DEAR RIDER, a feature documentary from Red Bull Media House and Emmy-winning director Fernando Villena, is a celebration of the life and vision of Jake Burton Carpenter (1954-2019), the pioneer who propelled the sport of snowboarding into a global and cultural phenomenon. The film debuts TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 (9:00 – 10:30 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
The intimate and revealing documentary features interviews with Jake’s family, friends, and fellow snowboarders, including action sports icons Shaun White, Kelly Clark, and Mark McMorris, as well as a wealth of archival material and home movies. DEAR RIDER pays homage to Jake’s beloved and loyal “riders,” the audience he faithfully addressed every year for decades on the first page of his snowboard company’s catalogs. Acclaimed actor Woody Harrelson, a close friend of Jake’s, narrates catalog passages interspersed throughout the film.
It’s no surprise that skiers and riders are predominantly white. Your surmise is as good as mine; but regardless, there are people and organizations out there trying to change things up.
Rossignol
Rossignol kicks off the 2021/2022 winter season with the continued support of Women of Winter (WoW). In 20/21, WoW partnered with PSIA-AASI to expand their instructor program which is focused on encouraging participation amongst black and Indigenous women of color (BIWOC). For 2021/22, WoW and PSIA-AASI will provide 30 (up from 6 scholarships in 20/21) scholarships for women of color to receive PSIA-AASI Level 1 certifications.
A grassroots organization that provides women with scholarships for PSIA-AASI Level 1 certifications, avalanche education, and more, Women of Winter aims to become the change they want to see by creating a community of visible role models, building community, providing education and eliminating barriers to entry. Women of Winter’s mission is to inspire and empower women and girls to get outside, to be courageous, and to boldly embrace and pursue their dreams by carving their own paths in the mountains and in life.
“Rossignol is incredibly proud to stand alongside Women of Winter and PSIA-AASI to help foster greater diversity and representation in snow sports,” said Nick Castagnoli, Brand Marketing Director, Rossignol Group North America. “As we all work to create a sustainable future for our industry, one of the most crucial things we can do is to work to create an environment where all feel welcome. Supporting and uplifting underrepresented voices is a critical cause that our Group is committed to addressing through meaningful and sustainable actions.”
For the 2021-22 season, Women of Winter and PSIA-AASI will host Level 1 certification events for BIWOC scholarship recipients at the following dates and locations: Big Sky Resort, MT March 5-8; Hyland Hills Ski Area, MN February 1-4; Windham Mountain, NY February 7-10; and Eldora Mountain, CO February 7-10.
The deadline to submit is Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. Scholarship recipients will be announced on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021. For more information on applying, visit: https://www.womenofwinter.net/psia-aasi-2022-scholarship
SheJumps
SheJumps’ mission is to support diversity, equity, and inclusion among women and girls in the outdoors. Their Snowpack Avalanche and Ikon scholarships address the inequity by generating opportunities for education, community-building, connection, and leadership development through skiing and backcountry avalanche certifications.
In 2019, SheJumps and the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) launched the Snowpack Avalanche Scholarship Program in an effort to bring affordable avalanche education opportunities to women in the Pacific Northwest. They also started another scholarship specifically for women of color. The Snowpack Ikon Pass Scholarship Program will donate 15 Ikon passes to provide lift-accessed adventures to iconic ski destinations to Women of Color looking to get into the sports of snowboarding and skiing nationwide.
In addition to the Ikon passes, scholarship recipients will receive a full-day ski or snowboard lesson voucher and one-day rental ski or snowboard gear (offered by Alterra Mountain Resorts), skis, bindings, and boots from Nordica, and boot warming product from Sidas and Thermic. The application is open to adults (18+) self-identified Women of Color with little to no skiing or snowboarding experience.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 11:59PM PST. Applicants will be notified by email of scholarship standing by November 29, 2021.
I had no intention of going to Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash. I did Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas at Disney World some years back and thought it was pretty much a waste of money. The store bought cookies were stale and there wasn’t nothing extra special about the event except a couple of lame dance parties. There was nothing I couldn’t experience with a normal ticket. I forever after I wrote off the overpriced “special events”. The trouble was that this year I had promised Sage a trip to Disneyland in 2021 and, with the early winter coming, the year was running out.
