With 60,000 skiers injured annually on Swiss slopes last year, calls are growing to lower the number by treating drunk skiing like drunk driving, with limits on blood alcohol concentration.
Of course, not all ski accidents involve drinking, but there is concern that many do, given the drinking culture that also exists in many ski resorts. Italy’s rules, in place for four years, set a limit of 0.5g/liter, with fines of €250 to €1000 for violators. Poland is the only other EU country that bans skiing while impaired.
There is opposition also to the idea of new limits from some who are concerned about the potential impact on tourism. One Swiss National Councillor, Marc Jost, says though that “a limit would not mean a ban on enjoyment, but would strengthen prevention and reduce risks on the slopes,” while another argued that it would by “very difficult to implement.”
