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Get Ready to Get Out with Outside In Aspen

Jill Adler Leave a comment

It’s May in the mountains. A time traditionally referred to as “Mud May” or Mudseason. The locals head to warmer climes while their trails dry out and visitors choose to ignore the sleepy time in exchange for higher prices and more predictable weather. In other words, places like Aspen are dead. But what people from big cities don’t get is that shoulder seasons are some of the best times to visit a resort town, and Aspen, Colo., is heading up that awareness campaign.

“The idea was to have something like the Teva Mountain Games in Vail,” said Campbell Levy, one of the original organizers of Outside in Aspen which takes place this weekend (June 8-10, 2012). “It attracts a big audience to Vail at a time when not a lot of people go. You know, because it’s nice out but not quite summer.” Rather than copy the Mountain Games formula, however, Aspen partnered with Outside Magazine to create an event that would not only attract off-season tourists but address a black hole in the sporting community. “The [Teva Mountain Games] is great if you’re an expert. Otherwise, it’s boring,” said Levy.

Outside in Aspen not only lures guests during a time they might not typically visit but it caters to those who want to learn new adventure sports. “How many times do you get to hang out with pro athletes, drink beers with them, listen to panel discussions about adventure and have the town to yourself?” said Levy.

Beginning with a slideshow by adventure sport photographer Lucas Gilman and welcome party at the posh Sky Hotel, the real challenge kicks off Saturday with 10 different clinics:

Rafting // Kayaking // Climb a Fourteener // Stand-up Paddle Boarding // Mountain Biking //Road Biking // Rock Climbing // Ski/Snowboard Independence Pass //Hiking // Trail Running// Fly-Fishing //Adventure Dog Workshop //and the newest addition-Adventure Sports Photography //

The clinics are repeated on Sunday so you don’t have to stress about choosing one activity over another. They cost $100 each for a five-hour session with a pro and a sack lunch. It doesn’t get more reasonable than that. “You can get quite a bit out of it,” said Levy. “The event is accessible. You can learn a new skill and be hooked for the rest of your life in just one weekend.” There aren’t a lot of places where a person of any ability can go without their own gear, have some pro teach you their ways, and do it in a beautiful locale like Aspen at unheard-of Aspen prices. Who would have thought you could stay right in the heart of the action for less than $100/nt?!

The fest concludes with an adventure symposium that features world-class athletes sharing their experience and insight on the role explorers and athletes play in social activism and philanthropy and the current state of adventure sports. Perhaps you could be part of that future with your new-found passion for white water kayaking or standup river paddleboarding? But Outside in Aspen isn’t just for newbies. Many come just to ride shotgun with their heroes like Mountaineer Jake Norton, back from his latest jaunt up Everest, Team Nike Mountain Bike Champ Sari Anderson or Christy Mahon, the first woman to ski all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000 foot mountains.

After three years the idea is starting to take hold. The crowd is predominantly from the Colorado Front Range but as people get wind of the event, organizers are welcoming people from all over the country. “Outside [Magazine] provides a lot of cache. They bring the athletes, sponsors, prizes and vibe,” said Levy. Then you have the basecamp with a kids nature corner, live music, beer garden, exhibits, Outside’s Buyers Gear Guide showcase and free chair massages. Families and even pets (thanks to Planet Dog’s Adventure Dog Workshop) will find all sorts of fun things to do in Aspen this weekend without blowing their summer vacation budget.

For the detes and to book lodging go to www.outsideinaspen.com. Follow Facebook or Twitter @OutsideinAspen) for the latest updates on athletes and activities throughout the weekend.

Where to Stay:

Limelight Hotel– The cozy, family owned ski lodge has spacious rooms, included continental breakfast, beautiful pool and hottubs and a staff that knows how to care for guests. Pets are welcome!

Molly Gibson Lodge – Smack in the heart of downtown Aspen, with three Jacuzzis, a heated outdoor pool and a full buffet breakfast every morning, your family and pets may never want to leave.