Sage at Disneyland 2018
I purchased Hopper tickets thinking we would spend a day at Dizzyland after visiting my mom for Fall Break. Surprise. I couldn’t find an available reservation date except for Tuesday Oct. 19; the same night as The Bash. Just like skiing last year. You can buy a ticket but you can’t actually go unless you get a reservation for a particular date. With a hopper ticket, you start at one park and you can “hop” to the other at 1:00 p.m.. Here’s the rub. Depending on crowd levels, Disney may decide for you which park you can start your day in. This Tuesday, I would have to start at Disneyland and could only go to California Adventure after 1:00 p.m. Because the Bash starts at 6:00 p.m. at California Adventure, we would be forced to leave unless we had the special ticket. That’s only five hours at DCA when it is notoriously crowded because of the new Avengers Campus setting.
That’s just not worth a regular ticket. If I was going to spend $150 but not be able to to stay all night what’s the point? I might as well postpone those tickets as they are good until next December and join the party.
What Is This Oogie Boogie Bash??
Oogie Boogie Bash happens three nights a week (Tues, Thurs., Sun.) from 6 p.m- 11 p.m at Disney California Adventure from mid-September to October 31. You can’t attend without a separate special ticket. Regular Park guests are pushed out at 6 p.m. but Bash ticket holders can enter the Park at 3 p.m. They actually get three extra hours of the normal rides and attractions before the party starts. After 6 p.m., Oogie Boogie welcomes guests to explore 10 treat trails where you get to collect gobs of candy, see “villains” like Cruella, The Evil Queen or the Mad Hatter improv and chat with guests, ride attractions with half the wait times, watch a special Halloween Parade, take photo ops with a free Photo Pass download and stroll through a forest filled with spooky lights, sounds and smells. Yes, it’s totally different than a normal day at the park but with the price of admission, it doesn’t make sense to buy a regular ticket and a Bash pass. Sleep in and go to DCA in the afternoon.
Oogie Boogie Bash tickets cost $114-$169. Tickets went on sale on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, and sold out in mear weeks. If you ask most people they’ll tell you it’s impossible to get a ticket once they’re sold out. However, consider this: if you are buying something in July for an event in October, what are the chances that everyone in your party is still going to make it? Disney gets this and doesn’t want to deter people from plunking down huge amounts of money for something they might not use. They personally won’t give back your money, but you are free to recoup how you see fit. The Bash tickets are fully transferable up until the date they are activated and used. Ticket holders are permitted to pass any unused ticket to a friend or family member so they can assign the spares to anyone if they want.
How I landed two Oogie Boogie Bash tickets for the night I wanted in less than an hour
You can first check eBay, Craigslist and a site called Ticketswap. Nothing was available for Sunday October 17, but I had seen people make pleas on Facebook group pages. I searched “oogie boogie 2021” on Facebook and came across three pages that I needed to join- Disneyland Secret Society, Discount Disneyland Tickets and Oogie Boogie Bash 2021. I posted on all three that I was looking for two tickets for October 17. As I read through the comments on the pages, I saw that scammers were out of control. People lamented paying for tickets and never receiving valid ones. I myself was immediately contacted by three scammers. One even began to threaten me after I said, “I’m sorry but you appear to be a scammer and I’m not interested, thank you.” Luckily, a very nice member of one of the groups took me under her wing and showed me what the OB scams looked like and how to find a legit sale. The same member had created her own page- the Oogie Boogie Bash 2021 one. She said she uses the Discount Disney page to identify the scammers and block them from her page. There, another very nice lady responded to my post that she had tickets.
Who Do You Trust?
At this point I was wary. I was instructed to ask whoever offered to sell tickets to video chat with me because most scammers won’t be willing to go live. They’ve stolen somebody else’s profile. They would need to show the email confirmation for the Oogie Boogie Bash tickets which has a very specific header and instructions. They would need to hold it up and raise a pinky or something so that I would know it’s not a photo that they’ve copied from someone else.
Sherry and her husband immediately called to video chat. They said they saw that I was from Park City and they immediately knew I wouldn’t be scamming them. They had lived here and owned property all over town. We spoke for nearly an hour. I felt safe as well. They asked for the face-value of the tickets just to recover what they paid because some in their party couldn’t make it. We didn’t use ticketswap (which takes a fee). They emailed their vouchers and I Venmoed their money. The next morning, I connected the tickets to my Disneyland app.
Not only was it a safe experience but it was also fun! I look forward to running into this couple tomorrow at my inaugural Oogie Boogie Bash. I hope this tale helps you find tickets if you really want to attend.
