Don’t say I didn’t warn you. That once seriously affordable season pass offered by Vail Resorts is now no cheaper than your average ski area season pass; and, if you’re comparing it to Snowbird or Alta, it’s even more expensive.
Five years ago, when Vail Resorts purchased Canyons Resort, Utah, they touted an unlimited season pass for $729. The next year it ‘climbed’ to $769, and included both Park City and Canyons. People raved about how this would change the industry for the better and how it would force resorts to compete with their pricing. I called BS on the whole thing and said you watch. In a few years, it won’t be any bargain. Five years later and the price has increased nearly 30 percent! Vail Resorts has announced their 2019/20 pass prices …
$939. But, hey, it’s ten bucks cheaper than the Ikon.
Epic Day Ski Pass Prices
Vail has also rolled out an “affordable” option for those not wanting a full season pass. If you can’t make it to a hill – basically any hill- for more than 8 days in one season you can now purchase an “Epic for Everyone” pass where you can load up to seven days on it. The new Epic Day Pass is priced out per day (holidays are extra) and are good at any of the company’s North American-owned resort: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Whistler Blackcomb, Keystone, Crested Butte, Park City Mountain Resort. Those purchasing four or more days will also get access to Telluride, Sun Valley, Snowbasin, and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
The company claims that you could save up to 50 percent off of lift ticket window prices which means EGAD! that walk-up pricing will reach $200 in 2020. Here’s the price break down for adult tickets:
Epic 1-Day Restricted Pass
$106
Epic 1-Day Pass
$125
Epic 2-Day Restricted Pass
$206
Epic 2-Day Pass
$242
Epic 3-Day Restricted Pass
$300
Epic 3-Day Pass
$352
Epic 4-Day Restricted Pass
$388
Epic 4-Day Pass
$456
Epic 5-Day Restricted Pass
$470
Epic 5-Day Pass
$553
Epic 6-Day Restricted Pass
$548
Epic 6-Day Pass
$645
Epic 7-Day Restricted Pass
$621
Epic 7-Day Pass
$731
The Full Season Ski Pass Reveal
For guests looking to ski more days in a season (basically, 8+) there’s the Epic Pass and Epic Local Pass at $939 and $699 respectively. The difference between the two lies in that one is unrestricted access at 60 VR areas and 7 days at Snowbasin and Sun Valley, while the other offers unlimited at 30 resorts (only 10 days at Vail, Beaver Creek and Whistler), blackouts over Thanksgiving, Christmas and President’s Weeks and 2 days at Snowbasin and Sun Valley. As a bonus, if you buy the Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass this spring you will also get 10 Buddy Tickets (up from six last year) and six Ski With a Friend Tickets. The Buddy tickets is a flat-rate discount for friends and family and the SWAF is a variable rate discount depending on the day.
Part of the fun of the Sundance Film Festival is the faces. If you live in LA you have probably become immune to the diversity and celebrity roaming your streets and sharing booth space at the local diner but here in Utah- the land of (mostly) white- it’s like a breath of fresh air blasting through Park City.
Grab a free hot beverage inside one of the many sponsor venues, cup of Get a cup of something warm, take a window seat and watch the sea of PIB (People In Black) wave up and down Main Street.
The Names Please For Sundance ’19
Here are just some of the notables expected to attend the Fest this year. See how many you can check off the list.
The Sundance Film Festival kicks off January 24 and for 10 days the little resort town of Park City, Utah, turns into what can only be described as a faux movie set for “People in Black”. The shops, galleries and restaurants that locals recommend become ones they all avoid as brands like Grey Goose and Lyft move in and take over. Every other storefront is rented out for high dollars; transformed into lounges, suites and party venues for Sundance filmmakers, media, brands and wanna-be-seen celebrities.
Main Street and Park City proper swell under the heavy traffic and crowds. More than 124,000 people are expected to attend the independent film festival and while most will stand in line to see at least one of the 200 films slated (the Festival is said to have broken its record for the most film submissions at 14,259), many will spend their time wandering through town and the various activations and brand installations. In fact, there really is no need to purchase $20-25 tickets to see films that will eventually make it to Netflix unless you want bragging rights or an opportunity to sit in on the Q&As. Instead, ride the free Park City bus and take in the “scene”.
There are both “official” and “unofficial” attractions. Many require an invite and guestlist, some a Festival credential ($$) and others are free and open to the public. Here is just some of the fun to be had in #crazytown.
Open To The Public
Festival Co-op 608 Main St., Park City
Friday, January 25–Friday, February 2, 2019
Stop in for all sorts of interactions: Complimentary charging stations provided by AT&T and technology provided by Dell. Warm up with hot crafted coffee blends. Enter for a chance to win a prize to a fabulous mystery destination. Learn about the Sundance Institute’s work supporting independent artists and for a chance to win cool prizes. Visit with the University of Utah Health Wellness Hub to warm up, enjoy a free chair massage, and recharge before your next film. Test your film knowledge and get a limited-edition pin and postcard from the Utah Film Commission and chat with WordPress.com and snap a photo of yourself with an inspiring and interactive mural created by an internationally known street artist.