Hotel Aspen– The intimate, contemporary hotel recently renovated; redoing the rooms from the core and adding Buddha beds and water features to the outdoor deck. Fido even gets a welcome treat bag on arrival.

Where to Eat:

The best way to save money dining in Aspen is to order off the bar menus. Practically every restaurant in Aspen has one. After that, try grabbing a seat at Ajax Tavern, CP Burger, Taster’s Pizza, the Justice Snows in the Wheeler Opera House or plan ahead and snag a sandwich for later from Grateful Deli.

Events

Are You Ready To Rock?

Jill Adler Leave a comment

By Jill Adler

The time draws near. The sun radiates, the crowd swells and sounds move outdoors. The summer concert season is nigh. If you’ve never planned, geared up and marched onto a field like an army to battle, you have yet to experience the beast known as the Outdoor Music Festival. Yes, it’s a living, breathing collective that, unless you’re prepared to join, might leave you with the ickies for the rest of your life. Porta-potties, sweaty, sun-pinked bodies, muddy clothes, booze and bong smells with every turn. Sounds unpleasant but a weekend outdoor music festival where you can catch your favorite artist live, you’re surprised by unknown acts and you see so much music for relatively little cost, could take the top place on your most-amazing-time-of-your-life list.

To Make It Happen

Decide well in advance whether you’ll book a hotel or crash at a campground. Hotels are more civilized but if you can handle ‘showering’ with baby wipes and neighbors practically on top of you, you’ll make more lasting friendships and memories under a tent. Start saving up. The green bleeding doesn’t end with the tickets, the lodging, the travel. Expect to pay dearly for carnie food and domestic brews.

For venues that don’t allow outside food, tape snacks to your pant legs or tuck them strategically in your pack or jacket; save your money for bigger meals. Oh and make sure you bring cash. Festival ATM fees are ridiculous and you can’t count on vendors taking plastic.

Fests have waterstations. Bring refillable jugs or hydration bladders so you spend your money on beer instead of water bottles. Remember – one glass of water for every beer if you plan to last all day in the sun.

No matter how great the music is, there will come a time when your ears are done. Pop in plugs for peace as well as protection. If you have little kids or babies go bigger. Pack a pair of gun earmuffs. Seriously. Repeated exposure to 85+ decibels causes hearing loss.

As for the rest of your wardrobe, think layers. It’s cool in the morning, sweltering by noon, cool again at dusk, then you work up a sweat dancing at night among a crowd that just seemed to double with the glow of the moon. Wear technical T-shirts like something from Sports Science (wicks better and dries faster than cotton), cargo shorts, durable shoes, hat, tons of sunscreen, Otterbox your electronics, Wal-Mart rain poncho, sunglasses.

It never hurts to pack a costume and watergun either. Just don’t bring anything you’ll cry over when it gets dirty, lost, broken or stolen. Lastly, pack cough drops. Throats don’t appreciate screaming, cheering, singing your head off and yelling over music for four days. Now get out there and fest!

BEST FEST GEAR

Chaco Z2 Vibram Unaweep Sandals

Flipflops are for amateurs. Real festivarians do Chacos. No slippage- the Chaco Unaweep toe and heel wraps secure your foot; no cramping- the firm contoured footbed gives you lasting arch support; no cold- tug on the strap to flatten the toe loop, slip on some thick merino socks and keep your feet warm till the last song. $100, www.chacos.com.

Kelsyus Backpack Chair w/ UV Canopy

Don’t let those height restrictions keep you from sitting pretty. The lightweight Kelsyus chair has armrests that convert into backpack shoulder straps. There’s even a little place behind the pillow to stash snacks or beverages. The Canopy’s huge so expect to either sit in the back or use it between sets. $40, Big 5, Costco, Amazon, Target, etc.