Signs you are being scammed
They won’t video chat They want you to pay cash up front or half up front. She says she’s a mother and just wants to spread good karma. They get belligerent if you ask for details or a photo of the confirmation letter Their name comes up in other comments and people call them scammers. They’re trying to sell their ticket for well below face value. They don’t have a profile or their profile doesn’t match the photo that they send to you when you chat
Playing it safe, being cautious and suspicious, doesn’t make you stupid, it makes you human. Those Oogie Boogie Bash tickets aren’t cheap and who wants to be swindled out of $300 or more because of a 5-minute snap judgment with a dirtbag?
Ready to Go? Disneyland Increases Ticket Prices
I will be taking my campervan there and back so I don’t need a hotel but if you have big plans for Anaheim and Disneyland, talk to the ladies at Get Away Today. They’ll be able to hook you up with some great deals.
BTW, Disneyland just announced a last minute price increase on their theme park tickets. Yep, WAY WAY LAME. It’s not like they didn’t just raised prices. But if you hurry, you can still get last week’s pricing through Get Away Today.
By buying with them now, you can save up to $45 per ticket. Here are the details so you don’t miss out:
Save up to $45 over gate prices by booking your Disneyland tickets with Get Away Today by November 3, 2021 – If you know you’re going to go to Disneyland between now and Dec. 2022, don’t wait. Buy now.
If you don’t know when you’re going, you’ll just need to enter a general date to purchase your tickets. The date that you enter will be the date that Get Away Today sends your reminders to make theme park reservations, which are required. The date you entered is not tied to a theme park reservation and the dates you choose are flexible.
Get Away Today’s tickets are refundable, have no blackout dates (subject to theme park availability) and you can make theme park reservations 120 days in advance.
Here are the exact savings based on ticket type over current gate pricing:
Yosemite National Park’s temporary reservations system for day-use vehicle comes to an end on Friday, October 1. Good news for fall travelers hoping to explore Yosemite Mariposa County in full. That’s one less thing to worry about in your trip-planning process.
The expiration of required reservations which went into place during the pandemic comes at a great time as lodging prices drop for fall and into the winter and Yosemite National Park remains open at all entrances. Also dropping are the temperatures, which means that Yosemite will be wide open for the best time to hike the park’s hundreds of miles of trails.
Visiting Yosemite Mariposa County this autumn and winter means you’re supporting tourist-based businesses, some of which have created Special Offers to show their gratitude and help make a trip even more affordable.
Even with the end of the reservation system, trip planning is still a key component of making a vacation a memorable one for all the right reasons. There is so much to see and do that planning an itinerary in advance is key to having a great experience. Arrive at the park’s gates early and stay late to maximize your time in this natural wonder and enjoy stunning sunsets from places like Taft Point and Glacier Point.
Landscape of Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park, California. Photo by Public Domain.https://www.goodfreephotos.com/
The Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau urges visitors to travel safely by wearing a mask, social distancing and respecting Nature’s Rules while in Yosemite Mariposa County and all outdoor destinations.
In Other Parks
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park has a 50-mile scenic drive called Going-to-the-Sun road. Driving this road is one of the most popular activities in the park and as of now it will still cost you a $2 reservation per vehicle. The rest of the park is unrestricted.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park still has a reservation system to prevent overcrowding through October 11.
The timed-entry permit system offers two kinds of permits. One gives you access to the entire park, including the Bear Lake Road Corridor. The other lets you enjoy all park sites and excursions except the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
They base reservations on parking capacity. When the lots hit 85 percent, they stop letting people in.
With National Dog Day just around the pond on August 26, We thought it would be cool to highlight some of the ways businesses are taking care of our four-legged friends with exciting new “paw-tastic” offerings and special programs.
Dining is for the dogs this August. On Aug. 26, a special “Pawsea Puppy Hour” will be available from 3-7 p.m. on Tanner’s patio featuring specialty menu items like the “dog bowl” with chicken breast, veggies and brown rice, as well as homemade peanut butter and banana dog treats. Additionally, Pasea just launched a new pet package which features a three-course doggy meal, take home gifts like toys and leashes, a bed, waived pet fees and more. In addition to the special offerings for Dog Day, the property is conveniently located less than two miles from the famed Huntington Dog Beach where dogs can run leash-free. Guests can also enjoy access to the 1,100 square foot outdoor pup play area, outfitted with a lifeguard station dog house and decorated with a local artist-commissioned wall mural.
