Stoned skiers risk invalidating their travel insurance

News that the US winter sports resort of Breckenridge (www.breckenridge.com) has decriminalized cannabis this season comes with a warning to skiers that they still risk arrest if they smoke on the slopes.

Skiers and boarders could also invalidate their travel insurance if they smoke cannabis and suffer an injury while under the influence of the drug. The same goes for skiers and boarders who are under the influence of alcohol.

Breckenridge in Colorado became the second US city to decriminalize cannabis last November following a vote by local residents to end the arrest of anyone aged 21 or over who is in possession of up to one ounce of marijuana.

Breckenridge is the number one US resort for British skiers, according to ski operator Crystal (www.crystalski.co.uk), with its popularity due in part to its laid back nightlife as well as its extensive and varied ski area. Ski Dream (www.wandotravel.com) says the resort comes into its own after dark.

Buying, selling or growing cannabis will remain illegal in Breckenridge and anyone who smokes or displays cannabis in public could still be arrested.

The ski area which is run independently of the town will continue to enforce the Colorado Ski Safety Act which bans the use of ski lifts, slopes and trails while under the influence of the drug.

Already two skiers have died in ski accidents in Breckenridge this season.

Other ski towns in Colorado are expected to follow Breckenridge's lead next winter and decriminalize cannabis.

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