India, Sept. 7 -- When you think of Colorado mountain towns, skiing hotspots like Aspen, Vail, or Breckenridge might come to mind. But amid the rugged San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, the former mining community of Durango, Colorado, is one of the last bastions of affordable skiing in the state-with easy access to fresh powder and all the Old West charm you could ask for.
Often overlooked for its splashier Centennial State cousins, Durango is located near one of the country's most reasonably priced ski resorts. Take it from me-I've been skiing nearly as long as I've been able to walk, and I've visited Durango since I was a kid. But even if you're not into snow, there are plenty of other things to do around town, from rafting o...