Why You Can’t Ski Drunk In Colorado—and The Law You Need To Know

Even if you can 'see dead people', you still can't ski while intoxicated in the state of Colorado. Just last week, former child star Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense) was arrested for public intoxication at a ski resort.

Skiing while intoxicated is against the law in Colorado, and has been since the creation of the Colorado Ski Safety Act of 1979. While some might think this law a bit strange, drunken skiing happens at such a frequency that it is still very necessary.

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Statewide Law: Colorado Ski Safety Act

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The Colorado Ski Safety Act, or the Colorado Revised Statutes § 33-44-109(9), states:

No person shall move uphill on any passenger tramway or use any ski slope or trail while such person's ability to do so is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or by the use of any controlled substance…

Violating Colorado's Ski Safety Act is a civil infraction and can include a fine up to $1000.

Law Enforcement in Ski Towns

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To further protect themselves, some of Colorado’s popular ski towns have created additional laws that support the Colorado Ski Safety Act and are part of the local municipal code.

Breckenridge Town Code § 6-3H-9 prohibits skiing and snowboarding while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In Vail, Town Code § 5-5-3 copies the state law regarding skiing under the influence.

Not only could you be charged by the state for skiing under the influence, but these local laws mean you could also face municipal charges within town limits.

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LOOK: 22 Colorado Counties with the Highest Levels of Excessive Drinking

According to Intoxistates.com, 21.41% of Colorado residents report an excessive consumption of alcohol. See which counties averaged an even higher rate for excessive drinking around the state.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

UP NEXT: 19 of the Silliest Laws on the Books In Colorado

The Centennial State is home to nineteen laws that may seem silly, stupid, or outdated, but they are still laws. Scroll through the gallery below to see Colorado's strangest laws that are still on the books today.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

The Most & The Least: Drunkest States Across America

According to a survey from 24/7 Wall Street, these are the Top 5 Drunkest states across America. We've also included the bottom 5 of the list for your enjoyment also! Check out the following gallery to see the tops in each!

Gallery Credit: JD Knite

Source: Skiing While Intoxicated? Not in Colorado, Thanks to This 1979 Law