Steamboat Springs — As a recent guest in Steamboat with my family, I see with angst that your great community is actually encouraging more tourists. I worry about my selfish needs to walk unimpeded into any of the fine restaurants and not wait for a table. I lose sleep at night about my kids having to wait more than 10 minutes for a ski lift.

More so, I am shocked and appalled that (gulp) you would actually encourage residents from all over the U.S. to travel to Steamboat! Is nothing sacred for we regional locals? Living in Laramie, it is becoming a cherished tradition to drive to Steamboat for world-class skiing yet enjoy the ambience of a ranching community.

Alas, I am afraid that progress will over run my selfish desires. With much trepidation, I can become a visiting ambassador for Steamboat – begrudgingly sharing its joy with other tourists I meet as a “seasoned guest.”

Finally, as I work in Yemen for most of the year with a French company, I take immeasurable pride in cajoling the French to “come to the West” for world-class skiing. Forget the Alps! Mon ami! Come have a steak, understand skijoring and, better yet, see how great powder can be.

So, as I mourn the potential yet unpreventable loss of intimacy Steamboat has provided we “regional locals,” I will drag myself kicking and screaming into the concerted effort to expose Steamboat to the world for the abundant joy, world-class skiing and the host of year-round activities the town has provided to the region with a surly yet authentic enthusiasm.

Jim Larsen

Laramie, Wyo.