The 5Point Adventure Film Festival was born in 2007 to inspire adventure of all kinds, to connect generations through shared experience, to engage passion with a conscience, and to educate through film. Up until this year, they’ve been able to take their show on the road. Instead of bowing to COVID-19, 5Point has gone virtual.
The non-profit centers its mission around “5 Points”: Purpose, Commitment, Respect, Humility, and Balance. By partnering with outdoors brands like Gregory, Yeti and Coalatree the show can hit the road to spread these points across the Rockies. The one held in Salt Lake City last November was a blast to attend and the selection of award-winning shorts kept audiences on the edge of their seat. But, alas, the show couldn’t go on as usual.
5Point Adventure Film Festival Must Go On
5point programmer Julie Kennedy says, “We all can’t be together under one roof but be we can be together on our screens.” This year’s event kicked off on Earth Day, April 22, 2020, with the first of three, all new, 90-minute programs of films from their archives along with special guest vignettes showing “Life in Lockdown.” If you missed it like I did, you can watch it here:
The three-part fest continues tonight (Friday) at 7 p.m. MST over at 5pointfilm.org/events/unlocked/ so grab some popcorn and beer for your Friday night “in”.
The live event in Carbondale, Colo., has been postponed until October. Those who already purchased tickets for the April dates can either get a refund or roll over their tix to the fall. http://5pointfilm.org/festival/
This recipe came from The Dirty Gourmet during the Pursuit Series at Snowbasin Resort last summer. Unfortunately, the Series was cancelled for this summer but whipping up these super easy beignet-type camp donuts, even at home, brought back some fun memories of long days in the sun, great food, challenging adventures and cocktail parties around the campfire.
Camp Donuts and Jam Ingredients
Donut Holes:
1 Roll of refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury or Annie’s)
Jam:
2 cups sliced strawberries
2 to 4 tablespoons sugar
Juice of 1 small lemon
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 pinch of kosher salt
CAMP DONUTS RECIPE
In a skillet or a medium pot set over medium heat, place the berries and sugar. Mash the berries with a wooden spoon or a fork, until the berries soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, chia seeds, and salt.
To make the doughnut holes, cut premade biscuit dough in small 1” pieces and shape in a ball. In a fry pan over low heat, add enough oil to cover half of the donut. Cook the donuts on the griddle for about 5 minutes per side, or until they’re lightly browned and cooked through.
UPDATE: Arapahoe Basin reopened May 28, 2020, with a TBD closing date. All passholders and day ticket purchasers ($99) have to submit to a raffle two days prior and make a reservation if their name is drawn before they can head up. The ski area is allowed to admit only 600 skiers and snowboarders but there will be no tailgating and partying after slushing it up on the 20 open runs and three chairlifts. They will have to wear face coverings in designated areas and no food will be sold. Still, they get to ski!
With no more ski areas open – HUGE shout out to COVID-19 for that- and just a smattering of diehards uphilling for turns, we can officially call an end to the 2019/20 ski season. But what about summer skiing?
According to the National Ski Areas Association, some 460 ski areas in 37 states could lose $2 billion from the shutdown. Most areas began to shutter around March 15, 2020, just when spring ski breakers were marking off their vacation to-do lists. Jackson Hole had already announced that they would stay open a week past their normal closing to accommodate for the late Easter weekend. With fresh snow in the forecast, resorts were primed for a bustling spring before pandemic panic struck. Then everything came to a screeching halt; everything but our desperate need to keep skiing.
We Weren’t Done Skiing
March is not only one of the snowiest months of the year but also the busiest after December, pulling in about 20 percent of overall skier visits for the season. Not so for 2020. We won’t harp on the financial hits that the resorts will sustain. You can read about that here. It’s the emotional hit that rippled through ski communities, causing mass devastation.
Thousands of season passholders sat sad faced, wondering if the areas would reopen or at least if they were going to reimburse them for the lost ski days. Those who only ski two weeks a year won’t understand. When you are a local with six ski areas to choose from and you measure your ego by the number of days you ski, one of the major factors to consider before dropping $1k on a pass are the projected closing dates.
Last year, Snowbird stayed open through June and reopened for a special 4th of July ski day. Whistler closed May 27, A-Basin June 2, Squaw Valley July 7 and Mammoth Mountain on July 28. Therefore, if you lived in Utah and purchased a Bird 19/20 season pass you potentially missed out on three months of skiing. Let’s break it down. With the season starting in December, you might predict seven months of skiing based on last year. Yet even without counting on July 4th skiing, Snowbird traditionally skis through May. That’s six months. They closed March 15 giving you only 3.5 months on a “six-month pass.” Most ski resorts, by the way, have yet to address this concern but perhaps they won’t have to if they can reopen before it’s too late.
