Italy passed a mandatory law requiring all skiers and snowboarders to wear helmets before the start of this year’s ski season and in anticipation of the February Winter Olympics.
The new law, which took effect on November 1, requires all visitors to Italian ski resorts to wear a CE-certified helmet that complies with EU health and safety standards. And it aims to reduce serious head injuries, in light of growing safety concerns in winter sports.
Those who do not comply with the rule may face a fine of up to 200 euros and a suspension of their access card (lift pass).
The new decision makes Italy the first European country to impose such an obligation, with North Korea being the only country reported to have implemented a similar regulation.
“We believe that 95% of people already wear helmets,” Diego Clara of Dolomiti Superski said in a statement.
“We’re communicating this widely,” Mr. Clara added.
Helmets with CE certification are available in two protection categories: Category A and Category B.
Category A helmets include ear protection and are generally considered safer, while Category B helmets offer protection but do not protect the ears.Both are acceptable under the new law.
In addition to the new safety requirement, anyone who goes skiing or snowboarding in an Italian ski resort must have valid liability insurance.
Skiers and snowboarders should also be aware that the blood alcohol limit is 0.5 per mile and that skiing or snowboarding under the influence of narcotics is prohibited.
The news comes ahead of February’s Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan with the opening ceremony, while the snow and ice events will take place in the mountains and surrounding areas, with Cortina d’Ampezzo at the center.
