Skiing in Italy 2025/2026: Mandatory Helmets, Insurance, and Other Safety Regulations
This year’s winter season in Italy welcomes travelers with stricter safety regulations. As of November 1, adults are now also required to wear protective helmets during all winter activities — not only skiing or snowboarding, but also sledding and tobogganing.
Mandatory Helmets for Everyone
New legislation makes Italy the first European country where helmets are compulsory regardless of age. The helmet must meet technical requirements and carry CE certification. Violations can result in fines of up to 200 euros, and in the case of repeated offenses, a ski pass may be revoked for up to 3 days.
In addition to financial penalties and ski pass revocation, skiing without a helmet can also affect insurance payouts. If a helmet is mandatory and the skier is not wearing one, the insurance company may reduce compensation in the event of a claim.
No Alcohol on the Slopes
The helmet requirement complements existing rules aimed at increasing safety on the slopes. Italy is also uncompromising when it comes to alcohol. Since 2022, a zero‑tolerance policy has been in place. Skiers with more than 0.5‰ blood alcohol content face fines ranging from 250 to 1,000 euros. Above 0.8‰, it is considered a criminal offense.
Children Under 14 Only With Supervision
If you are planning a trip to Italy with children, keep in mind that local laws strictly prohibit leaving children under 14 unsupervised. Note that this obligation does not apply only in ski resorts but anywhere in public spaces, and violations can be punished with imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 5 years.
Don’t Forget Liability Insurance
The final but equally important step before traveling to Italy is arranging liability insurance. It protects you on several levels: it covers damage you may cause to a third party and gives you peace of mind during potential slope inspections.
Since 2022, it has been mandatory to have liability insurance while skiing in Italy and to be able to present proof of it at any time upon request. Failure to meet this requirement may result in a fine of up to 150 euros.
With ERV Evropská’s winter sports add‑on, you can rely on comprehensive coverage during your winter activities. All travel insurance policies from this insurer automatically include liability insurance. You can also download your insurance documents to your phone in the form of a digital card, ensuring you always have proof of coverage at hand. In case of an inspection on the slopes, you can easily present the document — including an English version.
Proof of liability insurance in English can be found in the following documents:
| Insurance type and where to find liability | Insurance information |
|---|---|
| Single‑trip travel insurance (SingleTrip) | The information is included in the policy as well as in the insurance card you receive by email when arranging the insurance |
| Annual travel insurance (MultiTrip) | The information is included in the policy as well as in the insurance card you receive by email when arranging the insurance |
| Single‑trip insurance sold by travel agencies (e.g., NEV‑DAMA) | Most travel agencies have updated the content of the insurance card you receive when arranging the insurance, or they issue a dedicated confirmation |
| Corporate travel insurance | We have created a special confirmation document, which you receive when arranging the insurance or upon request. |
For any questions, please contact us at 221 860 860 or klient@ERVpojistovna.cz.
ERV Evropská pojišťovna, 27. 11. 2025