What to wear
Think layers. You will stand in a cold line, sit in a warm theater and walk home after dark, possibly all in the same outfit.
- Waterproof boots with treadSidewalks ice over in the shade. This is the single most important item.Shop options
- Slip-on traction cleatsStretch over your shoes for icy paths and trails.Shop options
- Base layersMerino or synthetic. Warm outside, not sweaty inside.Shop options
- Packable insulated jacketStuffs into a bag once you are in your seat.Shop options
- Touchscreen glovesSo you can pull up a mobile ticket without frostbite.Shop options
- Warm hatEasy to pocket.Shop options
- Wool socksBring more pairs than you think.Shop options
- Hand warmersRechargeable ones double as a small battery.Shop options
Sun and dry air
- SunglassesBright sun on snow at altitude is no joke.Shop options
- Face sunscreenYes, in January.Shop options
- SPF lip balmThe dry air finds your lips first.Shop options
- Hand lotionTravel size, for the same reason.Shop options
- Insulated water bottleHydration is the best altitude advice there is.Shop options
- Electrolyte packetsHelpful for the first couple of days.Shop options
Festival kit
- Power bankCold drains batteries and your tickets live on your phone.Shop options
- Multi-tip charging cableOne cable, every device.Shop options
- Pocket notebook and penFor film notes and names you will otherwise forget.Shop options
- Packable daypackSomewhere for the layers you take off.Shop options
- Seat cushionSchool auditorium seats were not designed for triple features.Shop options
- Compact umbrellaFor wet snow.Shop options
- Carry-on luggageSkip the baggage carousel at DEN.Shop options
Check first
Venue bag rules were not published when this page was updated. Look at the official festival website before you buy a bag for the trip.
The film lover's shelf
- Down and Dirty PicturesPeter Biskind's history of the indie boom.Shop options
- Rebel Without a CrewRobert Rodriguez on micro-budget filmmaking.Shop options
- In the Blink of an EyeWalter Murch on editing.Shop options
- Making MoviesSidney Lumet on directing.Shop options
- A clapperboardThe correct souvenir.Shop options
- Boulder trail guideFor the non-film hours.Shop options
Hosting or watching from home
- Air mattressFor the friends who 'just need a floor'.Shop options
- Guest beddingAn extra set saves a laundry cycle.Shop options
- Mini projectorFor online screenings on the big wall.Shop options
- Projector screenA step up from the bedsheet.Shop options
- SoundbarDialogue you can actually hear.Shop options
- Popcorn makerNon-negotiable.Shop options
Information checked November 2026. Festival plans are still being finalized, so confirm anything time-sensitive on the official festival website.