Last updated on November 18, 2025
No. Aspen’s municipal code explicitly prohibits throwing snowballs at people, vehicles, or property in public spaces. Snowballs are legally classified as “missiles,” and the ordinance aims to prevent injuries and property damage in busy tourist areas.
A Law Buried in Snow
Aspen, Colorado, is a winter wonderland famous for its ski slopes and luxury resorts. Yet, when it comes to snowball fights in public, the law takes a surprisingly strict stance. Section 15.04.210 of Aspen’s municipal code bans throwing snowballs—or any similar object—at people, animals, vehicles, or buildings in public areas. This isn’t about spoiling fun; it’s about safety in a bustling town where icy projectiles can cause harm.
Why Does This Law Exist?
The ordinance groups snowballs with stones and other projectiles under the term “missiles.” Historically, these laws were designed to prevent reckless behavior that could lead to injuries or property damage. A snowball packed with ice can break windows or injure pedestrians. In Aspen, where streets are lined with high-end shops and crowded with visitors, the risk is real. The law also prohibits discharging bows, slingshots, and similar devices in public, reinforcing its intent to maintain order during peak winter months.
What About Private Property?
The good news: the ban applies only to public spaces. On private property, a friendly snowball fight among consenting participants is generally fine—provided no one gets hurt and nothing gets damaged. The law’s focus is on shared spaces, not backyard fun.
Colorado’s Snowball Saga: Famous Cities and Quirky Rules
Aspen isn’t alone in its caution. Several Colorado towns historically banned snowball throwing, including Severance, which made headlines in 2018 when a nine-year-old successfully lobbied to repeal its century-old ban. Today, Severance embraces snowball fights as part of its identity, while Aspen and other ski destinations maintain restrictions for safety reasons.
Other cities have their own twists:
- Boulder: Prohibits throwing snowballs in public but allows jugglers to toss them as part of performances.
- Fort Collins: Limits the ban to throwing snowballs at vehicles.
- Loveland and Windsor: Ban throwing snowballs at people, property, or vehicles in public spaces.
- Snowmass and Idaho Springs: Allow snowball fights if they don’t pose unreasonable risk of harm or property damage.
- Louisville: Outlaws not just throwing but also slinging, launching, or shooting snowballs when injury risk exists.
- Hudson, Rifle, and New Castle: Permit snowball throwing only at property you own.
These variations highlight Colorado’s unique blend of tradition and regulation—balancing playful winter customs with public safety.
Are There Convictions?
While these laws remain on the books, enforcement is rare. Most towns, including Aspen, focus on preventing harm rather than penalizing harmless fun. Convictions typically occur only when snowball throwing leads to injury or property damage. In Aspen, officials acknowledge that mutual snowball fights on private property are unlikely to draw legal trouble, but hitting an unsuspecting pedestrian or a moving car could result in fines.
Practical Implications: What Happens If You Break the Rule?
Violating Aspen’s ordinance can result in fines, though penalties vary by municipality. In tourist-heavy areas, authorities prioritize safety, and a snowball tossed at a crowded sidewalk or a moving vehicle could escalate quickly from playful to dangerous.
Tips for Safe Winter Fun
If you’re craving a snowball showdown, keep it legal and safe:
- Host your snowball fight on private property with willing participants.
- Use soft, fluffy snow—avoid packing ice or debris.
- Stay clear of roads, storefronts, and public walkways.
- Explore alternatives like snowman contests or sledding for public fun.
These precautions let you enjoy the season without risking a citation—or someone’s safety.
The Bigger Picture
Aspen’s ordinance might seem quirky, but it underscores a broader principle: laws adapt to local conditions. In a town where winter sports dominate and crowds surge, even a playful snowball can pose hazards. So while Colorado’s mountains invite adventure, they also remind us that fun comes with responsibility.
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Sources
Aspen Municipal Code – Section 15.04.210
https://library.municode.com/co/aspen/codes/municipal_code
Ongoing
Loveland Municipal Code – Section 9.44.030
https://lovgov.org
Ongoing
Louisville Municipal Code – Chapter 9.36
https://www.louisvilleco.gov
Ongoing
Severance Town Ordinances
https://www.townofseverance.org/255/Ordinances
Ongoing