Sundance Mountain Resort announces two new staff to lead and manage its on-site Mountain Veteran Program (MVP) – Executive Director Christine Russ and Program Manager Peter Parker. Sundance Mountain Resort is the home base for MVP, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering wounded and injured veterans through healing, connection, and purpose-driven mountain experiences.
“We are thrilled to have Christine and Peter join the MVP staff at The Inn, a space that was intentionally created to support MVP’s mission and provide a warm, restorative environment,” said Chad Linebaugh, President & General Manager of Sundance Mountain Resort. “We are grateful for their leadership and dedication to MVP’s immersive experiences designed to support veterans on their journey of healing and renewal.”
As the executive director of MVP, Russ brings a background in military leadership, logistics, and service as a former U.S. Army officer. After years of leading teams and supporting missions around the world, she now continues her commitment to service through creating transformative outdoor experiences that help injured veterans reconnect, build confidence, and rediscover purpose.
MVP Program Manager Peter Parker helps design and deliver meaningful experiences that support veterans through connection, healing, and community. Drawing on his background in leadership, program development, and team management, Parker is passionate about creating environments where veterans can challenge themselves, build relationships, and experience the restorative power of the mountains.
“We believe healing often begins with connection – to nature, to community, and to purpose,” said Russ. “MVP exists to create experiences where veterans feel supported, challenged, and empowered while discovering what is possible beyond the mountain.”
The new Sundance Inn plays an integral role in the Mountain Veteran Program, and many of its features were created to support MVP’s immersive mission, including five ADA rooms and spaces that provide a restorative environment to support veterans on their journey of healing and renewal. The Inn was developed in part to address Sundance Mountain Resort’s lack of ADA-accessible accommodations, creating the opportunity to welcome wounded veterans and their families through programs like MVP.
The program provides cost-free, immersive experiences for wounded and injured veterans and a guest. Through adaptive recreation, wellness practices, creative expression, and opportunities to build community, the program is designed to help participants strengthen relationships, build confidence, and rediscover purpose.
MVP welcomed its first participants to The Inn and officially launched its inaugural winter season in February. Veterans and their guests participated in thoughtfully designed multi-day experiences that combined adaptive adventure, wellness, creativity, and connection.
Following a successful inaugural winter season, MVP now looks ahead to its summer programming beginning in June, expanding opportunities for veterans to experience connection, challenge, and renewal through activities such as fly fishing, white-water rafting, wellness experiences, horseback riding, ziplining, and other immersive mountain experiences.
About Sundance Mountain Resort
Sundance Mountain Resort, founded by Robert Redford in 1969, is a premier four-season destination nestled at the base of Utah’s iconic Mount Timpanogos in Utah. Offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation, arts, and culture, Sundance is committed to environmental sustainability and artistic expression, balanced with premier service and hospitality. As such, Sundance has been awarded One MICHELIN Key in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide. For more information on Sundance Mountain Resort, visit www.sundanceresort.com.