This article originally appeared on The Inertia.
It would be tough to find a ski resort on the planet where people without helmets outnumber those wearing them. It’s one of the single largest shifts in safety adopted by everyday skiers and snowboarders in the last 30 years. It’s not just a safety trend that the masses got on board with.
However, in Italy, helmets are now actually required by law for everyone.
As of Nov. 1, 2025, all skiers, snowboarders, and even tobogganers in Italy are required to wear CE-certified helmets (Conformité Européenne), which certifies that a product has met EU health and safety standards. Violating this law could result in a hefty fine or having your pass pulled.
Italian Safety Laws on the Slopes: Helmets, Insurance, and BAC limits
Initially, the law requiring helmets only applied to skiers and riders under 14 years old. It was then expanded to include anyone under the age of 18. Now, it applies to people of all ages, including international visitors. Breaking the rule and riding without certified headgear can result in getting your pass pulled for up to 3 days or a fine of €200 ($235).
Italy is the first country to enact a mandate like this for people of all ages. However, it’s not the only safety measure that’s been codified on the slopes.
Public mandatory liability insurance began in 2022, for example, requiring all skiers and snowboarders to have third-party coverage. It’s required to carry proof of coverage on the slopes. Failure to do so could result in fines between €100 (~$116) and €150 (~$175), as well as losing your pass.
Italy also has a 0.5% blood alcohol content (BAC) limit on the slopes. That is the same limit enforced nationwide. This law was also enacted on Jan. 1, 2022, alongside the requirement for liability insurance and the increase in the age limit requiring helmets to 18. Technically, it’s illegal to ride a chairlift or ski in most places while drunk, including the U.S. However, Italy is unique in imposing a specific BAC limit.
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