Skiing is our family’s favorite winter activity! We’ve come a long way since our boys, now 9 and 12, started out at 3-4 years old. I’ve also gradually overcome many of my ski anxieties as a mom and adult learner! If you are curious about skiing as a family – here’s a post to help you get started.
Since we don’t live near the mountains and have limited time off work/ school, we’ve figured out how to make the most of, and plan our ski trips, around long weekends. This winter, we managed three ski trips – all to Utah. Here’s a quick explanation why we keep on returning to ski in Utah!
We skied over MLK weekend (Snowbasin & Powder Mountain), President’s day weekend (Deer Valley ) and a school district long weekend in early March. Each trip was different (extended family, on Chase/Hyatt points, trying a new spot). I’ve shared them all on our Instagram, and will try to share the details here on the blog too. Since we just got back from Sundance, let’s start there!
Sundance decribes itself as “an arts community, a recreational community, a community of people who appreciate the beauty of nature and feel the responsibility to preserve it.” Tucked at the base of 12,000 ft Mt. Timpanogos, the Sundance Mountain Resort offers the perfect mix of rustic charm and laid-back luxury. Sundance is surrounded by 5,000 acres of protected wilderness. It is an unique escape for outdoor adventure, creative experiences and cozy mountain vibes. Just an hour from Salt Lake City, 45 minutes from Park City or 30 minutes from Midway, Sundance is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Here’s how we spent our long weekend in this winter wonderland!
Day 1: Friday Evening Travel – getting to Sundance Mountain Resort
We departed from the Long Beach airport for an after-school, after-work Friday evening flight. This brought us to Salt Lake City around 8pm. Here’s a video sharing how we pack for these travel ski trips. After getting our bags, gear and rental car, we headed to Sundance. Although we arrived late, we received a warm welcome when checking into our cozy lodge room for the weekend.
Day 2: Saturday Ski, Apres, And Diningndly.
We started our morning with a delicious breakfast at the Foundry Grill. There are several dining options at Sundance, but this is the main dining room that is family friendly. If you are looking for something more casual, the Sundance Deli in the village offers fresh sandwiches and salads, baked goods, smoothies, coffee and espresso.
We bring our own ski gear and no longer take lessons on our trips. However, Sundance does offer ski and snowboard rentals at their Rental Shop, with options for standard and high-performance gear, plus helmets and poles. For lessons, Sundance’s Ski & Snowboard School has PSIA/ AASI certified instructors for:
- Private Lessons (all ages) for personalized coaching
- Group Lessons for kids and adults
- Children’s Programs (ages 3-12) with half-day and full-day options
- Adaptive Lessons for skiers with disabilities
After fueling up with breakfast, we were ready to hit the slopes. It was a beautiful blue bird day, perfect for spring skiing! After a few runs, we decided to get lunch at the Bearclaw Cabin – which has fabulous views and vibes.
To get to Bearclaw Cabin, take Rays Lift to the top of the mountain, then ski or ride down to Red’s Lift for a scenic ride to the summit. The cabin, which sits atop Sundance Mountain, has stunning 360-degree views. You have to order the nachos. They are so good!
Apres Ski in Heber Valley
After Jason and Alex wrapped their full day of skiing, we changed and headed out for our apres ski adventure! Just 20 minutes from Sundance, the Utah Crater is a hidden gem in Midway, Utah. This geothermal hot spring, tucked inside a limestone dome, stays a cozy 95°F year-round. It’s quite deep, and while we were there, there were students taking diving lessons! We put on the provided life jackets and floated in the warm, mineral-rich water. It was such a neat experience to soak inside a crater! Here is a short video of our experience. To book a 1 hour soak/ swim experience, click here.
For dinner, we headed into Midway City Center. Midway is known for its Swiss-inspired architecture and inviting eateries. We dined at Midway Mercantile, a cozy restaurant offering delicious seasonal dishes. We highly recommend saving room for the dessert – the homemade pies are amazing!
