not everyone in a small community is just refusing to grow, there are difficulties in making changes in small towns, some is partial influence of those who refuse to accept new things, but there is much more involved than that, and i wonder if you  fully read and understood the article, "It's the forward thinking of an educated culture and desire for progress while keeping the outdoor-adventure spirit alive, that makes Colorado what it is... not the past" that is a well written statement, but a blanket statement. Interestingly, all the ski towns are heavily influenced by money and citified while trying to look quaint. You are completely ignoring very important lives and cultures and how things work, beyond your own personal preferences.