Author Archives: Jill Adler

Valentines For The Adventure Chick

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valentine's day

My boyfriend announced yesterday that we won’t be celebrating Valentines Day. Uh, not an option. It’s not like he comes home every day with flowers and a bottle wine. He’s a great guy who represents quite well but sometimes a girl likes a little extra. And, so, we have a national holiday that boosts retail sales and our feminine egos. The women of the world deserve a day of love and sweetness even if it has to be forced upon the male populace.

The problem is that most people hate mandated gifting days because all of a sudden they have to buy the perfect gift. Being an outdoorsy partner can also present its obstacles. Flowers and chocolates? Nice, but unoriginal and zero energy. If you dig a little deeper, however; nothing terribly traumatizing like open heart surgery, you can find some tender, little, “I love you!” trinkets, that get the message across the way we would want.

P.S. Guys, DO NOT give your gal workout wear for VDay. No matter how great (or expensive) those shorts or yoga pants are, you might as well have handed her a card that says, “You’re looking a little fat. Please exercise more.” On the flipside, however, we  wouldn’t complain about a PrAna or Athleta giftcard.

Get out of the doghouse:

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Phunkshun Wear infinity scarves and neckgaiters– Keep her warm, dry and still fashionable with these uber awesomely designed “neck tubes” from Colorado. The thermal tube with Polartec on the inside is water repellant and freeze resistant on the outside. Bonus: a portion of the sales go to the High Fives Foundation. $19-29.

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Bodipure Keratin Hand and Foot Gloves– If a spa giftcard feels impersonal, fix up a little basket of these combo moisturizing glove packets for a stay-at-home mani/pedi. The waterless, self-activating keratin treatment will pamper and bring life back to dry, winter-damaged hands and feet. $9.95 for a pair of each.

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Maria Shireen Hair Tie Bracelet– You ever notice those indents in her wrists from hair ties? Give her something that’s both stylish and functional with these gorgeous bangles. The unique design cleverly hides the band and creates a fun fashion accessory. $35-120

 

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Il Morso coffee chocolates– Energetic chicks love caffeine and they love chocolate. A gift of these little artisan tabs loaded with up to 18 mg of caffeine mix romance with fun. She’ll remember you every time she pulls one from her pocket for on-the-go pep. $60 for 40/ct.

 

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Cairn Subscription Box– Make it a surprise for both of you if you aren’t sure what to get for your adventurous other. The company delivers outdoorsy type products – anything from socks to lanterns for a flat $25 per month. You never know what’s inside from month to month. Go for a three to 12-month subscription for the gift that keeps on giving.

 

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Barefoot Eco Outfitters Red Moose Jogger Pants– While it’s unseemly to present exercise gear on Valentine’s Day, there’s nothing wrong with loungewear. But be careful. If you gift these unisex pants made of soft Eco Tri-blend fleece, organic cotton and rayon, you may never get her out of them. Well, at least they are more form-fitting than most sweatpants. $45

 

 

 

Park City Snowshoe Excursion: Gracing Guardsman Pass

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park city snowshoe

 

I’m thinking steak sandwiches…or maybe the fish tacos. It’s not that a Park City snowshoe adventure along Guardsman Pass in itself isn’t rewarding but there’s something to be said for a cold brew and one of Deer Valley Resort’s freshly made New York steak sandwiches with Jack cheese, sautéed mushrooms and onions, (mmm), after a robust trek in the mountains. And, as foresight would have it, we were positioned perfectly for both.

If you’ve ever considered snowshoeing as a way to embrace winter- or at least tolerate it- Empire Canyon via the Guardsman Pass Trail near Deer Valley is one of your most civilized outdoors experiences.

As one of the few paths near Salt Lake City to allow snowmobiles, this Park City snowshoe trail is regularly groomed in sections and well-packed down everywhere else thanks to cross-country skiers, shoers and beelers cruising it every day of the winter season, traveling between Park City and Big Cottonwood Canyon.

You’ll still want to check with the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center website before leaving as new snowfall or drastic weather changes may create hazards even on popular trails, but this one is doable on just about every day of the year and you do have cell reception for the first 2.5 miles thanks to the demands of DV’s clientele.

We started our day at the crack of 10- Park City snowshoeing breeds a relaxed attitude.  Sure that the sky would remain azure blue and the views unguarded by clouds, we layered up, packed water, sunscreen, shades and shoes and headed for the trail.