Day 3: Sunday – More Skiing, Pottery and Fine Dining
One of the things that makes a Sundance ski vacation so special is its focus on art and wellness. We enjoyed another day of skiing – we did a few runs together as a family, and the boys had fun hitting up the terrain park.
On this day, we had a nice slopeside lunch at the base at the Lookout.
After skiing, we headed over to the Sundance Art Studio where we took a pottery class as a family. Tim was our patient and wonderful instructor who helped us shape and paint our own creations.
After they are fired, they will be shipped to us as memorable souvenirs from our trip. Here is a link to a short video of our pottery experience. The Sundance Art Studio also offers jewelry-making, painting, and soap-making workshops.
After our pottery session and lunch, we decided to check out The Springs, Sundance’s pool and spa area. With a heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, and a eucalyptus steam room, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes or exploring the mountains. Here’s a video of our experience.
While I didn’t get a chance to take advantage of them this time, Sundance also offers complimentary yoga for guests. They have a full-service spa as well, offering rejuvenating treatments—definitely on my list for next time!
We wrapped up our perfect day with dinner at The Foundry Grill, which wowed us just as much as breakfast did. It’s pretty incredible to enjoy fine dining on a family ski trip—without any hassle.
After dinner, Jason and I grabbed a nightcap at The Owl Bar, a historic and cozy spot featuring an original 1890s Rosewood bar that was once frequented by Butch Cassidy’s Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. (Fun fact: Robert Redford had it moved from Thermopolis, Wyoming, to Sundance!) The bar exudes Old West charm with its warm, intimate atmosphere, craft cocktails, local brews, and live music on weekends—perfect for a laid-back après-ski vibe.
Day 4: Monday – Snowmobiling and Lunch in Heber Valley before heading home
After checking out of Sundance Resort, we made our way back to Heber Valley for an unforgettable morning of snowmobiling. This area boasts some of Utah’s best snowmobile trails, with miles of open terrain and deep powder, making it a perfect adventure for both thrill-seekers and those looking for a break from the slopes / non-skiers.
We booked our tour with Wasatch Excursions, the only outfitter with access to the stunning backcountry of Soldier Hollow in Midway. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer, their guided tours offer an epic way to explore the Wasatch Mountains. Our guide also took these fabulous photos for us!
To book a snowmobiling tour with Wasatch Excursions, visit their website and make your reservation. Tours start at $239 for a 2 hour guided tour, or $288 for 2 riders.
After an adrenaline-filled morning, we stopped for lunch in a private Alpenglobe at Café Galleria in Midway, Utah. Reservations are required, and can be made here). This rustic Italian eatery on historic Main Street offers delicious wood-fired pizzas and pasta. It was a perfect way to wrap up our wonderful weekend.
What we loved about Sundance Mountain Resort
Sundance isn’t just a ski resort—it’s an experience that blends adventure, art, wellness, and nature into something truly special. Whether you’re carving down the slopes, soaking in the hot tub, taking an art class, or exploring nearby Heber Valley, every moment here feels fabulous. We loved the resort’s intimate atmosphere and found it to be a refreshing change from larger, more crowded ski destinations. It is perfect for a romantic or family getaway. There’s truly something for everyone!
Tips for Visiting Sundance Mountain Resort:
- Children ski free: Children 5 and under ski free at Sundance Mountain Resort. To get a free lift ticket, visit the Ticket Office
- Ski Utah Passport: If your child is in the 4th, 5th or 6th grade, they can ski three days fro free at Sundance * for a low seasonal price. More details here.
- Stay and Ski Promotion: Sundance often offers two free ski lift tickets per room per night – for early bookings, or spring season.
- Locals Discount: Sundance often has special deals for locals. The Utah resident rate offers 30% off a stay.
- Military Program: Read more about their Mountain Veterans Program here.
- Exciting Expansion! Sundance is currently building new ski-in, ski-out lodging at the base, expected to be ready for next season—making access to the slopes even easier! For more updates, read here.
Disclaimer: This experience was hosted by Ski Utah and Heber Valley, but all opinions are my own. This post may also contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you.