Author Archives: Jill Adler

PAX offers A Solution to the Madness

I hate smokers. They infringe on my enjoyment of clean mountain air. I stand in a liftline, ride a chair, make a left through the trees and cross a puff of cough-inducing smoke and I want to instantly petition the state to ban smoking at ski areas. You can’t smoke at Disneyland; at Lagoon (Utah’s own little amusement park); why can they not send smokers to the maintenance lot to pollute the air around the snowcats and snowmobiles? Resorts are marketed toward families yet I’m horrified when my six-year- old sees the liftie on break taking a drag. “Mommy, what’s that?” she asks. “That’s gross,” I respond. So the last thing I thought I’d want to write about was PAX. The new palm-sized device debuting at this year’s Sundance Film Fest has found love among smokers in the entertainment industry. It’s a super portable vaporizer that has only three parts and it’s destined for the pockets of skibums. It heats quickly and easily – even in freezing temps- and even if you’re fumbling on a chair lift you have a slim chance of dropping things. “The old vaporizers (used by those who smoke pot) sent a stoner message,” Said Sarah Richardson. “We’ve taken that technology and brought it into the tobacco space.” You can now have ‘attractive’ tobacco alternatives without the combustion that gets into your throat and chest. Pipe tobacco, nicotine and yes, that other substance. You can use it to smoke indoors and it won’t make your house, car, clothes or my chair ride smell like an ashtray. It works off an internal rechargeable battery (no butane). There’s a pop-up mouthpiece that turns on the device, the body and an ‘oven’ on the bottom where you pop off a magnetic lid and stuff your poison. The cloud you see coming off the PAX is vapor not second-hand smoke. If it keeps my mountain air clean. Hurray, sell more of these. Once again a true “Sundance find.” $249. www.ploom.com. P.S. If there’s a rider/smoker in your life, please, for my sake buy him this for Valentine’s Day.

Gear

Baby, It’s Cold Outside; What You Wear Under There

Jill Adler Leave a comment

It’s finally starting to warm up- if you can call a high of 20 degrees warm. But it beats -2 which is what Park City’s seen over the last few weeks. Several times I walked into the ski lodge to find little kids screaming for Mommy as their tiny toes began to thaw and the ‘pins n needles’ worked their evil magic.

This week in Park City I’m betting there will be enough moans and groans to rival the party cheers as thousands of Los Angelinos descend on the mountain town for the Sundance Film Festival and experience temps so cold their liquor stashes will freeze in the car.

Staying Warm

It’s pure science to get the right balance of comfort and warmth in the winter. You can’t just wear a cotton T-shirt and big puffy coat and call it good.

Starting at the feet, ditch the gym socks. A thick cotton sock is a pure sign of beginner. You don’t wear cotton socks in the mountains. Period. Wear a ski or snowboard sock in your after ski boot even if you’re aren’t on the slopes to keep your toes are toasty as possible. Chemical toe warmer packets are also a good idea but they don’t last very long in an oxygen deprived environment in the super cold. When they do die, yank them out or they will suck away any heat your own body is generating.

Lorpen’s Tri Layer Ski Socks use a Primaloft Eco next to skin layer to wicks moisture, a middle layer of merino wool for effective evaporation and warmth, and an outer layer of nylon knit on high friction areas for extra durability.

Most of the time the warmest boots are not the prettiest. But if you’re wearing a sweet pair of jeans or ski pants, no one will notice. The Greenbay4 from Kamik will keep your foot warm to -40 degrees.

For a more fashion-forward look that still retains warmth, I love my Sorel Joan of Arctic’s:

I can’t tolerate wool- even merino- on my bum – so on extra cold days I’ve got a thin layer of fleece between my and my Calvins. Polarmax makes everything you need under there.

Let’s start with the AYG 4-way stretch bikini brief. The poly and Spandex with Acclimate antimicrobial keeps your long johns fresh to wear throughout your entire trip. It’s a lot easier to wash these quick-dry, silky undies in the sink than your fleece pants and they don’t ride up.

Under ski pants I slither into the Quattro Fleece; under street pants it’s the 4-way stretch tight for warmth without the bulk. BTW, jeans are a ‘don’t’ in subzero temps. There’s nothing warm about them. Cords or a knit dress with fleece leggings will keep you warmer.

On top, I wear the Joy Fleece Sport Bra from Sportees under ski clothes and the Isis Sport Bra with street clothes (regular bras aren’t warm enough).

