New Italian regulation: mandatory use of CE-certified helmets for all skiers

[ChrisC]

I thought this was an interesting policy development—primarily helmets. I don't think they will often enforce the off-piste policy regulations - at least in the Aosta Valley.

I guess Tony will be done skiing in Italy? I cannot imagine it will be well enforced. Mountain guides often say they don't like helmets because they cannot hear clients or any snow issues.
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The main new Italian regulation for skiing is the mandatory use of CE-certified helmets for all skiers, snowboarders, and tobogganers, which took effect on November 1, 2025. Other regulations include the mandatory third-party liability insurance and a zero-tolerance policy for skiing under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with penalties including fines and ski pass suspension. Enforcement of the helmet law will be carried out by ski police, with potential fines of up to €200 and ski pass suspension for non-compliance.

Key regulations

• Helmets:
  Starting November 1, 2025, a CE-certified helmet is mandatory for everyone on the slopes, regardless of age.
  
• Third-party liability insurance:
  Since 2022, all skiers must have third-party liability insurance, which is often bundled with ski passes but should be confirmed with your insurer.
  
• Skiing under the influence:
  It is illegal to ski under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, and penalties can include fines between €250 and €1,000, and potential ski pass suspension. A reading of 0.8% is considered a criminal offense.
  
• Slope rules:
  All skiers must act in a way that does not endanger others and must adapt their speed and skiing to their ability and the prevailing conditions.
  
• Off-piste skiing:
  Off-piste skiing is very dangerous, and anyone going off-piste must carry essential safety equipment like a tracking device, snow probe, and shovel.
  

Enforcement and penalties

• Helmets:
  Ski police can issue on-the-spot fines of up to €200 and suspend ski passes for up to three days for not wearing a helmet.
  
• Alcohol/Drugs:
  Slope police can perform breathalyzer tests and issue fines and ski pass suspensions for those who are over the legal limit.
  

What you need to do

• Wear a CE-certified helmet at all times while on the slopes.
  
• Ensure you have third-party liability insurance.
  
• Avoid alcohol or drugs before skiing.
  
• Bring your own helmet if you have one that meets the EU standards, as it may be more comfortable.
  
• Check with your rental shop to reserve a helmet in advance, especially during peak season.
  
• Consider purchasing a holiday insurance policy that includes winter sports coverage.

 

[Tony Crocker]

I guess Tony will be done skiing in Italy?

I will take the mountaineering helmet I had to buy for Antarctica and was required to use for the Level 4 off-piste group at Club Med Val Thorens in 2022.