The Pole

Attention artists and creators: the City of Durango is soliciting ideas for a new public art installation at the top of Chapman Hill to celebrate local ski history. Ideas include but are not limited to: sculpture; interactive installations; functional art; and artistic signage. Bonus points if you incorporate salvaged materials from Chapman’s recently retired “Big Tow” (if so, we’ve got some shredded Kincos to donate, too.) 

Could it be that Durango’s oft-talked-about yet elusive Camino Underpass is actually, well, coming to pass? The City of Durango announced this week that, in conjunction with its Winter Bike to Work Day After Party this Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Powerhouse, it will be hosting a kick-off for the Camino Crossing.

The Durango Derby is back. After taking a year off in 2025 while the road to the race venue in Durango Mesa Park was built, organizers Dave Hagen and Dylan Stucki say the race is back for 2026. This will be the third year for the 50-mile stage race, which takes place Sept. 12 and promises to be better (and cheaper!) than ever.

Doing Dry January, or maybe just “damp” January? Or maybe you’re just a lightweight? Ska has the thing for you.

Durango is preparing for its biggest party within a party this Friday: the annual Snowdown Light Parade. After a successful ice removal mission (unfortunately, not that kind of ICE removal) Thursday morning, folks are reminded that Main Avenue will be closed this Friday, from 2:30–9 p.m. to facilitate parade staging and route preparation. Throughout the closure, vehicles will be able cross Main at College Drive and 9th Street until 4:45 p.m.

This winter, we’ve all had our eyes on the snow– or lack thereof – but the folks at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center are looking for a few more. The Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (FoCAIC) – the outreach, education, events and fundraising arm of the CAIC – recently launched its annual “Observations Challenge” for the 2025-26 season

Put your picket signs away: Durango is safe from Whole Foods, at least for now. According to a news release from the City of Durango on Monday, the owners of the Durango Mall and the Kensington Development Group have dissolved an agreement that would have brought a “national organic grocery store” and up to 270 rental apartments to the 20-acre mall property. 

As the stalemate drags on in Telluride over what is considered fair wages for the resort’s patrollers, local leaders say the strike and subsequent closure of Telluride Ski Resort is already exacting significant damage on the town’s economy.