An overview of the most important slope rules - including the new Italian Slope Safety Law and the 10 FIS Rules
The Italian Slope Safety Law effective since 1 January 2022, has introduced several new regulations and adjustments for winter sports enthusiasts. The legislative Decrees No. 41 and 73/2021 replace the previous 2003 law and were adopted also by the autonomous province of Bolzano to promote safety on the ski slopes and sledge runs.
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Helmet requirement:
From 1 November 2025 all skiers, snowboarders and sledders of all ages must wear a helmet in Italy. Those who are caught without a CE-certified helmet on the ski slopes and sledge runs are sanctioned with a fine ranging from € 100.00 to € 150.00 and by withdrawal of their ski pass. -
Compulsory insurance:
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all slope users. It covers damages or injuries to third parties if fault cannot be determined in the event of an accident. The insurance is available as daily, weekend, weekly, monthly, and seasonal policies and can be purchased alongside a ski pass or from an insurance provider. Failure to comply can result in administrative fines between € 100.00 and € 150.00, as well as the withdrawal of the ski pass. -
Alcohol:
Only moderate alcohol consumption is permitted. The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limits valid on ski slopes equal the drink driving limits of Italy. People with a BAC higher than 0.5 g/l undergo a sanction ranging from € 250.00 to € 1000.00. A BAC of 0.8 g/l or higher is handled as a criminal offence. -
Overtaking, narrow sections, and ascending:
As of July 2023, the South Tyrolean Provincial Council has passed additional regulations: overtaking is permitted provided that the skiers have a good view and leave enough space for the overtaken skier. Caution is fundamental at intersections where skiers and snowboarders coming from other slopes meet. It is strictly forbidden to ascend along the slopes.
The The FIS Code of Conduct has been put together to help everyone stay safe. Any violations are punished by civil or penal law:
Rule 1: Respect for others
A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he or she does not endanger or prejudice others.
Rule 2: Control of speed when skiing or snowboarding
A skier or snowboarder must move in control. He or she must adapt their speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to their personal ability and to the prevailing terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.
Rule 3: Choice of route
A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose their route in such a way that they do not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.
Rule 4: Overtaking
A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that they leave enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
Rule 5: Entering, starting and moving upwards
A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slope so that they do not endanger themselves or others.
Rule 6: Stopping on the piste
Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping on the piste, in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move clear of the piste as soon as possible.
Rule 7: Climbing and descending on foot
A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the piste.
Rule 8: Respect for signs and markings
A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings.
Rule 9: Assistance
At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.
Rule 10: Identification
Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.
