Beat the Sundance Crowds: Ski Utah!
OK, here’s the current situation in Salt Lake City: The Sundance Film Festival is rolling along in “No Place to Park” City. If you go, try to carpool, and prepare for tons of traffic. Allow extra time for parking, and remember: you will be towed if you park illegally!
The air in the Salt Lake Valley is getting pretty hazy; we’re heading towards one of our infamous inversions. But it’s getting warmer, evidenced by the fact that I saw someone shoveling snow while wearing shorts yesterday morning.
The most sensible option at this point: go skiing. But avoid the Sundance-related hordes of PIBs (people in black), even if you are one. If you're already in Park City, the resorts are blissfully uncrowded. But if you're staying elsewhere, hit the slopes at one of our “Cottonwood Canyons:” Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude.
Alta and Snowbird are located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, which is south of Big Cottonwood Canyon, home of Brighton and Solitude. Confusing? Remember this: the big canyon has the little resorts, and vice versa.
Both canyons boast two-lane, twisting mountain roads that can be challenging to drive even in good conditions. At the very least, pay close attention, watch for deer, and hang up your cell phone on these roads. Or, do what many locals do: take the bus. Utah Transit Authority runs ski buses seven days a week. Parking lots are available at the mouth of each canyon, or take the bus from downtown.
Once you’re above the valley floor, the air will clear, the temperature can actually rise, and you’ll have spectacular views on your way to the resort. We woke up to fresh snow yesterday, and we’re not expecting more this week, so now is the time to go.
About those Sundance films? Ski in the day; movies at night. Night skiing is cheap for a reason; it's cold, dark, miserable, and the snow sucks. But whether it's snow or films, enjoy the good stuff at its best.
Bonus tip: if you’re traveling with children ages 10 and under, Brighton has by far the best rates for this age group: children 6 and under ski for free; 7-10 year olds pay $10 per day.
