Where to Ski And Snowboard - Ski helmets for U18s and no ski-boozing in Italy

Ski helmets for U18s and no ski-boozing in Italy

4th January 2022, by Abi Butcher

All skiers under the age of 18 must wear helmets under Italy's new Slope Safety rules

Ski helmets have become mandatory for all skiers and snowboarders under the age of 18 in Italy and boozing on the slopes outlawed following the introduction of new Slope Safety rules on 1 January 2022.

Previously, any skiers and snowboarders under 14 had to wear helmets, but that obligation has now been extended to all minors under the age of 18. Any helmet used must conform to current EU guidelines and any ‘winter sports enthusiasts’ under 18 years – including skiers, snowboarders, telemarker skiers, freestyle skiers or anyone toboganning.

All winter sports enthusiasts are also now required by law to have third-party liability insurance when buying a lift pass and practising a winter sport in Italy in a designated winter sports area.

There is also a new zero-tolerance on skiing in Italy under the influence of drink or drugs. While the exact amount of alcohol in a person’s blood system is not specified under the new decree (no 40/2021, approved by the Italian government in early 2021 and introduced 1 January 20220, the wording that alcohol or toxic substances are ‘strictly forbidden’ suggests to many ski areas that an alcohol limit of 0.5mg per litre of blood, mirroring road traffic regulations in Italy, will be applied.

Andy Varallo, chairman of Dolomiti Superski which covers parts of South Tyrol, Trentino and Belluno said: “As a lift operator, we certainly support all regulations that ensure a higher safety standard for winter sports enthusiasts. The extension of compulsory protective helmets to all minors is certainly a step in this direction, even though the absolute majority of all winter sports enthusiasts of all ages already use a helmet for their own safety.”