I’ve never completely understood the allure of celebrity. I’d much rather have a photograph of me and friends than me and actors who don’t know me, but it’s there…and it’s here in Park City, Utah. It’s fairly common to see stars skiing Deer Valley or riding Canyons but that’s typically like searching for Waldo. Not to mention asking for a photo while they’re hoisting a tray in the Silver Lake cafeteria will more likely gain you snarls than snaps. But Jan. 22-26, 2016, is a whole different story as celebrity actors, musicians and filmmakers descend on our little mountain town. It’s perfectly legit to become a Parkarazzi so fine tune your camera and your smartphone. It’s Sundance Film Festival time.
During Sundance, the haystacks are gone and the needles are everywhere. There will be no shortage of cameras snapping during this first extended weekend of this independent film festival so get on that bus. This is not a time to be shy.
Get in there and ask if you want a fan photo of Johnny Depp (yes, he’s supposed to attend) or Zoe Kravitz. These celebs come to Park City with the expectation of facetime with fans. You’re not cramping their day to ask for a picture. In my 20 years of covering the Fest I’ve only experienced one actor who negatively vibed me- and I still got the shot:
That said, here’s some advice on getting your ultimate fanpic-
Take the photo. You often get so overwhelmed standing next to your idol, smiling, and talking, that you forget to ask for a picture. Don’t.
Instead of stepping over and just photobombing your own moment, respectfully ask. Say something like, “Hi, would it be alright if I took a picture with you?” Though it usually doesn’t happen at Sundance, be ok if they say no; don’t take it personally. They might be running late for a meeting; they might see giving you that pic with open the flood gates for everyone nearby, or maybe they haven’t had their makeup done yet. TIP: If you have kid, use him. Celebs love taking pictures with young fans.
Wait your turn. Don’t try to interrupt for a picture if they are finishing up with someone else.
Avoid the selfie. Get someone else to take the shot so you don’t fumble around and lose your window of opportunity.
Stand next to them and take their lead. Maybe he puts his arm around you, maybe she jumps into your arms. Just let them decide the kind of picture they’ll take. Nothing is weirder than you trying to create the image.
You only get one chance. Practice before you head up to Sundance to make sure your camera is working properly, you have memory space, your friends know how to focus your iPhone. You get one shot when they’re walking down Main Street.
If you blow the shot- it’s blurry, your eyes are closed, etc, don’t try to take another unless you can tell your celeb is super easy going. Otherwise, just let them move along and do better with the next one. Yes, there will be another. Just look for the throng of people in black swarming around.
Smile and say thank you. Duh.
Now, take a look at some of your fan photo targets at Sundance 2016:
My Cairn Box has arrived. In fact, I have two boxes to reveal. The first came just before the holidays and I was so busy teaching that I didn’t have time for my other projects like acting, playing with the pooch, writing, reading, cooking, and life in general.
And so, the two boxes sat on my dresser waiting and watching me as I rushed back and forth in ski gear, out of ski gear and off to dinner with clients. This Christmas (compared to the past three seasons) has been surprisingly good. The early snow in the west and the lack of snow in the east has inspired skiers to visit our Beehive State. I am the happy recipient of families looking to improve their ski technique and enhance their overall vacation experience. Seriously, that’s what happens when you take a ski lesson. It makes a ski trip 10x better.
I finally busted open the first parcel. The December box hit the mark- it came with a Lithium 4400 battery pack that fits easily in my pocket to charge my cell two times. Ryan gave me a green screen to play with so this reveal is the perfect opportunity to take it for a test drive.
The setup was simple and there are tons of tutorials on YouTube that helped me figure out how to apply background images using my PowerDirector program. The one thing no one mentioned, however, is that whatever color is in your background should not be in your foreground. You’ll see what I mean when you watch my review……
It was a victory for Bark City this month as the Park City Council unanimously declared that a large portion of the popular Round Valley open space will be an off-leash area for dogs. Though Rover has been cruising the 1,400 acres off leash for years, it’s finally legit. Signs go up this month to mark the area here and at the Park City Library field which will also be allowed offleash. That means Summit County holds the only two “official” off-leash, non-fenced, fee-free areas in the Wasatch.
The new freedom hinges on all dogs being under voice and sight control at all times, and owners having a leash with them. If you don’t think they’ll recall under every circumstance (including a bambi sighting), you need to keep them leashed. Dogs can’t chase people, wildlife or other dogs. It should go without saying that owners must pick up poop. Executive Director of Mountain Trails Foundation Charlie Sturgis said the biggest challenge will be educating people about the off-leash areas. For example, dogs need to be leashed at trailheads and parking lots.
But dog owners need to understand that this is a pilot program so everyone will need to be on their best behavior and self-police to the max to make sure this new off-leash program lasts.
Here are some basic rules of thumb:
Keep dogs close; not everyone is a dog lover
• Don’t let them chase wildlife
• Keep them home if they’re sick or in heat
• Everyone on the trail has the right of way before you and your dog
• Always bring a leash and poop bags
• Keep your dog on leash until you are at least 150’ past the trailhead
Make sure you have a dog license
A Few Sidenotes Regarding the New Ordinance:
• Highland trailhead is NOT an off-leash trailhead
• The Land of Oz is a no-dog zone (soon to be ski only, stay tuned for details)
• Electronic collars are legitimate
• If you or your dog don’t get along with other dogs, consider using the Yellow Dog plan. Yellow bandanas can be found at most trailheads.