Acura Festival Village
480 Swede Alley
Friday, January 25–Saturday, February 2, noon–6:00 p.m.
Acura invites you to take a seat in the Acura NSX supercar or any of the entire lineup on display. Or, recharge with complimentary hot beverages and phone-charging stations. Guests also can capture Festival memories in the Acura winter wonderland photo booth and hear live daily programming on the Acura Stage including industry and celebrity panels, and live music. Wrap up the day on the heated patio with Acura Hours, along with partner Stella Artois.
Canada Goose Basecamp
449 Main St.
Friday, January 25–Tuesday, January 29, noon–6:00 p.m.
Known as the unofficial jacket of film crews, Canada Goose invites you to warm up by trying on some of their coats. Such a tease! Not many can afford the pricetag. But at least you can enjoy complimentary hot beverages, WiFi and charging stations as well as explore an interactive exhibit that showcases their history in front of and behind the lens.
Chase Sapphire® on Main
573 Main St.
Jan.25-Feb.1 The public is welcome to a variety of activities like cooking and VR demos. Sample food from around the country, watch the LA Times live film panel discussions with filmmakers and talent. Show off your Sapphire credit card for private admittance to parties, a dining concierge, and a lounge featuring a premium coffee bar from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and wine and beer tastings from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also pick up a commemorative 2019 Sundance Film Festival water bottle.
The Dell Den
528 Main St.
Jan. 25-28
Dell Technologies will display the work of creators from post-production demos to gamified AI and offer ask-the-expert sessions. There will also be networking with industry leaders across film, media, and sustainability, as well as portraits from famed photographer Mark Mann.
Lyft Lounge
556 Main St.
Jan. 24-27
Riding Park City’s free shuttles got you down? Come rest your weary head at the Lyft Lounge. The drinks aren’t free but the heated space and conversation with fellow film enthusiasts is. Yes, you can catch a Lyft when you’re ready to leave.
Wellhaus
412 Main Street
CBD had to make an appearance at Sundance, where trends take hold. The first-ever CBD focused activation is brought to you by Axcess Entertainment and Charlotte’s Web to educate and entertain the public and the festival community on the rapidly growing CBD movement. There will be daily talks, panel discussions, VIP activations and the first-ever CBD Gastropub/CBD infusion bar.
Savvy Minerals Sip & Lip Bar
580 Main St
Sat Jan 26 2019 at 11:00 am – 07:00 pm
This chic space from Young Living Essential Oils will help guests find their perfect winter lipshade from the line of clean and natural beauty products while sipping on a refreshing NingXia Zyng.
Credential Holders
Filmmaker Lodge Elks Building 550 Main St. (2nd Floor) Friday, January 25–Friday, February 1
A casual meeting place and café designed to cultivate dialogue among filmmakers, industry leaders, and the press, where lively panel discussions and conversations occur on a range of current issues.
Kimball Art Center
1401 Kearns Blvd.
Partner panels are open to all Festival credential holders and the general public as space allows. The Sundance Institute Talent Forum takes place from January 29- 31.
SundanceTV HQ
268 Main St.
January 25–30
SundanceTV, the official television network of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, opens the doors for daily panel conversations (at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.) and private evening events like the Official Kick-Off Party (Friday), the third annual Yacht Rock Party (Saturday), and a special storytelling event with The Moth (Monday). Public can wander in on the off hours for Wifi and charging.
Pizza Hut x Legion M Lounge
322 Main St.
Jan. 25-27
Legion M is using the new equity crowdfunding law to take film fans behind-the-scenes and allow them to experience the thrill of investing in movies, television shows and digital content. Learn how you can help shape entertainment with nightly panel discussions and free pizza!
New Frontier
Two Locations-
The Ray/The Box at The Ray 1768 Park Ave.
New Frontier Central 950 Iron horse Dr., Park City
This space used to be open to the public but it seems you’re not worthy this year without a credential. The social and creative space showcases media installations, multimedia performances, transmedia experiences, panel discussions, and more. You can check out the Festival program for the schedule.
Friday, January 25–Friday, February 1, 2019 1:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
The venue showcases an eclectic mix of exceptional music makers handpicked by ASCAP. The space is tight and mostly standing room only so it’s rare that non-credential holders get in.
Stella’s Film Lounge
364 Main St.
Jan.25-28
The official beer of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival celebrates the films and filmmakers that are shaping culture and moving the industry forward. From cast parties to daily panel discussions, festivalgoers are welcome to stop by to raise a chalice with them.
EcoLuxe Lounge PARK CITY at the top of Main celebrates its 12th year supporting indie film at Sundance. Debbie Durkin’s hospitality suite features Utah’s film critic Tony Toscano interviewing Stars of 2019 Film premieres, open bar, DJ, all-day buffet from Snake Creek Grill in Heber, Utah, pampering, and brand sponsor showcases like Dr. Spa skincare and more.
DIRECTV LODGE PRESENTED BY AT&T
660 Main St.
The VarietyStudio presented by AT&T will host its longstanding portrait and video studio from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and AT&T and DIRECTV will host daily lunches from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for celebrities, tastemakers, premiere parties, and cast dinners for some of the Festival’s most buzzworthy titles.
