Knees of steel
It was a high-flying good time for the Purgatory Freestyle Ski Team at last weekend’s USSA Rocky Mountain Freestyle Qualifier/Devo mogul comp in Telluride. The event included more than 100 freestyle skiers (6 to 14 years old) from Purgatory, Telluride, Vail, Summit County, Aspen, Winter Park, Pajarito and Steamboat. Athletes were vying for points to qualify for the State Championships, March 16-18 in Winter Park.
Balin Kirk led the Purg team in the moguls, capturing the overall title as top skier in the field, outpacing former teammate Freddie Mickel, who now trains in Steamboat. Purg’s Corbett Thomas landed fourth overall, with Chase Connors ending in 11th. Other shout outs go to Patrick McBrayer (sixth U15) and Finn Skowlund (19th U13).
For the girls, Amara Kirk (twin sister to Balin), finished fourth overall and second for U13 girls. Lucy Klotz skied to eighth overall.
Meanwhile, Purg ski team alumni George McQuinn, 20, was making tracks of his own. McQuinn not only earned a spot on the U.S. Freestyle Team in December but has also qualified for his third World Cup start.
-
- 05/28/2026
- Quick 'n' Dirty
- By Missy Votel
-
Help for the Demon Bridge, Highway 550 N closure, and fire mitigation falls off
- Read More
-
- 05/28/2026
- Getting crafty
- By Haylee May / Colorado Public Radio
-
Colorado brewers buck national trend by adapting to changing times
- Read More
-
- 05/21/2026
- Taming the ART
- By Missy Votel
-
City chooses education, striping over speed limit on River Trail
- Read More
-
- 05/21/2026
- Planned Parenthood reopens
-
PPRM president credits local community in getting clinic running again
- Read More
- Short legs, big party
- 05/28/2026
-
On most days, Tracy Harwood spends her time as a court clerk for the City of Durango. But next Thurs., June 4 – International Corgi Day – she hopes to bring something entirely different to town: short legs, wiggly butts and oversized personalities.
- River cowboy
- 05/21/2026
-
It’s a mash-up made in Westernwear heaven. Sort of. Seems Chaco, the purveyor of the iconic strappy dirtbag river rat footwear, has joined forces with Wrangler, as in tight jeans, big belt buckles, bull riding and snap shirt fame.
- Making plans
- 05/14/2026
-
Wondering what’s up with the old 9-R Admin building at the end of E. 2nd Avenue that was going to be a fire department, then wasn’t going to be a fire department and is now going to be City Hall and the Police Department?The City of Durango will demystify plans for the historic building during a public session Wed., May 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center.
- Going for the gold
- 04/30/2026
-
Turns out, blondes do have more fun, or at least they get more awards. Last week, Ska Brewing won the gold medal for its True Blonde Ale in the English-Style Pale Ale category at the 2026 World Beer Cup. This is the third win for the Blonde at the World Beer Cup, held in Philadelphia on April 22 and pegged as one of the world’s most prestigious beer competitions.