Boreal Switchvision Sunglasses

Wear these steezy shades from the lowlight of dawn or dusk to full exposure. Whatever the lighting, pop in the right shade of lens with the patented magnetic interchange system. $115.

Toys

The hours can drag at certain times- especially if you have kids. Bust out the Toss ‘n Catch Foambeez or Zartz Throwing Dartz by Zing or Ringstix if you don’t mind staying to the rear to play. If you don’t mind carrying the extra gear, a kiddie inflatable pool and squirtguns go a long way. $4-13, ToysRUs.com

Loki Kids Fuse Hoody

It’s all about the layers when you’re outside from morning to midnight. Slip on the Loki Fuse with its built-in neck gaiter and mittens so you don’t have to worry about collecting kids’ gear from lost and found at the end of the fest. Plus, he gets to look like a stealth ninja. $75.

BEST FESTS OF THE WEST

Coachella, Indio, Calif.- Rock, hip hop and electronica come together over three days, five stages, and an epic campground. 2011 Headliners include Jimmy Cliff & Tim Armstrong, Mazzy Star, The Black Keys, The Shins, Squeeze, Bon Iver and Florence + the Machine. Mid-April. You missed this one but tickets are already on sale for 2013. Coachella.com

Sasquatch Music Festival, The Gorge near Seattle, Wash.- The premiere rock/alternative indie music fest. Camp out all three days so you don’t miss a beat from up and coming artists. There’s also a comedy tent that morphs into a dance party late at night for you and your 25,000 friends. Don’t miss Pretty Lights, The Roots, Tenacious D, and Beck. Memorial Day Weekend.

Desert Rocks Music Festival

, Green River, UT – a 4-day camping event in the red rock desert. Expect socially responsible bands, speakers, DJ’s, performers, venders, artists, workshops, and films that have a positive message. The Wailers, Elephant Revival, Chali 2na and The House of Vibe, Holy Water Buffalo, Scenic Byway and more. 6/7-10/2012.

Groovefest American Music Festival, Cedar City, Utah- A five-day festival dedicated to American music; that’s blues and folk, bluegrass and country, Western, Americana, jazz, and jam. 6/19-24/2012.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride, Colo.- Woodstock of the West. Four days of bluegrass-based acoustic music that’s been going strong for nearly 40 years. Peter Rowan, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Tim O’Brien, and Sam Bush are regulars. Kids get their own tent and music at the back and late night concerts at local clubs throughout town rock after the field winds down. 6/21-24/2012.

High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy, Calif.- The eclectic sounds of jazz, newgrass, bluegrass, jam bands, funk, electronica and world music can be heard about 80 miles north of Reno, Nev., There are also workshops, classes, and family-oriented activities. Matisyahu, Built To Spill, Kids These Days, Ben Harper, Galactic, STS, July 5-8, 2012.

Targhee Fest, Alta, Wyo.- Family friendly rock fest framed by the Tetons. Toots and the Maytals, Trigger Hippy featuring: Joan Osborne & Jackie Greene, Drive By Truckers, JJ Grey & Mofro and more are scheduled to perform. 7/13-15/2012.

Northern Rockies Folk Festival Hailey, Idaho- Two-day show jam-packed with local Wood River Valley talent as well as national acts playing everything from rock, folk, and Zydeco to Americana and country. Up-and-coming bands with local ties, and student musicians, get 15-minutes on stage during set changes. 8/3-4/2012.

Outside Lands, Golden Gate Park, Calif.- Launched by the people who created Bonnaroo, this mainstream (think Further, Levon Helm, Social Distortion, Slightly Stoopid), 2-day celebration of music, food, wine and art brings together more than 70,000 people. 8/10-12/2012.

Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival, Seattle, Wash.- 250 performers at over 20 unique indoor and outdoor venues. There’s music, comedy, film, performing and visual arts, dance, theatre, and events for the kids. Labor Day Weekend.

