Ski Rules & Regulations You Need to Know

by admin in RSS Social News. Posted October 9, 2025

Italy is leading the way in resort safety in Europe as it makes wearing a CE-certified helmet compulsory for all slope users for this coming season.

The law comes into effect next month, on November 1st.

Police can issue a €200 fine or suspend a person’s lift pass for up to three days.

We have reported on the new legislation on PlanetSKI and detailed what the rules on wearing a helmet are in all the other ski nations:

Italy makes wearing a ski helmet compulsory

All skiers and snowboarders in Italy must also carry public-liability insurance to ensure they are covered if they cause an accident.

The law was introduced in January 2022.

Italy also bans eating and drinking on ski lifts.

Skiing in Italy. Image © PlanetSKI

All ski resorts stipulate that ski passes cannot be transferred and used by people other than those that bought them.

Using a lift pass that belongs to someone else can result in a fine and confiscation of the pass.

Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI

France introduced a nationwide smoking ban on July 1st 2025 that outlaws smoking in nearly all outdoor public spaces.

This includes out on the ski slopes and in resort.

In France, it is also forbidden to throw down cigarette ends or rubbish in public.

This applies to ski resorts and pistes.

The local mayor has the power to set the fine amount which can range from €68 to €1,500.

Skiing while under the influence of alcohol is a no-no in many areas.

Most insurance policies withdraw coverage for alcohol-related accidents anywhere in the world.

Italy has a blood-alcohol limit of 0.50 percent – similar to driving.

In the USA, people skiing or riding on a lift while drunk face a fine.

The Colorado Ski Safety Act that states that people can be fined up to $1,000 if caught on a lift or ski run while under the influence of alcohol.

In some US resorts a person’s ski pass can be taken away if they are deemed to be skiing or snowboarding in a manner that puts other people in danger.

Three resorts still ban snowboarders.

Alta and Deer Valley in Utah, plus Mad River Glenn in Vermont.

In France starting an avalanche can bring a €15,000 fine or up to a year in jail.

The International Ski & Snowboard Federation, FIS, has published its 10 rules of skiing and snowboarding:

1. RESPECT OTHERS – Do not endanger others.

2. CONTROL YOUR SPEED – Adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability and to the general conditions on the mountain including the traffic on the slopes.

3. CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE – A skier or snowboarder from behind must choose their route so they do not endanger those in ahead – leave enough space.

4. OVERTAKING – You can overtake above or below and to the left and right, but you must leave plenty of space when overtaking a skier/snowboarder.

5. ENTERING AND STARTING OFF– Always look in every direction before entering a run, starting after stopping or moving upwards on the pistes.

6. STOPPING ON THE PISTE – Stop only at the edge of the piste or where you can be seen easily. After a fall, a skier or snowboarder must move clear of the piste as soon as they can.

7. CLIMBING – Always keep to the side of the piste.

8. RESPECT SIGNS – Obey all signs and markings – they are provided for your safety.

9. ASSISTANCE – In case of accidents, provide help or alert the rescue services.

10. IDENTIFICATION – All those involved in an accident, including witnesses whether a responsible party or not, should exchange names and addresses.

The 10 rules from FIS outline recommended behaviour, but they are not legally binding.

Finally a word of warning if you are in Ishgl in Austria and like a spot of apres ski.

Wearing ski boots in town between 8pm and 6am violates local rules and can result in a €2,000 fine.

We reported on the move when it was introduced in 2016:

Ischgl’s apres ski boot ban

And we have also reported on other unusual things skiers and snowboarders can be fined for as highlighted by VIP SKI:

Unusual ski fines

Here on PlanetSKI we will be updating this article as we check out further rules and regulations ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Do check back…

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