Boulder During Sundance

So you are looking for what to do in Boulder during the Sundance Film Festival and honestly there is so much stuff it is kind of crazy. I know a lot of people think that the only place to be in late January is over in Park City or Salt Lake City trying to catch a glimse of some movie star or watch a indie film that nobody will understand but honestly Boulder is where it is at. The vibe here during the winter is totally different and in my opinion way better because you don’t have to deal with the insane crowds and the price of everything jumping up like a rocket ship just because some celebrities are in town.

If you are reading this you might be planning a trip to Colorado or maybe you live here and just want to know how to spend your weekend while your instagram feed is blowing up with photos of snowy Utah streets. Well let me tell you there is no shortage of things to do here and we are going to get into all of it. Winter Wagon is all about getting you where you need to go in style so if you decide you actually do want to head over to Utah we can definately help with that but for now lets focus on the Boulder bubble.

First off we have to talk about the food because if you are going to rage you need to have a full stomach. Boulder has arguably some of the best food in the entire state and I don’t say that lightly because Denver has some good spots to. But Boulder just has this walkable downtown area that makes it so easy to bounce from one place to another without having to worry about finding parking every five minutes or dealing with uber drivers who dont know where they are going.

Eating Your Way Through Town

The Pearl Street Mall is obviously the center of the universe when it comes to Boulder and even in the winter it is popping. You have to start your day with some coffee and there are like a million places to choose from. OZO Coffee is a classic and they have this really strong espresso that will wake you up faster than a slap in the face. Its perfect if you had a late night or if you are just trying to get energized for a day of hiking or skiing or whatever else you plan on doing.

For lunch you honestly cant go wrong with the Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery. It is cash only which is kind of annoying sometimes but it adds to the charm and the food is just straight up comfort food. They have these huge burgers and the fries are endless so you can just keep eating until you cant move which is basically my goal every time I go out to eat. The beer is also made right there and they have a bunch of different kinds so you can try a flight and see what you like best.

If you are feeling a bit more fancy and want to pretend you are at a red carpet dinner like the people at Sundance you should check out Frasca Food and Wine. It is super nice and the service is incredible like they treat you like royalty or something. The pasta is handmade and you can tell because it tastes way better than anything you could ever make at home in a million years. Just make sure you make a reservation way in advance because it gets booked up fast especially on weekends when everyone is trying to impress their dates.

Another place that I totally love is The Sink over on The Hill. It is super old school and has all this graffiti on the walls and the ceilings and it just feels like a piece of history. Robert Redford actually used to work there way back in the day which is kind of a funny connection since he is the guy who started Sundance. So technically if you go to The Sink you are closer to the spirit of the festival than half the people standing in line in Park City. You can get a pizza and just chill out and soak in the vibes of a place that has been around forever.

The Great Outdoors (Even in January)

Okay so I know it is winter and it might be cold but that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside all day watching netflix. Boulder is famous for its outdoor stuff and winter is actually one of the best times to go hiking because the trails are way less crowded than in the summer. Usually in the summer you are fighting for space on the trail but in January it is just you and the trees and maybe a few other brave souls.

You absolutely have to go to Chautauqua Park and hike up towards the Flatirons. Even if there is snow on the ground it is usually packed down enough that you can walk on it with just regular hiking boots or maybe some spikes if it is icy. The view from the top is insane and you can see the whole city and way out into the plains. It makes you realize how small everything is and it is super peaceful. Just remember to bring layers because the weather here is bipolar and it can go from sunny and warm to freezing and windy in like ten minutes flat.

If you are looking for something a bit more chill you can just walk along the Boulder Creek Path. It runs right through the middle of town and it is paved so you don’t have to worry about mud or deep snow. It is really pretty with the water flowing and the snow on the banks and you can just walk for miles and miles. I like to grab a hot chocolate and just wander down the path and look at the scenery and watch the people riding their bikes even when it is freezing outside which I will never understand but good for them.

For those of you who really want to get into the snow sports you don’t have to drive all the way to Vail or Breckenridge. Eldora Mountain Resort is like right in our backyard and it is only about thirty minutes away from downtown Boulder. It is way smaller than the big resorts but that is kind of why it is awesome. You don’t have to wait in huge lift lines and the vibe is way more local and relaxed. You can go up there for a few hours in the morning and be back in town for lunch which is impossible if you go to the bigger mountains.

The Nightlife Scene

Now lets talk about what to do when the sun goes down because that is when the real fun starts. Boulder is a college town so obviously there is a pretty big party scene but there are also places for people who aren’t twenty one anymore and just want to have a good drink without sticking to the floor.

If you want to rage properly you should head to the Pearl Street pubs. The Spotted James is always loud and crazy if you are into that sort of thing. But if you want something a bit more classy you should check out The Bitter Bar. They make these cocktails that are like works of art and they taste amazing. It is a bit darker and moodier inside so it is a good place to go on a date or just to hang out with friends and actually be able to hear each other talk.

