Should France follow Italy and make ski helmets mandatory?

Representatives from France's ski industry have broadly welcomed a new law in Italy making winter sports helmets mandatory, but insist France already has a strong culture of safety on the slopes.

Italy became the first country in Europe to introduce the legislation for all skiers, snowboarders, and sledgers on marked pistes. 

The new law comes into effect this winter and requires helmets to meet EU/CE safety standards.

Failure to comply can lead to fines or temporary suspension of ski passes. 

Italian resort officials note that up to 95% of participants already wear helmets, but the legislation aims to further enhance safety amid rising accident numbers and concerns over reckless behaviour on the slopes.

In France, there is no national requirement for adults to wear helmets, though ski schools generally insist on them for children. 

Usage rates are already high, and mountain rescue services report an increase in interventions in recent seasons, attributing accidents to faster skiing, crowded pistes, and risky behaviour.

Domaines Skiables de France (DSF), the professional association of French ski area operators and cable transport companies, broadly welcomed Italy’s decision while providing perspective on the French situation.

“DSF supports any measure that strengthens safety for participants on ski slopes. With equipment rates now exceeding 90%, helmet use is fully integrated by skiers on French slopes, reflecting evolving behaviours and a shared culture of safety,” said Marie Lourdel, media relations manager at France-Montagnes, on behalf of DSF.

Regarding whether France should follow suit, Ms Lourdel said that while the Italian law will not fundamentally alter accident rates, “it sends a strong signal”. 

She explained: “More than just equipment, the helmet embodies a collective commitment to prevention and protection for all.” 

However, Ms Lourdel highlighted the broader approach taken in France: “Accident prevention is primarily based on sustained efforts by ski area stakeholders: continuous information for participants, awareness campaigns, rigorous slope marking, managing skier flows, and professional training. 

“Ski patrols are at the heart of this approach: present daily on the slopes, they intervene, inform, and provide essential educational guidance.”

The Système National d’Observation de la Sécurité en Montagne (SNOSM), France’s national observatory for mountain and ski safety, claims its data confirms that helmet use has become widespread. 

“In our prevention campaigns, we prefer to focus on the behaviour of certain skiers, particularly managing speed and respecting others on the slopes,” a spokesperson said.

While Italy’s new law may increase pressure for similar measures in France, the combination of voluntary adoption, education, and active monitoring appears to have already normalised helmet use. 

For the moment, French resorts continue to encourage helmet use through awareness campaigns and instructor guidance, integrating it as part of a comprehensive approach to protecting skiers and snowboarders alike.

“French skiers are taking responsibility for their own safety,” the SNOSM spokesperson said.