Another Kind of White Powder Hits Ski Slopes

Cocaine arrests up 60% at Europe's leading winter resorts

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 29, 2008 8:26 AM CST

(Newser) – In the lodges of Austria's winter resorts, mulled wine has given way to more stimulating après-ski treats: cocaine and ecstasy. Austrian police report a 60% rise in drug-related arrests in ski areas and say that bartenders and ski instructors are turning into part-time dealers during the season. "It would be better if we all focused on the real snow," said a hotel manager in Salzburg.

According to the Times of London, coke-snorting ski bunnies have used Internet forums to arrange deals and discuss the best ways to score on the slopes. The phenomenon is not confined to Austria; in neighboring Switzerland, authorities have noted a substantial uptick in cocaine use at resorts such as St. Moritz. All of which gives new meaning to the slogan of one of Europe's most famous mountain resorts: "It's Snowtime!"

In Austria and elsewhere in Europe, police have reported a major increase in cocaine usage at ski resorts. (©madcowk)

In Austria and elsewhere in Europe, police have reported a major increase in cocaine usage at ski resorts. (©0595)

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Another Kind of White Powder Hits Ski Slopes

Cocaine arrests up 60% at Europe's leading winter resorts

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Blizzard Strands Thousands in Austria

10 feet of snow fuel avalanche fears

High IQ Children Grow Up to Be... High

Kids who score well on IQ tests more likely to score drugs as adults

Drug Use Hits 8-Year High

Marijuana, meth, ecstasy use up, cocaine down

Brit Olympic Ski Team Bankrupt

Athletes left to fund themselves on eve of Vancouver Games

Snow Rushed In as Olympic Ski Hill Melts

Vancouver 2010 organizers battle to keep venue usable

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Another Kind of White Powder Hits Ski Slopes

Cocaine arrests up 60% at Europe's leading winter resorts

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

cocaine • Austria • drug use • skiing • winter sports • ecstasy

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Blizzard Strands Thousands in Austria

10 feet of snow fuel avalanche fears

High IQ Children Grow Up to Be... High

Kids who score well on IQ tests more likely to score drugs as adults

Drug Use Hits 8-Year High

Marijuana, meth, ecstasy use up, cocaine down

Brit Olympic Ski Team Bankrupt

Athletes left to fund themselves on eve of Vancouver Games

Snow Rushed In as Olympic Ski Hill Melts

Vancouver 2010 organizers battle to keep venue usable

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Newser By Users

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