Wanderluxxe Filmmaker Lounge
Main Street
WanderLuxxe, the coveted membership concierge service returns to the Sundance Film Festival with partners Essential Costa Rica, Sunlighten infrared saunas, Lululemon, STARE Cosmetics, The Lovely Loba skincare, Peroni, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream, and Kobricks coffee. Film enthusiasts to indie filmmakers will experience exclusive perks and insider access to a host wellness activities like yoga, facials, panels and parties.
The Luxury Escape
St Regis
This has been one of the coolest activations every year for networking and partying. Stashed way up at the St Regis Deer Valley, RAND Luxury’s 6th annual weekend will host several events including private cast dinners and receptions.
Kia Telluride Supper Suite
890 Main St #5115
A-List Communications is back for its fifth year at the Mustang restaurant on lower Main to have Greene St. Kitchen of Las Vegas serve top festival talent at private cast dinners and cocktail receptions. Guests will also be able to check out the all-new Telluride SUV, Kia’s first eight-passenger SUV as the brand is using the Fest to showcase its rugged side. Celebrities and VIP media with also get door-to-door chauffeur-driven car service via KIA. Once inside the Suite, they’ll sip Tequila Comisario, Sensi Tuscany Wines, Dragon Fly Coffee Roasters, Blue Moon Belgian White beer, and Lifewtr.
Salesforce Music Lodge
710 Main Street
The lively space will celebrate music as a platform for change. Arcade Fire’s Win Butler and Régine Chassagne are scheduled to perform. There will also be daily happy hour Q&As with KCRW personality Anne Litt, a pop-up gallery exhibition with renowned music photographer Danny Clinch, hosted bar, DJ and cultural cuisine from presenting sponsor, Louisiana Office of Tourism and New Orleans.
AP Music Lodge (same as Salesforce ML)
Daily Mardi Gras bashes, Louisiana delicacies, appearances by some of the festivals most in-demand names and members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, as well as a variety of musical performances will be part of this venue’s schedule.
Blackhouse
804 Main Street
Jan. 24-28
Panels, conversations, receptions, and events focused on film, television, digital and emerging platforms that help Black creative voices and executives gain a better foothold in the industry.
Seven photographers known in the social sphere take on the South Island. UAG- the makers of tough cellphone cases sent these guys on an adventure to find inspiration and document it. For all of you aspiring shooters, here’s one way to see the light.
I want to be witty and prosaic about my time at Frontsight but I’m brain dead. Which, BTW, is not a good thing to be when you have to have a gun in your hand for four, 12-hour-days. I’m learning so much so fast my ears are ringing. Or is that just a result of my lifting up the left earmuff before the last person on the first relay had fired? Either way, I’m a mess.
Heading to Frontsight
Four blonds from Utah in bright colors with snappy attitudes have taken over the 2nd relay (that’s a fancy way of saying the back row of never-ever shooters). Guns are serious business but our Frontsight coach Bishop says the number two rule of our four-day defensive handgun class is to have fun. And that we are. (The first rule is to be safe.) So why isn’t anyone else chuckling at our innuendos and personality? No matter. We’re still having a blast down here in Pahrump, Nevada. Ha ha a pun! But seriously I never thought I would really shoot bad guys and look what I did today-
That was the highlight of Day 2- shooting bad guys. By midday, things were starting to click. Another pun! I was pulling my Glock from its holster just like the 1st relayers; I was loading the mag with ease, I was aiming accurately and I was hitting what I sighted.
The sound of the gun and the jerk of the muzzle are becoming second nature. That’s what Frontsight is about. Repetition of the skills you would need to successfully fire a loaded weapon so the movements become automatic. In the time it takes you to wonder what you should do, you’ve been shot. But Frontsight isn’t a place like you would see in a spaghetti western; filled with drunk rednecks shooting pistols and rifles in the air while screaming YeeeHaw! “If it’s not worth dying for, it’s not worth shooting for” is the mantra we hear at the daily lectures. Here, we’re learning responsibility. This is firearm bootcamp for civilians (and servicemen on their own dimes). It’s where you go to learn something beyond basic point and shoot techniques. It’s where you learn that there’s so much more to learn about guns.
Frontsight’s Playground
They call this 550-acre compound surrounded by BLM land ‘Disneyland for Gunlovers’. I get it. Pulling into the parking lot I get those same excited butterflies I get when I park under Jiminy Cricket or Pluto and wait for the tram to carry me to the Magic Kingdom.
I have much to share but my fingers hurt. I have to sleep now. I’ll dream of shooting bad guys. I’ll hunt them down and make them cry.
My friends wonder if they would be able to shoot a real person. I don’t wonder. I know that if the situation presented itself, I could. I just hope it never ever comes to something like that. The consequences as we have learned are intense. Tomorrow, we practice “tactical movements”. As in we move. Not sure exactly how this works but I’m pretty sure I’ll have a good idea in the first 15 minutes of my day. Giddy up.
P.S. if you’re interested in learning more about Front Sight, the courses or membership, send me note!
