On average they will exceed the NHS’ recommended weekly adult consumption of 14 units in the course of a single day, consuming on average 15 units, which equates to six and a half pints of four per cent beer or 250ml glasses of wine.
Over the course of a week’s ski holiday, UK winter sports lovers who drink-ski will consume a whopping 105 units of alcohol – equivalent to 53 pints of beer or glasses of wine. This can have serious consequences, as 5.7 million Brits have witnessed or experienced first-hand a drunk skiing incident over the course of their winter sports holidays.
A third of all British skiers think that drinking on the slopes is an integral part of the winter sports holiday experience, while 26 per cent believe that a pint or two will help increase their confidence on the slopes. However, they are taking incredible risks as alcohol slows coordination, reaction times and in some cases limits people’s inhibitions meaning they might take unnecessary risks and ride slopes way beyond their ability level.
Six in 10 (61 per cent) of those that drink and ski say consuming alcohol on the slopes is sociable and does not pose any threats or danger to safety. Nearly three quarters (69 per cent) of drink-skiers justify drinking as they are not looking after a child and therefore don’t perceive themselves as putting others at risk.
A further 67 per cent feel that their drinking behaviours are acceptable because other people are also embracing the après-ski culture. However, over the course of their skiing and boarding holidays 5.7 million British adults have witnessed or experienced first-hand an incident because of drink-skiing whilst on the slopes.
Tom Bishop, Head of Direct Line Travel Insurance, commented: “There is no doubt that après-ski is a popular element of a winter sports holiday, but Brits who drink alcohol on the slopes should be extremely cautious and consider taking the ski lift or alternative route down. Whilst alcohol may give them a new-found confidence, the slopes can be highly congested and with slower reaction times drink skiers could put both their own and other skiers’ safety at risk.
“With nearly six million Brits claiming to have witnessed – or worse, been involved in – a drink-skiing accident, we’re advising anyone enjoying a winter sports break to indulge in moderation to ensure that they do not wake up with more than just a sore head the next day.”
