Camaraderie and coaching with spectacular views. You might even catch a glimpse of owner and super star Robert Redford.

Gorgeous view of Mt. Timpanogous.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

Several times a month the Sundance Seniors meet and ski the mountain together. They’re ski buddies. They’re bonded by their love of skiing and their passion for Sundance.

What’s more, Sundance Seniors get VIP care. Some ski days include a complimentary coaching session with Snowsports Director Jerry Warren or one of his top staff.

“We always want to keep everyone safe and enjoying skiing at this stage of their life, and we realize they aren’t trying out for the world cup anymore,” Warren said.

The scheduled ski days are published on the Senior Group on the Sundance website. When you’re in town, you’re invited join them for a day of ski fun and camaraderie.

Newcomers are always welcome, like avid fly fisherman Spencer Nishimoto who joined the group last winter after many seasons off from skiing. “These are really nice people to ski with. We develop friendships and rip up some runs. And the coaching makes it fun to keep learning.”

Unofficial senior leader Ralph Childs usually leads the way and sets the pace. But then he stops so the group can cluster again. All are strong skiers. Some are former ski instructors. But like most seniors, some have cranky knees and old injuries so they ski a tad slower. No problem. They ski, gather, chat, ski. Repeat.

Sundance grande dame Barbara Stewart Anderson and friends.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

And you never know who you’ll meet. Barbara Stewart Anderson skied there as a child because her father, Ray Stewart, founded the resort in 1944, built a 500 hundred foot rope tow, and named it Timp Haven. Today the main lift, Ray’s lift, memorializes his name.

A $150 senior season pass or a $20 day lift ticket gets you ski camaraderie and coaching with stunning views of Mt. Timpanogos.

In addition, it has elegant dining, a massive wooden bar where Butch Cassidy hung out, and a country store. Sundance is located in the Wasatch Mountains less than an hour south of Salt Lake City, but it’s often overlooked by destination skiers.

Antique farm implements decorate the Foundry Grill.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

To read more from Harriet click here for her stories on SkiUtah.

One Comment

  1. Hi Harriet, $20 for an occassional day of skiing wouldn’t be tempting if I wasn’t already getting free season passes at two local SoCal ski resorts. Snow Valley in Running Springs and Mountain High inn Wrightwood, CA give those over 70 free season passes. At 72 I’m still working 40+ hours of week so my skiing time is somewhat limited. For any of your group age 55+ who might want to ski/board in the morning and some practice on SUP in the afternoon (60 degree water today), they might try the SrStar Program every Wed at Mt High. $35/day for an AM certified instructors, ability-based ski/board lessons with and only other Sr’s and an all day lift ticket for anyone 55+ ($25 for those of us 70+). I think our record for a Wed session is about 65 seniors skier/boarders + instructors. Of course we don’t have Utah snow, but we are supposed to get up to a foot of snow this weekend. Let me know if you want to come over some week.

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