Austin City Limits, Austin, TX- Book your hotel or campsite early. Austin’s version of Bonnaroo draws crowds around 100,000. This three-day American music event draws artists from the Flaming Lips to the Eagles. Kids under 10 get in free and have their own “Kiddie Limits” event- crafts, sand play, School of Rock workshops, DrumZone and rocker hairdos. Oct. 12-14, 2012.

For a fairly complete list of festivals worldwide, check out MusicFestivalJunkies.com.

Events

Auditions Techniques Class 2

Jill Adler Leave a comment

We’re reading a handout to kick off the class as people wander in. We are asked to read a graph from the handout and make it sound as if it’s “me” speaking to everyone. Bummer. I’m five minutes late and don’t get to read out loud. I love reading aloud. Ah well.

Again, it’s time to discuss what is Talent. It’s someone who does something better than most. But there’s competency and there’s virtuosity (where you put your individual stamp on it; doing something with your particular style).

But you can’t call yourself talented. It’s got to come from an external source. Someone else has to make that assessment or you’ll sound like an ass.

BUILDING CHARACTER- YOURS

Treat everyone with respect. Jerod Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) was a 2^nd Ad on Baptist at a BBQ. He made friends with everyone.

Skills are techniques that allow you to rise and get better and be in the places where you can be seen. You can’t just play in your backyard. Just like tennis, acting is not a singles’ sport. You need to know what your skills are so audiences can perceive them. Otherwise they don’t exist.

Doing community theater? That’s you just being happy to put on a uniform and show up. Know how to do what the job requires. Actors are the biggest dumbasses on the planet. They think they can jump right to the top without developing their craft. Find out what the industry standard is and how to get there. Don’t ignore it because there aren’t that many roles made just for you.

The zenith of acting is a feature film. Length? 70pp or longer. Size matters. Are you right for the part? Who knows? Let the casting crew make that decision. You just might walk in and change their mind. Maybe you are the ‘wrong’ age or race. But still go for it.

It’s not even the acting that gets you the job. It’s everything else. It’s ‘you’ the human being. Acting is frosting before the cake. Don’t think it’s your acting. Remember the 15 second rule.

There’s a 90 percent unemployment rate for actors. Yet there are not enough qualified and excellent actors to fill the few jobs out there. Watch television and see. There’s a lot of bad acting going on.

TIME TO SHINE

Don’t feel so protective of what you prepare. You are here for them, show it off. fyi- it will never go the way you want it to but casting peeps expect you to not be perfect.

Just make sure that you are communicating the idea behind the words/your choices. Slow down; don’t go too fast.

Walk into the room and say to yourself, “I love it here.” This is where I get to do what I love to do. Relish the opportunity to finally get to audition. Don’t think about how you just want to get it over with.

When they ask you to talk about yourself, don’t state the obvious- I’m an actor and want to be in your movie. Or I’m really nervous. Or I live in Utah.

They do want you to talk about something commercial. Don’t talk about your kids or your dog (unless of course it’s an audition for a Purina or Toys R Us spot). Talk about your acting work- I just got done with project x, just got back from y. Talk about a movie you’ve seen and that you’re excited about.

Don’t try to second guess the director. You can’t answer the question what do they want? Sometimes even they can’t. Maybe you can ask your agent but there are dumb questions in an audition so be careful. If you don’t know what they want going into that room, you’re not supposed to. Or they will tell you.

Be prepared for the freak sitch. You walk in and weird stuff can happen- the director might think- you look like my ex-wife so you’ll never get that job.

If they ask you something just answer it. Don’t get into your head and try to analyze why they want to know something. Any conversation the casting director or director tries to have with you is a good thing. Don’t second guess. You can do that after you leave. They don’t waste time. They wouldn’t ask if they didn’t want to talk with you.

Don’t lie to get yourself the job! Can you ride a horse? Can you take a punch? Frank got asked that once and he answered, “no, but I fall down really well.” Personally, I’d say I’m willing to learn if I thought it was something I could learn to do well between the audition and the actual gig. I seriously doubt that JLo knew Krav Maga before “Enough” or Ralph Macchio could do that stork thing before “The Karate Kid.” But know your limits. I can learn to ballroom, to sing, to skydive but I ain’t ever going to ride motorcycles.

