October 28, 2025, 9:39 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Skiing without a helmet in Livigno or at Kronplatz could soon become costly—Italy is tightening its rules for ski areas and introducing a helmet mandate. Here’s what applies immediately and what winter sports enthusiasts in other Alpine countries need to know—an overview.
In Italian ski areas, a helmet mandate applies to everyone starting this winter. The Foreign Office (AA) highlights this in its travel advisories. “From November 1, 2025, a helmet mandate (CE certified) applies to all skiers, snowboarders, and sledders in all ski areas,” according to the AA. Until now, only winter sports enthusiasts under 18 were required to wear a helmet in Italy.
According to a report by ADAC, those caught without a helmet on the slopes in Italy will face hefty fines. “Violations of the mandate cost between 100 and 150 euros and can result in the revocation or suspension of the ski lift pass, at least in the case of repeat offenses,” states the website of the automobile club.
Insurance Requirement and Blood Alcohol Limit
What many winter sports enthusiasts don’t know: Since 2022, there has been an insurance requirement in Italy. According to ADAC, all winter sports enthusiasts hitting the slopes in Italy must have valid liability insurance. This must cover damages or injuries to third parties. Additionally, there is a blood alcohol limit. “Fines ranging from 250 to 1,000 euros can be imposed for a blood alcohol level of 0.5. Skiing with a blood alcohol level of 0.8 or higher is considered a criminal offense and can be sanctioned accordingly,” writes ADAC.
Helmet Mandate in Ski Areas—What Applies in Other Alpine Countries?
In Austria, except for Tyrol and Vorarlberg, all federal states require winter sports enthusiasts up to 15 years old to wear a helmet, while in Slovenia, it’s up to 14 years old. Older individuals are exempt. There is currently no helmet mandate in Switzerland, France, or Germany.
Because it significantly reduces the risk of brain injuries and skull fractures in falls, wearing a helmet while skiing, snowboarding, and sledding is always advisable.
With material from dpa