Smokin' on the slopes? Colorado ski resorts issue weed warning as legalization nears

[CaseyJones]

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013...ional-pot-use/

The stakes are high for Colorado’s multi-billion dollar ski industry.

As the state prepares to legalize recreational marijuana on Jan. 1, Rocky Mountain resorts are preparing for a rush of pot smokers looking to light up on the slopes. One might think that skiing and pot-smoking would be an unwise combination -- and that's probably correct. But a handful of marijuana-themed ski trips already are being marketed, and the state's ski industry is trying to get in front of what could be a dangerous fad.

Mountain managers are concerned not only about safety but their tourism image. The fear is that some of the more conservative, family-run resorts will see a backlash from people who don’t want to be in a cannabis cloud.

Jennifer Rudolph of Colorado Ski Country USA, a trade association that represents 21 resorts in the state, says the ski industry generates about $3 billion in tourism revenue annually and Colorado had more than 11 million skier visits last year, outpacing every other state in the nation.

It’s those kinds of numbers that tourism operators hope to cash in on.

Colorado Highlife Tours is offering a party package starting at $75 per person which includes “affordable Marijuana friendly ski buses” for groups to Breckenridge, Winter Park, Eldora, Loveland, Echo Mountain, Keystone, Copper Mountain Resort and Vail.

The tour operators will pick up passengers, drive customers to ski resorts/towns and provide refreshments on the bus.

[evilfunnystuff]

Im sure they will still be pushin the booze like nobodys buissness though.

[phill4paul]

Lol. That's what ski lifts were MADE for.

[dannno]

Im sure they will still be pushin the booze like nobodys buissness though.

Seriously, alcohol changes the viscosity in your ears and it inhibits your ability to balance. Yet they sell it all over the place at ski resorts, and people often bring flasks.

Cannabis does no such thing.

If anything, people will be skiing slower and cleaner, though they may also ski off the main slopes and trails into the back country a little more.

The best skier I've ever known likes to ski best on mushrooms.

[dannno]

Lol. That's what ski lifts were MADE for.

A ski lift was the first place I was ever offered a toke. I didn't accept as I was a little young at the time, and was still semi-against it though I had no problem with the people i was sharing the lift with doing it. Not to mention that might not be the best first time experience, but who knows.

[specsaregood]

Seriously, alcohol changes the viscosity in your ears and it inhibits your ability to balance.

Don't forget that it warms you up and gives you courage.

[dannno]

Don't forget that it warms you up and gives you courage.

Yes, not the best combination when participating in a dangerous sport.

[phill4paul]

If anything, people will be skiing slower and cleaner, though they may also ski off the main slopes and trails into the back country a little more.

Different strokes different folks. The day mangager of ski rentals, I was night manager, was the biggest head I have ever known. That's both pot and Grateful. He took one run a day. Just before open. I don't believe he ever made a cut. Not even the best patroller could keep up with him.

[Root]

Lol. That's what ski lifts were MADE for.

Truth. There's something amazing about being out in the fresh cold, sitting on a chair suspended 50'+ off the ground, legs dangling while high. It's just floaty.

Seriously, alcohol changes the viscosity in your ears and it inhibits your ability to balance. Yet they sell it all over the place at ski resorts, and people often bring flasks.

Cannabis does no such thing.

If anything, people will be skiing slower and cleaner, though they may also ski off the main slopes and trails into the back country a little more.

The best skier I've ever known likes to ski best on mushrooms.

There's so much weed at ski resorts already. Almost all the lifties are stoners. Most of the rental shop people are too. Someone is always holding a safety meeting if you look around.

I ski a lot. I've had my worst crashes drunk skiing. I've had some of my best runs high as $#@!. I also seem to be unable to ski switch (backwards) unless I'm high. I just don't get the "same leg motion but opposite" if I'm sober.

If the conditions are powder or good carving, I really enjoy it much more high. Sloppy spring, both. Boilerplate, ice, windy, cold, or early season, neither.

[bolil]

This thread makes me miss the $#@! outta the mountains. This seems like an awesome business to get in. 420 Friendly Ski/Snowboard tours. You transport them to the mountain, offer to guide them. You provide the buds (to an extent). Yeah, awesome idea. Make sure you check ids though, that is for damn sure. If they want to smoke on the mountain, and you are guiding them, just don't smoke yourself. Ever, just in case you get picked.

I got a buddy in colo.