NEVER COME IN AS THE CHARACTER.

He CD has a job to do and they have deadlines you don’t have. Actors are usually the last piece of the puzzle. They are not looking for brilliance. Just to do what’s necessary, understand the script, be pleasant and then leave. Walk in thinking “I’m the best actor you’re going to see today” (but don’t say this out loud. Duh. You’ll be an asshole.)

Frank is happy most actors screw this up. Makes him look good.

3 rules:

Never state the obvious, “My first piece is Hamlet” not “My first piece is scene x from play y and it’s about…” If it’s obvious to you, don’t share it- I’m sorry I haven’t showered. Never offer unsolicited info- like you didn’t shower. Don’t bring in clippings in a book. Don’t make excuses. I’m sorry I have a cold. Speak above the cold.

This is not the time to go down memory lane with the director unless they want to. Don’t talk money (how much is this going to pay, is there a per diem?)

WHEN CAN YOU WORK?

Keep your options open. You can do anything, at any time. Say yes until you have to say no. Try not to use words like definitely. Shit happens. Use your agent if something comes up. Let them handle the difficult conversations.

WHAT SCREWS WITH YOUR MOJO?

Anxiety review- your greatest source of anxiety?

a-The competition. They’re something, I’m nothing.

b-Did I make the right choice? Fyi- There are no right or wrong choices. Just make one.

c-The slate can cause anxiety. This is the chance to shake hands and say I’m not psycho and I’m well-adjusted. Everything’s fine; hire me. The professional you.

Make sure you rehearse how to breathe and leave a room. Rehearse your slate. Rehearse saying thank you and leave.

Journaling outside of class is a way to talk and listen to each other. Sharing. Even if it’s just a few sentences. It helps Frank gauge what you’re getting from the class – his diagnostic.

MEMORIZING REVIEW

Read the first line. Read it over and over in monotone until it becomes just sounds. Repeating sounds – fast- till you can’t screw up. Divorce yourself of all choices.

Hold script then head up and deliver to focus.

Go back down and read the next line. Now go back and speak it in first person, honoring the punctuation. Now the sounds become words. There are no Oscars for memorization. Don’t worry about how fast or how you do it.

Once you have the lines down, figure out the given circumstances so you give it substance.

Monologues are one person plays.

Next thing is to say your monologue as you.

Have a relationship and an objective. I.e. want to know where he’s going; telling him he has to marry me, making him feel guilty for empty promises.

Monotone, then speak like you, then have relationship and objective. But you have to know those words so well that you can do anyway. It’s liberating when you don’t have to worry about the words.

You can add a line of subtext just to help yourself (i.e. think about what you really want to say but then say the actual line in place of what you want to say. I.e. instead of saying ‘you’re a piece of shit,’ you say you were leading me on all this time? But you’re THINKING- you’re a piece of shit.

We don’t talk about emotions; we deal in ‘subtext’. The ‘e’ thing just happens.

Btw, you should be able to memorize five pages of straight dialog in one day. Learn some then walk away and come back.

Figure out ‘colors’- how you get from being mad, to on the ground begging and sobbing.

11 BEATS TO AN AUDITION

The first 3 beats are usually the most terrifying. You’re outside the door. You know you’re next because you’ve studied who’s ahead of you. You have your resume and headshot in hand. Outside of the door, Boys, check your fly and palms. We don’t want slimy palms in case you’re shaking hands.

Accept that there will be that ‘oh shit’ moment. Breathe and move.

Walk in. Speak to whoever speaks to you. Don’t rush up and hug or shake someone’s hand.

Plan an aesthetic distance for your monologue. Enter the room like a well-adjusted human, make eye contact, and say hi.

