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Dangers of drinking on the piste highlighted
More than a third (36%) of young skiers and snowboarders get into trouble abroad due to the “lethal combination” of alcohol, altitude and adrenaline, according to Foreign and Commonwealth Office research.
The poll of 1,000 found that nearly 45% of young people are not aware that alcohol can affect you more quickly when drinking at high altitudes, such as at many popular ski resorts.
Of the 36% of people who drank themselves into trouble, a third injured themselves, over two thirds were fined for causing damage and over half were even asked to leave the resort, according to the FCO.
More people are taking part in high-risk activities without the right preparation as a fifth of Britons take a winter sports holiday.
More than 30% fail to take out travel insurance that covers the sports they intend to take part in, and two thirds (66%) wouldn’t take photocopies of important documents e.g. passport, credit card details.
This contrasts with over two thirds (68%) of the population who cite their ‘preparation’ for a winter holiday simply as buying new clothes and researching the nightlife.
As part of its ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign, the FCO is urging winter sports travellers to be more prepared.
The FCO’s Dean Hurlock said: “Winter sports holidays are becoming more and more popular with young people but many don’t realise the dangers of drinking on the piste.
“If you injure yourself whilst under the influence of alcohol, it is very likely your insurance policy will be invalid. This could mean high costs – if you break a leg on the Alps, a trip in an air ambulance and treatment could set you back £10,000.
“Being aware of this and making some simple preparations, like ensuring your insurance policy covers you for everything you are likely to do, could mean the difference between a holiday to remember and one you’d give anything to forget.”
Report by Phil Davies
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