Amid calls to introduce alcohol limits on Swiss ski slopes, proponents consider moving towards the Italian model but opponents fear the impact on tourism.
Calls for the introduction of alcohol limits on skiers hitting the slopes in Switzerland are growing, with those in favour looking abroad for inspiration.
Opponents, on the other hand, have raised concerns about the potential impact on tourism and reiterated personal responsibility among skiers.
In Switzerland, like many skiing countries, drinking alcohol at resorts is commonplace.
However, according to the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) more than 60,000 people were injured on Swiss slopes last year, at an annual cost of around CHF 600 million.
READ ALSO: Is there a legal alcohol limit for skiers on Germany’s slopes?
Now some in Swiss politics are looking to neighbouring Italy for ideas on how to crackdown on alcohol consumption among skiers.
In Italy, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.5g/l has been in place for four years and the idea is gaining ground in the Swiss Federal Parliament.
Fines for skiing over the limit in Italy range from €250 to €1,000. These amounts can double if you cause damage to other people or property while under the influence.
Some Swiss representatives are even in favour of reviewing the Italian system and using it as a model. Italy is currently the only European country besides Poland to impose a blanket ban on skiing or snowboarding while inebriated.
For proponents of introducing limits in Switzerland, the idea is that skiing under the influence of alcohol is little different to getting behind the wheel as it hinders reaction time, balance and depth perception, something that can be dangerous on the slopes not only for skiers but others around them.
EVP National Councillor Marc Jost stated in the Swiss press that “on closer inspection, there are few objections to treating skiing differently from driving a car or riding a bicycle.”
Jost conceded that drinking alcohol is a natural part of skiing culture for some, but added that “a limit would not mean a ban on enjoyment, but would strengthen prevention and reduce risks on the slopes”.
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However, opponents have doubts about how practical the idea would be. PS National Councillor Andrea Zryd believes that a blood alcohol limit on the slopes would be “very difficult to implement”.
National Councillor Reto Nause sees no need for action, pointing out that limits already apply in the event of accidents.
He also sees potential downsides for tourism.
In his view, “the tourism sector would be significantly affected by limits and bans in the form of a drop in turnover,” said Nause, who is also the president of the Swiss Tourism Federation.
SVP National Councillor Andreas Glarner is also opposed to the ban, raising concerns about policing priorities and calling for more personal responsibility on the slopes.
“The police on the slopes now too? They really have better things to do!” he said. “Anyone who causes an accident under the influence of alcohol must take responsibility for it.”
READ ALSO: The penalties for being drunk on Italy’s ski slopes this winter
What’s your view? Should Switzerland introduce a legal alcohol limit for skiers?
