Safety first! Stricter rules have been in force on Italy's ski slopes since the beginning of the year. Liability insurance is compulsory for EVERYONE. Après-ski can also be really expensive - if you drink too much. In addition, a CE-marked helmet is compulsory for all minors.
No insurance? Up to 150 Euro fine!
If you want to hit the slopes in Italy, you need valid liability insurance that covers damage or injury to third parties. Minors must also be covered by insurance.
In all Italian ski resorts there must be a possibility to take out a corresponding policy on site. Ski area operators - with the exception of cross-country ski runs - are obliged to provide guests with liability insurance for personal injury or property damage when they purchase a lift ticket. Different types of policies are available in this regard: daily, weekend, weekly, monthly and seasonal insurance.
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Anyone travelling without valid protection must expect fines of between 100 and 150 euros, as well as withdrawal of the ski pass.
Experts also recommend accident insurance when skiing in Italy. If the person who caused the accident on the slopes cannot be clearly identified, both parties involved in the accident are liable for half.
Too much Cheers? Up to 1000 Euro fine!
Drunk or on drugs, snaking down the mountain - that's really expensive in Italy! If you overdo the après-ski already at the summit, you have to reckon with high fines. Between 250 and 1000 euros are due if you ski or snowboard with more than 0.5 per mille. Attention: Skiing in Italy is considered a criminal offence from 0.8 per mille!
"It is forbidden to ski in an intoxicated state due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or toxicological substances", states the national ski decree. The safety forces on site are authorised to carry out appropriate checks with certified tests.
Compulsory helmet for all minors
Until now, helmets were only compulsory for children under the age of 14 when skiing in Italy. The helmet requirement has now been extended to all skiers, snowboarders and sledders up to the age of 18. The helmet must be CE certified. CE (= "Conformité Européenne" ) means that the helmet meets the safety requirements of the European Community.
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