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Skiing High? What’s the Problem?
Have you ever skied while abusing alcohol or drugs and got away with it? Well, consider yourself very lucky! In surveys, an estimated one in ten skiers has admitted to skiing after drinking. Do you know someone who regularly cracks open a beer, or something stronger, on the ski lift?
One important matter your ski instructor may not discuss while teaching you how to control your skis is how to control your drinking - and the crippling financial hardship that may result if you ski and abuse alcohol or drugs.
**Many travellers are blissfully unaware that claims against their travel insurance may be denied if intoxication is found to be a contributing factor! **
Just as in the video, think pizza and french fries - not just for skiing, but for drinking:
- Slow down
- Stay in control
- Know when to stop
- Better yet - save it for apres ski!
World Champion and Olympic skier, Bode Miller, was famously criticised for his irresponsible remark about skiing drunk, “If you’ve ever tried to ski when you’re wasted, it’s not easy.”
Many British tourists have been involved in drink-related incidents at destinations all over the world - not just ski resorts. However, at high altitudes the effect of alcohol is much increased, plus in some countries the alcoholic content of drinks is often higher than we are accustomed to.
Ski Insurance is designed to cover legitimate claims, but does not provide free license to act irresponsibly. You can’t expect to endanger your own life and safety, and the safety of everyone around you - and then have someone else pay to clean up the mess!
Check the levels of cover that come with your ski insurance policy, as they do vary from company to company. Read the policy terms and conditions so that you understand what is covered - as well as the possible consequences of violating them.
Personal Liability is potentially a devastating financial issue. For example, suppose you ski out of control and crash into another skier, causing serious injury. If you are found to be intoxicated, or to be have been acting recklessly, your travel insurance claims may be denied and you could be left to face huge legal and medical bills - your own and those of the injured party. In North America the financial consequences could snowball completely out of control.
The intention is not to scare you or put you off your ski holiday, but just a reminder about the potential consequences of drinking and reckless behaviour.
Skiing/boarding off piste (out of bounds) against posted warnings at the resort, or against the advice of ski resort personnel could also render any resulting claims invalid. If you ski off piste and fall and break your leg, requiring emergency evacuation by helicopter, you may wind up nursing more than just a broken leg – a seriously injured wallet! Please ski and board safe - and sober!
