Aspen, Colo. — IN recent years, the Aspen Skiing Co. decided to change its marketing pitch. The new strategy: Convince the masses that they're welcome, despite the resort's long-standing reputation as the premier outpost of implausible wealth and snobbery in the Rockies.

The problem with such a shift is that, sooner or later, word reaches the likes of me. Economic profile of me: drives beater Subaru, makes well under six figures and has little use for a $25,000 carved bear.