Over the bra goes either a wool baselayer like the Lifa Dry Classic top from Helly Hansen.

or, if can’t stand the itch, a synthetic cotton top from Sport Science. Feels like cotton, wicks like poly. I layer these with a street shirt of choice or a mid-weight fleece and top them with a wool sweater like the gorgeous Lucia sweater from Prana or the wool/nylon/poly Sera pullover from Sherpa Adventure Gear. Both sweaters have that thick wool feel on the outside but a soft, fleeciness on the inside so you won’t itch.

For ultra cold days, I’ve got my Obermeyer Kassady down sweater.

I seal the deal with a full down jacket and scarf (or fleece neck gaitor for skiing). Companies like Mountain Hardwear, Helly, Sierra Designs even Timberland make coats that are both warm and stylish.

Now get out there and stay warm!

Softgoods

Sundance Film Festival: Who’s Coming in 2013?

Jill Adler Leave a comment

I bumped into a girl at the red carpet premiere of a Sundance film who was snapping pictures with a Canon pocket cam. When I asked if they were good quality she smiled slyly and said, “Good enough to sell.”

Even camera phone pics can make someone cash if they have the eye and the opportunity. Welcome to Sundance 2013. Aside from Cannes and the Oscars, this world-renown indie film fest is one of the best places to spot, photograph or just ogle some of your favorite celebrities- writers, directors, actors, musicians and more- who will flood into Park City, Utah, starting tomorrow, January 17.

We’re not promising they will all appear like the princesses at Disneyland. Some cancel last minute. Some hideout in their hotel rooms and some go incognito. Still, if you plant yourself at the hotspots like the Village at the Lift (Lower Main Street), the Sky Lodge, The Music Café and basically the intersection of Main Street and Heber Avenue there’s a better than good chance of spotting ‘Waldo’.

Here’s the ‘short’ list (in no particular order):

Dermot Mulroney

Ellen Page

Nicole Kidman

Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood)

Patricia Clarkson

Gabriel Mann (Revenge)

Daryl Hannah

Rutger Hauer

Isaiah Washington

Jane Lynch

Ben Stiller

Jesse Eisenberg (Social Network)

Naomi Watts

Ashton Kutcher

James Franco

Jordin Sparks

Alicia Keys

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Julianne Moore

Guy Pearce

Felicity Jones

Julie Delpy

Ethan Hawke

Josh Radnor

Allison Janney

Ellen Page

Paul Rudd

Emile Hirsch

Isaiah Washington

Shailene Woodley (Secret Life)

Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights)

Dakota Fanning

Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene)

Evan Rachel Wood

Kyle Maclachlan

Rooney Mara

Jessica Biel

Alfred Molina

Chad Michael Murray

Shia LaBeouf

Vincent D’Onofrio

Holly Hunter

Forest Whitaker

Kristin Bell

Morgan Spurlock

Mamie Gummer

Megan Mullally

Demi Moore

Ellen Barkin

Richard Dreyfuss

David Spade

Jane Seymour

Jonathan Groff (Glee’s Jesse St James)

Josh Lucas

Michael C. Hall (Dexter)

Kevin Sorbo

Mariel Hemingway

Michael Cera (Scott Pilgrim)

Neve Campbell

Sean Young

Elisabeth Moss

Ed Harris

January Jones

Casey Affleck

Daniel Radcliffe

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Keith Carradine

Reese Witherspoon

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Frances O’Connor

Matthew McConaughey

Steve Carell

Toni Collette

Sam Rockwell

Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids)

Rob Corddry (from the Daily Show)

Sarah Polley

Sonja Kinski (daughter of Natassja Kinski, granddaughter of Klaus Kinski)

Kelly McGillis

Bill Pullman

Kate Bosworth

Radha Mitchell

Anthony Edwards

Henry Thomas (E.T.)

Amanda Seyfried

Josh Harto

Scarlett Johansson

AnnaLynne McCord

Sundance

Too Cold To Snow

Jill Adler Leave a comment

By PCSKIGal

Damn, it’s cold. Perhaps it’s the coldest stretch Utah has seen in decades? I’m no weather dude so I can’t speak to records but for the first time EVER I’ve run out of my stash of handwarmers.

