Ear to the ground

“Be patient. It’ll thaw out.”

– A brusque United Airlines flight attendant after serving a Durangoan a frozen beer

A visit to Albuwood

The Duke City has gone glam. Variety magazine recently polled filmmakers for their favorite locations around the country, and Albuquerque and New Mexico emerged as the third most desirable location in the nation to shoot a movie.

Hollywood producers are flocking to the Land of Enchantment for much more than sagebrush backdrops, according to Variety. “Known for scenery that ranges from white desert sands to forested mountains, New Mexico also offers a 25 percent tax rebate on all production costs and local labor payments,” the magazine wrote. “This aggressive incentive has spurred a heavy production slate, promoting growth in studio and stage space.”

Fifteen major feature films have rolled camera in New Mexico in 2009 alone. And while Albuquerque is the epicenter of Southwest film, producers are going further and further afield to get the shots. “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” selected Deming, N.M., for several backdrops. “Transformers II” had New Mexico written all over it, shooting at the White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base as well as locations on the Mescalero Indian Reservation. The films “Due Date,” starring Robert Downey Jr., and “Passion Play,” with Mickey Rourke and Megan Fox, are also currently in production just south of the border.

Not surprisingly, California and New York are still tops for celluloid. Hollywood, and NYC claimed Variety’s coveted number 1 and 2 slots.

Season opener

Just in case you haven’t heard, the Wolf is coming out of hibernation this weekend. For the first time in many years, Wolf Creek Ski Area is opening on Halloween.

A significant storm on Oct. 21 dumped 15 inches at the nearby ski area, enough to crack open the lifts and a couple of beginner runs. At press time, another major storm had settled over the region, promising additional terrain and the potential for an October face shot or two.

With any luck, a couple of lifts will fire up at 9 a.m. on Oct. 31. Kids of all ages are invited to wear their costumes for opening day and a pumpkin carving contest is set for 1 p.m.

Visit www.wolfcreekski.com for the latest updates.