A Texas snowboarder has been handed the stiffest penalty ever in a Colorado ski accident.

Michael Wolff, 20 (pictured, right), of Killeen, Texas, was sentenced to eight months in jail for crashing into three children at Sunlight Mountain in Glenwood Springs, Colo., while he was intoxicated. He was also ordered to pay $9,304 in restitution and to write letters of apology to the victims and their parents.

Wolff faced up to 18 years in prison and more than $500,000 in fines.

The three children, ages 5 and 6 years old, were in a ski class and were gathered on a beginner's run with their instructor when they were hit. Wolff had earlier entered a guilty plea to two counts of child abuse and three counts of reckless endangerment.

Wolff has remained in Garfield County jail since his March 15 arrest on the day of the accident. He was given credit for the 152 days he has been jailed, and the remaining 88 days will be suspended, if he successfully completes a three- to six-month alcohol treatment program.

Wolff testified that he was an alcoholic and apologized for the accident.

"I didn't set out that day to hurt anyone, especially children." Wolff testified Thursday. "I'm not a monster. I lost control of myself. I'm sorry. I hope they can accept my apology."

Court testimony revealed that Wolff drank almost a fifth of alcohol before crashing into the children.

Deputy District Attorney Tricia Lacey said Wolff didn't stop to help after crashing into the children. Witnesses testified that Wolff was uncooperative, confused, incoherent following the accident.

In 1997, a skier from California was given a 90-day sentence for criminally negligent homicide in the death of Alan Cobb, 33 on a Colorado ski slope.