It was officially two degrees colder today than yesterday but once you’re below the teens does it really make a difference? The snow was so cold…how cold was it? So cold that I had to grab onto Alta’s rope tow from the start rather than glide alongside it most of the way. (Cold snow = sticky skis.) It was so cold my snot froze. So cold my boyfriend had to drive with his ski boots on because he couldn’t pry the plastic open until the heater thawed them.

We headed up to Alta at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning thinking that we were dressed as warmly as possible. The problem is that no matter how toasty your body is, the chairs are cold and boots are cold. ‘Snowbird’s the best on cold days because you can ride the tram,” Ryan said as we passed the Bird going up LCC. But yesterday friends reported waits of more than an hour for the tram. So the tram is warm but your wait isn’t. Kind of makes the ride moot.

I was prepared for the freeze after my few hours at Solitude yesterday. It was 9 degrees and that was cold enough. I made four runs in the 8 inches of windblown powder then raced down to the Moonbeam Lodge to rescue my feet. Three more runs and I was done. I probably would have stayed home today if it wasn’t so much fun to finally get freshies at Solitude. It had been nearly two weeks since the last big storm.

Alas, the most recent storm system has migrated east, clearing out the inversion (i.e. smog) in the Salt Lake Valley and leaving more snow in the city than in the mountains. Huh? A foot versus more than two feet on the Valley floor. The Utah Avalanche Center says it got “too cold to snow at the upper elevations. The best temperature range for dendridic crystal growth occurred in the lower elevations where it was a bit warmer.” Some areas north of Salt Lake rang in with 40 inches! The Cottonwoods got about 11″. The UAFC says the sub-zero temperatures above 9000 feet are the coldest of the season so far.

I hear it’s supposed to be even worse tomorrow. Make sure at the least you’ve got toe warmers, hand warmers, down coats and thick fleece baselayers. Do not leave home without them or that will be one expensive ‘lodge’ ticket. I really that it gets warm enough to snow. We’re about 50″ shy of a great base depth.

Ski News

Utah Welcomes Learn to Ski or Ride Month

Jill Adler Leave a comment

If you haven’t heard that January is National Learn-To-Ski-Month then you obviously need to learn to ski (or snowboard). Just about every resort in the country is participating on some level in this coordinated effort to get people out sliding on sticks. Ski and snowboard areas will offer free and reasonably priced turnkey lesson programs throughout January as part of this initiative. Utah’s “Lucky 13” program is no exception; yet at the same time it’s an exceptional endeavor. In a nutshell, Utah’s resorts will be doing a $13 lift ticket, $13 rental and $13 lesson; or some variation thereof.

PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT

Park City Mountain Resort’s StartNOW program is in its fourth season and is probably one of the most brilliant plans a Utah resort has come up with to encourage new riders. Never evers pay $200 for five daysof lift tickets, afternoon lessons and gear rentals. The program is open to anyone with a Utah I.D., six years old and up. StartNow goes throughout the season (with blackout dates) but you must register online.

CANYONS RESORT

Canyons Resort’s Learn to Ski or Ride program is open to Utah residents throughout January. Ages 4 and up can get a beginner lift ticket, equipment rental and an all-day lesson for just $39. Advance reservations are required and are based on availability. 877-472-6306. (Offer not valid January 19 – 21, 2013 and limited to first 50 registrants per day.) Non-Utahns and procrastinators have an option as well. Canyons has a $99 deal all season. Never evers get a full-day lesson, gear and beginner lift ticket.

DEER VALLEY RESORT

Beginners have only one day to take advantage of Deer Valley Resort’s world famous ski school. The Utah “Learn to Ski” Program is for locals only on January 26. The three-hour, morning clinic starts at 8:30 a.m. and you must be 13 or older. Only 55 participates will be accepted at the $39 lift ticket, lesson and ski rental price. You must make your reservations by January 25 by calling Deer Valley Resort at 888-754-8477 or 435-645-6648 and mention “Ski Utah Learn to Ski Program.”

ALTA – not just January!

Alta Ski Area gets that you can’t just do one day and be hooked. So their program lets you pick any four days throughout the season to go and play with an instructor. The Learn to Ski Package for first-time Utah skiers is open to children and adults. The package includes four, two-hour lessons, four beginner lift tickets and four days of rental gear- all for $199. Enrollment is limited and reservations are required.

Most students will be able to comfortably ski “green” easier slopes after those four lessons. 801-799-2271.

