Sundance Resort expands support for veterans with new ADA-accessible inn

The new ADA-Accessible hotel broke ground on Wednesday June 12. Photo: Sierra Chamberlain

All expenses for participating veterans and their families, including transportation, lodging, meals, and activities, will be covered

SUNDANCE, Utah — A new chapter in veteran support began on Wednesday morning with the groundbreaking of a 63-room, ADA-accessible inn at Sundance Mountain Resort, dedicated to serving wounded veterans and their families. Bill Jensen, principal and investor with Storyteller, the owner of the resort, highlighted the transformative power of mountains during the ceremony.

Jensen revealed the inn will be part of the Mountain Veterans Program (MVP), a non-profit organization aimed at providing comprehensive support to wounded and injured veterans through various mountain-based activities. “Mountains have a special place for mankind,” Jensen said, with the new space offering “a variety of programming rooted in the mountains to build confidence and reinforce purposeful lives.”​

The ground-breaking event, attended by around 50 people, included representatives from R&O Construction and BSA Architects, the project’s general contractor and architect, respectively. The new inn is a significant step in Sundance’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for veterans, aligning with the mission of the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) project area established last year.

Gary Harter, a retired Army member and executive director of the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting its importance for the physical and emotional recovery of veterans. “We couldn’t be more thrilled that Sundance Mountain Resort, MIDA, and Utah County have created a significant opportunity to assist our wounded and injured veteran community,” Harter said.

The inn will not only serve military personnel year-round but also welcome non-military recreational guests. Ezra Nair, Utah County Administrator and Sundance PID board member, underscored the project’s significance in reinvesting tax revenues into meaningful community initiatives. “The collaboration and partnership among MIDA, Utah County, the state, and Sundance solve problems together,” Nair remarked.

All expenses for participating veterans and their families, including transportation, lodging, meals, and activities, will be covered. The Mountain Veterans Program will receive referrals from the Park City-based National Ability Center and several U.S. military hospitals, ensuring comprehensive support for nearly 4,000 wounded veterans and their families.

Reflecting on the broader impact of the initiative, Jensen stated:

“We have a lifetime of obligation to these veterans.”