Utah Resorts Earned Spots in Readers Choice Awards
Sundance and Black Desert Resort secured top rankings in the Conde Nast Traveler survey for the Mountain West region.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in National Parks
Live Poll
Do you consider regional awards when planning your next vacation?
Conde Nast Traveler recognized two Utah properties in its 39th annual Readers Choice Awards. Sundance Mountain Resort placed third and Black Desert Resort ranked fifth among the top Mountain West destinations.
Why it matters
These rankings reflect consumer preferences in a competitive hospitality landscape where traveler feedback determines major travel industry accolades. High rankings help solidify the reputation of these destinations among potential visitors.
The awards survey drew 798,867 total votes to determine rankings based on a five-point scale. Sundance features a 63-room hotel, while Black Desert Resort operates with 148 hotel rooms and 299 resort residences.
The players
Sundance Mountain Resort
Located in Provo Canyon, this destination is a year-round resort property focused on outdoor recreation.
Black Desert Resort
Situated in Ivins, this property features extensive hotel and residential offerings near golf facilities.
Conde Nast Traveler
This publication hosts the annual Readers Choice Awards to evaluate travel destinations globally.
The details
Sundance, located in Provo Canyon, and the Ivins-based Black Desert Resort trailed top-ranked resorts from Montana and Colorado. The rankings were calculated from reader ratings submitted between April 1 and June 30, 2026.
Timeline
May 2023 marked the official opening of Black Desert Resort in Ivins.
The 2026 survey voting period for readers occurred from April 1 through June 30.
A 63-room luxury hotel opened at Sundance in January 2026.
A new chairlift at Sundance is scheduled to debut this winter.
Roadmap
These results illustrate how destination resorts continue to compete for prominence against established mountain travel hubs in Montana and Colorado. The focus on expanding amenities suggests a move toward year-round luxury capacity in the Mountain West.
Travelers planning visits to these top-rated Utah locations may encounter higher demand following these rankings. Guests should anticipate the new amenities, such as the upcoming chairlift, to influence scheduling and pricing during the winter months.
The takeaway
Travelers often look to annual rankings to filter their vacation choices among high-end options. Checking the official resort websites before booking can provide the latest information on seasonal changes and room availability.
What happens next
Sundance Mountain Resort plans to launch a new high-speed quad chairlift during the upcoming winter season.
Further reading
Explore more about National Parks and regional travel destinations to learn about recent visitor trends.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Deseret News.
Live Poll
Do you consider regional awards when planning your next vacation?
