This week, Park City will transform into the epicenter of independent film with the Sundance Film Festival. While the film festival itself is amazing, this is also a really incredible time to get on the mountain and ski or ride. In my opinion, these are two of the best weeks of the year.
While town is packed with festivalgoers attending screenings, talks, and parties, the slopes tend to be quiet and peaceful. It can feel like you have the mountain to yourself in the heart of the season.
If you want to get on the mountain during the festival, we make it easy to get in some turns. We offer top-notch ski and snowboard rentals, helmets, and ski jacket and snow pant rentals, which gets you most of the way to being mountain-ready. All of our stores carry reasonably priced goggles and gloves, and our Main Street location, Park City Sport on Main, carries everything else you might want, like base layers.
This guide will help you with what you need to know to add a day of skiing or riding to your Sundance trip.
What the Skiing & Riding Looks Like Right Now
Sundance starts this week, and we have a clear picture of what’s ahead.
Right now, groomers are skiing and riding really well, and the forecast is shaping up with bright, bluebird days and plenty of sunshine. These are the kinds of days people travel for: crisp mornings, great visibility, and comfortable afternoons that make it easy to spend a few relaxed hours on the mountain.
There’s also a chance of a storm later in the week, which could mean fresh powder. But even without chasing fresh snow, the current conditions are great for enjoyable, low-stress skiing and snowboarding, especially if you’re balancing mountain time with festival events.
Ski or Ride in the Morning, Sundance in the Afternoon
One of the biggest advantages of skiing during Sundance is how naturally it fits into the festival schedule.
Most screenings and panels start later in the day. That makes mornings the perfect window to get on the mountain, enjoy a few solid hours of skiing or riding, and still be back in town with time to spare.
A common Sundance ski-day rhythm looks like this:
- Morning laps on groomers under sunny skies
- Late morning return to town
- Lunch, coffee, or downtime
- Afternoon and evening screenings, talks, and events
Because the resorts are so close to Main Street, skiing doesn’t feel like a full-day commitment. It’s an easy, fun, and memorable add-on.
Where You Can Ski or Ride During Sundance
If you’re skiing, you have options. If you’re snowboarding, there’s one clear choice.
- Park City Mountain: Open to both skiers and snowboarders, with expansive terrain, long groomers, and easy access from town.
- Deer Valley Resort: A skier-only resort known for immaculate grooming and a quieter on-mountain experience.
Snowboarders should plan to ride Park City Mountain exclusively, while skiers can choose whichever resort best fits their style, or split days if time allows.
You Don’t Need to Pack Ski Clothing
Flying to Sundance usually means tight luggage space. Festival outfits, boots, and layers add up fast, and ski clothing often gets left behind as “too much.”
That’s not a problem here.
At Park City Sport, we rent ski jackets and snow pants, making it easy to ski or ride without packing bulky outerwear.
This means you can:
- Decide to ski last-minute
- Adjust day by day based on weather
- Avoid buying expensive gear you may not use often
In addition to rentals, all of our stores carry goggles, gloves, neck warmers, ski & snowboard socks, and other accessories. Our Main Street shop also carries a full range of apparel in case you want base layers or other items.
Great Ski & Snowboard Rentals Matter When Time Is Limited
Sundance schedules are full. The last thing you want is to lose valuable hours dealing with uncomfortable boots or poorly matched equipment.
Our team focuses on getting you set up quickly and correctly. We carry a wide range of boots to fit our customers better than the competition and we do a real boot fitting to get you in the best gear.
Whether you’re brand new, returning after years away, or skiing and riding regularly, we’ll help you get on snow confidently so you can enjoy every run.
Sundance Pro Tips from a Local
Dining reservations fill fast, but you still have great options.
Many popular restaurants book out weeks in advance during Sundance, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Park City has excellent walk-in and takeout options. One local favorite is Vessel at the Junction. It’s casual, fast, and consistently good, making it a great stop between skiing and screenings. Though factor in traffic going from town to the Junction and back.
Skip the car whenever possible.
Parking during Sundance is really difficult, especially near Main Street. Public transportation is usually faster and easier. Park City’s free bus system connects lodging areas, Main Street, and the resorts efficiently. If you’re going car-free in Park City for the first time, check out our article on how to get around Park City without a car.
Ski early, festival later.
Morning skiing offers quiet slopes and smoother logistics. You’ll be back in town before crowds peak and screenings begin.
Let locals help you layer.
With sunny days in the forecast and colder mornings possible, renting outerwear and picking up layers locally makes it easy to stay comfortable without guessing. We’ll help you dial in the right setup for the day.
IMO Skiing or Riding Makes Sundance Better
As a local who loves Sundance, I find getting out in the morning and enjoying nature and movement before the intensity of the crowds and festival experience makes Sundance even better. It’s a great time to clear your head and prepare for a packed afternoon/evening. And what’s not to love about layering on a world class ski experience with a world class film festival.
We would love to help you get on the mountain during the festival. Check out our rental equipment options here or get your reservations started now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skiing & Snowboarding During Sundance Film Festival
Surprisingly, no. While Main Street and screening venues are busy, the ski slopes are quiet, especially in the mornings.
Yes. With groomers skiing well, sunny bluebird days in the forecast, and the chance of storms later this week, Sundance Film Festival offers excellent conditions, plus the rare opportunity to combine world-class skiing or snowboarding with a major cultural event. It’s really easy to get on the mountain during your trip.
Absolutely. Park City Sport rents ski jackets and snow pants, making it easy to ski or ride without packing bulky clothing. You can also pick up gloves, goggles, neck warmers, socks, and rent a helmet all in one stop at any of our locations. If you want base layers or other clothing, our Main Street store has a great selection.