Boozehounds in Palm Springs is a new pet-friendly dining, bar and co-working concept featuring a vibrant design and a welcoming atmosphere with a unique food and beverage menu, including options for dogs. Opened just in time for the summer, pet-lovers can grab a happy hour cocktail or bite daily from 3-5 p.m. Boozehounds offers globally-inspired and locally influenced dishes including classics with a twist and daily fresh fish selections, with gluten-free and vegan options. Inspired by the restaurant’s proximity to the San Jacinto Mountains and the city’s access to the great outdoors, Boozehounds combines desert influences and midcentury design with a laid-back California Atmosphere.
One of the destination’s newest boutique properties, Hotel Haya embodies everything special about Ybor City’s exuberant Cuban, Italian, and Spanish influences. Up to two pets are allowed per room and upon request they will have treats, beds and bowls waiting. Tampa Bay has been called Florida’s most dog-friendly destination and for good reason. The city has the highest rates of dog parks per capita in the country, for example, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park , Water Works Park, and Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. There are also dog beaches including Davis Islands and a little farther south, Picnic Island that has space for picnics as well as pooches.
Crossroads Hotel has tapped local artists and designers to share their talent and creativity throughout the hotel making it the perfect place to bring your stylish pup. Your pets will find a comfortable bed, treats and other amenities that will make this hotel the perfect place to call home for the night. Kansas City’s exceptional dog parks include West Terrace Dog Park in Downtown KC and Waggin’ Trail Off Leash Dog Park in North Kansas City. A must-visit is Bar K Dog Bar; it serves as a dog park, restaurant, coffeehouse and bar—a harmonious synthesis designed especially for people and their furry companions.
At the intersection of culture and community in the heart of Montclair’s thriving artistic community is the MN. With an impressive on-site art collection and home to the town’s only rooftop bar with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the MC Hotel has become a Northeastern hospitality icon. A stone’s throw from NYC, MC Hotel offers relief from the hustle and bustle of the city and provides a truly relaxing getaway. Be sure to visit the Brookdale Park that offers a separate small dog area, agility equipment, running water, waste bags, and gravel mulch.
The 151-room Daxton Hotel, located just 30 minutes north of Detroit, bring refined sophistication to the charming town of Birmingham incorporating some of the finest art, wellness, dining and retail that hospitality can offer. The luxury hotel pampers pooches with specially created dog treats from renowned Executive Chef Garrison Price. The Daxton, with its collection of over 400 original artwork curated by Saatchi Art from artists in over 40 countries, provides for an avant garde and sophisticated resting space for cultured pets. In addition to Chef Price’s artisanal treats, pets receive a bed and bowl as part of the $75 pet fee and can enjoy the many parks and Birmingham dog run just steps away.
Don’t leave anyone behind the next time you’re traveling to Big Sky. At The Wilson Hotel, the pet-friendly guest rooms are built with the comfort and safety of both you and your furry friend in mind. With vast forests, towering mountains, and never-ending outdoor activities, make this the perfect spot for your pup. The hotel is conveniently located near many top-notch parks and trails including Yellowstone National Park. The Dog Days in the Mountains Package includes a doggie arrival welcome amenity, with treats, a chewing toy, a rawhide bone, a travel water bowl, an exclusive Wilson Hotel bandana, pick-up bags, and the use of a dog bed during your stay and a $10 gift certificate to Beehive Basin Brewery for yappy hour – dog friendly, of course! They also offer maps featuring local dog-friendly hiking trails and cross-country skiing trails. $25 of your nightly rate will go towards Stafford Animal Shelter in Livingston, MT.
After opening its doors to guests in 2017, the Detroit Foundation Hotel in downtown Detroit has been regarded as a catalyst for the city’s resurgence and culinary prominence. A pet friendly hotel, the Detroit Foundation Hotel welcomes all pets and service animals, ensuring guests with furry friends have an unforgettable experience. In fact, the hotel is just steps away from the Detroit Riverwalk that stretches more than three miles along the scenic Detroit River, making it an ideal recreation spot for those on four legs or two! Visiting the revitalized Motor City is a treat for pups and people alike as Detroit has something to offer everyone. Take a dog walk down the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy for five miles of river views, join the cult behind the beloved regional favorite Coney Dog, or take a visit to the pooch-friendly Belle Isle, the 982-acre island park with stellar views of the Detroit skyline.
