Winter holiday drinking

Skiing holidays are an excellent way in which to unwind. On the slopes, things can get spirited and there is often the temptation to indulge in a more literal type of spirit. Indeed, authorities in the French Alps have become increasingly concerned with the number of tourists (particularly Britons) indulging in potentially hazardous Drink-And-Ski vacations. Whilst a little so-called Après-ski drinking might seem harmless enough, the irresponsible combination of chemical highs and snowy dives can all too easily lead to tragedy.

Après-ski parties have long been traditional on the slopes and as long as they are pursued sensibly and in moderation, then the danger is minimal, principally because they take place the evening after a skiing expedition and offer a night of sleep for the body to filter out toxins. Of course, the next day might start with a hangover and headaches can potentially impair concentration, demanding at least an painkiller or two. This is, however, preferable to a full-blown alcoholic haze. Notwithstanding this, if you plan anything more adventurous than simply watching others ski, you will need your faculties to be in full working order and drinking the previous evening is ill advised.

Unfortunately, drinking on the slopes is not confined to an after-dark activity. 24% of all skiers have admitted to high levels of alcohol consumption before a day on the mountainside. Alarmingly, 31% of skiers believe themselves to be covered by their winter holiday insurance in the case of an alcohol-induced accident. Whilst winter holiday insurance will generally cover injury through accident, its provisions will not extend as far as the effects of a drunken stupor. In fact, the overwhelming majority of insurance contracts include an exclusion policy when it comes to alcohol induced mishap.

One of the reasons alcohol can lead to trouble is the inevitable loss of control. Skiing is a sport which centres around control. When hurtling down the slopes, skiers must be alert and aware. Any lapse in concentration or a delayed reaction might easily result in serious injury. Or worse. Alcohol not only deadens the senses, but seriously reduces inhibitions. The likelihood of pushing yourself just a little too far increases exponentially as soon as alcohol enters the equation. Things can be made even worse by the addition of skiers impaired by exhaustion. These individuals may not be directly under the influence, but rather suffering from the after-effects of a particularly intense Après-ski party and a night of far too little sleep. Many holidaymakers would rather not lose a day of ski pass time and consequently will avoid taking the time to properly recover and recharge before throwing themselves back into the fray. As a result, they can easily fall prey to lapses of judgment and concentration.

Part of the problem stems from the fact that drinking over 1,850m above sea level can cause people to start feeling inebriated far faster than usual. Thus they find their alcohol tolerance level unexpectedly lowered. Since drinking alters breathing and oxygen intake, it can exacerbate the effects of altitude sickness. It's therefore advisable to steer clear of alcohol for at least two days after arrival at a new altitude, to give the body time to adapt.

If you really must drink before skiing, then at the very least do not allow your blood alcohol levels to exceed the legal driving limit. Some resorts in France and Italy have even begun instituting breathalyzer tests. It really is best to restrict your drinking to an after ski activity and to allow your body sufficient time to recover. Anything else will endanger yourself and others in the most irresponsible way. If you are compromised by alcohol, don't expect your senses to be reliable and certainly don't expect winter holiday insurance to bail you out. You will be entirely responsible for any injuries or fatalities that might ensue.