Ear to the ground:
“Is his first name ‘Pope?’”
– Question posed during recent Pope mania by local recovering Catholic’s young daughter
Chaps and chapstick
Snow may not be on the top of nearby peaks yet, but it is at the top of many locals’ minds. And whether you embrace or dread those months between fall and spring, there’s nothing like a little ski flick to help get you mentally prepared – or dare we say “psyched?” – for the short, cold days ahead.
And to kick things off, local boutique film company Fastforward Media is presenting the world premiere of its latest documentary, “Ice Cowboys,” this Saturday night at the Durango Arts Center.
Directed by Matt Crossett, the crowd-sourced film takes a behind-the-scenes look at the uniquely Western approach to the sport of skijoring (think pro bull riding meets water skiing.) Feel every bump, bruise, bloody nose and broken bone as Crossett follows several competitors’ stories, lives and races from Silverton and Leadville to Minturn and Red Lodge, Mont.
According to Fastforward owner Laurie Sigillito, in addition to being an extremely entertaining spectator sport, ski joring brings an economic boost to these small towns across the West that host events. “Although these cowboys and skiers may not make much money, it’s really a festival for these small historic towns,” she said.
The “Ice Cowboys” premier takes place in conjunction with this weekend’s Cowboy Gathering, and the screenings – 7 and 9:30 p.m. – are a fund-raiser for the Durango Arts Center.
If you can’t saddle up for the Saturday premiere, not to worry – “Ice Cowboys” can be enjoyed from the comfort of one’s own couch. Altitude Sports has signed on to run the documentary 20 times over the upcoming 2015-16 winter, with the first airing next Tues., Oct. 6, at 7 p.m.
Tickets to the premiere are $15. To see a trailer or for more information on when it will air on Altitude, go to icecowboys.tv.
Mugs for mutts
If a scenic run with the dog is more your speed, the Animas Mountain Mug Run returns this Saturday, with a special 3.4-mile dog-friendly short course. In the dog theme, proceeds from this year’s Mug Run benefit Lisa Parker’s Puppies. For those unfamiliar with Parker, she is a veritable dog saint and has been rescuing stray reservation dogs for years. She recently founded a nonprofit to help fund the venture.
In addition to the 3.4-mile poop loop, (which, of course, runners will carry out with them) the Mug Run includes the traditional 6.2 mile course as well as a 1-mile fun run/hike. The run starts at 9 a.m. with after-party, Zia breakfast burritos and rehydrating Ska beer to follow. Sign up at Pine Needle, Pet Haus or the day of the race. For more info, go to www. lisaparkerspuppies.com