First country to introduce compulsory ski helmets – this applies in Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany

Skiing is similar to cycling; more and more people are realizing that it's better to wear a helmet. While your hair won't blow as nicely in the wind, it's definitely better than a serious head injury.

The Italian government thinks the same and has now introduced mandatory helmet use for everyone. Italy is leading the way; many popular ski resorts in other countries don't have uniform rules. Here's where skiers without helmets can expect fines, and what other regulations should be observed.

Until now, helmets were only mandatory for skiers under 18 in Italy . Starting November 1, 2025, this will change. Everyone on Italy's slopes will then be required to wear a CE-certified helmet. As the ADAC reports, this also applies to snowboarding and tobogganing. Those who fail to comply can expect fines of between 100 and 150 euros . Repeat offenses may even result in the confiscation or suspension of their ski pass . In addition, there are other rules to be observed in Italy.

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Since 2022, anyone wanting to hit the slopes in Italy has been required to have valid liability insurance that covers any injuries or damage to other people. International proof of this insurance coverage can be requested from your insurance provider. According to the ADAC, day policies can usually be purchased locally when purchasing a ski pass.

Anyone caught without insurance can expect fines of €100 to €150 – even in this case, the ski pass can be revoked. Parents should always explicitly check whether their children are also insured. Incidentally, even higher penalties await skiers under the influence of alcohol on Italy's slopes. Anyone tested with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 per mille can expect a fine of between €250 and €1,000. Above 0.8 per mille, the whole process is even considered a criminal offense – with corresponding consequences.

The rules in Austria are less clear. While there is a helmet requirement , it is not uniform. In the ski areas of Tyrol and Vorarlberg, wearing a helmet is not mandatory. However, in some areas, wearing a helmet is recommended.

In the other seven Austrian federal states, helmets are mandatory, but this only applies to children up to 15 years of age – while skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing, according to the ADAC. There are no penalties for winter sports enthusiasts under the influence of alcohol in Austria, as there are in Italy, although a survey from 2025 shows that several hundred thousand people in Austria are likely to be drunk on the slopes.

There is no legal requirement to wear a helmet during winter sports in Germany, France, and Switzerland . Even children can simply hit the slopes unprotected. However, it's important to keep in mind that insurance companies may view failure to wear a helmet negatively. According to the ADAC (German Automobile Club), if a head injury occurs during a fall, the insurance company may be less likely to cover the costs of not wearing a helmet.

Insurance companies can assess skiing, snowboarding, or tobogganing while under the influence of alcohol in a similar way. Furthermore, in Germany, France, and Switzerland, there are legal consequences if you injure someone else on the slopes while under the influence – even unintentionally.

The ADAC points out that the dangers of riding without a helmet are often underestimated, especially when tobogganing , and that this is particularly likely to result in traumatic brain injuries .

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