SNOWBIRD SKI AND SUMMER RESORT

Skiers and riders can embrace Chickadee all month with an afternoon lesson, lift ticket and rentals for $45 at Snowbird. You must be at least 7 years old and a first time skier or rider to participate. You’ll get a “Learner’s Permit Pass” with a photo once you finish the day that will entitle you to five more group lessons for $65 each instead of $105 and five half-price lift tickets.

New to Snowbird this year – The Learner’s Permit 4-Week Program for $280 has already started but put it on the radar for friends and family next season. People 13 and up get four afternoon lessons, four lift tickets, and four weeks of rentals. After the four weeks, the ‘learner’ can get five additional discounted adult group lessons for $65 and five half-price lift tickets.

BRIGHTON

Brighton Ski Resort is also has a $45 intro package. Newbies get a two-hour morning or afternoon lesson, an all-day ski or snowboard rental and a full-day learner lift ticket. The promotion ends January 31. Just go to brightonresort.com and print out the “THIS IS THE MONTH TO LEARN” voucher and redeem it at any Brighton ticket window. This offer is for ages 13 and up. Lesson times are at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. daily. Group lessons are also available on Thursdays evenings at 6 p.m.

SOLITUDE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Most Friday, Saturday and Sunday in January at Solitude first timers can get three half-day afternoon lessons, rentals, and beginner lift tickets for $165. After completing the three lessons, and filling out a survey, guests will receive a free all-day/all-mountain lift ticket. 801-536-5730.

SUNDANCE

Learn to Ski or Snowboard at Sundance for $75 (an average savings of $20). This doesn’t sound like a huge bargain compared to the other resorts but it’s open to all abilities (not just beginners) and includes a half-day lesson, all-day lift ticket and full-day rentals. The deal is good Sunday-Thursday for ages 6 and up. The package must be booked online.

BEAVER MOUNTAIN

You don’t really need more than a gentle ‘bunny’ slope to learn to ski so why not try a small ‘local’ hill like Beaver? Learn to ski or snowboard for only $39 here. Your package includes lift ticket, lesson and equipment rental. The deal is only valid until January 18, 2013, so act fast. Mention Ski Utah Learn to Ski and Snowboard Package to claim this offer.

BRIAN HEAD SKI RESORT

Southern Utah’s Brian Head Resort has two weekends for a learn-to-ski deal; January 12- 13 and 26 – 27. Pick a day and $45 gets you a two-hour lesson, rentals and a lift ticket for Chairs 4 and 6. After that, you’ll get a “bounce back” coupon for two more $45 “get better” lessons. If you complete both get better lessons, you will be eligible for a half price ‘12/13 season pass, 50 percent off rentals and a free lift ticket for a friend. Participant must be at least 13 years old. Online reservations are required. Visit BrianHead.com.

EAGLE POINT

Eagle Point joins the fold with their January specials for beginners- Adults can get an all-day lesson, gear rental and learner lift ticket for $59. Kids are $64. Half day for either is $39.

POWDER MOUNTAIN

Registration is now closed for Powder Mountain’s Saturday program. Put it on your calendar for next season if you really want to learn at this Ogden resort or perhaps you can call and get waitlisted for this season. Get five weeks of Saturday morning lessons for ages 8 and up for $95. The deal doesn’t include equipment or lift tickets so comb Craigslist for deals. Session Dates: January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 2013. Powder Mountain Snow Sports School at 801-745-3772 ext. 127 or 12. If all else fails, Powder does a learn-to package throughout the season for $120 that includes lift ticket, gear and half-day lesson.

SNOWBASIN

Snowbasin’s Lucky 13 program (through January 13) sticks with the program- $39 for a Little Cat Lift ticket, 2-hour morning group lesson and rentals. Lessons are available daily at 10 am and 1 pm. For those who know they want to keep skiing this season, consider the Basin’s Learn-to-Earn program. Pay $295 up front for a five-lesson package that includes three Little Cat/Becker lift tickets then two all-mountain tickets, half-day lessons and gear rentals. This is a smoking deal when you consider lift tickets alone would cost you $82/day. Did we mention that you get a Snowbasin season pass upon completion of the five lessons? For more information please contact the Snowsports Learning Center at 801-620-1015.

WOLF MOUNTAIN

Learn to ski or snowboard Wolf for $39 during the month of January. The price includes lift ticket, lesson and rental.

Events

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