Finnish ski resort introduces gate system to stop drunk skiers accessing slopes

The Levi ski resort in Finnish Lapland has implemented a controlled gate system to prevent intoxicated skiers from entering the slopes, Yle reports.

A fenced area with a staffed checkpoint now operates near slope-side restaurants, where ski patrol and security personnel assess whether skiers are fit to continue. Those deemed too intoxicated are directed to taxis instead.

“Drunk skiers are a danger to themselves and others,” said Juha Nevalainen, Levi’s lift and ski patrol supervisor. While incidents are relatively rare—around five skiers were removed over Easter weekend—the system has been in place for two seasons to improve safety.

The issue is most pronounced in spring and on weekends, when après-ski drinking increases. Tiina Nylander, a sports medicine specialist at ODL Clinic, warned that alcohol impairs motor skills, reaction time, and balance while increasing risk-taking behavior. “Insurance may not cover injuries sustained while drunk,” she added.

Security guard Pertti Sarajärvi noted that most intoxicated guests comply with taxi requests, though negotiations can sometimes take hours. For those refusing to leave, ski patrol may transport them via snowmobile or, in severe cases, a rescue sled.

Nevalainen acknowledged that monitoring skiers who drink on the slopes—rather than in restaurants—remains challenging across the large resort area. Still, he observed improved behavior over his 30 years at Levi, particularly among younger skiers.