Parking, hotels pricey during Sundance Film Festival

PARK CITY — Whether film festival attendees feast on steamed mussels, bite into almond-encrusted salmon or chow down on a simple pulled-pork sandwich followed by winter ale, they will pay about the same amount for their meal as they would any other time of the year.

Despite rumors to the contrary, the price of dinner during the 10-day festival is about the same as it would be any other night in Park City, according to the results of an informal survey by the Deseret News.

The analysis also found that prices for things such as batteries, coffee and cold medicine remained similar within Park City between a date in mid-December and a day during the festival.

The cost for things such as parking and hotels, however, bucked the trend. Lots that are normally free cost as much as $20 during the festival. Costs for products such as gasoline also increased, compared to prices in the Salt Lake Valley, and the price of a gallon of windshield washer fluid doubled.

Between serving up chunks of fresh fudge, Howses' Candy Haus shopkeeper Arnold Howse said he doesn't increase prices for special events in town.

"If they charge $10 for a sandwich somewhere else, that just gives me more business," he said. But the owner of the Main Street candy shop conceded that "Generally, prices are high in Park City."

Local film agent Bill George agreed, saying he usually brings lunch from home rather than give in to the high prices on Park City's historic main drag.

Los Angeles producer Sarah Baker said she believes most prices in Park City are fair, especially compared to costs in the world's most expensive cities.

However, the second-time festival attendee was vexed by trouble with lodging and transportation.

"There is definitely dishonesty with people sub-letting apartments and condos," Baker said. "It could damage business relationships, especially for start-ups."

During one afternoon earlier this week, Baker had missed two movie screenings and was late for a few meetings because of what she called incompetent taxi drivers.

"I definitely felt taken advantage of by a few rotten eggs," she said, suggesting mandatory training programs for the drivers.

Despite her complaints, Baker was tickled pink to be participating in the Sundance festival.

"It put together an innovative program of films that are going to be changing the world," she said. "It's such an honor to be here."