Frequently Asked Questions
What does the conference fee cover? What doesn't it cover? The conference fee covers conferenence expenses (including a luxury coach bus ride up the hill) and most meals. Not included are meals on the mountain, ski lift tickets or rentals. We are able to get a good discount on lift tickets.
What should I wear during sessions? Casual dress is encouraged. It's best if we can make a quick getaway from the hotel to the bus, so feel free to wear ski clothes to the conference. Most participants will be wearing ski clothes.
How do I get from the airport to the hotel? The hotel is the University Park Marriott, and it's at 480 Wakara Way in Salt Lake City. Wakara Way is off of Foothill Drive, just southeast of the University of Utah. The direct line to the hotel is 801-581-1000. The best bet from the airport is a cab ($25 or so).
How far is it from the airport to the hotel? The airport is all the way across town from the hotel, but luckily we're a small town. It's ten miles and 16 minutes (according to Google Maps).
How do I get from the hotel to the Thursday night reception? The hotel has shuttle buses that will take you anywhere you want to go --- within 3 miles of the hotel. Luckily, Scott and Rachel's house is 2.4 miles from the hotel. We'll be arranging for a shuttle bus to leave the hotel a little before 7 and pick up a bit after 9. Plan to be milling about the lobby of the hotel around 6:45. For those with rental cars, Scott and Rachel's home address is 1344 Yale Ave, and phone is 801-582-0201. If a shuttle driver gets lost, tell him/her that "the coordinates are 1080 South and 1344 East." (Salt Lake City is laid out on a grid, and any local will be able to get you anyplace given the coordinates.)
What if two days of skiing just isn't enough for me? Scott Schaefer and Paul Oyer will be leading groups to Alta and/or Snowbird on Thursday (3/1) and Sunday (3/4). E-mail one of us to make arrangements.
Should I bring my family? Spouses and kids are very welcome! We will do my best to provide information about child-care arrangements for kids who don't ski. Please let Scott Schaefer know if you are interested in information about child care.
Can I go snowboarding? Unfortunately, Alta and Deer Valley are "skiing only" mountains --- snowboarding is not allowed. Luckily, Snowbird and Park City Mountain Resort are boarder-friendly and are right on the way to Alta and Deer Valley, respectively. Contact Scott Schaefer, and he'll put you in touch with other boarders and help arrange transportation.
Can I go cross-country skiing? You're coming to the land of champagne powder, and you want to go cross-country skiing?!? Seriously, there are trail networks at Alta (for Friday) and in Park City (Saturday).
What if I don't like cross-country skiing either? Well then how about shooting down a steep, snow covered hill on an inflated inner tube? Or maybe snowshoeing? Check www.parkcityinfo.com for more ideas.
Can I rent skis/poles/boots somewhere? Of course. Our bus will stop at Sports Den on the way up the mountain on Friday morning. The experts there will get us outfitted ASAP.
Can I rent telemark skis somewhere? Sports Den doesn't rent tele skis, so contact Scott Schaefer for help.
Will you be paying airfare and hotel for participants? How about for presenters? Unfortunately, my budget is very limited. The only way we can run the conference at present is to ask both participants and presenters to pay their own way. If you know of money trees we can shake, let us know.
What if four days of skiing just isn't enough for me? The University of Utah offers good benefits and excellent skiing. Contact Scott Schaefer.