Ski Helmets Mandatory?
Italy is the first winter sports nation in Europe to make helmets mandatory for all skiers and snowboarders 2025-26 ski season, regardless of age. So much for Italy’s Dolce Vita – Far Niente lifestyle. Skiers, snowboarders and sledders without helmets in Italy will incur a fine of up to €200 and may lose their ski pass for up to three days. Interesting timing with Cortina hosting the XXV Winter Olympics February 2026! All eyes on skiing Italy, all heads in ski helmets!
We’re skiing Italy in January, and we’re shopping for ski helmets!
For years, ok five decades, my husband and I have skied without helmets. We enjoy the freedom, no visual or hearing restrictions. And we feel very safe, always skiing in control, avoiding other skiers, trees and inanimate objects. We’ve done our research too. 50 years of research and studies show that helmets do reduce non-life-threatening head injuries by as much as 70%. But, helmets have had zero impact on head fatalities over the years, and provide little-to-no protection at speeds over 16 mph! Helmet usage is up 90% in the last three decades, but serious head injuries statistics are unchanged. Also, head injuries are 5% of all ski accidents and injuries. Many, especially men 18-32, adopt the “Superman Syndrome” feeling that their helmet makes them invincible, and protected. A Norquay Canada study asked an entire season of speeding skiers if they would ski so fast without a helmet – 95% said no way.
But rules are rules. So we’ll acquiesce, and wear helmets, trying to be stylish among the chic Italian skiers. Ski firends say it keeps your head warm… however, we will not be loading up on earbuds and speakers inside our lids – that’s distracted and dangerous!
Better news – France says no more smoking in lift lines at French ski resorts. This is huge news, n’est pas! The French smoking bans cover lifts and pistes (trails) starting this winter. It’ll be interesting to see if this applies to the lift attendants who seem to be always smoking!
More ski rules: Italy now bans eating or drinking on ski lifts or while climbing slopes with snowshoes “except during emergencies.” Is a sudden need for a biscotti and an Aperol spritz an emergency? Asking for a friend… speaking of La Dolce Vita…
Italy is also hammering down on being hammered on the ski slopes. In Italy, a blood-alcohol limit of just 0.50 percent, the same as for driving, is an arrest-able offense, with hefty fines. So much for skiing down after that Aperitif at the top lodge, if you are to abide their zero tolerance for SUI (skiing under the influence) on the slopes.
In France, endangering others while skiing drunk—by crashing or triggering an avalanche—can bring a €15,000 fine or a year in jail. C’est la vie baby!
Austria’s Ischgl prohibits wearing ski boots after 8 pm with a €2,000 fine. St Anton instituted a similar “volunteer policy” that après ski must end at 8pm, and skiers should change out of their ski attire by then, to curb ski boot stumbling revelers in the historic alpine village after dark.
As for helmet mandates skiing in the US, Vermont requires helmets for skiers and riders under 18, in public areas, so that would preclude private ski area Hermitage Club, I suppose. The state of Washington requires helmets for children under 13 or 14 years old, it varies, this mandate is for public ski areas.
New Jersey mandates helmets for skiers and snowboarders under 18 at their not-so-big three: Ski Campgaw, Mountain Creek, and the 1st indoor ski area in the United States – Big Snow American Dream, in the Meadowlands.
California makes helmets mandatory for children under 18 at public resorts, though it’s not a law. Colorado, meanwhile, strongly recommends helmets but does not enforce it lawfully. Alaska laws require helmets for children attending ski and snowboarding school.
We love skiing for the freedom, not the rules. But alas, we must have some policies and protocol to keep the Jerrys safe from themselves and others. Know the Code ski friends, ski in control, be kind, have fun! See our Ski Eitquette Guide.
Now, I am shopping for a new ski helmet, maybe a new ski outfit to match too! Thank you Rossignol! Happy ski season!