Summer Skiing Not out of the Realm of Possibility
There may still be a slim (albeit VERY slim) possibility that a few areas will re-open for summer skiing if the quarantine ends before all of the snow melts. As of this post, Arapahoe Basin posted on their site that they could reopen even if it’s as late as June if conditions allow. “Don’t be discouraged. This is a marathon and A-Basin is a marathon runner. What other area stays open from mid-October to July 4th? We all need to do the right things now if we want to get open again.” Update: The Governor of Colorado extended the closure order through May 23, 2020.
Mount Baldy ski area in Southern California reopened on April 22 when San Bernadino County allowed golf courses to reopen. After 11 days, they closed out the season, “Thanks to the most solid crew any mountain has ever had, several feet of late season snow and some very respectful skiers & riders we were able to open again on 4/22/20 to finish off a season like this properly,” the resort’s website stated.
photo by Gary Westwell
Vail Resorts (which includes Whistler, Breckenridge and Heavenly resorts) posted, “We made the difficult decision to close our North American resorts and retail stores for the 2019/20 winter season. ” Mammoth Mountain’s statement: There is no estimated reopening date for Mammoth Mountain at this time. Reopening the ski area is dependent on the COVID-19 situation, state and federal mandates, as well as other safety factors.
Squaw Valley hasn’t changed their stance that “while the possibility of Squaw Alpine reopening for skiing and riding still remains, we have no estimate for such action. The resort will be closed until further notice.”
Oregon Ski Resorts At The Ready?
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said this week that the state will allow ski resorts to reopen. Mt Bachelor, Ore., had earlier announced they are “closed for now but our goal is to reopen as soon as we can.” In the meantime, they were the first ski area to officially offer a $100 voucher to all 19/20 season passholders and can be used for pass products, lessons and rentals in 20/21. Timberline Ski Area is usually running race camps throughout the summer so this has to be good news for them. The plan as outlined is that guests must make online reservations but prepurchased lift tickets and passes will be valid. Food would be to go and social distancing practiced in the parking lots and chairs.
Season Passholder Reparations Coming
Utah skiers, in particular, were underwhelmed with the response from Alterra’s IkonPass which is good at Solitude and valid for five days at Deer Valley and Snowbird/Alta. Extended purchase deadlines, slight discount for renewals (about $120), interest-free payments, and insurance against another pandemic closure just aren’t enough enticements. My friend and former ski instructor Tony Fantis told the Salt Lake Tribune, “Why would I reinvest now for a season I don’t know is going to happen? From a risk standpoint, I would rather wait and pay more later.” That is despite Alterra promising customers can defer their pass to the 2021-22 season if it looks like they couldn’t use it this season … so long as they do so by December 10.
Vail Resorts announced their “severance package” shortly after a class action lawsuit was filed against them and Alterra. Epic Pass holders will be credited 20-80 percent toward a 2020-21 pass renewal, depending on how often their 2019-20 pass was used. For skiers ready to renew, VR has offered a pass deposit of $49 with the remainder due in September. Mountain Collective is the worst of the bunch and you would be wise to avoid it. From their website- “The Mountain Collective Pass is non-refundable and non-transferable. All purchases are final and may not be refunded, transferred between parties, or transferred to another season.” Basically, you get nothing for last season and if anything happens to cause the season to end early next year, you are SOL.
If the Resorts Do Reopen for Summer Skiing Will We Even Care By Then?
Though we still wish we could ski, many coronavactioners are finally ready for summer; for the rain to stop, the snow to melt, the warm skies to shine because, hell, if you can’t ski and don’t have backcountry skills, at least we can hike and bike. The other thing to consider is once we get in the summer groove, will we want to go back to skiing? TBH, it might take two feet of fresh powder to get me back in the mood.
But after you get your fill of dirt, there’s always a trip to Argentina in July; if the country lifts their air travel ban before September. The resorts down south are poised to open for their winter season but they are tracking the spread of COVID-19 as we speak. If ever there was a time to visit the southern hemisphere, it would be this year, weather and COVID contingent of course.
