03/02/2005

Boozy British skiers could be banished to the 'dry' slopes by 'piste police', as skiers are ready to ignore new penalties introduced in European resorts.

The newly installed ski marshals in Italy and Austria will be breathalysing and fining skiers found to be drunk on the slopes. However, new research from Churchill Travel Insurance shows that 23% of skiers say it will not stop them drinking.*

The insurer's research reveals half of skiers believe that drinking and skiing go hand in hand, but 34% leave drinking until the end of the day by only allowing themselves a post-run tipple. A hardcore 15% declare that they drink at lunchtime and throughout the day.

"Our research shows that Brits are not taking the dangers of drinking and skiing seriously. We fully support the introduction of 'Piste Police', as any measures that reduce the numbers of accidents on the slopes are a step in the right direction." said Paul Whymark, Head of Churchill Travel Insurance.

New safety regulations introduced in Italy over the 2003 – 2004 season have started to show an improvement in accidents on the piste - they led to a ten per cent reduction in the number of accidents with almost 1500 less people suffering an injury.**

Whymark added, "Drinking is just one element, but the 'Piste Police' are encouraging safer skiing for everyone on the slopes by also tackling speeding and skiing off-piste responsibly."

Italy and Austria account for one fifth of Churchill's winter sports accidents, so the insurer will be looking closely at the effects of the 'Piste Police' to see if there is a reduction in accidents in these areas.
 

*Resarch carried out by 72 Point between 10th and 24^th January 2005 amongst 1978 skiers /snowboarders.
**Italian Winter Sports Federation

For more information, please contact:
 

Marie Dyne
Churchill Insurance
020 8313 5830
pressoffice@churchill.com