Author Archives: Jill Adler

PARK CITY OLYMPIC and SUPERBOWL WATCH PARTIES COMING SOON

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brownie sundae

With plenty of reasons to gather this month in the name of love, sport, or the
love of sport, members of the Park City Area Restaurant Association (PCARA)
are dishing out food and drinks specials to get you off the couch and into a crowd of fun for some Park City watch parties.
Check out a variety of special offerings from Park City’s dining community
during the Winter Olympic Games, Super Bowl LX, and Valentine’s Day. Oh, and I dare you to spot me in the latest Michelob Ultra Commercial featuring Kurt Russell. Casting was looking for background skiers and of course I submitted. The ad will air during both the Superbowl and the Olympics. I’m sure I’m blurred but if you can pick me out, I’ve got a Ski Play Live TV shirt for you!

Olympic Watch Party Specials

Flame & Smoke Olympic Opening Ceremonies Dinner
Friday, Feb. 6 | 6 – 9 p.m.
Hosted at Lush’s BBQ, this Olympic kick off features a multicourse, Italian-inspired dinner by chef and pitmaster Richie Lush, with spirit and cocktail pairings by Alpine Distilling and wine pairings by Old Town Cellars. This 21+ event is $175 per person. RSVP by Friday, Jan. 30.

Edgar’s Après at Deer Valley Resort
Friday, Feb. 6 – Sunday, Feb. 22
Cheer on Park City’s local athletes with watch party specials including a 3
meat flatbread with pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and
fresh basil ($18), and Olympic wings served with sweet chili sauce or peanut
sauce, and carrot and celery sticks with blue cheese dressing ($19).

Super Bowl Specials (Sunday, Feb. 8)

Big Game Celebration at Montage Deer Valley
Gather with family and friends in the Grand Ballroom to cheer on the
championship in alpine style. Enjoy elevated comfort fare, cold craft brews,
and spirited camaraderie surrounded by the mountains. $75 per adult, $40
per child. Reservations are available.

Super Bowl at Star Bar
Indulge in a Game Day buffet by Big Dipper from kick off to the start of the
fourth quarter. Enjoy crudité, potato salad, coleslaw, bosozoku tots, chips and
dips, mini corn dogs, shrimp cocktail, baby back ribs, smoked chicken wings,
and a chili & hot dog bar. $85 per person. Reserve a table in advance
at info@starbarparkcity.com.

Valentine’s Day Specials (Saturday, Feb. 14)

Love in Layers: Valentine’s Day Cake Decorating Class at Deer Valley
Saturday, Feb. 7 | 3:30 p.m.
Create the sweetest gift for Valentine’s Day at Deer Valley Café. In this hands
on class, learn decoration techniques from frosted flowers to writing, while
designing your own romantic, themed cake.

Deer Valley Carrot Cake Baking Class
Sunday, Feb. 8 | 3:30 p.m.
Join this Carrot Cake class at Deer Valley Café and learn the basics of “scratch
baking.” Deer Valley’s culinary experts will share and reveal the secrets
behind the resort’s famed carrot cake, a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day.

Goldener Hirsch
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Goldener Hirsch, where Chef Jeff O’Neill crafts a
multi-course journey through seasonal alpine flavors, paired with refined
service and a romantic mountain ambiance. $225 per adult, $85 per children
12 & under. Reservations are available.

Grub Steak
Begin Valentine’s dinner with a choice of baby romaine Caesar salad, wild
rice & mushroom soup, or add the bottomless salad bar, before grilled lobster
tail served with herb roasted asparagus. Reservations are available.

Hearth and Hill
Feast on a special Valentine’s Day menu beginning with a cupid’s heart sushi
roll, mains of seared Hokkaido scallops or Australian Frenched lamb chops,
and love potion for dessert, a chocolate sable crumble with candied cocoa
nibs, chocolate mousse dome, raspberry granita, and raspberry caramel.
Reservations are available on Resy. Hill’s Kitchen will be preparing specialty
pastries and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Le Depot
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elevated dining experience featuring a
thoughtfully curated five-course prix fixe menu. Offered from 5:30 p.m. to
9:00 p.m., perfect for couples seeking a memorable night out, this limited
seating experience promises an atmosphere of romance and sophistication in
the heart of Park City.

