Drunk Skiers Face Rescue Costs and Penalties

Drunk Skiers Face Rescue Costs and Penalties

Image: APA/BARBARA GINDL

 

The Alpine police warn that skiers involved in accidents while under the influence of alcohol could be left footing the bill for rescue operations or search missions, following at least 17 incidents involving drunk skiers since the start of Austria’s skiing season in November.

The cases include skiers getting lost, stranded or crashing into others.

Sigmund Schnabl, head of the Alpine Police, explained that while Austria’s Highway Code sets an alcohol limit for driving, no such rules apply to ski slopes or mountain activities. However, the FIS rules, which govern behaviour on the slopes, must still be adhered to.

“If the Alpine Police suspect intoxication in an accident, those involved are required to take a breath test,” Schnabl told ORF. “If this test is refused, colleagues contact the relevant public prosecutor’s office. Proven intoxication in a collision accident will certainly increase the severity of penalties.”

Insurance and Financial Concerns

Rescue operations on ski slopes can be eye-wateringly expensive, sometimes running into thousands of euros. In cases where an air ambulance is needed, the bill can climb to €10,000. Whether these costs are covered by insurance depends on the skier’s policy.

Gunther Riedlsperger, an insurance expert at the Styrian Chamber of Commerce, said that third-party liability insurance usually covers such incidents, even if alcohol is involved. “Since private liability insurance doesn’t include an alcohol exclusion, the insurer is generally obligated to provide cover,” he told ORF. “This falls under the ‘risks of everyday life.’”

However, things get trickier when it comes to sick pay. If it’s proven that a skier was drunk when the accident happened, they could lose their entitlement to sick pay altogether.

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