Ear to the ground:
“He’s terrified of carolers, you know, the way that most people fear clowns.”
– Discussion of why a local man doesn’t go out on Noel Night.
Cheap date
Tis the season to give, and what better way than to enjoy a few turns in the process. This Sun., Dec. 13, marks Purgatory’s first Locals Benefit Day of the season. For less than a night on the town ($45) locals can hit the slopes and still respect themselves.
This year, proceeds from the four Locals Days (Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 21 and March 20) will be divvied up amongst four worthy causes: the Be F.R.A.N.K. Foundation, Heart Safe La Plata, La Plata Family Centers Coalition and Trails 2000.
Purg Events Manager Matthew Krichman said the resort received more than 25 applications, making the decision process difficult. The resort looks for organizations that will impact the community in a positive way, and at the end of the day, “these four organizations really stood out,” he said.
A quick rundown/refresher on the four nonprofits:
- The Be F.R.A.N.K. Foundation (For the Recreational and Artistic Needs of Kids) provides music instruction and instruments to young people and takes underserved kids on skiing, backpacking and outdoor adventures.
- Heart Safe La Plata is dedicated to saving lives by replacing the aging defibrillators in various locations throughout the county.
- La Plata Family Centers Coalition focuses on feeding hungry local families through its food bank and nutrition classes.
- Trails 2000, local trails advocacy group that focuses on trail development and maintenance throughout La Plata County.
This year, discounted tickets are available using the coupon (p. 6 in this week’s Telegraph or downloaded at www.purgatoryre sort.com) for $45 adults (18-64); $32 teens (13-17); $25 kids (6-12); $32 seniors (65-79); and $25 super seniors (80+.) Kids 5 and under are free. For an even better deal, folks can buy a Locals Day Punch Pass for $125 at the Purg Office in Bodo Park or at the mountain (just $32 a day). In addition, mom and dad get 25 percent off junior’s day at the Bear’s Den with their locals tickets.
In addition to skiing on the cheap, locals will also have a chance to try out the latest and greatest gear from Pine Needle, Backcountry, Boarding Haus, Cliffside Ski & Sport, 2nd Avenue Sports, Ski Barn and Expert Edge. A daylong demo is only $10 (although the cost of falling in love with those new fat boards may be a little more costly.)
And speaking of supporting the locals, the Durango Bootleggers Society has announced the final tally from sales of its Heavy Metal EPA. Last August, the Bootleggers banded together to brew up a batch of suds to raise money for those affected by the Gold King Mine spill. When the foam finally settled, $4,000 had been raised, which was given to the Community Foundation Relief Fund, which matched the amount.
In all, the fund has helped 90 local workers impacted by the spill. We’ll drink to that.