A Mountain Retreat-Sundance Resort

Photos by Monique Beeley
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What’s your summer pleasure? Mountain biking miles of singletrack through cool alpine forests? A casual, tasty brunch on the patio? Hiking with a naturalist on designated foot-traffic trails with majestic peaks as a backdrop? Kickin’ back in the open air enjoying a concert by a world-renowned symphony orchestra? Or, country music straight from Nashville, the cradle of country music? Dining in elegant surroundings with gourmet cuisine and fine wines? Flyfishing for wily trout in a cool mountain stream? Spending quality time with your partner at a truly romantic setting in luxurious accommodations?

The place? Sundance Resort, high in the Wasatch Mountains with a backdrop of towering Mount Timpanogos, “The Sleeping Maiden” to early Native Americans. More than merely a resort, Sundance is a mountain preserve that encourages self-expression, cultivation of the arts and preservation and respect for the land in a unique setting of diverse, outdoor recreation for all skills and ages.

Let’s talk Mountain Biking. Sundance continues to develop an extensive system of quality trails for intermediates and experts. The 25 miles of singletrack can be accessed by Ray’s Lift ($7 daily), whisking riders from the base at 6100 feet to mid-mountain at nearly 7000. Trails wind through groves of stately aspen and pine, past alpine ponds where moose sightings are frequent. Climbs, switchbacks, descents, whoop-de-doos. Everything for the experienced fat-tire enthusiast. Want to try your hand at racing? Sundance, in conjunction with Soldier Hollow (the venue for 2002 Olympic Nordic events), join forces to stage the Sundance Mountain Bike Race Series, cross-country races for all abilities and ages on Wednesday

evenings. Or, if downhill is your kick, ask about the Super “D” race series on a course from the top of Ray’s Summit screaming down to the base.

But wait! There’s more! New this summer is a whopping 16-mile system of beginner terrain at Sundance’s Elk Meadows. And riders of all levels can benefit from a lesson at the Mountain Biking Skills Clinic. Whether it’s the basics on gradual climbs and descents or advance techniques in cornering, maintaining speed or conquering obstacles, these two-hour or half-day sessions will prove invaluable. Top-of-the-line rental bikes and helmets for adults and kids are available at Sundance Mountain Outfitters.

Hiking. Still the best, most exhilarating way to be one with the mountains. Sundance, ever committed to the philosophy of harmony with the environment, offers separate, designated trails for hikers. To minimize impact and maximize the experience, the daily number is limited. A detailed map and well-marked trails eliminate any difficulty in route finding, even for the first-timer. Ray’s Lift can access many of the Sundance hiking trails, or, for the true aficionado, hike up from the base. The hike to Stewart Falls is invigorating and the views breathtaking.

For a memorable and educational outdoor experience, join the naturalist from the North Fork Preservation Alliance on a guided hike. Learn history of the canyon, identify species of flora and fauna, and take part in discussions on conservation and preservation with a naturalist who truly knows, respects and values this unique landscape.

Guided Flyfishing & Horseback Riding can be arranged at the Sundance concierge desk, and is provided by Rocky Mountain Outfitters. The Provo River, a blue-ribbon trout stream just minutes away from the resort, presents a scenic challenge for anglers seeking the wily rainbow or brown. The trails at Soldier Hollow, not long ago the scene of Olympic glory, now offer quality riding for the equestrian enthusiast.

Ahh, the Spa. After a hard day of activities on Sundance’s trails, what could be better than therapeutic regeneration of tired and aching muscles at a world-class spa? The Spa at Sundance has six quiet treatment rooms, five for extensive massage and bodywork and one for aesthetics. Visitors can select any of five unique treatments lasting from 30 to 90 minutes. Licensed and experienced therapists will treat you to your choice of Four Winds Massage, Deep Tissue, Turtle (Tsisteel to the Navajo) Balancing Treatment, Pressure Point/Reflexology and the spa’s signature massage, the soothing Sundance Stone Massage, a full 1 ½ hour of healing human touch combined with warm, basalt stone therapy. Bodywork includes Ginger Scrub, Neroli (orange blossom) Polish, Honey & Cornmeal Body Blanket and Sage & Sweetgrass Rub. Skin care for both men and women is provided, as well as regularly scheduled Yoga and a well-appointed fitness center. Ahh!

Sundance, beyond any thing else, is dedicated to cultivation of the Arts. The Sundance Artisan Center presents programs and workshops in pottery (wheel, hand building and sculpting), several jewelry classes working in various media, painting & drawing, and photography, with the backdrop of Mount Timpanogos as the majestic subject. Beginners and kids of all ages are welcome. The Utah Symphony and guest artists perform at regularly scheduled pops and classical concerts under the stars in the amphitheater. Choose your pleasure, arena seating or on a blanket spread out on the grass. For the country music enthusiast, the Owl Bar is the setting for The Bluebird Café. This Nashville based entity features award winning singers, musicians and songwriters performing their original works as well as titles composed by other renowned country composers.

Shop ‘till you… At the Sundance General Store, you’ll find handmade Native American jewelry, unique crafts and wonderful gifts to bring back home. A different Western artist or craftsman is featured every month. At the Deli, you can buy a tasty sanny or wrap to bring along on your picnic hike. Many of the food items here are produced by local American cottage farmers or actually grown on Sundance property. Sunday is Farmer’s Market day. Shop for seasonal produce, berries, fruits, herbs and local flowers. The Market also has hand-blown artistic glass, ceramics, wooden planters, soaps and fabrics. Drop.

Dining & Lodging. Maybe we’re saving the best for last. The Foundry Grill, decorated in a Western motif, serves breakfast lunch and dinner with flair. Start the day with a healthy breakfast of homemade granola and yogurt or a fresh fruit plate. Or, a hearty build-your-own omelet. The lunch menu lists creative salads, soups, pastas and sandwiches. For dinner, several healthful, delicious entrees are served either indoors or on the patio. (Hint- don’t tell her, but the homemade meatloaf is better than mom’s). A comprehensive wine list is available.

The Tree Room is exactly that. A huge cottonwood (well preserved, but no longer alive) is the centerpiece of this AAA Four Diamond restaurant. The appetizers, entrees and desserts can best be described as creative Western mountain fare, prepared and served with panache. Fine wines are available to compliment fine cuisine. Truly one of Utah’s, and the west’s, best dining establishments.

The Owl Bar conjures up a mysterious aura of Western history. Butch Cassidy, The Sundance Kid and The Wild Bunch frequented the saloon that once was the home of the bar, sideboard, back-bar/mirror and fixtures now permanently on display (and used) in the Owl. Ask the bartender to point out the bullet hole, and how it got there. A fascinating place in the reality of authentic Western lore.

The accommodations at Sundance range from the mere glorious to the truly spectacular. From comfy studios and stylish suites, to large, four bedroom secluded mountain homes, all are tastefully appointed and decorated. These are no cookie-cutter motel rooms. This is luxury, and affordable for couples, families, and gatherings. Accommodations to rival their majestic surroundings. Exquisite, rustic elegance. This is Sundance. For any and all who are seeking the ultimate retreat for recreation, the arts, shopping, dining and most of all, for rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit.

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Sundance Resort 801-225-4107 or 800-892-1600 www.sundanceresort.com