Ski resort to fine people caught wearing ski boots at night 2,000

The Austrian resort ofIschglhas banned skiers from walking around the resort in their ski boots after 8pm, with anyone caught doing so facing a fine of up to 2,000 (1,711). The edict was issued by the Mayors office this week and posted on the ski resort's Facebook page.

The Austrian resort of Ischgl has banned skiers from walking around the resort in their ski boots after 8pm, with anyone caught doing so facing a fine of up to €2,000 (£1,711).

The edict was issued by the Mayor’s office this week and posted on the ski resort's Facebook page.

The statement said: "We would like to inform you that from November 20 to May 5 walking in hard-soled footwear (eg ski boots or similar plastic soles) and carrying skis, ski sticks or snowboards will be prohibited on all of the routes and squares in the centre of Ischgl between the evening and night-time hours of 20:00 to 6:00."

This could be a way of Ischgl curtailing the rowdiest après elements

It is a surprising move from a ski resort known for its wild après, where skiers and snowboarders often go straight from the slopes to the bars without pausing to change.

The statement continued: “In the past, passers-by carrying ski equipment during the evening or night-time have presented a danger to themselves or others e.g. by falling or carrying skis on their shoulders. 

“Walking with hard-soled footwear also creates a noise on the tarmac and cobbled street and this can disturb people's sleep.” 

It finished: "We are sure that these measures will enable you to enjoy an even more high quality break. We wish you a care-free and unforgettable time in our holiday paradise!"

The news of Ischgl's imminent ban was posted on seasonaire forum Snowheads, with reactions largely negative. One user responded: “I love the way that it says ‘the regulation is intended to increase the quality of your stay’. I can't think of anything that will improve my holiday more than a €2,000 fine.

“Unnecessary rules are something I particularly despise, and rules regarding clothing often fall in to this category. And laws about what you can carry should be limited to weapons and other items that could realistically be considered dangerous.”

Other resorts have tried to curtail this behaviour before, perhaps hoping to quash rowdier partyers in the process.

In 2012 another renowned Austrian après resort, St Anton, attempted to stop people drinking in their ski gear in town after 8pm. A voluntary policy was implemented whereby people were politely asked to go home and change by bar and restaurant staff.

“No one wants to go out in the evening and see a number of drunken people in their smelly ski clothes and behaving under the influence of too much alcohol," a tourist office spokesperson told ski news website Planetski at the time.

• Ski with an Olympian in Banff on a 10-day trip with Telegraph Ski and Snowboard this January

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