Italy is introducing one of the strictest winter safety regulations in Europe. Starting 1 November 2025, every person stepping onto a ski slope — from advanced skiers and snowboarders to families with sleds and tourists walking across resort areas — will be required to wear a certified helmet.
According to Euronews, the rule applies to protective gear carrying the CE (Conformité Européenne) mark, confirming compliance with EU health and safety standards.
Diego Clara from Dolomiti Superski says around 95% of visitors already wear helmets, but those who ignore the rule may face fines of up to €200 or even a three-day ban from ski lifts. Italy also demands mandatory liability insurance, and skiing without it can result in penalties.
A gradual path to full enforcement
Italy initially required helmets only for children under 14, then extended the rule to under-18s. This season it expands to all ages, making helmets a permanent part of Alpine culture.
In contrast, other European countries restrict mandatory helmets only to minors — in Croatia and Slovenia up to 14, in Poland up to 16, and in Austria rules vary by province.
More safety rules on the slopes
Italy also enforces:
• mandatory liability insurance
• a 0.5% blood-alcohol limit on slopes
• zero tolerance for drugs
• fines in some resorts for eating on ski lifts
Elsewhere in Europe, measures are tightening too: France’s Les Gets banned smoking across the entire ski area, and Austria’s Ischgl fines up to €2000 for walking in ski boots at night.
Helmets as part of ski culture
In the US, helmet use has risen from 25% in 2002 to 90% today, according to the NSAA. Europe is following the same trajectory, turning protective equipment into a norm rather than an option.
Italy’s message is clear: safety does not diminish the magic of the Alps — it simply lets visitors enjoy the slopes with more confidence and fewer risks.
