By Skimum Paula

Yes, this is ski-related!  In fact, it might be one of the best ski tips posted (today).

One of the best things about Utah – after skiing and hiking and five national parks – is the Sundance Film Festival.  Held over 10 days in late January each year, the entire region is flooded with filmmakers, stars and movie lovers hoping to catch a glimpse of the next big thing … or Bradley Cooper.  While most of the hoopla is focused on Park City, other venues in Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance get their share of the spotlight and gridlock. The Festival is a lot of fun, but it can be a bit chaotic.  Just try making a dinner reservation!

What you might not know is that this is usually the best time to ski.  While everyone is packed into theatres all along the Wasatch Front and Back, the lifts are empty!  I suppose, Mr. Cooper and his entourage don’t ski.  While the paparazzi may snap the Kardashians on the slopes of Colorado (yes, they did, and it wasn’t pretty), they are notably absent from Mineral Basin, Empire Peak and McConkey’s Bowl.

And, if you haven’t noticed, the snow is amazing right now, the sun is shining, and we’re not freezing our popcorn off!

So, if you’re a local (or want to live like one), hit the slopes of Snowbird during the Sundance Film Festival, or use your free passes for Deer Valley, Alta and Park City that came with your Premium Pass.  You might even get to ride the lift with Bradley or Brad or Leonardo after all.