Factors Associated with Alcohol Intake in Mountain Top Huts Among Slope Tourers

Abstract

Introduction: Ski touring along ski slopes (slope touring) has increased in recent years on Austrian ski slopes. Alcohol consumption is proposed to be a risk factor in winter sports-related accidents. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with alcohol intake among uninjured slope tourers. Methods: A total of 328 slope tourers (45% females) with a mean age of 43.8 ± 11.8 years were questioned in February and March 2014 in two huts at the top of two Austrian ski areas. Questionnaires were conducted during daytime (9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m.) and nighttime hours (5.00 p.m.-9.45 p.m.) with a following breath alcohol test. Slope tourers filled in on demographics, skill level, risk-taking behavior, ski helmet use, and alcohol consumption. In addition, slope tourers who had consumed alcohol were asked to estimate their individual breath alcohol level. Results: In total, 187 (57%) of the slope tourers reported that they had consumed alcohol at the hut. Male sex, a higher BMI, more ski touring experience, and less ski helmet use were significantly associated with alcohol intake among slope tourers. Mean-tested breath alcohol level was 0.24 ± 0.17‰; this significantly differed from the mean estimated breath alcohol level of 0.18 ± 0.12‰. Male slope tourers had a significantly higher breath alcohol level than female slope tourers (0.26 ± 0.17 vs. 0.22 ± 0.15‰, p = 0.014). Conclusion: Approximately 60% of interviewed slope tourers, predominantly males, consumed alcohol in the huts. In addition, male slope tourers had a significantly higher breath alcohol level compared to female slope tourers and mean-tested breath alcohol level was underestimated by approximately 25% on average.