The reclaimed former farm implement warehouse and showroom is located in the bustling North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. Paying homage to the Minnesotan setting, the rustic and refined meld together with exposed timber and brick, tall ceilings and original industrial elements mixed with high-end interiors to create an original and inviting experience. Dogs are welcome in the Bar & Lounge as their humans enjoy Chef Nyle Flynn’s creations that pay tribute to the region’s strong Scandinavian roots with a menu influenced by rural Nordic practices of foraging, butchery and fermentation techniques and heavily driven by seasonality. A $75 pet fee has dogs howling for Hewing Hotel with thoughtful dog amenities including BarkBox memory foam dog beds and list of other dog-friendly outdoor dining, local attractions and dog parks. Treat pooches to a True North experience in the Twin Cities. From the over 100+ dog-friendly breweries, 66 dog parks and hundreds of restaurants open to pets the options are endless.
The modern, grand hotel in Des Moines’ downtown district welcomes four legged friends. The preserved twelve-story, Beaux-Arts gem opened originally in 1913 has been reborn while retaining heritage design elements and architectural touches. The hotel welcomes up to two dogs per guest room and ensures treats, bed and bowl for your pet in-room upon arrival. Make this Midwestern city the ultimate destination for man, or woman’s, best friend. For playful pups and teaching old dogs new tricks, Des Moines offers a host of activities for pets. Pick up treats and supplies at Bone-A-Patreat or visit the multiple dog parks including the Riverwalk Dog Park. Sip seasonal and experimental beers at dog-friendly microbrewery Confluence Brewing Company and peruse the farm fresh delights and offerings at the Downtown Farmers’ Market.
Guests can experience sanctuary and scene at The James New York – NoMad, located on the corner of 29th Street and Madison Avenue, near iconic Madison Square Park and the Flatiron District. Visitors step into the calming energy of The James and leave the hustle and bustle behind in this urban retreat, including man’s- and woman’s-best-friend with dog-friendly amenities such as plush beds, water/food bowls and calming spray/natural paw balm. The 337-room luxury boutique hotel is infused with local culture and intuitive touches inspired by the community it calls home. With its convenient and central location, visitors can leave for the best of the city including Madison Square Park and Eataly, Macy’s Herald Square, The Flatiron Building, Union Square and wonderful restaurants and world-class shopping.
Your guest room mini bar is stocked with “Bowser Beer” for pups and a special puppy ice cream available on request year-round. For the month of August, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant, The Katharine Brasserie & Bar, has a pet-friendly patio offering pups free “Puppuccinos on the Patio.”
The George and the Kimpton Monaco Hotel (Penn Quarter) are encouraging furry friends to strike a pose on their “Pet, Step & Repeat” available the entire month of August. The doggy backdrop will be set up in each hotel’s lobby with a selection of pet props and costumes. Pet parents can snap pics of their pups to hang in their personal portrait gallery. Hotel Monaco’s cocktail bar & restaurant, Dirty Habit DC, also has a pet-friendly patio with water bowls to accommodate four legged companions.
DOGGY HOTEL ESSENTIALS
Built Nightsafe Leash– Built sturdy, with clean lines, this leash has what you need and want for walks around your hotel or trail. You’ll love the swivel clip attachment that you can use with the matching collar and the D ring on top you can uses to hook a poop bag, but the best feature is the extra handle that allows you to shorten your hold for extra control. Both padded handles feel great in your hand and the patent pending NightSafe™ reflective webbing adds a touch of style and glow when you need a late night outing.
Ruffwear Bivy Collapsible Dog Bowl – Never trust that the ice bucket or bowls will be in your hotel room when you need them. Carry your own collapsible bowl for Fido. As cool as those little bowls are that pack into their own pouch, you gotta love a sturdy bowl that doesn’t flop around while your dog is drinking. The Bivy’s height adjusts depending on how shallow you want it and then it collapses flat for easy packing.
Free Country Dog Rain Coat – It’s not that you need to worry about your dog getting wet but everything around him that will get drenched and smelly when he gets back to your room. Now you can protect him with this waterproof rain jacket and hood. It even has a cozy butter pile lining perfect for colder days. Hook-and-loop fasteners ensure the right fit for Fido, and quick access leash port make it easy to take on and off.
