Don’t Drink and Ride

File this in the “It shouldn’t have to said” department: Don’t snowboard while intoxicated. Granted, you’re not wielding a 2-ton vehicle, as you might be on the road. But a collision on the slopes can leave you just as dead as a collision on the road.

The Scotsman has an article (“It’s snow joke on the ski slopes,” February 23, 2008) about insurance and safety on the slopes. Much of the topic is not directly relevant to the U.S., due to differing insurance laws here, but here’s something that should grab the attention of any U.S.-based rider:

Allan Burns, head of Tesco Travel Insurance, explained: “People need to be careful over their drinking. And everyone should also be aware that resorts in the United States have traditionally taken a tougher approach to skiing under the influence of alcohol.

In America, teams of “piste police”, known as “yellow jackets”, patrol the slopes targeting out-of-control skiers or snowboarders, sometimes breathalysing and prosecuting them for causing injury. In Colorado, the fine for being caught drunk is up to $1,000. European resorts are starting to catch up with this approach – and don’t forget about the morning after.

Remember, the first rule of the responsibility code is to stay in control. And for many riders, being at elevation is a physical challenge that is only made more difficult by alcohol.