You might not get that same adrenaline rush you would from downhill skiing, but snowshoeing has something skiing doesn’t. A short learning curve. If you can hike, you can shoe. Oh, and it’s free.

My Australian shepherd, too, appreciated the opportunity to join me on a winter day. He bounded from the car, eager to start the moderate climb. You’ll ascend 500 feet in the first .5 mile to your first crest.

As we crossed under a skiers’ bridge, Bogner-clad men and women waved to us on their way from Deer Valley’s “Northside” to Empire Lodge. Giant aspens and conifers line the trail, occasionally distancing themselves to allow for short (t)romps in the untracked powder. We moved aside to let snowmobiles pass but it didn’t happen so often to be obnoxious.

When we reached the place where the land opened up and you could see from Heber Valley to the Timpanogos to Park City, we had a choice. It was almost 11 a.m. and 30 minutes into the hike. We could a)turn around and head back down, b)go .2 miles past the car and head to the Empire Lodge for an afternoon of ‘deck shoeing’ or c)we could push on.

Big Cottonwood Canyon is four, crow-fly miles from Park City but in the winter, that becomes a 44-mile drive (along the foothills and back up I-80); or a five-hour snowshoe each way. Seeing as how the Lodge stops serving lunch at 2:30 p.m., we knew dropping into BCC wasn’t happening.

Both steep and gentle slopes surrounded us.  We chose to continue another 1.5 miles to where the trail forked. To the left and beyond was Heber Valley; to the right, Big Cottonwood Canyon. Behind us were the Lodge and our mouth-watering steak sandwiches. I parked the dog in the car and trotted the last section, flipping snow everywhere with my shoes. With only minutes to spare, I had my tray, my sandwich and my self-satisfied buzz from my four-hour excursion to Bonanza Flats (where the roads intersect).

At this intersection, where SR 224 meets 190 to Brighton, the elevation approaches 10,000 feet. There have been talks over the last few years of completely paving Guardsman and maintaining it year-round. When and if that happens, we will lose a favorite winter backcountry experience. Like that steak sandwich, get it while you can.

 

Getting There:

Utah routes 190 and 224 traverse 9,700-foot Guardsman Pass to connect Park City and Brighton in the summer, but neither are maintained in the winter.

From Park City, take SR 224, turn left onto Deer Valley Dr.  Enter the turnabout and take your second right to continue south on Marsac Dr. Marsac veers right to become Guardsman Pass/SR 224. Continue approx 1.3 miles until you are facing Deer Valley’s Empire Canyon Lodge. Take a hard left to continue on SR 224.  A small, brown sign on the right confirms “Guardsman Pass” with an arrow. At about .2 miles, you’ll hit the avalanche gates that bar vehicles. There is pullout parking to the right and left of the road.

 

5 Great Beginner Park City Snowshoe Trails along the Wasatch Back:

 

Park City’s Rail Trail

Spans up to 28 miles of relatively flat terrain. The wide-open trail allows plenty of room to walk side by side through wetlands and valleys. You can often spot wildlife or at least interesting art projects along certain portions of the path. There are six trailheads- Park City trailhead; Jordanelle trailhead; Star Point trailhead; Wanship trailhead; Coalville trailhead; Echo trailhead. Dogs are allowed on leash.

 

Round Valley

8 miles out-and-back of mostly flat terrain. Sixteen hundred acres of open space where vistas and meadows abound. Three trailheads- National Abilities Center trailhead; Park City trailhead; Old Ranch Road trailhead. Dogs allowed on leash.

 

East 224 Connector

2.3 miles one-way if you start from the main trailhead at Willow Creek Park. There’s also a trailhead at the Redstone Complex at Kimball Junction. Park City’s Mountain Trails Foundation grooms the trail in winter so that it’s used for skiing, snowshoeing, or walks to the store. Spy sandhill cranes, spotted frogs, and other wetlands wildlife as you skirt alongside the Swaner Nature Preserve. Dogs allowed on leash.

 

Daniel’s Summit

A four-mile groomed loop with a strenuous start and finish but a long flat valley in-between. You’ll travel through aspens, pines and conifers. Be careful to avoid the connecting Foreman Trail Loop as it is not groomed or well-traveled. Dogs allowed.  Because the TH can be hard to find: Go 15 miles east of Heber on U.S. Highway 40. Pull into Daniel’s Summit Lodge. Take a hard right into the lot and park at the far west end.  Don’t bother asking staff for directions, they’re clueless.

