Last updated October 26, 2026 · By Seth Semilof
The Sundance Film Festival moves to Boulder, Colorado, for 2027. It runs January 21 to 31, 2027, the festival's first year in its new home after decades in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. That changes the private jet plan too. Instead of flying into Salt Lake City or Heber, festivalgoers will be flying into the Denver area. This guide covers the best airports for Boulder, the FBOs at each, the key festival dates and how to time your flights around premieres and the January weather.
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Sundance 2027 key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Thursday, January 21, 2027 | Festival opens; world premieres begin |
| Friday, January 22 | Annual Festival gala |
| January 21 to 26 | World premieres (Thursday to Tuesday) |
| January 21 to 27 | Press and industry screenings at Cinemark Century Boulder, with repeats January 28 and 29 |
| Friday, January 29 | Awards |
| January 28 to 31 | At-home online screenings (press and industry from January 27) |
| Sunday, January 31 | Festival ends |
Source: Sundance Institute. The film lineup is announced in December; single tickets go on sale in early January.
If you are going for the premieres and parties, the first weekend matters most. Plan to land by Wednesday, January 20, or early on Thursday, January 21, and to stay through at least Saturday, January 23.
Where the festival takes place
Sundance says its Boulder venues are all within about a two-mile radius. They include Macky Auditorium, Muenzinger Auditorium, Roe Green Theatre and Old Main on the University of Colorado Boulder campus; Boulder Theater, eTown Hall and the Canyon Theater near the Pearl Street Mall; Boulder High School and Casey Middle School; Chautauqua Auditorium at the base of the Flatirons; and the Dairy Arts Center (Boedecker and Gordon Gamm theaters) and Cinemark Century Boulder, the press and industry venue.
Best private jet airports for Sundance in Boulder
| Airport | Distance to CU Boulder (straight line) | Longest runway | FBOs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Metropolitan (BJC), Broomfield | About 11 miles | 9,000 ft | Signature Aviation; Sheltair | Most private jets, light to large cabin |
| Boulder Municipal (BDU) | About 3 miles | 4,100 ft | Journeys Aviation | Small aircraft only |
| Centennial (APA), south Denver metro | About 38 miles | 10,001 ft | jetCenters of Colorado; Modern Aviation; Signature Aviation (North and South) | Backup when BJC is busy; large jets |
| Denver International (DEN) | About 33 miles | 16,000 ft | Signature Aviation | International arrivals, heavy jets, airline connections |
Airport data from AirNav. Distances calculated by Haute Jets from airport and campus coordinates; driving distances are longer.
Rocky Mountain Metropolitan (BJC): the best choice for most trips
BJC, in Broomfield between Boulder and Denver, is the closest airport with a runway long enough for most private jets. Its longest runway is 9,000 ft, it has a control tower, and it is attended around the clock. Signature Aviation and Sheltair operate FBOs there, and Sheltair lists deicing. BJC is also a US Customs user-fee airport, which can help on flights arriving from Canada or Mexico; the operator arranges customs in advance.
Boulder Municipal (BDU): closest, but small
Boulder Municipal is only about three miles from the CU campus, but its single runway is 4,100 ft long and 75 ft wide, with a weight rating that limits it mainly to light aircraft. There is no control tower, the airport is attended from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and gliders operate there. Most charter jets will use BJC instead. Your operator will tell you whether a specific aircraft can use BDU.
Centennial (APA) and Denver International (DEN)
Centennial, in the south Denver suburbs, has a 10,001 ft runway, around-the-clock customs and several FBOs, so it is a good backup if BJC is busy or slots are tight. It is farther from Boulder. Denver International has the longest runways and a Signature FBO, and Sundance notes that DEN has more than 30 direct international routes in January. It suits heavy jets and guests connecting from airline flights. Read our Denver International private terminal guide and Denver private jet charter page.
How far is Boulder from major cities by private jet?
| From | To BJC (great-circle) | Typical aircraft class |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Love Field (DAL) | About 580 nm | Light or midsize jet |
| Van Nuys, Los Angeles (VNY) | About 725 nm | Light, midsize or super-midsize jet |
| Chicago Executive (PWK) | About 790 nm | Midsize or super-midsize jet |
| San Jose (SJC) | About 800 nm | Midsize or super-midsize jet |
| Teterboro, New York (TEB) | About 1,415 nm | Super-midsize or large jet |
| Palm Beach (PBI) | About 1,480 nm | Super-midsize or large jet |
| Miami Opa-locka (OPF) | About 1,500 nm | Super-midsize or large jet |
Distances calculated by Haute Jets from airport coordinates. Aircraft suggestions are general; the right aircraft depends on passengers, bags, winds and BJC's 5,673 ft elevation. Routes: Denver to Los Angeles, Denver to New York.
Winter flying into the Front Range
- Altitude. BJC sits at 5,673 ft. High elevation, plus cold-weather and runway conditions, affects how much fuel and weight an aircraft can carry, so operators may adjust passenger or bag limits.
- Snow and deicing. Late January can bring snow along the Front Range. Deicing adds time, so build in a buffer day before any premiere you cannot miss.
- Peak days. Expect the busiest arrivals around opening day and the first weekend, and the busiest departures after the first weekend and after awards. Book early and confirm FBO parking.
- Ground transport. Sundance says regional buses from Denver and the airport will connect into Boulder's local system. Most private flyers book a car from the FBO.
Add a ski trip
Many guests pair Sundance with a few days on the slopes. Aspen and Jackson Hole are short flights from the Denver area. See our Aspen ski season guide, Jackson Hole ski season guide and the Denver to Aspen route. For flexible trips, check empty leg flights from Denver.
When to book
Sundance passes and packages go on sale in October, the lineup is announced in December, and single tickets go on sale in early January. Book your aircraft as soon as your festival dates are set. The opening weekend is the most in demand, and the best aircraft and FBO parking go first.
Request a quote for Sundance 2027 in Boulder, or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
FAQs
When is the 2027 Sundance Film Festival?
January 21 to 31, 2027, in Boulder, Colorado. World premieres run from Thursday, January 21, to Tuesday, January 26, and the festival gala is on Friday, January 22.
What is the best airport for Sundance in Boulder?
For most private jets, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) in Broomfield. It is about 11 miles from the CU Boulder campus in a straight line, has a 9,000 ft runway and FBOs from Signature Aviation and Sheltair.
Can a private jet land at Boulder Municipal Airport?
Only small aircraft. Boulder Municipal (BDU) has one 4,100 ft runway with a weight rating that limits it mainly to light aircraft, no control tower and staff on site from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most charter jets use BJC.
Is Sundance still in Park City?
No. Starting with the 2027 festival, the Sundance Film Festival takes place in Boulder, Colorado. The 2027 edition is its first year there.
How early should I book a private jet to Sundance 2027?
As soon as your dates are set. Opening weekend, January 21 to 24, is the busiest period, and the best aircraft and FBO space go first.
How do I get a quote for a Sundance flight?
Request a quote at https://www.hautejets.com/request-a-quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
Sources
- Sundance Institute, 2027 Sundance Film Festival to take place January 21–31 in Boulder (February 24, 2026): sundance.org
- Sundance Institute, What to know about the 2027 Sundance Film Festival: sundance.org
- AirNav, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC): airnav.com
- AirNav, Boulder Municipal Airport (KBDU): airnav.com
- AirNav, Centennial Airport (KAPA): airnav.com
- AirNav, Denver International Airport (KDEN): airnav.com