Sundance's vision is to remain balanced with nature

SUNDANCE — Like other northern Utah ski resorts that report doing brisk business over the holidays, Utah County's Sundance has been bustling with activity.

Yet Sundance also clings to its peaceful celebration of nature.

That was owner Robert Redford's vision when he purchased the land in 1969, and employees say it's what makes Sundance special today.

"Sundance is unique. It's a different type of resort, and we're really proud of that," said Lucy Ridolphi, who for the past four years has served as Sundance's marketing and public relations manager.

Jerry Warren, director of mountain operations, describes the resort as "understated."

Visitors won't see large condominiums when they pull into Sundance's parking lots, Warren said, and chances are they won't even see any of the 105 mountain cottages and homes tucked away in the natural setting of the resort.

"As far as what man can build, it's understated," Warren said. "What God has given us is magnificent. We want to keep that ratio right."

That's by Redford's design, Ridolphi said.

Known for his work as an actor in films such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Natural" and "Out of Africa," as well as his creation of the Sundance Institute to promote independent filmmaking, Redford founded Sundance as an arts and recreation community co-existing with nature.

"What Mr. Redford had in mind was a place where art, nature and recreation were all in balance and working together, and a place that had a sense of community," she said.

In the early to mid-1900s, a family of Scottish immigrants homesteaded the area for herding sheep. The land was later developed into a small ski resort and sold to Redford.

"This area right now is more environmentally sound now than it was back in the 1940s and 1950s when they were herding sheep here," Warren said. "That's because of the preserves that (Redford) has set aside, the way that he has protected it."

In all, Sundance covers about 6,000 acres at the base of Mt. Timpanogos, though only about 500 acres is used for alpine skiing and snowboarding.

Warren has skied all 500 acres border to border — and he's done so with some of the best skiers in the world.