The iconic Tree Room at Sundance Mountain Resort reopened last week after receiving a thoughtful refresh. Built in 1970 as Robert Redford’s first structure at the resort, the space set the tone for everything that followed. Redford’s vision was to honor the natural setting and the heritage of the Native peoples who came before him. The restaurant was intimate, warm, and full of life—quite literally. The room was constructed around a living tree, a bold and poetic design choice that remains its defining feature.
The Vibe
Why does it matter what a restaurant looks like? For skiers like me, a great meal is an essential part of any ski vacation. Skiing is as much about the vibe and shared experiences as it is about the number of runs and moguls conquered. When choosing a resort, I’m always drawn to places that offer something special. A yurt dinner, a snowshoe under the stars, or the chance to wrangle sled dogs—I’m in. It’s the small, thoughtful experiences that turn an ordinary ski day into something unforgettable.
I’ve long been a fan of the romance and solitude of Sundance Resort. For more than a decade, I’ve been making memories here, lucky enough to enjoy a few perfect ski days that ended with a memorable meal in the famed Tree Room. When I heard the restaurant was reopening under new management, I’ll admit I was a bit nervous. Some things don’t need improvement. Fortunately, the Tree Room was placed in very capable hands. Sundance Mountain Resort Senior Director of Food & Beverage Manny Rozehnal shared, “We focused on adding warmth and energy without changing what people already love about the Tree Room.”
The Layout
In addition to the refreshed dining room, guests can now enjoy the new Library Lounge. The first thing you notice is the roaring fireplace, lovingly tended throughout the evening by the staff, with stacks of fresh logs ready to keep the glow alive. The handsome space is filled with books and memorabilia, creating a cozy setting for cocktails and small plates. It’s the kind of room that invites you to linger—sip a drink, open a book, or settle into a meaningful conversation.
Nearby, the hostess stand was staffed by a stylish young woman in a distinctive western hat and boots, who warmly greeted us and led us to our table (note: reservations are available at 866-627-8313 or sundanceresort.com). As we walked through the space, it was clear the updates hadn’t diminished the original vision. The Native American rug remained. The Kachina dolls were still there. These meaningful artifacts had been carefully preserved, reinforcing the sense of reverence for the past.
We were seated in the main dining room, right by the fireplace—undeniably the best seats in the house. Tucked into our cozy nook, it was immediately clear we were in for a special evening. The new tables feature live edges, meaning there are no hard right angles. The effect is masculine yet warm—grounded, never cold.
The Menu
It wasn’t just the décor that received attention. Executive Chef Diane Davidson and Sous Chef Matt Nakpansue have also introduced a fresh winter menu that feels both elevated and comforting.
We began with cocktails. I ordered the Robinette, a gin-based drink with hibiscus syrup and a delicate egg foam, while my friend opted for one of the lively Sundance whites. The Honig–Sundance Sauvignon Blanc is just one of many enticing selections on the award-winning wine list.
The starters are not to be missed. In fact, the scallops were the standout of the night. The pairing of sweet, perfectly cooked scallops with a silky lobster consommé was exceptional. Three generous scallops were topped with smoked trout roe, each bite delivering a bright pop of flavor.
We both ordered salads next, which provided refreshing, well-balanced flavor combinations—an ideal middle course. The entrées were definite crowd-pleasers. My friend chose the King Salmon, served with Thai curry salmon mousse and coconut, while I opted for the classic Tree Room Pepper Steak. It’s the mango chutney that truly makes the dish sing. Both plates were executed to perfection.
Though we passed on dessert, we were presented with house-made truffles alongside the bill—a thoughtful final touch. The service throughout the evening was impeccable: perfectly paced, attentive without hovering, and delivered with genuine warmth.
The full winter experience is about time spent outdoors, followed by moments indoors—sharing stories and savoring a great meal. Entrusting those memories to Sundance and the Tree Room feels natural for romantics who value slowing down, ordering that second glass of wine, sharing bites, and losing track of time with someone dear.
Find out more about Sundance with our travel planner feature here.
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