Wait for permission to say my name. Stand still.

I’m Jill Adler. I’ll be reading Rosemary from Picnic by William Inge

Or my first piece is … x from y by z, then ‘step out’ (do not start acting where you introduced yourself and your piece)

Move somewhere on the sundial. Lose your focus, breathe, see, and speak. Take your time. As soon as you move, you are the character.

Play diagonal across the eye line of the director. NEVER play to the director or the person that’s auditioning you (unless for some reason they ask you to). Head up and parallel to the floor (eye line). Pick something real to look at.

Think something BEFORE YOU SPEAK- have a thought in your head. Imagine that the person you’re about to talk to just said something to you so you’re responding. Or your partner just got up to leave and you’re wondering why.

Move your body when you’re one third of the way through your monologue.

Rehearse your entrance all the time!!

Hi I’m Jill Adler. My piece is…. Lose your focus, step out of the initial space, breathe, look up find focus, think, and then speak.

NEXT WEEK

Be off book for the monologue.

Type a reflection for the yahoo groups.

You’ve Got An Audition! Now What?

Jill Adler Leave a comment

Top 5 Questions to Ask Before You Get There

It’s just like you learned in school. No matter what paper you write you must first answer the “Five Ws”. Who, what, when, where, why. You can modify these to apply to a film or commercial audition as well.

Basically, when your agent calls get ready to ask these five questions according to Acting Coach Frank Gerrish.

Who? –

Who’s Doing the Audition?

You’re reading for a particular casting director at first but who else might be in that room? No sense in getting thrown off your game because you thought you were reading with just one person and there turns out to be five in the room. In addition, are those others the writer, director, producer and co-star? It would really suck for you if you made a crack about the script. BTW, who is the director? Get to know his other work.

Make sure you write the names down and research them. You may not book that particular gig but you might be in the same room with these people again and again. Get to know IMDB intimately if you don’t already.

Who are you reading for?

Ask your agent to read the description of the character (the breakdown) as well as whether you can read the script. Under SAG guidelines, a script must be made available to every actor. This rule is difficult to enforce (and unenforceable in non-union states like Utah) but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask. Most agents do have a copy of the script. Go to the office and read it. You will have a better grasp of the character, the relationships and the project.

If there is no script for you, ask them if the CD mentioned any character specifics. Ie- they want an ethnic look, the character may get written out but they’re not sure, you’re from the south. You never know until you ask.

What? –

What kind of project is this? Film, TV, Industrial? Comedy? Drama?

What should I wear? Do you need to dress a certain way for the role? The rule of thumb is to go dressed the way your character would dress for a job interview. However, sometimes your agent will tell you to go in something more specific- workout attire or coat and tie. Do it but pack a few options in your car just in case you get there and find you were given the wrong info. This also helps if you’ve got more than one audition in a day (a rarity in Utah). You may not be dressing in character but you can still have something on you that helps you get into character. For example, you are auditioning for a part as a hooker; you don’t want to dress like a slut but you can wear a naughty thong under your skirt.

When? –

When is the audition? Be on time…or early. Sometimes, castings run late but don’t make it your fault. Most casting directors will apologize for long waits. So should you, if you are late. But don’t if you’re sure there’s absolutely NO WAY they’ll know you are late. No need to draw attention to yourself and most CDs don’t want to hear your drama.

If you can’t make it, ask if there’s another time and/or if the CD is seeing people. Ask if you can record the audition and send it in if there just is no other option.

Where? –

Where Do I Go?

Get the address; get the directions. If you have time, scope it out beforehand. Google Maps is not infallible. Get the phone number of the audition location in case you get lost and can’t reach your agent. Give yourself extra time to allot for traffic or misdirection. My agent sent out the wrong street number for my last audition. I spent 20 minutes driving around in circles before calling the place. Good thing I was shooting for ‘early’. I got there just in time.

If you get a callback don’t assume you are going to the same place as your original audition. The location often changes so ask your agent to confirm.