Must Haves for Summer Skiing
Shred Goggles – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Ted “Shred” Ligety knows something about skiing year-round. So trust him when he makes goggles that kick butt on summer sun. The Shred goggles won’t fog no matter how heated your dome gets. It has a spherical lens with a dramatically wide field of vision so you can spot bikini-clad Betties from anywhere. The contrast boosting lens (CBL) allows you to see just as well in flat light as bright sun and, even though the lens doesn’t look super dark to the naked eye, it provides plenty of UVA, UVB, UVC protection. The NoDistortion tech in the lenses prevents, yes, distortion you get from a curved lens at altitude while the high quality “Whipped Cream” multilayer face foam ensures that this go-to goggle fits under just about every helmet. Plus, it won’t pack down like most foams so you can count on them for next season too.
BRYNJE Women’s Wool Thermo Longs Base Layer with Inlay might look like something from a steampunk rave but it totally makes sense when you think about the heat generated skiing in 60-degree temps. All you want to wear is a shell pant but that feels nasty against bare skin. You won’t overheat in the Mesh Thermo Longs and the integrated shorts and reinforced knees keep you from chafing.
Helly Hansen’s Odin Mountain Softshell Jacket is the ultimate spring and backcountry shell. It’s a warm, breathable, comfortable worn alone or with a mid-layer or thin puffy underneath for cooler days. This lightweight beauty is made of 4-way stretch with a weather protective membrane and another with maximum breathability. It moves with you whether you climb or ski.
Being stranded inside my own house for who-knows-how-long is forcing me to find ways to bring the adventure home. Travel blogs, YouTube videos and exotic recipes not only relieve stress but help me escape. The one iconic food that will forever take me back to a time where life was rich and filled with ecstasy is Club Med’s White Chocolate Bread.
The sweet pastry, starter and side dish is served at every meal in every village. I’m a Club Med Geek- Cancun, Turquoise, Guaymas, Punta Cana. I even worked at two villages. So I lived off that White Chocolate Bread. If you’ve been to a Club Med, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
White Chocolate Bread
10 Yield: 1 loaf
1 1/2 cups flour 14 grams yeast (2 packets) 1/4 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup water 6 ounces white chocolate chips 1. Place the flour, salt, & yeast in the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix on medium-low or first speed for 1 minute. 2. Add 2/3 of the water at first, then add the rest as needed and mix for 10 minutes. If the dough needs more water, add as needed. The dough should be smooth, homogeneous, and should not stick to your fingers when you touch it. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl. 3. Add the chips and mix for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chips are well distributed throughout the dough. 4. Take the dough out of the bowl and lightly knead into a ball. Let rest for 5 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 5. After the 5 minutes of resting, pound the dough flat and then form the dough into the desired shape of the loaf you want. This can be done by folding the dough into the middle and sealing it with your palm. Repeat this procedure until you have formed a loaf shape. Place the loaf on a lined sheet pan with silpat or parchment paper and let rest for approximately 45 minutes or until it has doubled in size. If you are in a dry environment, place a damp cloth over the loaf. 6. Once the dough has doubled, place in the oven (make sure to place 1/2 cup of water in a pan or directly on the oven bottom to create vapor) and bake approximately 20 minutes at 400°F or until nicely browned on top. Don’t be alarmed if the white chocolate chips exposed are burned, this is normal. 7. Once the bread is baked, remove from the oven and let rest on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. 8. Serve warm.
One day soon, I hope, this staycation will be over and Club Med will offer amazing deals so that we can fly to a beautiful place, breathe fresh, clean air and eat that delicious bread while admiring this view. Stay safe and healthy, Everyone!
We outdoors people love our dogs but there’s so much misinformation out there concerning COVID and your canine that it’s our four-legged friends who could suffer. We’re not sure what’s right. Do you take your dog for walks? Do you pet your dog? Do you pet a friend’s dog? Do you let a friend pet your dog? Can you get the Coronavirus by petting a dog?
lonely boy
The World Health Organization is telling pet owners that we can’t catch COVID-19 from our animals. They stated, “There is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. ” Dogs can contract certain types of coronaviruses, such as the canine respiratory coronavirus, but they got lucky this time around. COVI-19 has most of the world on lockdown but spared our best friends. Dogs are not affected by the virus.
Can You and Your Canine transmit COVID if someone sneezes or coughs on them? Read on…
In this time of uncertainty, who’s to say we all aren’t affected physically or emotionally by all of this? You’re quarantined at home 24/7. On the one hand, your fluffy friend must be ecstatic that he has company but, on the other, not only can they sense your anxiety, stress and apprehension for these coming weeks but he’s probably not getting the exercise or love that he should.