 

Soldier Hollow, Wasatch Mountain State Park

When you’re looking for something more civilized, purchase a snowshoe pass and pick up rental shoes to traverse the more than 16 miles of trails flowing through the Olympic “monument”. Trek through trees and hills amid awesome views of Mt. Timpanogos. At day’s end, grab a hot chocolate and snack in their day lodge. Dogs allowed on leash.

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2017 Lookbook

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outdoor retailer

The Outdoor Retailer Show blew into Salt Lake City with a shortened, three-day schedule and flurry that equaled the Wasatch storms of #Janubury. These were trying times; struggling to walk the show floor of the Salt Palace Convention Center while it dumped that famous Utah snow on the mountains outside. Dumped.

The irony was noted; stuck inside looking at the latest and greatest styles and trends for outside in 2017/18. Here are some of our favorites to look for in the fall:

 

 

 

 

 

And check out some of these duds in motion during the OR Winter Fashion Show:

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The Park City Sundance Transformation

Park City Sundance

It’s begun. The Park City Sundance storm nearly rivals the actual Snowmaggedon that this ski hamlet has felt for the past month and continues to experience. Park City is bracing themselves- $100 parking lots and all- for the flood of People in Black. We are a mere day away from the extravagant parties and film premieres, the branding and “activations”. Trends are made during Sundance. Two years ago Merrell Footwear sponsored a venue with Oculus Rift where VIPs and the public could test their Capra hiking boot while walking a precipice in the Dolomites.

Who knew that the next year (2016), we’d usher in an unprecedented number of virtual reality installations- most free and open to the public- to tout the future of filmmaking?

Sundance isn’t just about films. In fact, most of the movies that become Sundance darlings will make it to Netflix and Amazon within the year. For those not wanting to spend $20-25 a pop, then wait in line for 30 minutes in the cold before you’re seated in a makeshift movie theater, there is instead a themepark of filmmaking awaiting you around every corner. Some events are invite only; others are fair game-

Open to the Public

Festival HQ, Marriott Hotel- Unless you are picking up credentials or free tickets, there is NOTHING to see or do here. In fact, the volunteers will snub everyone and anyone without a credential so don’t bother.

FESTIVAL BASECAMP- Free waffles, Anyone? Last year, Saturday’s Waffle brought their trailer up and handed out the most delicious plates of sweetness you could imagine. The truck will be inside the Basecamp and between the New Frontier VR Palace and the Canada Goose Lounge where free panel discussions and music concerts are held throughout the Fest. Visitors get free wifi, charging stations, snacks and drinks from 11:00a – 4:00p., one block behind Main Street on Swede Alley. http://www.sundance.org/festivals/sundance-film-festival/program/FBC-guide

FESTIVAL CO-OP at 608 Main-

Visit with some of the 2017 Festival sponsors and sign up to be on a plethora of mailing lists while entering to win prizes from sponsors like American Airlines. Coppola wines will feature two unique experiences for attendees this year: Drink in the Moment, projected at Miner’s Plaza, and The Big Picture, showcased at the Festival Co-op. Grab swag like a complimentary special edition Sundance Institute–branded S’well bottles. Jan. 20–27, 10:00 a.–6 p.

FILMMAKER LODGE- Credential holders get in and the public squeezes in on a space available list. Network with filmmakers, industry leaders, and the press, in between lively panel discussions. Elks Building, 550 Main St., Jan. 20 – 28, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

ACURA LOUNGE -Get your wristband and experience Mood Roads, a one-of-a-kind, immersive VR journey. Take a spin in the Acura NSX supercar VR Simulator. Check in with your wristband at Acura stations in Festival Village and at Acura displays on Main Street for daily chances to win Acura rewards. They’ll also have live entertainment and free snacks.
Jan. 20–28, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

UTAH FILM COMMISSION HUB- A community space where you can network with local Sundance Film Festival attendees and filmmakers, grabs snacks, coffee and charge up. Collect a limited edition Utah Film Commission pin and take advantage of the free wifi. This year, Utah respresents with four features: Brigsby Bear, Deidra & Laney Rob a Train, Snatchers, and Wind River.Jan. 20-26, 10-2p film.utah.gov/2017sff

JAUNT VR LOUNGE at 580 Main St.- Experience the next frontier of storytelling at this weeklong VR lounge. See more than 20 immersive VR experiences and learn more about VR filmmaking, from production to distribution. Thru Wed Jan. 25, 10:30a-5 p.