Why?

Why is this character important? This is more a question to ask yourself first. Read the breakdown, sides and script to find the answer. If you have trouble answering then ask the CD. Don’t wait until you have worked on the piece for three days only to be told-at audition-that character is completely different from what you thought. Call your agent and have them call the casting office.

Now, go out there and rock it!

Film

Celebrity Ski Race at Canyons Supports Smiles

Jill Adler Leave a comment

It was smiles all around for the gang that showed up at Canyons on Saturday; and it wasn’t just the gorgeous spring weather and the Gruv setting up in the Village below. The impromptu idea to have a celebrity ski race and raise a couple hundred grand for a charity called Operation Smile wasn’t long in the making.

Five months ago, a young boy approached the founders of Operation Smile, a non-profit that pays for the operations to repair cleft lips and palates in underprivileged children. The 10-year-old – who just happened to be the son of the president of NBC Entertainment, Jennifer Salke (who, BTW is married to the brother of a girl I went to high school with. Yes, Ryan, everyone from my past is “successful” but me), wanted to give back. Since Henry was born with a cleft lip but had the means to overcome the condition, he decided to help those who didn’t.

Soon Billy Bush from Access Hollywood was on board promoting the event and encouraging his friends from popular television shows to join in. Yesterday, marked the first annual Smile Challenge and you can bet they’ll be back next year. It’s hard to beat a weekend of good fun for a good cause.

The celebs were able to hop a couple of private jets to get to Park City on short notice and many like Lisa Kudrow and Scott Wolf already call Utah, ‘Home #2.’ “I love Utah,” said Kudrow. “We have a place here. Everyone is really nice.”

The former Friends star didn’t ski in the race but said she does know how to ski. She’s just not good enough to have anyone watch her race. Wolf has come a long way since his first days on the slopes during breaks on Everwood. He was schooling Holly Flanders in the course.

Both celebrated the opportunity to support Operation Smile. “It’s so pervasive, the help [kids] are getting,” Kudrow said. “It’s not just a smile, it’s confidence and belonging and feeling like, ‘Yes I’m part of a group and I go to a school and can do well.’ They all just soar afterwards.”

Glee’s Cory Monteith may be the next celebrity to buy into Park City. He gushed with admiration for the Wasatch. “I love this, look at this,” he said. “It’s God’s country. It’s amazing.” The locals welcomed him too. Young girls trembled with excitement to stand next to him for photos. And, no, I wasn’t the one trembling.

A couple of Modern Family stars also turned up for the event. “Our face is our livehood. It’s what everyone judges you on unfortunately; and a great smile is a beautiful thing and to give kids back that confidence is a beautiful thing,” said Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell). Neither Ty Burell nor Jesse took their chances in the spring slop. They chilled at the Alpine House for the after party. Jesse didn’t know how to ski in the morning but said he had a private lesson later.

Next time, he needs to call me. I’ll be the first to tell him to take a lesson in the morning, not the afternoon, on the last day of March during an excruciatingly hot, dry ski season.

The celebs didn’t have much time to prep before the race. They arrived Friday evening and met their Olympic team leaders Saturday morning before the 11 a.m. start just below and to the right of the Sunrise Lift. Billy Demong, Fuzz Feddersen, Kaylin Richardson, Derek Parra, Holly Flanders, Tracy Evans coordinated the teams of six. Spectators could walk up to the finish area and were treated to a variety of Pro Bar flavors. Good thing too as the gluten-free, vegan nutrition bars would be the best vegetarian alternative to the Schnitzel and corned beef the Alpine House was serving. Unless you have a thing for beet salad.

Food aside, the First Annual Smile Challenge seemed to go off without a hitch and the casualness of the event made it feel like old pals out for a Saturday on the hill rather than some glitzy inauthentic Sundance-ish affair. The smiles were genuine.

Canyons’ Kaylin Richardson smoked the entire field. Billy Demong