Montage Deer Valley
Enjoy dinner inspired by love and mountain elegance at Apex. The evening
features a curated menu, fine wines, and the romance of Deer Valley’s most
breathtaking views. At Buzz, indulge in gourmet baked goods, handmade chocolates, or specialty
confections created by Montage’s pastry team available for purchase at Buzz,
the hotel’s on-site café.

Yama Sushi offers an intimate evening that celebrates connection and
culinary artistry. Enjoy meticulously prepared sushi paired with sake while
taking in the serene beauty of the alpine night. Reservations are available.

Sterling Steak and Lounge
Open nightly, 4 – 10 p.m., enjoy a signature steak dinner through the
Olympics, Super Bowl, or a romantic night out for Valentine’s Day.
Reservations are available on OpenTable.

If you hear of other specials for the upcoming celebrations, feel free to leave them in the comments or send us an email!

RSVP Sundance 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Pop-Ups, Lounges, Parties, and More in Park City’s Final Dance

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Inside the Adobe House

2026 marks the festival’s last year in its iconic Utah home and you would think there would be a glimmer of what used to be. Back in the day, every gallery, restaurant and office lining the steep center of Park City’s Old Town morphed into facade highlighting a well-known brand’s ‘hub’ or ‘lounge, where filmmakers, celebs, media and publicists networked and vibed. Though some of the familiar sponsors like Acura, Dropbox, Audible and Adobe are back to support The Last Dance, it’s still a far cry from the days of ‘ol when L’Oreal gifted brand new makeup to the general public, Stanley gave out Sundance branded Quenchers and cocoa, McDonald’s distributed PJs and NBC Studios handed out fuzzy socks. Even still, when you’re in between films, can’t make the waitlist or just don’t want to spend $35 for an untested film, stroll past one of these popups or parties. You just might experience some of that Sundance magic that helped create one of the world’s best film festivals.

Legacy Pop-Ups

One of the most fun experiences during Sundance are those random pedestrian popups where anyone can score a sweatshirt, beanie, photo or coffee. Some are walkups; some, just RSVP Sundance.

Little Miss Sunshine Popup Donut Cart on Swede Alley near the Transit Hub: Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the beloved 2006 Sundance film, Searchlight Pictures rolled in a mini donut and cocoa cart along with a trailer for giving away, beanies, socks, shirts and little HotWheels vans.

Across the street lumbers the giant House of Energy (550 Swede Alley) where NBC Sports hosts a “Join the Ride” Photo Booth, to pimp the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games. You’ll pose with Italy-inspired scooters for themed photos. January 23-26. Also in the tent, Jan. 25/26, ASCAP presents their free “music cafe” from 2-6p.

Canon at the Park City Museum (528 Main St.), offers hands-on gear demos and light bites, Dropbox House (501 Main St.) has product experiences and premiere parties. Audible Listening Lodge (Kimball Terrace, 675 Main St. closing Jan. 25) hosts s’mores, bites and fireside chats, and Adobe has a cool scavenger hunt that leads to custom beanies, pins, gloves, scarves, and water bottles in addition to photo ops and Adobe product demos.

We’ll mention the Chase Sapphire Reserve Experience (660 Main St.) only because of its enormous footprint at the bottom of Main Street but ever since it clamped down on who can enter, it’s just not worth the hype or expense. Without a RESERVE card (sorry Preferred members, you can cancel now), it’s a no-go for the panels, bites, and music. Plus, the once-free ‘thank you’ member party for cardholders now requires a $100 ticket that was sold out instantly.

