Steamboat or Durango? That is a tough question indeed.

I moved to Steamboat in 1973, it was the best ever mountain town – a world-class ski mountain within sight, the historic Howelson Hill right in town; the no-traffic light main street, the grand old FM Light store; the Yampa, hot springs in town, and in the woods, and up in the hills; cowboy bars and haute cuisine; famous people and ski bums, horses and hikers, and most important to me: a long way from any big cities.

Then again, I was in Aspen in 1971, now that was the best-ever mountain town.

I passed through Durango a couple of times in the early ’70s, and it seemed like a sleepy little place with a weird route through town.

Then we moved to Durango in 1987. It was the best ever mountain town – a nice, family ski area within driving distance, the historic Chapman Hill right in town, the diagonal-parking on main street, the great old hardware store, the great old cat at the other hardware store, Hogan’s, the Animas, the hot springs, cowboy bars and faux cuisine, ski bums and artistic types, horses and bikers, and yes, Durango is a long way from any big cities. Durango’s also got the train, the Utes, the ancient ones, Fort Lewis and a seasonal motorcycle infestation.

Steamboat has changed, its bloated growth surpassing Durango’s. I think of Steamboat the way it was 40 years ago and of Durango today; I say its a tie for best mountain town.

John Griffiths

Durango