Winter is well underway in Colorado; with unparalleled slopes and countless options for snowy mountain getaways, Colorado has acquired quite a reputation for being a home base for skiers and snowboarders across the United States and the world. Colorado has also acquired a reputation for its legalization of recreational marijuana, which may cause many to wonder: can the two be enjoyed together?
Whether you are a local or a tourist, if you plan on enjoying marijuana in Colorado this winter, the first step is to know how the legal system works in the state. While Colorado has legalized recreational marijuana, the federal government has not, so skiing on federal land remains illegal. State law only technically allows for private consumption, out of view of the public eye. Vaping or taking edibles is a lot more discreet, but it’s best to do some research based on where you’re skiing.
Basically, while it does happen, skiing under the influence of drugs or alcohol violates the Colorado Ski Safety Act, meaning that it is dangerous and illegal to ski and use marijuana.
Because marijuana can affect people in different ways, especially when considering the different forms and types of consumption, it is hard to generalize what the experience of skiing while high looks like. Some will stand by it, claiming that skiing under the influence puts you as close as you can get to flying. Couple that with the unbelievable views from the lift and the mountain, and you could have a pretty surreal experience.
However, using marijuana impairs judgement and motor function in a lot of cases, making high skiing more dangerous for you and for others on the hill. Since it can also function as a depressant, there is a chance use may lead to quick fatigue, tiredness and dehydration on the mountain, which both cuts the day short and makes you more prone to accidents.
Really, it’s all about knowing your skills and your body; you want to have the best time possible, but don’t hurt yourself on the mountain just because you’re trying to get the full “Colorado experience.” Also keep in mind that while you and others may really enjoy combining carving and cannabis, there are people on the mountain just trying to have a good time without the drug.
Not every ski town in Colorado has embraced the cannabis industry, but there are some that know how to cater to their consumers. Many of the most tourist-heavy towns have learned to capitalize on demand and allow dispensaries to operate right near the slopes.
According to Westword, the following ski towns allow for recreational sale of marijuana: Alma, Aspen, Basalt, Breckenridge, Carbondale, Crested Butte, Dillon, Dumont, Durango, Eagle, Edwards, Fairplay, Fraser, Frisco, Georgetown, Glenwood Springs, Gunnison, Leadville, Mancos, Ridgway, Silver Plume, Silverthorne, Silverton, Steamboat Springs, Tabernash and Telluride.
Buena Vista and Craig allow for medical but not recreational sales, and Avon, Mountain Village, Snowmass Village, Vail and Winter Park have banned recreational sales altogether.
The big takeaway here is to use your best discretion. Know the law, and have common courtesy if you want to break it and enjoy a high on the mountain. It can be a health and safety concern to ski or snowboard under the influence, but others call it an incomparable experience, so maybe it’s worth a try someday.
Note: The Clarion does not condone the use of marijuana, especially in underage or illegal contexts.
