A man has appeared in court accused of riding nude in a gondola at a ski resort in Vermont.

A witness had reported that William Barrett, of Albany, New York, was naked and touching himself inappropriately while riding the lift. He pleaded not guilty to felony, lewd and lascivious conduct and misdemeanour marijuana possession at Vermont District Court.

Barrett, 46, who was fully clothed when he reached the bottom of the hill, denied being nude. He told police he had taken off his jacket and shirt because of the nice weather.