Foreign Office Warns UK Skiers That Helmets Compulsory in Italy Next Winter
The warning comes from the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth Development Office.
It reads: “From 1 November 2025, all skiers, snowboarders, sledders, and tobogganers will be required to wear CE-certified helmets at all ski resorts.
“This law applies regardless of age or activity.
“Failing to do so risks a fine of up to €200 and ski pass suspension for up to 3 days.”
We reported on the new law earlier on PlanetSKI:
It is the first country to introduce such a requirement for all slope users.
Since January 2022, it has been the law in Italy that anyone under the age of 18 has to wear a helmet.
Other ski area and countries will be watching the move.
Helmet Rules at Other Ski Nations:
Andorra: A ski helmet is not compulsory but strongly recommended. If you are going off-piste then a helmet is compulsory.
Austria: A ski helmet is compulsory for children up to 15 years in all federal states except the Tirol and Vorarlberg. If you go to these states without a helmet, the ski school may require it anyway. There is no ski helmet requirement for adults, but it is strongly recommended.
Croatia: A ski helmet is compulsory for children up to 14 years.
France: A ski helmet is not compulsory, though wearing a helmet is recommended.
Germany: No helmet requirement, but the German Ski Association and German Ski Instructor Association recommend always wearing a ski helmet.
Norway: A ski helmet is not compulsory, but is encouraged.
Poland: A ski helmet is compulsory for children up to 16 years of age. Not wearing a helmet can result in the confiscation of their ski pass and a fine.
Slovakia: A ski helmet is compulsory for children up to the age of 15.
Slovenia: A ski helmet is compulsory for children up to 14 years. Not wearing a helmet can result in a fine.
Spain: A helmet is encouraged, but is not compulsory.
Sweden: A helmet is not obligatory, but children are turned away at some lifts without helmets.
Switzerland: No helmet is required, but research has shown that the percentage of people wearing helmets is highest in Switzerland.
In Canada and the USA a helmet is not compulsory, though many resorts require their employees to wear a helmet when on the slopes for work.
PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel and James Cove in Pila, Italy. Photo © PlanetSKI
With regard to Italy the FCDO also said: “Off-piste skiing is very dangerous, with the danger of avalanches in some areas.
“Follow all safety instructions and go with a qualified guide.
“For more information about the avalanche risk, visit the European Avalanche Warning Service website.
“Make sure your insurance covers off-piste activity. It is a legal requirement for skiers and snowboarders to carry tracking equipment, a snow probe and a shovel if they go off-piste.”
The Foreign Office recommends getting advice on weather and avalanche conditions before travel.
Valtournenche, Italy. Image © PlanetSKI
Also introduced in 2022 were other laws for ski resorts.
- third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement and can be purchased locally with a ski pass
- you must not eat or drink on ski lifts or boarding areas
- you must not climb a slope with snowshoes except in an emergency
- you must not ski under the influence of alcohol or drugs
It has been illegal to ski under the influence of alcohol in Italy since January 1, 2022, with penalties including fines from €250 to €1,000 and potential ski pass suspension.
The blood alcohol limit is 0.5%, in line with the limit for drink-driving.
This law also applies to drugs and is enforced by slope police, who may use breathalysers for testing.
Passing a blood alcohol reading of 0.8% is a criminal offence.
Next season one resort in Italy, Madonna di Campiglio, will be limiting the sale of daily lifts passes at busy periods in the season.
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be taking place in Italy next February.
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