January 19, 2023
Skip the chaos of downtown during Sundance Film Festival.
The iconic Sundance Film Festival returns to Park City Jan. 19 through 29 – in person for the first time since 2020! Over 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the event this winter.
Nearby Canyons Village, the “other Park City Mountain ski resort” and a perennial favorite among skiers, snowboarders and vacationing families, will be a welcome retreat for those wishing to avoid the Main Street crowds. Below are some events and specials that are featured in Canyons Village during Sundance Film Festival.
Disco Pizza at The Pendry Hotel
Those wishing to enjoy a casual, fun environment will appreciate Disco Pizza in The Pendry. The all-day menu includes favorite appetizers like chicken wings (with three choices of sauce!), mozzarella sticks and Buffalo cauliflower bites with hummus. The house made pizza menu boasts traditional pies like margherita and Hawaiian, as well as pizzas loaded with meats, vegetables and even, wild mushrooms. There are salads and pastas served with garlic knots and even a milkshake bar! Entertainment options that will please the whole family include a wall-sized TV, classic arcade games and PS5 stations in the booths.
Sundance Film Festival Entertainment at The Pendry
There are lots of ways to soak in the Sundance Film Festival atmosphere at The Pendry. Live music is offered Friday and Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Après Pendry, the sophisticated yet cozy lobby bar. No reservations are required.
Or head up to the Champagne Terrace at The Pool House, where non-guests are invited to enjoy sparkling wine from Moët & Chandon, curated bites and DJ sets from 3 to 6 pm (The Pool House is open to the public from 2 to 7 p.m.). For a complete list of Sundance Film Festival entertainment offered at The Pendry, see here.
Drafts Burger Bar and Edge Steakhouse at the Westgate Park City
Directly at the base of the Canyons Village ski runs is the family-friendly Westgate Park City, with two fantastic dining outlets that are perfect for a top notch meal after a day on the slopes. Edge Steakhouse, which requires reservations, offers steak and seafood (flown in daily) of the highest quality, superlative sides and a full bar. For a special occasion, private alpen globes are available for parties of up to four – a 90 minute dining experience is $300, plus the cost of dinner.
For a more casual, walk-in option, but still with the same standard of ingredients and preparations, Drafts Burger Bar is ideal. There is a full-bar where you can watch the big game, and family-friendly seating where the whole gang can tuck into themed burgers like Vote For Pedro (a chile relleno, fried jalapeños and avocado), Southern Hospitality (pulled pork, coleslaw and onion rings) or Cluck Norris (breaded chicken breast, housemade buffalo sauce and chunky blue cheese). And did we mention the stupendous milkshakes?
Powder Restaurant at The Waldorf Astoria
An elegant choice for American comfort food inspired by the mountain regions is Powder Restaurant in the Waldorf Astoria. From the dinner menu, try the cider braised pork belly appetizer, French onion soup, roasted half chicken and your choice of sides, like crushed duck fat potatoes and lobster mac and cheese. There are also casual bites and craft cocktails in the lounge.
During the film festival, Powder will be offering a special Sundance tasting menu, with caviar service, Idaho trout, Wagyu tomahawk steak and a dessert flight with carrot cake, chocolate cake and mocha crème brûlée. The tasting dinner is $115 per person and advance reservations can be made by calling 435-647-5566.
Versante Hearth + Bar at Park City Peaks Hotel
A bit further down highway 224 in the Park City Peaks Hotel is the low-key Versante Hearth + Bar. There is always fantastic wood-fired pizzas, pastas, craft beers and spirits. Additionally, there is a new winter menu. Try the Versante carbonara or shrimp linguini. There is also a fantastic bison burger and meatball sandwich. Versante is open for walk-in business from 4 to 10:00 p.m., daily and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Whether you plan on diving into the Sundance Film Festival activities, or retreating to the mountain and low-traffic dining – enjoy!
January 19, 2023/Merlin Varaday/Daily Dish
