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The Sundance Film Festival kicked off yesterday in Park City, Utah. Co-founded by Robert Redford, the festival provides independent filmmakers with the chance to mix with stars and connect with the crowds. If you’re headed to Utah, here are Avenue 32’s top picks for snow, shows and après ski. 

What to See

2 Days in New York
The unique charm of Julie Delpy’s 2 Days in Paris transposed to New York. Delpy’s witty character returns with the same quirks but a new relationship. In this awaited sequel, she scrambles to accommodate her loud, French family as they set up house in the apartment her new American boyfriend (Chris Rock). The comic potential of this unlikely domestic duo seems endless, especially when Delpy’s eccentric father storms in. 


Bachelorette
Though it may well be the next Bridesmaids, this is no knockoff. The directorial debut of bitingly witty playwright Leslye Headland is a funny foray into some touchy subjects (jealousy, gluttony, drug addiction).  Inspired by Headland’s play by the same name, the film is set to follow Kirsten Dunst – a Manhattan-based mean girl trapped in a self-destructive spiral after the least-popular member of her high school clique is the first to get married. Other girl-gang members include Lizzy Caplan and Isla Fisher of Wedding Crashers fame. 


The Words
As the festival closes, watch Bradley Cooper take his next leap away from the slapstick genius of The Hangover towards serious actor territory. In The Words he plays an aspiring writer who cannot come up with anything –until his wife brings home an antique piece of luggage containing a famous writer’s (Jeremy Irons) unpublished manuscript. Cooper’s character steals the work, which becomes an instant success, but not without consequences. 

What to Do

Ski
Redford’s rustically elegant Sundance Ski Resort is situated in 6,000 acres of spectacular wilderness and exhilarating skiing for every level.  Or, for an extraordinary selection of runs, levels and snow visit one of the area’s three main hills: the Park City, Canyon and Deer Valley resorts. 
OR 
Relax and rejuvenate at the Sundance spa, where treatments are based around native Sioux practices. Breathe in the natural pine rebalance your body and spirit. 

Eat and Drink
Avoid the main street and head to Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s J & G Grill at the St. Regis Hotel for locally sourced dishes and the see-and-be-seen experience. 
OR
On Saturday the 21st haute Mexican chef Javier Plascencia of Mision 19 and Bar 20 will host a Tijuana tasting and cocktail party. The evening’s featured drink will the chef’s famous “El Jardin Humido” Tequila Don Julio Blanco cocktail. 

Party
Visit the Bing Bar at the historic former Claim Jumper hotel on Main Street. Between tonight and Tuesday, the three-floor bar will host exclusive film premiere after parties and musical performances. Don’t miss rap sensation Drake’s performance tonight. 
OR
Ski into the luxury St. Regis Deer Valley hotel’s Astor Room and raise a glass at tonight’s Celebrate the Filmmakers party, hosted by the Sundance Institute. 

What to Wear 

Hockley's Pyxis Baker Boy Cap
Since we all know that 45% of all body heat is lost through the head.

Saddlers Union Small Travel Bag 
This cute canvas weekend bag with a surprise red tartan interior assures you’ll show up in style. It even fits ski kit if you’re feeling sporty. 

Hockley's Sarin Reversible Gilet 
Throw on this layer of luxury warmth, over a casual après ski look or a fancier frock. 

The North Circular's Cashmere Beanie
Avoid cold ears with a playful hand knitted beanie in the softest cashmere.