The Impact Lounge (Prospector Square, 2175 Sidewinder Dr. January 23-28) became a great addition to the Fest a few years ago with over 40 panels on impactful storytelling, sustainability, and diversity that is accessible to just about anyone who cares about film and the industry’s impact. But make sure you RSVP or know someone with a pass. Highlights include Kerry Washington on democracy, panels, and nightly parties.

The Cabin, across from the Main Street Post Office, will be hosting parties throughout the fest but without a restaurant connection, the dark downstairs space is for boozing and schmoozing. On Friday, Jan. 23, they screened a short film with Adrien Grenier and then a party for Moviemaker Magazine.

One of our favorite activations has got to be the World of Hyatt pop up on Main Street. As Sundance’s official travel sponsor, the brand knows how to pamper their guests. The lounge is open to the public but you better in get line early if you want your aura photo read or a fresh bingo card. The “Scents of Sundance” sensory experiences and “Wellbeing Mornings” with Peloton yoga and pilates classes will also take place from Jan. 23-25. Make sure you get on the list for one of the parties after dark on Friday and Saturday.

11th Hour Productions in partnership with Ferrara Media will debut the first-ever 11th Hour Lodge, an invite-only, four-day immersive experience taking place January 23–26, 2026, winding down with Monday on Main. Each day will begin with Wellness AM programming powered by Pvolve, the restorative fitness method endorsed by Jennifer Aniston, followed by the signature 11th Hour Coffee Hour. Guests will enjoy artisan coffee and fresh Pop-Up Bagels from founder Adam Goldberg, alongside custom cowboy hat design moments by Gigi Pip, offering a playful, quintessential Park City touch.

Insightful Panels and Talks

  • Cinema Café (Filmmaker Lodge, 550 Main St.): Daily chats January 23-29 with guests like Ava DuVernay, Salman Rushdie, and ’90s indie icons.
  • Canon Creative Studio (Park City Museum): January 23-26 panels on documentaries and cinematography, like “Spotlight on Documentaries” and Billie Jean King discussions.
  • Elvis Mitchell Suite (The Cabin on Main Street): January 23-26 conversations with Ryan Coogler, Guillermo del Toro, and film casts, plus screenings like Super Troopers 25th anniversary.

Beyond Film

Sundance’s Beyond Film’s programming features chats, panels and an end-cap event that celebrates the culmination of 43 years in Park City and Utah. The free tickets for Everyone Has a Story: Four Decades of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah went instantly on Jan. 13 but there’s a solid chance people won’t show so line up by 2p to see if you can get in. The event Jan. 30 at the Marquis is a retrospective of Sundance’s run in Wasatch with a (cash) cocktail hour and a program of stories, shared memories, archive treasures, and legendary moments. See the full Beyond Film lineup here.

P.S. Not everything mentioned in this article is open to the public or on-the-spot walk-in. Check Reddit for RSVPs and invites.

Who’s Coming To Sundance 2026

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This is it. The last dance. The last Sundance Film Festival in Park City. It feels like the ending of an era. I heard someone say that Robert Redford passed in 2025 so that he would not be able to see his beloved Sundance Film Festival move. The writing was on the wall, however. The Fest with all of its crazy parties and spinoff fests like Slamdance and LapDance and XDance, was never the same after covid. The event went hybrid and the majority of people attending started watching from their home couches rather than buying flights to Salt Lake City so they could strut their stuff up and down Main Street. Those were the Glory Days back then; when all the store fronts became branded, signature lounges where gifting for the elite and industry networking became center stage. There was the ICM house, The Gray Goose Lodge, the signature Fujifilm party at Deer Valley Resort, Timberland and Ugg boots were bestowed on media and celebrities so when the paparazzi took their best shot, people would see what they were wearing. And boy did people see. There were celebrities, and pseudo celebrities everywhere. There were a couple years where Paris Hilton was the center attraction. For no obvious reason. Every place you stepped into had a name or two sitting in a corner. My favorite moment was spotting Rob Lowe in the back of a bar. He was so handsome. But the 2011 movie he was promoting was terrible. 

