Industry News
Starting from the 2025–26 ski season, Italy will become the first winter sports nation in Europe to make helmets compulsory for all skiers and snowboarders, regardless of age. The sweeping regulation, introduced under an amendment to the new Sport-Decree 96/2025, marks a major shift in slope safety and reflects the country’s ambition to lead by example ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Until now, helmets were only mandatory in Italy for minors. First introduced in Italy in 2021 for those under 14, it was quickly expanded to include all minors up to the age of 18. Now, in light of rising injury concerns and the increasing number of skiers on Italian slopes each season, the law has been extended to include adults as well.
From next winter, anyone skiing or snowboarding in Italy must wear a CE-certified helmet that meets European safety standards. The rule applies across all ski resorts in all states and all age groups, without exception. It not only applies to skiers and boarders but also affects those sledding and tobogganing in Italian resorts.
Those found skiing or snowboarding without a ski helmet in Italian resorts after November 1, 2025, will incur a fine of up to €200 and may lose their ski pass for up to three days.
By contrast, helmet regulations elsewhere in Europe are less consistent. In Austria, only seven of nine federal states enforce helmet requirements—mostly for minors—with Tyrol and Vorarlberg notably opting out. In Germany, there is no legal obligation to wear helmets on the slopes, although some resorts, like Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal, strongly recommend them. Likewise, Switzerland and France only recommend the wearing of helmets on ski slopes but have not issued any laws. However, since Michael Schumacher’s horrific crash in Méribel, helmet usage in France has increased dramatically. In Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Poland, helmets are compulsory for children.
Another related amendment strengthens the emergency response infrastructure at Italian ski resorts. Municipalities will be required to designate at least one marked area for rescue vehicles, including space for ambulances and regional air ambulances (118 services). Additionally, every ski facility must now be equipped with at least one automated external defibrillator (AED).
Italy’s push to reduce injuries and fatalities in winter sports may influence other nations to follow suit and improve safety for everyone across European resorts.
Sort of obvious isn’t it?
Obvious in what way? Where are the statistics that prove that the wearing of ski helmets makes a difference? I am aware that there is a lot of hype around this matter but little in the way of actual proof.