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Jeep driver becomes stranded on slopes of Northern California ski resort; accused of DUI

Lake Tahoe's Northstar resort opens day early
Lake Tahoe's Northstar resort opens day early 02:02

TRUCKEE -- A driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI after driving their Jeep onto the slopes of a Northern California ski resort, becoming stuck in the process.

Late Monday night, officers from the Truckee office of the California Highway Patrol were called to the Northstar California Resort north of Lake Tahoe after a Jeep Wrangler SUV became stuck on the slope.

Officers said they made their way to the stranded SUV with the help of the resort's crew and their snowcat. Following an investigation, the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

According to a post on the agency's Facebook page, which incuded video of the incident, authorities said the driver had intended to take a "shortcut" back to their hotel.

🏔️Ski Slopes Aren’t Roadways 🚙 Late last night, CHP Truckee officers were called to an unusual scene — a white Jeep stranded on Northstar California Resort's ski slope. Turns out, this driver’s idea of a “hotel shortcut” was anything but… and a few drinks didn’t help their navigation skills. With assistance from NorthStar’s incredible crew and their snowcat, CHP officers made their way up the slope. After investigating, the driver was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. Stoke meter? 0% Arrest meter? 100% Remember: Alcohol impairs judgment and driving ability. Don’t let a poor decision turn into a costly mistake. Plan a sober ride and help keep the roads — and ski slopes — safe for everyone. NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE and leave the “first chair” to the skiers! 🚔❄️⛷️ #CHPTruckee #DontDrinkAndDrive #DesignateASoberDriver #PowderDaysNotJailDays #WrongKindOfLiftTicket #FirstChairToHandcuffs #FirstInLineBrah

Posted by CHP - Truckee on Tuesday, December 17, 2024

"Turns out, this driver's idea of a 'hotel shortcut' was anything but… and a few drinks didn't help their navigation skills," the agency said.

Authorities did not release the driver's identity.

CHP officers reminded drivers not to drive impaired. 

"Don't let a poor decision turn into a costly mistake. Plan a sober ride and help keep the roads — and ski slopes — safe for everyone," the agency said.

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