HATE carrying a leash? Have the coolest dog in the land with the Ruffwear Quickdraw. Ruffwear sent one to me to try and now Takoda’s been wearing it for the past two years. It’s basically a leash that Velcros to itself so your dog carries the leash instead of you. Just reach down and grab the tab; voile he’s tethered. It’s simple but awesome.
I love Ruffwear and here are some more of our favorites:
It’s not official yet but the National Ski Areas Association may have a new Guinness Book of World Records record. On Friday, January 8, the entire U.S. ski industry came together to go for the “World’s Largest” coordinated ski lesson as part of National Learn to Ski and Ride month. Organizers are estimating at least 6,000 lessons were taught across the country from the East coast to Alaska.
Mary Jo Tarallo, spokesperson for the National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month said, “January is National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and we thought a fun event like this would serve as an ideal kick off and a way for us to get everyone talking about ways to stay active during the winter months.”
Utah transplants like Nancy Lynn actually waited through the holidays to take advantage of the event and Learn to Ski Month as a whole. “Anyone who loves being outdoors needs a winter hobby but I’m intimidated by skiing. The lesson was a great introduction,” she said. “I was scared in the morning getting dressed; I was lost at the resort but finally found the ski school and rentals. We had six in our group and the instructor taught us super basic stuff. It builds your confidence. Pretty soon you’re going up and down, learning to walk with these things on your feet and feeling ok if you fall. By the end, I didn’t want to stop or leave. The mountains are beautiful. It was worth it just to go there and be out in this beautiful scenery, doing something.”
While crappy snow in the east and midwest affected lesson numbers at ski areas there, nearly 150 of the original 164 locations were able to offer lessons in their local time zones. Ski Utah, in particular, partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to bring nearly 500 school kids out for a free, first-time lesson.
Learning to Ski at Snowbird. Photo by Nancy Lynn
“So far we’ve seen individual resort participation numbers ranging from just a few people to over 250 people,” said Hugh Reynolds of SNOW Operating and one of the organizers of the event. “This is the first year of the initiative, and to walk away with a new world record makes this all the more successful.”
The official Guinness World Record participation numbers are expected to be announced at the National Ski Area’s Association National Tradeshow and Convention taking place May 18-21 in Nashville, Tenn.
Those who missed out on Friday’s event, however, can still get massive breaks on lessons through the end of the month. Just check out these deals in Utah:
First-time local skiers only. A local is defined as anyone with a current Utah driver’s license. Without a Utah driver’s license, a photo ID accompanied by a current Utah property tax form, Utah utility bill or Utah business paycheck stub will be accepted
Clinic Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: $45 for the package, per participant ($15 for a lift ticket, $15 for ski rental equipment and $15 for the clinic).
Helmets are optional and available at no additional charge. Limited to the first 55 registrants, 13 years or older. Anyone under 18 years, a parent or guardian must sign a ski Rental Agreement and Acknowledgement of Risks Agreement the day of the program, prior to the start of clinic.
Reservations must be made prior to January 28, 2016, by calling Deer Valley Resort at 888-754-8477 or 435-645-6648, referring to “Ski Utah Learn to Ski Program.” One lesson (clinic) per participant.
Check-in Time: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Snow Park Lodge. Anyone checking in after 8:30 a.m. is not guaranteed a lesson and will not be able to receive the discounted lift ticket or ski rentals.
Sorry. Newbies. You had only one chance at a deal. If you missed the big January 8 group record day but still want to ski PC there’s a Full Day Never Ever lesson starting at $225 inc rentals and ticket.
Reservations are required. 801-745-3772 ext.127 or 128. The good news is that Powder offers a full day lift ticket so you can stick around and practice after your lesson is over. You must mention Learn to Ski Month promo at time of reservation to receive $45 price.
Must pre-register a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Offer is subject to availability. Must request this program when registering. Learner will receive a Learner’s Permit Pass” entitling the learner to five additional discounted adult group lessons ($75 instead of $110) subject to availability AND five additional days of skiing for half price! The Learner Permit is good for the rest of the current season only and is not transferrable. One per guest.
Ages 7-15 will get a $25 discount on follow-up Mountain Adventure lessons at the regular rate of $168.
Reservations Required: (801) 947-8222 or mountainschool@snowbird.com
2 1/2 hour morning lesson (lesson time will be from 10 am – 12:30 pm
Offer will be valid on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. January 19, 20, 26, 27
Must be purchased in the Ski and snowboard school office.
Guest will be asked to provide valid Utah Identification.
Guest will be placed in a 1st time (beginner) lesson.
Sage was born during the Outdoor Retailer Show – almost literally. I went into labor at 8 a.m. on Day 2 and had to cancel all of my meetings. The following Show I was pushing her around in a stroller. Every year, she attends with me for at least one day even if it means missing a school day. It’s kind of our “thing”. She’s also taken on the duties of reviewing kids gear. Here’s here latest take on the Hi-Tec St. Moritz Jr. winter boot:
