Conservation at Sundance Resort

Better because of what we didn't build.

When Robert Redford first set foot here, he saw something remarkable. And knew it deserved more than a common fate. So he took an uncommon approach to the land he purchased, ensuring the vast majority was permanently set aside as nature conservation.

Then, he cultivated a community that balanced art, nature, and play—planning thoughtfully and measuring success by the impacts avoided, rather than the footprint created.

Redford’s approach is well represented by the Tree Room — his first addition to the resort, which he built by hand. He couldn’t bear to cut down a tree in the middle of the plot.

So, it became a restaurant with a tree in the middle … a restaurant destined to attain renowned status, filled with fine art and fine wine. Yet, always, a tree is at its center. Anchoring down, reaching up.

Total resort property: 3,800 acres
Sundance Mountain Resort Preserve: 1,547 acres
Redford Family & Elk Meadows Preserves: 1,176 acres
Permanently protected: 70% of acreage

Man belongs to Earth. Earth does not belong to man.

Chief Seattle, leader of the Duwamish and Suquamish peoples

Sustainability isn’t a list of checked boxes or a handful of initiatives we can tout. For Sundance Mountain Resort and all who love this place, not only do we share a reverence for this mountain, but we understand the impact of all our actions on the world beyond.

As you read more about what we do to safeguard the environment, minimize impacts, and do a good turn whenever the opportunity arises, keep in mind that we’ll never stop retooling and rethinking how to do more and do better. We owe it not only to our founder but to future generations too.

Conserving land - and nurturing the landscape

Land Conservation: The resort has permanently protected 3,343 acres of its land under conservation easements, working with key partners like the Sundance Nature Alliance to protect the land and promote stewardship in Provo canyon and beyond.

Wildlife Partnership: We collaborate with Great Basin Wildlife Rescue to rehabilitate and reintroduce injured birds into the local habitat, helping rebalance the native wildlife population.

NSAA Sustainable Slopes: We’re a member of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Sustainable Slopes program, a commitment to environmental sustainability within the ski industry.

Wildlife Research: We partner with the Wild Utah Project, providing them access to our property to conduct studies on endangered birds.

Community Clean-ups: We organize community canyon clean-ups to help maintain the health and beauty of our local environment.

Native Seed Mix: We’ve developed a native seed mix used to restore native plant populations across the resort, guided by detailed mapping to identify areas needing restoration.

Making everyday choices that add up

Lodging with a lighter footprint: All rooms are cleaned using nontoxic cleaning supplies, and they have recycling containers for guests.

Recycled glassworks: Wine bottles and other glass bottles used on-site are recycled right here in our glass-blowing studio. They become water glasses, dinner plates, vases, pitchers, and even art pieces—many of which are then reused around the resort.

Commerce with intention: Our stores think green first, featuring goods using organic, natural, local, and recycled materials in every possible instance. Our culinary teams use organic ingredients wherever possible as well as chlorine-free paper products. We then recycle all the packing materials to reduce shipping waste.

A “light on the land” approach: New builds and remodels are performed with careful intention. We take steps like using low-VOC paint, salvaged wood when possible, and energy-efficient lighting and heating. Sometimes we really get creative: when the Redford Conference Center was built, the wood was stained with coffee grounds rather than typical stains.

Offsetting 100% of our energy use with renewables

Rocky Mountain Power Blue Sky Credits: 90% of our energy is offset through this program, which supports renewable energy generation in the region.

Subscriber Solar: The remaining 10% of our electricity is offset through our participation in the Subscriber Solar program, which provides a direct source of solar power.

Minimizing water use on and off the mountain

Snowmaking System: We've upgraded our snowmaking system, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced water consumption.

Waterless Urinals: We’re currently retrofitting existing facilities with waterless urinals to reduce water usage.

Low-Flow Fixtures: Low-flow water fixtures have been installed in all bathrooms, kitchens, and other water access points across the resort and cottages to conserve water.

Irrigation Systems: We’re in the process of upgrading our irrigation systems to more efficient drip systems where feasible, which minimizes water waste compared to traditional sprinkler systems.

Making transport cleaner—and easier

EV Charging Stations: Charging stations are available in multiple parking lots across the property to support guests and staff who use electric vehicles.

Carpooling Incentive: We encourage carpooling by offering free parking to vehicles arriving with four or more guests.

Guest Transit: We partner with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) and The Ryde to provide guest transit to and from the resort.