 He will be back this weekend to promote another indie called The Musical. He’s not the only one to participate in this last dance. We spotted Will Poulter and Adrien Grenier outside The Cabin last night. Even more will be milling around all weekend in support of their films or the film industry in general.

Will Brill, Alex Heller, Rob Lowe, Gillian Jacobs, Gishelle Bonilla Photos by Zach Hetrick for Audible

So, now, who’s coming to Sundance 2026? Here’s a list of people you might be able to spot if you’re here in Park City this weekend. If catching a glimpse or a jpeg of a well-known face is your thing, don’t miss out.

Barbara Kopple, James Wan, Alex Gibney, Kate McKinnon, Alexander Skarsgård, Dave Franco, Daveed Diggs, Olivia Wilde, Richard Linklater, Billie Jean King, Ava DuVernay, John Turturro, Ethan Hawke, Tessa Thompson, Woody Harrelson, Salman Rushdie, Antoine Fuqua, Taika Waititi, Nicole Holofcener, Elijah Wood, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Gregg Araki,Chris Pine, Mimi Rogers,  Charli xcx, Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Topher Grace, Keegan-Michael Key, Michael Shannon, and Patton Oswalt, Tilda Swinton, MADELEINE MADDEN, Jenna Ortega, Alec Baldwin, Natalie Portman and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Adrian Grenier NORAH JONES AND RUFUS WAINWRIGHT Seth Rogen, Channing Tatum, Peter Dinklage, Russell Crowe, Edward Norton, Judd Apatow, Elizabeth Debicki, Olivia Coleman, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Brittney Griner,  Steve Buscemi, Dave Franco, Nicholas Braun, Ben Wang, Kiernan Shipka, Chase Sui Wonders, Cooper Hoffman, Jenny Slate, Rob Lowe, Will Poulter, Adam DiMarco, Mason Reeves, Gemma Chan, Rosanna Arquette, Cathy Yan, Jay Duplass, Cooper Raiff, Iliza Shlesinger, Zoey Deutch, Keegan-Michael Key, Cristin Milioti, Topher Grace, John Slattery, Daniel Roher and Daniel Kwan, Rob lowe, Will Price, Rian Johnson, Steve Buscemi, Giancarlo Esposito, Ed Harris.

Jenna Ortega Cathy Yan Natalie Portman Photos by Zach Hetrick for Audible

How to get a picture with a celebrity 

Ask politely. Often, however, a celeb is on their way somewhere else, and they don’t have time to play character meet and greets. If you’re quick with your camera you can pop in, take a quick selfie and hope that they are in the background with you. You could also hand off your camera to a friend and say start snapping as you walk close by. There may also be a publicist next to your celebrity and you can ask him if it’s okay if you take a photo. The next best thing is to ask for a copy of a photo that someone else took. Good Luck!

Fine Dining in the Sky at Arizona Snowbowl

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Not that you have ever daydreamed of downing more than a Gatorade and granola bar onboard a gondola, but you might now. Arizona Snowbowl has reinvented the ride (at least for the summer) so you can experience fine dining in the sky. The event masters have blended gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff and given a reason to fire their pistons.

This a one-of-a-kind culinary experience hosted aboard the Arizona Gondola debuted August 24, 2025, with Flagstaff’s acclaimed Shift Kitchen and Oeno Wine Lounge. They delivered a five-course tasting menu paired with curated wines, all served at 11,500 feet above the stunning San Francisco Peaks.

Transformed gondola cabins provided an intimate alpine restaurant, complete with custom-built tables. Guests savored each course during an 18-minute gondola lap, enjoying new dishes, wine pairings, and panoramic sunset views with every rotation. The 90-minute experience showcased a meticulously crafted menu featuring seasonal ingredients and regional flavors. Each course was paired with a complementary wine.

