A Park City tourism official on Thursday briefly addressed the possibility of promoting the ski industry during the first month of the year with the Sundance Film Festival leaving the community after the 2026 event.Sundance is scheduled in late January and sometimes stretches into early February. Th e large crowds that arrive for the festival, and the increased lodging rates, essentially supplant many skiers who may otherwise have visited at that time. The conflict has long been one of the contentious points in the relationship between the community and Sundance.Park City Chamber/Bureau President and CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff addressed Mayor Nann Worel and the Park City Council during a meeting at the Marsac Building shortly after it was announced the festival will relocate to Boulder, Colorado.“Park City is adaptable. We’re resilient. And we will find ways to overcome this,” she said to the elected officials.Wesselhoff noted the timing of Sundance in a prime month of the ski season.“I know a lot of skiers were displaced during this time. We’ll have the opportunity to invite them back. And continue to invest in the arts and our wonderful ski and winter legacy,” she said.Wesselhoff also made broader statements about the loss of the film festival, indicating people are “incredibly disappointed that Sundance decided not to choose Utah as their home.”“We really truly took such great pride in the bid … and the proposal that we put together. We believe that it addressed the concerns that Sundance had shared with us regarding affordability and accessibility,” she said.Wesselhoff added: “We’re saddened that Sundance felt that they outgrew us. And we feel like we’ve been a large part of their success over the years.”The organization that represents the statewide industry, Ski Utah, said in a prepared statement the festival “has long been an important part of Utah’s cultural and economic landscape, bringing global attention to the state.”“While its departure marks a shift for Utah, the winter season remains a prime time for visitors to experience Utah’s renowned skiing,” the statement said.Ski Utah also noted possibilities as the Sundance crowds move to Boulder in January.“Changes in lodging availability and pricing may create new dynamics, and we will continue working with our partners to support a thriving winter tourism industry. Park City has always been a premier destination for both recreation and events, and we look forward to welcoming visitors throughout the season,” the statement said.The post Sundance move seen as creating opportunities for Park City ski industry appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less