Italy Moves Step Closer to Making Ski Helmets Compulsory
30th July 2025
Last modified on August 1st, 2025
Currently it is compulsory for skiers under 18 to wear a helmet and that may now be extended to everyone as amendments are approved to the country’s Sports Decree. UPDATED
The Chamber of Deputies is examining whether to make ski helmets compulsory for all snow users – skiers, snowboarders and those sledding or tobogganing.
Italy would become the first European country to require helmets for everyone as it aims to significantly reduce head injuries.
The Chamber’s Culture Committee has approved an amendment to the Sports Decree (Legislative Decree 96/2025) to make helmets compulsory.
The current helmet requirement only applies to minors under 18 years old.
Helmets are compulsory for all ski racers.
Pila, Italy. Image © PlanetSKI
The amendment is now set to go before the full Chamber of Deputies.
The Chamber of Deputies is the lower house of the Italian Parliament.
The move is reported in the newspaper Italia Oggi though no official announcement has been made.
“This is an important result, the fruit of a committed effort to make ski slopes safer and promote a culture of prevention and responsibility,” said Fabrizio Sala, a signatory of the amendment, to Italia Oggi.
“Safety comes first, and those who frequent the mountains know how essential it is to protect themselves adequately: a helmet is a simple, inexpensive measure that, in many cases, can save lives.”
The amendment says that repeat offenders will face a fine and the withdrawal of their ski pass for up to three days.
It is unclear how this may be policed.
PlanetSKI in La Thuile, Italy. Image © PlanetSKI
The helmet must be a CE-certified helmet that meets European safety standards.
Of the resorts in Italy that PlanetSKI has contacted no-one was able to confirm the potential change in the law.
The British ski race coach, Phil Brown, works mainly in Pila in the Aosta Valley and runs the National Schools Snowsports Association.
“Making helmets compulsory has been talked about for years and it seems the next logical step after all minors under 18 were compelled to wear a helmet,” Phil Brown said to PlanetSKI.
“However I like, many others, have not seen any official announcement.
“Personally, I think it makes a lot of sense though I know others believe in the freedom of choice.
“However, if you are in a crash or collision a helmet will likely reduce you chance of serious injury and it is all about self-preservation and common sense.”
Gressoney, Italy. Image © PlanetSKI
Another amendment to the Sports Decree requires municipalities to designate at least one marked area for rescue vehicles, including space for ambulances and regional air ambulances (118 services).
In addition, every ski area must be equipped with at least one automated external defibrillator.
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