Quick answer: Looking for a dispensary off I-70 before you head west to the ski areas? Options Cannabis Company is a Wheat Ridge dispensary on the west side of the metro, a convenient place to shop before you leave town. We're at 9085 W. 44th Street, between Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling Street, both of which connect to I-70. Just keep in mind that cannabis use is illegal on ski slopes and other federal land, it's illegal in public places like ski resorts, and products must stay sealed while you drive.
Every winter, a steady stream of Denver, Arvada, and Lakewood skiers and snowboarders funnels onto I-70 heading for the high country. Some of them plan to unwind with cannabis back at a cabin or condo after a day on the mountain. If ski trip weed in Colorado is part of your plan, it's easiest to shop close to home, know the rules for the road, and choose a place to stay that actually allows it. Here's what to know.
Why stop at a Wheat Ridge dispensary before a mountain trip?
Location is the simple answer. Wheat Ridge sits right along the I-70 corridor on the west side of the metro, so a stop with us fits naturally into the start of the drive instead of being a detour. It also means you can shop at a store you know, with a menu you can browse online ahead of time, rather than hunting for something unfamiliar once you're already in a mountain town.
The second reason is what's on the shelves. We grow our own flower right here on the Front Range, and you can read about our process on the Our Grow page. We also carry a long list of outside brands, which you can see on our Brands We Carry page. Our budtenders can help you put together something that fits a few quiet evenings after the lifts close.
Can you use cannabis at a Colorado ski resort?
No. This is the rule that surprises visitors the most, so it's worth being direct. Colorado's state cannabis site explains that public use is illegal, and it lists ski resorts by name. On top of that, cannabis is still illegal under federal law, and the state notes that you can't use it on federal land, including national forests. Its guidance specifically says that includes ski slopes.
In practice, that means no smoking on the lift, no vaping in the gondola, no edibles in the lodge, and no lighting up in the parking lot. Ski areas also have their own policies, and skiing or riding impaired puts you and everyone around you at risk. Keep the slopes for skiing and save cannabis for a private place where it's allowed, after you're done for the day.
What are the rules for driving to the mountains with cannabis?
The drive is where most legal trouble happens, and the guidance from Colorado's driving and traveling page is straightforward.
Keep it sealed. Neither drivers nor passengers can open cannabis packaging and use it in a vehicle, even when the car is parked. You can be charged if the seal is broken, some of the product is gone, and there's evidence it was used in the car. The simplest habit is to leave everything in its original packaging and stash it in the trunk or the cargo area until you arrive.
Don't drive impaired. Driving high can lead to a DUI or DWAI charge in Colorado, even though cannabis is legal for adults. The state also notes that a blood test showing 5 nanograms per milliliter or more of active delta-9 THC allows a court to assume you were driving under the influence.
Give it time. Colorado's guidance says to wait several hours, and longer after edibles. When in doubt, don't drive. That matters on I-70, where winter conditions, traffic, and mountain grades already ask a lot of a driver. The Colorado Department of Transportation's drugged driving campaign has more on how THC affects reaction time and focus.
Keep it in Colorado. Leaving the state with cannabis is illegal, and you can't bring it to Denver International Airport or any other airport. If you're flying out after your trip, don't buy more than you'll use while you're here.
Where can you legally consume cannabis on a ski trip?
Private property is your best option, but only when the owner allows it. Colorado lets property owners, including hotels, ban cannabis use and possession on their properties, and many condos and short-term rentals have their own rules too. Before you book, read the rental's house rules or ask the host directly. If smoking isn't allowed, that may rule out flower and prerolls entirely, and vaping is often covered by the same rule.
If your lodging doesn't allow any cannabis use, it's better to plan around that than to risk a fine or a lost deposit. And skip shared spaces like lobbies, pool and hot tub areas, and condo common areas. Colorado's public use rules specifically include common areas of apartment buildings and condominiums.
What should you pick up for après-ski at the cabin?
Assuming your lodging allows it, think about what's easy to store, easy to portion, and respectful of the space.
Edibles for a slow evening by the fire
Our THC edibles are a popular pick for lodging where smoking is off the table. Colorado edibles come in single servings of 10 mg THC or less. Edibles can take up to four hours to take full effect, so start small and be patient, especially at the end of a long day outside. Plan on staying in for the night afterward.
Flower and prerolls if smoking is permitted
If your host is fine with smoking in a designated private area, flower from our own grow and ready-to-go prerolls are both easy to pack in a sealed bag in the trunk.
Vapes for small spaces
A vape is compact and easy to pack, but it still counts as consumption. Only use it where your lodging permits.
Topicals, if that's your thing
Some adults like a cannabis lotion or balm in their evening routine. Browse our topicals if that's your style. We can share how products are used, but we can't make medical claims or give medical advice.
How do you fit a dispensary off I-70 into an early ski morning?
One catch: powder days start early, and our weekend hours start at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday. On weekdays we open at 9 AM. For most skiers, the easiest plan is to shop the evening before you leave. We're open until 9:30 PM Monday through Friday and 8:30 PM on weekends.
To make that quick, order online during the day and pick up after work. Orders have to be picked up the same business day, and you'll pay in store with cash or a debit card with a PIN (we have an ATM on site). Bring a valid photo ID showing you're 21 or older. Out-of-state visitors are welcome with a valid ID or passport.
For current specials before a trip, check our daily deals page. Our everyday deals currently include shake ounces at $40 out the door and popcorn ounces at $70 out the door, and daily specials rotate through the week. Have a question about stock? Call us at 720-242-9452 or reach out through our contact page.
Ski trip weed in Colorado: FAQ
Is there a dispensary off I-70 near Denver?
Yes. Options Cannabis Company is at 9085 W. 44th Street in Wheat Ridge, between Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling Street, both of which connect to I-70.
Can I smoke weed on the ski slopes in Colorado?
No. Public use is illegal at ski resorts, and cannabis use is illegal on federal land, which the state says includes ski slopes.
How do I transport cannabis in my car to the mountains?
Keep it in the original sealed packaging, out of the passenger area if possible, and never open or use it in the vehicle.
Can I bring cannabis to my Airbnb or hotel?
Only if the property allows it. Owners can ban possession and use, so check the house rules before you book.
What time does the Wheat Ridge dispensary open on weekends?
We open at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday and close at 8:30 PM. Many skiers shop the night before.
Can I take leftover cannabis home on a flight?
No. It's illegal to take cannabis out of Colorado, and it isn't allowed at Denver International Airport.
