Skiing whilst drunk is not only risky but can also be expensive, up to 400,000 young people each year risk invalidating their travel insurance by taking to the slopes whilst drunk, As many as 35% of male UK skiers and snowboarders drink and ski, according to a survey, and 25% of skiers have been affected by drunks on the slopes, with these figures set to increase as discounted ski packages and the attraction of the après-ski party scene, means considerable numbers of 18 – 28 year olds are now booking last minute winter sport breaks.
What causes the après-ski culture to be dangerous is that people don’t realise the effects that drinking has on them, alcohol is more intoxicating at high altitudes and it also causes body temperature to drop at an accelerated rate, increasing the chance of hypothermia. Also figures show that a third of young people will have an accident on the slopes due to drinking this season, the costs of which can be very expensive for example a broken leg can cost up to £25,000 to be treated, been airlifted to hospital can cost £6,000 and repatriation can cost up to £50,000, all of which won’t be covered by your holiday insurance if you were drunk, you will also be liable if you have negligently caused injury to another skier.
Insurance companies are now recommending that people should know their limits and take responsibility for their actions, if they are over the limit they not take to the slopes.
wine by fire
Picture courtesy of gfpeck
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