OCULUS HOUSE at 201 Heber Ave- The Oculus team from Facebook will showcase the latest VR films and share projects from the VR for Good program and offer demos of Oculus Rift and Touch, the Samsung Gear VR, and other events throughout the week. oculusatsundance.com.

UPLOAD VR LOUNGE at 306 Main- Upload will be hosting a delicious complimentary brunch prepared by Chef John Murcko 11a, Sunday Jan. 22. After the eats, they’ll host a series of panels and fireside chats, and VR demos. They continue into the night with the Upload Mixer from 9 p – 12 a.

THE NORTH FACE STORE- Drop in on Thursday Jan. 26 4p for a private screening of Meru and a chat with Utah director and athlete Renan Ozturk.

And a little tougher entrance-

WINTER WELLNESS COLLECTIVE LOUNGE- Healthy food, yoga and fitness classes, sound healing, meditation and even beauty touch-ups. The Wellness Collective Lounge is a pop-up at 136 Heber Ave, #304 to help you find your chill amid the chaos. There will also be evening panel discussions and events.

ZEN DEN WELLNESS SUITE – More escapism in the Gateway Center where celebrities and other Park City Sundance Festival attendees enjoy a peaceful respite. Presented by the Los Angeles-based non-profit Heal One World, an organization which provides free wellness to underserved communities, the Zen Den will host conscious happy hour events, evening parties, daytime classes in Yo-chi (Yoga with Tai Chi) and chocolate meditation. A Peaceful Women’s gathering with meditation is planned for Saturday afternoon.

ECOLUXE LOUNGE – A true survivor in the luxury category for Park City and Sundance. The all eco-friendly attitude and unique brands presented at the Blue Iguana space at the top of Main make this one of my favorite stops. Floral designer Betsy Borden, Dancing Daisies Floral, Betsy Borden, Dancing Daisies Floral has created an organic, living eco – mountain forest.  Snake Creek Grill Snake Creek Grille Chef Dean Hottle will serve up tasty eats. CMFR Canada will be putting celebs in their extreme winter, high fashion coats while Barefoot ECO Outfitters will gift vintage-inspired, eco-friendly mountain apparel. There’s also a wellness spa from Utah’s WHOLE HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP and Titos Vodka if that doesn’t help.

LUXURY LOUNGE at the St Regis Deer Valley- Hands down the Rand agency through the best party at the Fest last year. Super low key but the invitation only soiree drew executive producers, directors, actors, editors, film investors, distributors, and exclusively invited VIP guests for hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and brand gifting.

SPG AMEX & LA TIMES HQ LOUNGE at 314 Main- American Express & Starwood Preferred Guest members can pop in thru Jan. 24, 9 a.-5p. for coffee, cocoa and things to “spike” them up. The NoMad Happy Hour from 3-5p will add food to your plate along with beer and wine.

THE HUB and SNOWFEST at Park City Live- It starts with The Hub- a one-stop shop for filmmakers and key influencers to promote their projects. There’s a 4K Ultra High-Definition (UHD) TV showcase with televisions from LG, Samsung and Sony, presented by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Marie Claire and Who What Wear will be onsite to talk women in film, fashion trends and in the What’s Trending Studio and musical.ly, celebrities will be chatting about their films and upcoming projects. Proceeds from the live stream will be donated to Operation Smile. There will be food from The Mellow Mushroom, a Tanqueray Gin & Juice Bar and Splenda coffee bar. Jan. 20-23, 11-5p.

At night, the place gets rocking with SNOWFEST- showcasing some of the world’s most relevant and famous live musical acts, celebrity hosts and world-renown DJs with Hollywood’s elite in attendance. Electro group, Major Lazer, tonight, followed by Tiesto on Sat. Enigmatic masked DJ and producer, Marshmello will rock the house Sunday. On Monday, January 23rd, “Back In The Day”, celebrates the golden age of hip hop with Doug E. Fresh and on Tuesday night, Michael Franti & Spearhead will take to the stage. RL Grime, Busta Rhymes, ZEDD, Lophiile German will close out the final Fest weekend. Tickets are available for purchase at www.Parkcitylive.net.

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