Italy tightened the safety regulations for winter sports enthusiasts at the beginning of 2022. Liability insurance is now mandatory in the ski areas. Likewise, up to 18-year-olds must wear a helmet. The blood alcohol limit on the slopes is also regulated by law. And: Anyone traveling in areas where there is a risk of avalanches must be equipped with an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
Skiing is becoming increasingly popular. This development is also reflected in the accident statistics. Italy is trying to counteract this development with additional obligations and the threat of fines.
The most important changes as of January 1, 2022 at a glance
- Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe must be carried on ski and piste tours, snowshoe hikes or winter hikes in areas where there is a risk of avalanches
- Proof of liability insurance must be carried in ski areas
- Helmets are compulsory for skiers, snowboarders or toboggan riders up to the age of 18
- Alcoholized winter sports enthusiasts are fined from 0,5 per mille, and prosecuted from 0,8 per mille
Away from the groomed slopes: the same rules for everyone
The new winter sports law stipulates that all winter sports enthusiasts must inform themselves about the avalanche situation away from the prepared pistes and carry the appropriate protective equipment with them if there is a risk of avalanches. However, there is no information on the specific avalanche danger in the article of the law. The new off-piste obligation not only applies to ski touring and off-piste skiing, but also to snowshoeing and winter hiking.
Only with valid liability insurance on the slopes
Also since January 1, 2022, valid liability insurance is required in all winter sports areas in Italy. In other words: insurance that pays for the damage or injuries of others. The German Alpine Association writes on this subject that DAV membership is a Sports liability insurance includes, which occurs if you do not have your own private liability insurance.
The Swiss Alpine Club writes on its website on the subject Insurance Coverthat membership in the SAC generally does not include insurance cover. Exception 1: Young people between the ages of 6 and 22 also acquire patronage at REGA with their SAC membership. Exception 2: Tour leaders, JO leaders, hut managers and other auxiliary persons who perform a function on behalf of the SAC have liability insurance cover through the liability insurance of the central association.
Back to Italy. The new law obliges the ski areas to offer liability insurance for personal injury and damage to property on site. Winter sports enthusiasts can therefore decide for themselves whether they want to arrive with valid insurance cover or whether they want to purchase appropriate insurance in addition to the ski pass.
Helmet obligation up to 18 years
Furthermore, the new safety regulations in Italy also regulate the obligation to wear a helmet. Children and young people up to the age of 18 must now wear a helmet. This not only has to be CE-certified, but also approved for alpine skiing. This is regardless of whether the helmet is used on site for snowboarding, skiing or sledging. Mountain sports associations such as the DAV also recommend that all adults wear a helmet to prevent head injuries.
Alcohol limit analogous to road traffic
A limit of 0,5 per mille has been in force in the ski areas since the beginning of the year. Alcoholized skiers above this level must expect a fine, and from 0,8 per mille even criminal proceedings.
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Credits: Cover picture Arno senoner