The Vail Police Department has warned skiers and snowboarders to NOT borrow another person’s ski pass as 31 individuals have been caught doing so in Vail this season. According to a press release from the organization, only 27 citations were issued for the act throughout the entirety of the 2020-21 ski season, showing an uptick in individuals breaking the law.
While tech improvements on mountain have made catching perpetrators more difficult year by year, Vail Mountain is reportedly working with the department in an attempt to catch those who are fraudulently using passes. According to the press release, the end of the season is supposedly the busiest for pass fraud.
So what’s the punishment if you’re caught? A fine of up to $999 and/or 180 days in jail. Oh, and the person who actually owns the pass could have it taken away.
I have to say, this press release feels like one of the most Vail related press release I’ve ever seen. I’m not encouraging ANYONE to break the law, but I am encouraging Vail Resorts and the Vail Police to chill out a bit. All I can picture while reading this is a big, greedy businessman with a cigar in his mouth yelling at the chief of police to stop the rowdy children from destroying his perfect mountain…
Ski Pass fraud has increased this winter season. Avoid the temptation of borrowing a ski pass to save $$ on a lift ticket. It could result in a maximum fine of up to $999 and/or 180 days in jail. The original passholder can also lose their ski pass. https://t.co/xTTBgXz70H pic.twitter.com/CRz9SIreVf
— Vail Police (@VailPolice) March 9, 2022
Image Credit: Vail Mountain on Instagram