If you are heading to the Alps this winter, it is worth knowing that the rules have changed. A few countries have brought in new safety laws and the fines are starting to bite. Italy has pushed helmet requirements harder than ever. France has banned smoking across resorts, including lifts and designated areas on the slopes. Other regions are tightening liability rules for crashes and reckless riding.
None of this is designed to ruin your holiday, but it will catch people out if they show up blind. Here is the quick guide to what has changed and how to avoid the fines.
Italy: Helmet Laws With Teeth
Italy has had a helmet rule for minors for a while, but resorts are now actively checking adults too. The law technically applies only to under 18s, but the reality on the ground is that most resorts are nudging everyone into wearing one. Police have been doing spot checks at lift stations and a few adults have been fined when skiing with minors.
Fines sit around 100 to 150 euros depending on the region. It is not life-ruining, but it will sour your trip. If you ski in Italy, just wear a helmet. Even if you think you are safe, someone else will eventually prove you wrong. I have seen more head injuries from other people’s mistakes than my own.
There is also a rule that every skier needs liability insurance. Most travel insurance covers this, but not all. I have bumped into guests in the Alps who were turned away from lessons because they had no proof. If you are heading to Italy, double check your policy or buy the cheap daily coverage at the resort.
France: Smoking Ban Across Most Resorts
France has introduced a blanket smoking ban across many ski areas. This covers lift lines, chairlifts, gondolas and marked smoking zones on mountain terraces. Some resorts are pushing it harder than others, but expect signs everywhere and resort staff enforcing it.
The fine is 135 euros. I saw a few people caught in the Portes du Soleil last season, and the staff there were not messing about. If you smoke, keep it to chalet balconies or away from public areas. The rule is aimed at litter and fire risk, but it does catch people out because it feels like such a new thing in the mountains.
It also applies to vapes, which a lot of riders forget about.
Switzerland: Nothing New, but Enforcement Tightens
Switzerland has not introduced many new rules, but they are becoming stricter about off piste responsibility. If you trigger an avalanche and rescue services respond, you can be billed for the entire operation.
This has always been the case, but enforcement is getting sharper now that more people are skiing unmarked terrain with zero knowledge. If you head beyond the ropes, carry the basics and know how to use them. I work in the backcountry and I still treat Switzerland with respect. It is a beautiful place to ride, but the mountain does not forgive naive decisions.
France: Increased Crackdowns on Reckless Riding
France has also been pushing harder on dangerous skiing and snowboarding. Resorts have been working with the local police to clamp down on high speed riding through crowded pistes. If you cause a crash, you can be fined and, in some serious cases, have your pass suspended.
I welcome this one. I have taught too many guests who were wiped out by someone straight lining through a learning zone. You can ride fast, just pick your spots. Use the quieter runs, early mornings or the wide blues that spread people out.
Austria: High Visibility Rules in Some Regions
A few Austrian regions are trialing high visibility requirements for night skiing. It is not widespread yet, but some resorts ask for reflective clothing or a headlamp on floodlit slopes. The fines are small, usually around 30 euros, but it is worth knowing if you enjoy evening laps.
Helmets for minors are still mandatory and very common for adults. Austria is a helmet friendly country anyway, so it does not stand out as much as Italy’s sudden push.
Spain and Andorra: More Patrols and Speed Control
Spain and Andorra are focusing on speed control this season. Patrols are spending more time on busy family slopes, stopping people who are riding too close or too fast. Andorra in particular has been open about it after a rise in collision injuries.
If you ride in the Pyrenees, expect more whistles from patrol staff. It is not a police state by any stretch, just a sign that resorts want fewer ambulance trips.
Lift Etiquette Is Becoming a Legal Issue
One odd trend this year is that lift etiquette is now written into a few regional laws. Cutting lift lines, ignoring barriers or pushing past staff can technically be fined in certain French and Italian regions.
I have never seen anyone fined for this and I doubt it will become common, but it shows where the resorts are heading. The mountains are getting busier every season and the rules are mostly designed to stop the place turning into chaos.
So Should You Worry
Not really, as long as you use your head. Most of the fines are aimed at people who take the piss. Ride safely, wear a helmet, respect the signs and do not smoke in lift queues. You will be fine.
The one thing I tell all my guests is to check their travel insurance. Italy’s liability rule can cause real headaches if you show up without coverage. Five minutes of checking saves you a lot of stress.
Final Thoughts
Europe is updating its rulebook because the mountains are getting busier and injuries are getting higher. None of these changes are out to spoil your holiday. They are there to stop collisions, clean up lift lines and keep rescue services from being stretched too thin.
As someone who skis, teaches and guides for a living, I welcome most of it. The mountains are more enjoyable when everyone feels safe and knows what to expect. If you are travelling this winter, take two minutes to read the local rules. It saves you money and it also makes you a better mountain citizen.
