 2021

There are many activites to enjoy at any season at The Sundance Mountain Resort. (Courtesy photo)

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, it is inevitable that the cold weather will come to the state of Utah. This year, after a notably dry summer, it would be advantageous to have a wet and snowy winter.

With last year’s sale of the Sundance Mountain Resort by Robert Redford to Broadreach Capitol Partners and Cedar Capital Partners, a winter filled with precipitation could lead to a new look.

“As stewards of this unique place, it has always been my vision that the Sundance Mountain Resort would be a place where art, nature and recreation come together to make the world a better place — now and in the future, change is inevitable, and for several years, my family and I have been thinking about a transition to new ownership for the resort,” Redford said at the time. “We knew that at the right time, and with the right people, we could make the transition. Broadreach and Cedar share our values and interest in maintaining the resort’s unique character, while honoring its history, community and natural beauty. This makes them well-suited to ensure that future generations can continue to find solace and inspiration here.”

After less than a year of owning Sundance, which is scheduled to open on Dec. 10, a host of changes have taken place to make the resort experience, the new owners hope, even better for their guests.

There are two new lifts, including a high-speed detachable quad lift. The new lift will improve the experience on the mountain for everyone and will include a mid-station unloading area for beginner-level skiers.

For those that continue on the seven-minute ride to the top of the lift there is now an additional 35 acres of skiing area that will be open both for day and night use.

“Sundance Mountain Resort is investing in the most significant mountain improvements in its history,” said Chad Linebaugh, the President and General Manager at Sundance Mountain Resort. “We are excited to welcome our first high-speed lift to the Sundance Mountain and anticipate a great guest experience with more time on the slopes. Our guests will find there is even more to enjoy on and off the mountain with the offerings and upgrades throughout the resort.”

A new area for beginning skiers has been added with upgrades to the mountain that include three magic carpets lifts — which will give those skiers more opportunities to learn. These will also improve access to the entire base area.

A new snowmaking reservoir has been added to the resort to create a water storage area that will increase snowmaking capabilities on the entire mountain. A new air/water snowmaking system has been installed on the upper mountain that will increase the speed, amount and quality of snow that can be made.

New RIFD technology has been added to the ticketing system that will allow guests to keep their tickets inside a pocket. These will read as they approach lifts, which is expected to lead to a decrease in time waiting in line. They can also be reloaded online, avoiding the need to wait in a ticket line.

Actor Robert Redford is the founder of the Sundance Film Festival and the founder of the Sundance Mountain Resort. (Daily Herald file photo)

New parking has also been added with an additional 160 newly-paved spaces in the complimentary parking lots. There will also be paid parking available in select lots to encourage carpooling on weekends and holidays. Cars with four or more guests will enjoy complimentary parking.

There are also expanded dining experiences with six outlets located across the resort, each with its own menu and offerings. A new option this year is The Lookout which will feature a modern BBQ menu and is located where the old Creekside Café was at the base of the mountain.

As Sundance continues to grow and offer more all-season activities, people can watch for other changes, all with the goal of keeping the artistic roots and connection to nature that Redford intended when he purchased the property over 50 years ago.

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