Starting from the ski season 2025–26, Italy will introduce an obligation that no other European country has still adopted: the ski helmet for everyone, regardless of the age or type of activity carried out on the slopes. Not only skiers and snowboards, but also those who use sled or bob will have to wear it.
The rule stems from an amendment to the new Sport 96/2025 decree and extends the obligation so far only reserved for minors (first under 14 years, then up to 18). Now the helmet becomes a universal prevention tool, designed to reduce risks in a context where both the number of practitioners and accidents grow.
Penalties, rules and equipment
Those who will be surprised without a helmet on Italian slopes can run into fines up to 200 euros, with the possibility of seeing the ski pass for three days. The device must be CE certified and in accordance with European safety standards.
The obligation will be valid on all Italian areas, without exception. And even if it is not yet clear how checks will be carried out, the message is clear: security comes first. In addition to the obligation of the helmet, each ski resort will have to have at least one area dedicated to emergency vehicles, including 118 and helicopter rescue, and have a working defibrillator always available.
This choice is not accidental: Italy wants to get ready at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with a cutting-edge security system. According to Fabrizio Sala, signatory of the amendment, a helmet can save the life and therefore the provision is welcome.
Although in other European countries such as Austria, France or Germany the helmet is recommended but not mandatory for adults, ours chooses to give an example and trace a new way for greater safety on the snow.
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