It’s okay to pet a dog
My boy couldn’t handle not being loved on by the masses. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the chances are low of contracting the Coronavirus by petting your dog. Phew. The AVMA’s Chief Veterinary Officer Gail Golab says, “We’re not overly concerned about people contracting COVID-19 through contact with your dogs and cats.” Medical experts say the virus survives best on smooth surfaces like countertops and doorknobs. Therefore, a porous surface like fur tends to trap pathogens, making it harder to contract them through touch. That said, if you do let others pet your dog, you should still use hand sanitizer before and after you touch your own dog and keep your own social distance. It’s the perfect time to put that six-foot leash to use.
Just check county rules and wash your hands
Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before and after each walk but don’t use this quarantine time as an excuse for both of you not to exercise. Check your local regulations. Most quarantine restrictions are meant to curb loitering. States have made exceptions for essential jobs and errands, like walking your dog and exercising.
Healthy, non-positive dog owners need to get out daily but of course observe any local curfews. Your pup should still have a routine even if that routine is a “new” one. One thing to watch out for though is how sensitive dogs are to their environment. Just as they can sense storms and earthquakes, they can sense stress, anxiety and fear. Keep a close eye when they approach other dogs and people.
My friend’s kids decided to take her dog for a walk while she was sleeping and the normally docile pooch bit a neighbor just enough to draw blood. Now, on top of worrying about getting sick, she’ll be saddled with medical bills and the possibility of having to euthanize the family dog.
More than 80 million American households have at least one feline or canine family member. “Pets are truly an essential part of the family for millions of Americans, and we want to ensure the entire family stays healthy during this time—both mentally and physically,” says RestoraPet CEO Brian Larsen. The organization makes a pet supplement to rehabilitate and protect pets at the cellular level. *
Here are some more tips for pet parents to ensure your four-footed kids stay healthy and happy under quarantine.
10 tips for COVID-19 and your canine:
Stock up on supplies – Dogs don’t use toilet paper but there has been a run on dry dog food at certain big box retailers. Make sure your store has what you need before you venture out. If possible, avoid shopping in person altogether and order food, supplements, medications and toys online. You will want to have at least two weeks and, ideally, four weeks worth of supplies. I often hunt around the web for discount codes for Chewy and PetSmart to save money.
Have a contingency plan – If you get sick or have to leave, choose someone who can care for your pet in your stead. Of course, make sure to let them know they are your go-to person and inform them of any special needs your pet requires.
Take walks at “off” hours – Most folks are indoors by 8 p.m. but with sunset at 7:30 p.m. you’ll find more than a hour of light to play with. Strap on some reflectors (and grab a headlamp just in case) and take advantage of the stillness. Or wake up before the rest and catch the 7:30 a.m. sunrise.
Find indoor games or teach them tricks for mental exercise – Consider playing fetch with soft toys, hide and seek, or blowing bubbles for them to chase. Order a puzzle toy or set up an indoor agility course. We just learned how to find treats.
Meter Food –According to a recent Pet Obesity Prevention survey, nearly 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs are considered overweight or obese. With the amount of time we are lounging, it’s easy to overfeed our pets.
Quarantine yourself from pets – There’s no official backing that COVID-19-positive people can pass the virus to their pets but if you do suspect you’re sick, it’s probably best to let others handle your pet or, at the least, limit contact with them as much as possible. If you do pet them, wash your hands both before and after. Don’t kiss or snuggle with them, maybe even wear a face mask if you have one. Dogs do not need masks!
Plan for medical emergencies – If your pet needs a vet, call ahead so you both aren’t sitting in a public waiting room. Have updated medical records and if you dog likes to wander make sure she’s chipped.
Catching COVID from a Canine? It Depends.
So what’s the answer to whether it’s ok to pet a dog during the COVID-19 Crisis?
If it’s your dog– Love on him all you want. If you get sick, don’t kiss him. Don’t be afraid to let others pet him, just use sanitizer and wash up before you touch him again.
doggy kisses
If it’s someone else’s dog– If the owner is asymptomatic and wishes it, yes; but use hand sanitizer before and after petting, and wash your hands when you get home just in case someone contagious sneezed on him or rubbed him with a non-sanitized hand. No one has been known to have contacted the virus by petting a dog but better safe than sorry.
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These are times that test our whole being so take a deep breath and try to relax. Pets pick up on our nervous energy. The best we can do for both of us is to find the calm. Breathe deep, stroke them gently, and make sure to give them your full, undivided attention for at least 15 minutes a day. You’ll both feel the world lighten a little.