The evening’s menu:

  1. Banh Mi Spring Rolls: Housemade chicken pâté, smoked duck breast, lemongrass pickled vegetables, jalapeño, and fresh herbs, paired with Tarland Zero Brut Nature Champagne.
  2. Lamb Meat Skewers: Filipino meat candy sauce with toasted chiles, paired with Los Milics Jule’s Vermentino 2024.
  3. Smoked Gouda and Potato Pierogi: Garlic dill sauce and crispy soppressata, paired with Los Milics Ita’s Rosé 2023.
  4. Campfire-Roasted Bison: Served with farm vegetables and accompaniments, paired with Los Milics Renato’s Red 2022.
  5. Scotchmallow Tart: Honey marshmallow, caramel, and nut brittle, paired with Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port.

Gourmet Dining In A Bucket

“We’re truly grateful for Shift Kitchen and Oeno Wine Lounge creating a dynamic menu that paired their passion for culinary excellence with our unique setting,” said Angie Grubb, Marketing Manager at Arizona Snowbowl. “We look forward to collaborating with other talented local restaurants to bring more unforgettable dining experiences aboard the Arizona Gondola.

You may have missed the August event but Satchmo’s BBQ and Mother Road Brewing will pair up for the next Shift Your Viewpoint Dinner on September 28, 2025. This upcoming event promises another unforgettable evening of elevated cuisine, craft brews, and stunning views. Tickets will be available on Arizona Snowbowl’s event page but if you’re like us you’ll be forwarding this post to your local ski area in the hopes they copy this innovative dining experience! Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique experience, riding a gondola for dinner rather than TO dinner is a must-try.

Where is Snowbowl?

Arizona Snowbowl is located in the heart of Flagstaff, Arizona; a little bustling college town known for year-round outdoor play. The Shift Your Viewpoint Dinner adds a new dimension to the resort’s offerings, combining adventure with fine dining.

Outdoor Retailer Summer 2025 Hits Salt Lake City: Top Gear, Sustainability & Trends Unveiled

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crowd inside Salt Palace for the Outdoor Retailer Show

We’ll start by saying that the Outdoor Retailer Show will never be what it used to be in its heyday- before leaving Salt Lake City for Denver. But we can’t dwell on the past can we?

There have been quite a few tweaks made to this ‘new’ Outdoor Retailer Summer 2025 convention that takes place June 18-20 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. First off, the most awesomest day of the year- OR Demo Day- is not just “Industry Day”. A day of back-to-back panels and seminars instead of a fun day on the water demoing kayaks and paddle boards. Boo.

But with how shrunk the convention scene has gotten, what can you do? So now, the $1.2 trillion outdoor industry has matured and seemingly mellowed. This summer’s event will help connect nearly 300 brands and a few thousand retail buyers, media and guests.

This four-day networking platform will showcase the freshest gear, tech, and trends, but with a focus on wellness, sustainability, and innovation. It makes perfect sense for the show to return to Utah not just because outdoor recreation brings in $9.5 billion to the state (up 18% since 2022) and supports over 71,000 jobs, but because Utah’s got the accessibility and beauty. SLC International is 10 minutes from downtown, there are tons of reasonably priced hotels and BnBs, rich national forests surround the city, all within an hour’s drive or less.

You may have not paid too much attention if you live in a big city but there’s been a huge surge in outdoor participation. Over 175 million people (57.3 percent of folks six and up) got outside in 2023! The Show continues to be open only to those in the industry but if you have any friends with badges, and you really want to see some cool things coming to market for 2026, see if they can get you in. (But don’t tell anyone you heard it here.)

This summer’s highlights include the New Product Showcase, where brands like BabyBjörn, Ocean Bottle, Coulee Coffee, and Aska Outdoors unveil products built for health, sustainability, and inclusivity. Gear like collapsible solar panels, ocean-friendly skincare, and more women-designed adventure apparel.

Check out outdoorretailer.com for a list of exhibitors and industry updates.

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