Swiping a friend’s ski pass to hit the mountain can have big consequences.

The Vail Police Department has issued a release that states ski pass fraud incidents have been on the rise this season. As of March 8, the department had cited 31 people for fraudulent ski pass use compared to just 27 throughout the entirety of last season.

The police department has joined forces with mountain staff to identify and prosecute fraudulent pass users, with the end of the season typically being a time when fraud is most prominent.

According to the department’s release, technology improvements have made it trickier to use a stolen or borrowed pass in recent years.

Those that are caught by the Vail Police Department face serious penalties. The related charge can carry a fine of up to $999, not including potential legal costs. It can also carry up to 180 days in jail. The consequences don’t stop at the pass user, either – the pass owner may also end up with their ski pass revoked.

This year, the ‘Epic Pass‘ used at Vail was ultimately priced at $819, a 20 percent reduction compared to the previous season.

While the press release from Vail Police specifically addressed fraudulent pass use on Vail Mountain, those caught using a stolen or borrowed ski pass in other parts of the state can also anticipate consequences.

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