Italy Mandates Helmets for All Skiers and Snowboarders, Sets New European Standard

In a landmark decision for slope safety, Italy will require all skiers and snowboarders to wear a helmet starting in the 2025-26 winter season. The new law makes Italy the first European nation to enforce a universal helmet mandate, a significant step aimed at reducing injuries as the country prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

This isn't Italy's first move toward safer slopes. The country initially introduced a helmet requirement for skiers under 14 in 2021, which was later expanded to include all minors. Now, facing a rising number of mountain-goers and related accidents, the mandate has been extended to adults.

Effective next winter, anyone on skis or a snowboard within Italian resort boundaries must wear a CE-certified helmet. The rule is all-encompassing, applying to every age group across all Italian resorts and even extending to activities like sledding and tobogganing.

This comprehensive approach puts Italy ahead of its European neighbors. In Austria, helmet rules are inconsistent across its federal states and primarily target minors. Germany recommends helmets but has no legal requirement. Similarly, Switzerland and France only suggest helmet use, although France has seen a significant increase in voluntary helmet usage since Michael Schumacher’s 2013 accident.

Alongside the helmet mandate, Italy is also bolstering its emergency response capabilities. The new regulations will require ski resorts to establish designated landing zones for rescue helicopters and ensure every facility is equipped with at least one Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

As the world looks toward the 2026 Games, Italy's proactive stance on mountain safety may set a new standard, potentially inspiring other nations to prioritize the well-being of everyone enjoying the mountains.