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America’s ‘drunkest’ counties, in terms of alcohol consumption and restrictions, often vary depending on factors such as local culture, laws, and demographics. Ski resorts are typically in regions popular with tourists and locals, and these areas may or may not reflect the broader alcohol-related trends of their state. Let’s take a look at some counties that are home to major ski resorts and examine the drunkest counties in those regions.
What are the booziest counties in America? According to IntoxiStates.com, the data states that Gallatin County, Montana, tops the list, where over a quarter (26.8 percent) of residents are considered excessive drinkers. Gallatin County is home to Big Sky Resort, Bridger Bowl, and Moonlight Basin. IntoxiStates.com provides an interactive map of excessive drinking by county based on CDC definitions.
Generally, counties with high alcohol consumption are those with large populations, major nightlife, or high tourism. Many ski towns have a vibrant après-ski scene, so alcohol consumption may be higher in those areas. According to the CDC, binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men during an occasion. Heavy drinking consists of eight or more drinks for women or 15 or more drinks for men during a week.
These are the drunkest ski counties (based on alcohol consumption).
5. Teton County, Wyoming (Jackson Hole)
- Drunkest Aspect: Jackson Hole has rapidly grown into a luxury destination with an expanding après-ski scene. Teton County experiences higher-than-average alcohol sales, especially in Jackson Hole itself, which has a reputation for good food, strong cocktails, and a vibrant nightlife.
- Why: Jackson Hole is a playground for the wealthy, with a high concentration of tourists who often indulge in post-ski drinks. Whether it’s at one of Jackson’s rustic bars, upscale restaurants, or ski-in lounges, alcohol consumption is a key part of the social scene. Additionally, the area’s remote, mountainous charm tends to lead visitors to drink more as a way to celebrate their adventure.
4. Monroe County, Michigan (Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands)
- Drunkest Aspect: Monroe County’s Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands resorts draw significant tourism, particularly in winter. Both resorts feature numerous bars and restaurants, creating a lively nightlife scene that fosters high alcohol consumption.
- Why: Like many popular resorts, Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands cater to vacationers looking to relax and have fun. The après-ski culture here, while perhaps not as famous as in places like Aspen, still thrives, contributing to high alcohol sales. It’s a typical tourist-driven spike in alcohol consumption.
3. Summit County, Colorado (Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain)
- Drunkest Aspect: Summit County includes Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain, all of which see high volumes of visitors who come for the ski experience but stay for the party. Après-ski often extends well into the night, with bars, clubs, and restaurants packed with vacationers indulging in alcohol.
- Why: Summit County’s popularity as a skiing and vacation destination means that its resorts attract a wide range of visitors—many of whom are looking to unwind and enjoy the après-ski lifestyle. The area is known for its festive, party-friendly atmosphere, which leads to elevated alcohol consumption.
2. Pitkin County, Colorado (Aspen)
- Drunkest Aspect: Aspen’s après-ski culture, catering to an affluent crowd, makes it a prime hotspot for heavy drinking. The combination of high-end bars, restaurants, and exclusive ski resorts (like Aspen Mountain) keeps alcohol consumption high among both locals and tourists.
- Why: Aspen is synonymous with luxury, and its après-ski scene is one of the most lavish in the world. After a day on the slopes, visitors and residents unwind at stylish bars, where cocktails, wine, and high-end spirits flow. This kind of environment naturally fuels higher-than-average alcohol sales.
1. Gallatin County, Montana (Big Sky Resort, Bridger Bowl, and Moonlight Basin)
- Drunkest Aspect: Big Sky Resort draws many visitors looking for the “ultimate Montana experience,” and the après-ski culture in ski towns is historically associated with a lot of drinking. The influx of visitors can contribute to higher alcohol consumption rates, both among tourists and residents.
- Why: Montana has a strong tradition of drinking, often integrated into social activities like hunting, fishing, and skiing. The state is also known for its craft beer scene, with breweries that contribute to the drinking culture in both urban and rural areas. Additionally, alcohol may be more accessible in these environments, with numerous bars, breweries, and liquor stores catering to both locals and tourists alike. This ready availability encourages more frequent consumption.
Generally speaking, ski resort towns are often more lenient on alcohol due to their tourism-based economies, especially in destinations that cater to affluent visitors or younger crowds looking to party after a long day on the slopes. These counties are unlike more conservative counties in places like Utah, and certain areas in the Midwest may have dry or heavily regulated alcohol sales, even if they are home to popular ski resorts. Ultimately, ski resorts in counties that are more liberal regarding alcohol sales are often the drunkest, while counties with stricter local laws or those inhabited by people with more conservative values may be considered the driest.
