“Now that’s some exciting news.”

– A Durango Telegraph reader after finishing last week’s blurb on the possible extinction of the Hummer

The bonus season

Local lift-served junkies have scored a seven-day reprieve this season. Telluride Ski Resort is breaking with tradition and offering a bonus season for those who prefer corn over sun and sand. The area has announced that it plans to keep two of its lifts running for an additional week after the scheduled close date of April 5.

“Spring skiing conditions are consistently great in April,” says Dave Riley, CEO of the Telluride Ski Resort. “Extending the season to April 12 is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our loyal skiers and boarders.”

The Coonskin and Plunge lifts (Chairs 7 & 9) will continue to operate, and the extended season will include all terrain off the lifts. These runs include some of Telluride’s finest – Mammoth, the Spiral Stairs, North Chute, Log Pile, Milk Run, Powerline and others. And for those with a little life left in their legs, hiking access will remain open to the backcountry access gate at the top of Gold Hill. The gate opens on Bear Creek and offers backcountry skiing without the burn.

Those seeking bonus turns will find Telluride’s adult lift ticket reduced to nearly 1985 prices, $50, and people with ski passes from Purg or any other area can ski for just $25. The lifts will run from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.

Those unwilling to make the trek to T-town or hike for turns closer to home have just two weeks left in their season. Regionally Purgatory and Wolf Creek are both scheduled to close April 5.

Singles 101

Terminally single? Feeling unmarriagable? The Lavenia McCoy Public Library in Bayfield is here to help.

The library is offering an intense, seven-week series of personal growth classes for single adults. The hope is for those lonely guys and gals in the county to “learn how belief systems, patterns in relationships, and the past still affect decisions.” The sessions aim at self-discovery, self-esteem, ways to acknowledge and let go of troublemakers, and how to enjoy life more. 

The classes begin April 1 and meet on Wednesdays through May 13. Topics include: “Know Thyself,” “Becoming Alive” and the ever important “Health, Human Rules, Humor, Happiness.”

The series is free but advance signup is requested. Contact the library at 884-2222, Ext. 10, or put down the Play Station and stop by in person.