Mayor Joe Marshall is chatting with a patron.

"Very few young families can afford homes here," says Mr.

Some stores along main street close for the winter. As more outsiders
discover this haven, ringed by mountain peaks that would intimidate a
Sherpa, the town's population is growing rapidly.

The teacher-to-student ratio would rival many home schools. "This would
shorten our economy and screw things up," agrees Sara.

"The teen center is a negative youth behavior prevention center," says
Kyle, drawing laughter for his oblique reference to sex and drugs.
Outside, a gauze of snow softens the streets.

Worthen, the realtor.

And teachers aren't faced with the behavior problems that beset many
larger districts. So how do residents make money?