PLANNING YOUR TRIP

This is it -- your single source for all the ins and outs of getting to, through, and around the Sundance Film Festival.

I CAN ONLY ATTEND THE FESTIVAL FOR A FEW DAYS -- WHEN SHOULD I COME?
There's no denying that the Opening Weekend is the busiest time of the 10 day event, and many people plan their trips for these first few days -- but that only makes it harder to book travel, get dinner reservations, and find movie tickets. If you want to take it all in with less hassle, we suggest the second half of the Festival (Wednesday, January 24 to Sunday, January 28, 2007). The same daily events, screenings, and parties are still taking place, with more opportunities to see films, including the Closing Weekend encore presentations of all the award winners. Many people who time their trips late in the Festival have fantastic memories of snowy, less-crowded Sundance devotees quietly enjoying all the same films that were sold out just a week earlier. Package and Pass B options are easier to obtain and lodging and travel options open up a bit in the second half. If you only have a few days to spend in Park City, we recommend this later part of the Festival.

I'VE NEVER BEEN TO PARK CITY -- WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
It wouldn't be Sundance without some snow. It's winter, and that means average January temperatures in Park City range from 12°F to 33°F. When the sun shines, it's a beautiful thing; at night, the temperature drops dramatically so it's wise to dress in layers. The average snowfall in January is 30.8 inches so be sure to bring a good pair of snow boots. One wrong step into a snow bank or a big, icy puddle (it happens to the best of us!) without the proper footwear could be a really unpleasant experience. You'll probably do a lot of walking unless you have an affinity for parking fines. Gloves and a warm hat are a must. If you don't have them yet, check out the Sundance Store for Festival gear by clicking here.

HOW WILL THE ALTITUDE IN PARK CITY AFFECT ME?
Attending the Sundance Film Festival can literally take your breath away. Depending on where you are in Park City, the altitude varies from 6,800 to 10,000 feet above sea level. We recommend you drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. The air is thin, so pace yourself––the effects of exercise and alcohol are magnified at high altitudes. Give yourself a day or two to get acclimatized and you'll be fine or start drinking lots of water a few days before you arrive to be even better.

I'M ON A BUDGET. WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO HAVE A GREAT FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE "ON THE CHEAP?"
You're in luck! Seeing the films is one of the most budget friendly things to do during the Fesitval. Tickets to individual screenings are only $15 each and most are followed by a Q&A with the Director and often the cast. (Tickets are only $10 if you purchase day-of-show tickets at the Main Box Office or in the Wait List lines at theatres.)

If you've ever tried to find a Park City hotel room as late as December 31, you know how hard it is to find something affordable. Book your lodging as soon as possible! Check out the DESTINATION:SUNDANCE page of this site for links to all your travel needs. If Park City is too pricey for your budget, consider staying in Salt Lake City. Many Festival films also screen in Salt Lake City, and you can avoid the crowds. Salt Lake City is a 45-minute drive from Park City, and is closer to the airport. If that's not your style, check into lodging in alternate towns in the area like Provo, Sundance Village or Ogden.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING TO THE FESTIVAL?
We recommend bringing your camera, skis/snowboard, sun block, comfortable shoes, a warm coat, gloves, and a hat. The dress code during the Festival is often described as “mountain chic.” Whatever you call it, it's casual. Snowfall is common, and there will be ice on the ground, so come prepared with warm clothing and comfortable shoes. And don't spend all night in front of the mirror before you head out -- even the fanciest parties are filled with dungarees and fleeces.

CAN I BRING MY PET?
Park City is a very pet-friendly place, as long as your pet is ready for the cold. Booties, sweaters, blankets––it's always smart to bring whatever it takes to keep your little friend warm. While your pet is certainly welcome in Park City, they can't attend screenings or venues even with an all-access pass. But don't despair! One of the most popular new events in town is the Cesar dog food party (ask around for details when you get into town). Cesar even rolls out the red carpet for four-pawed arrivals. And if you want to hit the party solo, there are a variety of doggie day-care options around Park City.

IS THERE AN ADVANTAGE TO BUYING TICKETS ON THE WEB VS. OVER THE TELEPHONE?
Ticket buyers all choose from the same pool of available tickets. If a ticket is no longer available from the Call Center, it is also unavailable on the Web. The advantages to using the Web to buy tickets are many. Filmgoers can go online to purchase tickets after their predetermined start time until 6:00 PM on January 12, while customers ordering tickets over the telephone must call during their designated time slot. The Web also offers filmgoers immediate visual confirmation of what is still available, and the $10 phone-handling fee does not apply to online purchases.