There is also the Boulder Theater which has live music all the time. You should check their schedule because they get some really good bands coming through and seeing a show there is a great experience. The venue is really cool and historic and the sound is great. It is right downtown so you can grab dinner before the show and then just walk over which is super convenient.

For the beer lovers out there you are in heaven because Boulder has so many breweries it is ridiculous. Avery Brewing is a bit further out from downtown but it is totally worth the uber ride. Their facility is huge and the food is actually really good for brewery food. They have tons of beers on tap that you can’t find in stores so it is a cool chance to try something new and weird. Upslope is another good one and they have a couple of locations in town. It feels very local and you will see a lot of people just hanging out with their dogs and enjoying a pint after work.

Why You Are Better Off Here Than Sundance

Look I get the appeal of the film festival. It is glamorous and exciting and you get to see movies before anyone else. But have you ever actually been there during the festival? It is a zoo. You can’t get a reservation anywhere the traffic is a nightmare and you spend half your time standing in lines in the cold hoping to get into a theater.

Here in Boulder you get the best of both worlds. You get the beautiful mountain scenery and the winter vibes but you also get to actually relax and enjoy yourself. You can walk into a resturant without a reservation usually and you don’t have to pay fifty dollars for a burger. Plus the people here are just generally nicer and more laid back. Everyone is just here to enjoy the outdoors and have a good time not to network and try to get a movie deal.

And lets be real if you really have FOMO and feel like you are missing out on the action you can always just watch the Sundance movies when they come out on streaming in like three months. Is it really worth the hassle and the expense just to say you were there? Maybe for some people it is but for me I would rather be sitting on a patio in Boulder with a beer in my hand looking at the Flatirons.

Shopping and Culture

If you are not into the whole hiking and skiing thing there is still plenty for you to do. The shopping on Pearl Street is honestly great. There are a mix of big brand stores and little local boutiques that sell all kinds of weird and cool stuff. You can find handmade jewelry and local art and clothes that you wont see anywhere else.

Into the Wind is this kite and toy store that is super fun to walk through even if you are an adult. They have all these crazy gadgets and things that spin and fly and it just makes you feel like a kid again. Boulder Book Store is another gem. It is huge and has multiple floors and you can get lost in the stacks for hours. They often have author readings and events so you might even catch a bit of culture while you are there.

For art lovers there is the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. It is small but they usually have some really interesting exhibits. It is right near the farmers market area which obviously isn’t happening in January but it is still a nice area to walk around. The museum is a good place to warm up for an hour or so and see something different.

Getting Around with Winter Wagon

Okay so I mentioned Winter Wagon at the beginning and I have to bring it back up because it is honestly the best way to get around if you are visiting. We specialize in driving people through the mountains so if you did decide to combine your Boulder trip with a visit to Sundance we can totally take you there.

It is a bit of a drive from Boulder to Park City usually taking about seven or eight hours depending on the weather but our vehicles are super comfortable and safe. You can just sit back and relax and watch the scenery go by while we handle the driving. We have these big SUVs with snow tires that can handle anything the weather throws at us which is important because I-80 across Wyoming can get sketchy in the winter time.

But even if you are just staying in Colorado we can help you get from the airport to Boulder or from Boulder to the ski resorts. It is way better than renting a car and having to stress about driving on icy roads yourself. Plus you don’t have to worry about parking or scraping ice off your windshield every morning which is literally the worst part of winter.

A Few More Random Ideas

If you are still looking for things to do here are a few more random ideas that I just thought of. You could go on a tea tour at Celestial Seasonings. I know it sounds kind of lame but it is actually really cool. You get to see how the tea is made and smell the mint room which will clear your sinuses instantly. Plus you get free samples at the end and who doesnt love free stuff.

There is also Fiske Planetarium over at the university. They do these laser shows set to music like Pink Floyd or Daft Punk and it is a total trip. It is a fun thing to do at night if you want to do something different than just going to a bar.

And if you just want to relax you can check out one of the many spas in town. The St Julien Hotel has a really nice spa where you can get a massage and just chill out for a few hours. It is pricey but definitely worth it if you want to treat yourself.

The Verdict

So yeah there is basically no reason to be bored in Boulder during the Sundance Film Festival. Whether you want to hike up a mountain or drink your weight in craft beer or just shop until you drop there is something for everyone. It is a totally different vibe than the festival but in my opinion it is a better one.

You get to enjoy the winter without the stress and the crowds and you save a ton of money in the process. And if you really do need to get your movie fix just go to the Century theater at the Twenty Ninth Street mall and watch whatever blockbuster is out. It might not be an indie darling but at least the popcorn will be fresh and you will have a comfortable seat.

So come to Boulder and rage with us. Enjoy the mountains and the food and the people. And if you need a ride you know who to call. Winter Wagon has got your back whether you are going down the street or across the state line. It is going to be an awsome time and I guarantee you wont regret it.

Just remember to drink plenty of water because the altitude is no joke and the alcohol hits you harder up here. I learned that the hard way my first week in town and it was not pretty let me tell you. But as long as you stay hydrated and bring a warm coat you are going to have a blast.

See you on the trails or maybe at the pub!