It seems there is a need for discussion of fruit growing in the high desert of the inland West. I hope to hear from those of you inhabiting the high desert of Arizona & New Mexico, Great Basin and between the north-south mountain ranges in eastern Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. That covers a lot of ground yet is likely to be thinly represented.
I can start by noting varieties that strike me as losing flavor & condition by being grown in this environment: Calville Blanc d’Hiver, Esopus Spitzenburg, Wynoochee Early, Williams Pride, Rambour Franc, Connell Red (bud sport of Fireside), Queen Cox (bud sport of COP), Edelborsdorfer, Sturmer Pippin, D’Arcy Spice (quite disappointed about that).
Best so far in my limited experience? GoldRush (thank you all for encouraging me to try it!), Lamb Abbey Pearmain, Hunt Russet, Claygate, Redfield, Empire.