Ultimate Guide to the Sundance Film Festival

December 29, 2025

By Claire Breukel

Established in Park City in 1981 by then chairperson Robert Redford (1936-2025), the Sundance Film Festival enjoys a final year in the city before relocating to Boulder, Colorado. From January 22 to February 1, film aficionados flock for 105 festival projects. Between screenings, the region is ideal for snow-capped mountain skiing followed by chic and cozy choices for après-ski.  

Ski

DEER VALLEY SKI RESORT

In its 45th season, Deer Valley is an opulent and devoted skier-only destination. Descend to Ski Beach and soak in the sun, or savor Champagne and caviar fireside at the Après Lounge. Not a skier? Take a culinary class or tuck into a bowl of world-famous turkey chili. 

PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT

In 2015, Vail Resorts merged Park City Mountain and Canyon Resort to create a 7,300-acre, 340-trail playground for skiers and snowboarders. Hotels and condos, pools, spas, and both easygoing and fine dining offer something for everyone. 

Stay

GOLDENER HIRSH AUBERGE COLLECTION 

Austrian chalet charm meets contemporary panache at this Deer Valley luxury enclave offering “inn” rooms and residences. The newly reopened alpine restaurant, The Hirsch, offers fresh takes on seafood classics while retaining its signature schnitzel, strudel, and four-cheese fondue. 

THE ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY
This pet-friendly paradise, with classic St. Regis hospitality, is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains. Don’t miss the daily Mountain Terrace sunset champagne sabering. 

WASHINGTON SCHOOL HOUSE HOTEL  

A former school, this 12-room boutique gem takes inspiration from the revolutionary reputation of its namesake, George Washington. Located centrally, continue your history lesson at the adjacent Park City Museum.

Dine

GLITRETIND

This celebrated Sunday brunch must-try is located at Stein Eriksen Lodge. An $80 buffet offers a variety of options, from roast and sushi to accompany your favorite eggs.

CHIMAYO

A Bill White Restaurant, Chimayo, perfects the cuisine of ‘Southern Mexican meets local.’ An upbeat ambiance and menu include duck enchiladas, seared trout fajitas, and for dessert… tres leches. 

Sip

LOBBY BAR AT THE PENDRY HOTEL

Craft cocktails, a roaring fire, and live music make for an ideal cozy-chic après-ski. Wander to the rooftop Pool House for more libations with mountain views. 

HIGH WEST DISTILLERY AND SALOON 

At the base of Quittin’ Time ski run, you’ll find “the world’s only ski-in/ski-out whiskey distillery”. Founded by David and Jane Perkins in 2006, the distillery offers tours, tastings, a shop, and an American restaurant featuring whiskey cocktails that promise a warm welcome.

LE DEPOT BRASSERIE

This modern-classic French brasserie is located in Robert Redford’s former iconic Zoom restaurant. The wine list, cocktail, and bar menu have been curated by James Beard chef Galen Zamarra. 

See

ANTIHEROINE

The premiere of Antiheroine shares the “unfiltered and unapologetic” story of now-sober rock and pop icon Courtney Love. 

ONE IN A MILLION

This subtitled documentary follows a young refugee girl as she navigates her decade-long journey between Germany and Syria.  

THE LAKE

This story of leaders fighting to save their Utah community from a nuclear bomb is directed by award-winning film director Abby Ellis. 

CULTURE

KIMBALL ART CENTER 

In its 50th year, this contemporary nonprofit programs exhibitions, community classes and a creative residency. This January, reimagine our world alongside three artists in the exhibition All Sketches Wish To Be Real.  

SUSAN SWARTZ STUDIOS

Enjoy the vibrant, nature-filled paintings of this recognized artist in her hometown gallery. Swartz’s practice is inspired by her commitment to environmental care, also reflected in the films she produces.  

SHOP

GORSUCH 

Find Aspen’s winter elegance on Main Street. Sink into a new ski jacket or a quietly luxurious Brunello Cucinelli cashmere. 

CHRISTIAN CENTER OF PARK CITY

Curated designer seconds make upscale thrifting-for-good a treasure-filled hunt. Proceeds aid Park City families in need.  

KEMO SABE

When in Utah, a cowboy hat is man-décor-atory. This Aspen-founded Western boutique proffers fine belts, buckles, and boots. And did someone say speakeasy? 

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