Park City comes alive every winter with the magic of the Sundance Film Festival, and 2025 will be no exception. The festival, running from January 23 to February 2, 2025, is not only a celebration of film but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm and adventure that Park City offers. Whether you’re a cinephile catching the latest indie hits, a skier chasing fresh powder, or a foodie seeking culinary delights, there’s something here for everyone.
Stay at Newpark Resort, located in the heart of Kimball Junction, for the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and access to Park City’s best experiences. It is the perfect Sundance Film Festival hotel for your time in Utah.
Here’s an updated guide to Sundance 2025 and everything you can do to make your trip unforgettable.
Stay, Sleep, Sundance
You shouldn’t need an elaborate heist like Ocean’s Eleven or its sequels to afford your lodging during the Sundance Film Festival. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in Kimball Junction. This charming Park City neighborhood is conveniently located just off I-80 as you approach from Salt Lake City. Although it’s seven miles from Main Street, the area offers easy access via the free city bus or a quick Lyft ride. Newpark Resort is the perfect location for a hotel for the Sundance Film Festival. Plus, you’ll have a variety of dining options within walking distance, including Mod Pizza, Vessel Kitchen, Maxwell’s Pizza, and Smith’s Grocery.
Get An A-List Worthy Hotel Even Without The A-List Status
For ten exhilarating days each January, the Sundance Film Festival transforms the quaint mountain town of Park City into a vibrant hub of creativity and celebration, rivaling the spectacle of robots taking over WestWorld. In addition to multiple venues in Park City, theaters in Salt Lake City expand the festival’s reach. With the bustling atmosphere, navigating the epicenter of events can feel as challenging as plotting a clear path for Ethan Hunt.
To streamline your experience and avoid the chaos, consider Newpark Resort, which boasts some of the most well-appointed accommodations in Park City. With 127 spacious and elegantly designed guest rooms, along with seven two-bedroom townhomes, guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including queen or king beds, cozy gas fireplaces, sleeper sofas, and options for wet bars or full kitchens. The resort also offers complimentary access to a business center, fitness center, steam room, sauna, both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an outdoor hot tub, guest laundry facilities, ski/bike storage, parking, and WiFi to make your stay as convenient as possible while attending the film festival.
Sundance Film Festival Highlights
The Sundance Film Festival turns Park City into a vibrant epicenter of creativity and celebrity. This year, anticipate a thrilling blend of innovative films, compelling documentaries, and engaging panel discussions.
Where to Catch Films:
- Eccles Theatre: The festival’s premier venue, hosting high-profile screenings.
- Prospector Theatre: A cozy option for catching hidden gems.
- Kimball Junction Theatres: Conveniently located near Newpark Resort, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for screenings.
Tips for First-Timers:
- Tickets: Book in advance online through Sundance’s official platform. For sold-out films, try your luck with the festival’s eWaitlist system.
- Venues and Shuttles: Take advantage of Park City’s free bus system to get around easily. Shuttles from Kimball Junction make it simple to get to Main Street and festival hotspots.
Skiing Between Screenings
Park City’s world-class ski resorts are a must for any Sundance visitor looking to carve out some time on the slopes. With Sundance screenings typically spread throughout the day, mornings or afternoons are perfect for hitting the mountain.
Park City Mountain Resort:
- Closest to Festival Venues: A quick 10-minute drive from Newpark Resort. Enjoy 7,300 acres of terrain, perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
- Notable Runs: Try Homerun for a long, scenic beginner route or Jupiter Bowl for expert terrain.
Deer Valley Resort:
- Exclusively Skiing: Known for impeccable grooming, upscale amenities, and skier-only trails.
- Luxury Dining: Visit the Mariposa restaurant for an indulgent meal on the mountain.
Woodward Park City:
- A freestyle haven just 5 minutes from Newpark. Great for tubing, terrain parks, and indoor snow activities if the weather turns.
Where to Eat: Dining in Park City
Park City’s dining scene is as vibrant as its festival lineup. Whether you’re craving casual bites or fine dining, you’ll find options to suit every taste.
Near Newpark Resort:
- Cortona Italian Cafe: Savor handmade pasta dishes and rich, comforting Italian fare.
- Hearth and Hill: A contemporary American restaurant offering everything from small plates to hearty entrees like braised short ribs.
- Maxwell’s East Coast Eatery: Known for its giant slices of pizza and family-friendly atmosphere.
On Main Street in Park City:
- High West Distillery: Enjoy craft cocktails and whiskey tastings paired with an elevated pub fare menu.
- Riverhorse on Main: Treat yourself to fine dining with dishes like elk carpaccio and macadamia-crusted halibut.
- No Name Saloon: A casual spot with a lively vibe and some of the best buffalo burgers in town.
Après-Ski and Evening Entertainment
The fun doesn’t end when the sun sets. Park City’s après-ski and nightlife scene is vibrant during Sundance.
- Relax at Newpark: Soak in your private hot tub overlooking the snow-covered Swaner Nature Preserve, or sip a cocktail by the fire in Newpark Resort’s cozy lounge.
- The Spur Bar & Grill: A Main Street favorite for live music and craft cocktails.
- Handle: An intimate restaurant and bar serving creative small plates and drinks.
Local Attractions to Explore
If you have downtime between festival screenings or ski runs, there’s plenty more to see and do in the Park City area.
- Utah Olympic Park: Tour the facilities of the 2002 Winter Olympics, watch athletes train, or try a bobsled ride for an adrenaline rush.
- Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter: Located steps from Newpark Resort, this peaceful spot offers educational exhibits, snowshoeing trails, and stunning wildlife views.
- Shopping at Tanger Outlets: Browse deals on designer brands at this popular outlet mall in Kimball Junction.
Tips for a Seamless 2025 Sundance Trip
- Pack Smart: Temperatures can vary, so bring layers for the mountain and stylish but warm outfits for festival events.
- Book Early: Hotels and restaurants fill up quickly during Sundance. Secure your reservations at Newpark Resort and your favorite dining spots ahead of time.
- Embrace the Festival Spirit: Mingle with filmmakers and fellow cinephiles, attend panels, and soak in the unique energy that Sundance brings to Park City.
Discover what makes Newpark Resort a favorite among travelers! These trusted reviews from TripAdvisor offer an inside look at the exceptional experiences guests enjoy during their stay.
Your Basecamp for Adventure: Newpark Resort
Newpark Resort is the ideal hotel for the Sundance Film Festival, offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to all the festival and outdoor action. Whether you’re sipping coffee on your private balcony, enjoying the resort’s amenities, or venturing out to the slopes and theaters, you’ll feel right at home.
Plan your 2025 Sundance adventure today and discover why Park City, with Newpark Resort at its heart, is the ultimate winter destination.
