Work Up an Appetite in Sundance, Utah
By Lin Alder
Jan 1, 2006, 08:56
Like most of Robert Redford’s accomplishments, Sundance Resort—nestled in an alpine canyon beneath Utah’s Mount Timpanogos—is classy and downright cool. Here is a year-round destination full of amenities (gourmet food, lift-served hiking and biking trails) plus artist studios where art á la Sundance catalog is created. But unlike most other mountain resorts, Sundance is intentionally small, intimate and intended to harmonize with the surrounding mountain forest. Here’s your chance to experience one man’s dream of combining environmental conservation and artistic experimentation.
Work Up an Appetite
Mountain Bike Archie’s Loop
Thanks to its lower altitude, Sundance offers lift-served mountain biking a month earlier than other Utah resorts—seven days a week after Memorial Day weekend. Geared toward experienced beginners and skilled intermediate riders, this isn’t a place for bad-ass freeriders. For serious scenery, cruise intermediate-level Archie’s Loop (6 miles) to a jaw-dropping view of Provo Canyon. Switchback Alley, Rock & Roll and Speed Trap trails offer steeper and more bone-jarring options. Lift passes are $16 (full day), $12 half day (after 2:30). Sundance Mountain Outfitters offers bike rentals, gear and info. 801-223-4849; www.sundanceresort.com .
Hike to Stewart Falls
With a quick $7 lift ride to Ray’s Summit, the expansive alpine terrain below 11,749-foot Mount Timpanogos is yours to explore. Start by visiting Stewart Falls. Tumbling 180 feet, the double cascade vaporizes into a mist that will likely find its way to your face as you approach. From the falls, climb back to the lift or descend through quiet spruce stands, spectacular maple glens and fields of wildflowers to Theater in the Pines at Sundance. Guided hikes are also available. 801-225-4107; www.sundanceresort.com .
Indulge
Eat: Wood Grilled Salmon with Summer Squash, Potatoes and Truffle Butter at The Tree Room
Dining is an art form at Sundance, so bring a clean shirt and pants for the post-hike or ride affair. The Tree Room’s seasonal mountain cuisine served by candlelight earned AAA’s prestigious Four-Diamond award. Many of Redford’s Native-American kachina dolls (created by Hopi craftspeople) are on display here, offering a fascinating accent to the very classy ambiance. Reservations highly recommended. $22 and up per person; 801-223-4200.
Drink: Beer at The Owl Bar
Trust Redford to find, buy and move an actual rosewood bar at which Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid once ordered drinks. A limited menu from the Foundry Grill is available. On weekends, live music fills the intimate space, including tunes from local favorite, Blues on First. Normal hours: Monday–Friday, 5 p.m.–midnight; Saturday and Sunday, noon–midnight. 801-223-4222; www.sundance-resort.com/owl_bar.htm.
Be Merry: Listen to Up-and-Coming Singer/Songwriters at the Bluebird Café
Sundance is now the summer home of the Bluebird Café, where some of Nashville’s most gifted artists launched their careers. For six weeks in July and August, a few of the brightest singer/songwriters will bring a smile to your ears and sweet new CDs to your collection. Check ahead for the schedule. $15–$25; 801-223-4567; www.sundanceresort.com/bluebirdcafe.htm .
Digs
If you have the cash, staying at Sundance Resort ($225 and up; 800-892-1600; www.sundanceresort.com) can be a true retreat. The lodging units are tastefully folded into the forest in a way that feels as natural as a resort can feel. The harmony continues inside with a unique blend of rough-hewn wood and Native American accents. More affordable accommodations can be found 20 miles away in Midway, Utah. An unusual option is the Homestead Resort ($109 and up; 888-327-7220; www.homesteadresort.com ), complete with a hotpot crater (geothermal limestone cavern) for soaking, snorkeling and swimming.
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