Fresh air. Incredible scenery. Acres of powder. There are few things more satisfying than a day on the slopes. But it seems a lot of us are taking in more than scenery when we go skiing or boarding—and that could result in a serious injury.
It’s common sense that drinking can have a big impact on your judgement and reaction time—things you need a lot of when you’re skiing or boarding. Keep in mind that the higher altitude can also mess with your body’s ability to process alcohol: it takes a lot less to become impaired when you’re up on the mountain (and that impairment lasts a lot longer) than it does when you’re at home.
Another thing: alcohol can make you a lot more willing to take risks, and do things we would never do if we were sober. The problem is, when you’re on the mountain, that kind of inhibition can lead to trying things that are way beyond your ability. Once you have a few, that double black diamond doesn’t look so intimidating. A double-cork on the half-pipe seems doable. That big open bowl seems the perfect place to tuck in and go flat-out.
We teamed up with BC Liquor to pass on a simple message: go out and have fun in the snow, but please, leave the drinking for the après.
Just to be clear: we’re not anti-fun. We just want people to use their common sense. The fact is, drinking belongs in the village—not so much on the mountain. The next time you hit the slopes, use your common sense, and save it for the après ski. That way, you can keep on having a great time.
