Italy mandates helmets when skiing – what are the rules in France?

Italy has made helmets compulsory on every piste in the country including for cross-border skiers from France where they are already in widespread use but not mandatory.

The Italian law came into force on November 1, making anyone on a ski piste without a helmet liable for a €150 fine and lift pass confiscation. A previous law had already banned under-18s from the pistes unless wearing a helmet.

France continues without a national requirement in place at the start of the 2025-26 ski season, despite renewed concern over collision accidents and injury levels. 

On April 10, Health authority L’Académie nationale de médecine warned of the “consistently high level and severity” of ski-to-ski collisions and called for clearer speed-control signage, improved slope management and stricter enforcement of existing rules. 

More than 1,000 collisions are recorded annually by the Système national d'observation de la sécurité en montagne (SNOSM), with serious cases frequently life changing or fatal.

A wider picture published by SNOSM shows that around 52,000 people were injured on French slopes in 2024, out of an estimated 10 million participants, with 29 deaths. 

Head injuries remain a major concern: mountain rescue group  Médecins de montagne recorded a sharp drop in traumatic brain injuries among children following the long-running 'Skiez casqué' campaign introduced in 1993. 

Helmets reduce the severity of impacts, especially as the head is often the first point of contact in a fall. 

Could France require skiers to wear helmets?

Although not required by law, helmets are common on the slopes, with 88% of skiers having worn one and 74% believing they should be mandatory, according to an Odoxa study carried out in February 2025.

Uptake is particularly strong on red and black pistes and among younger skiers, but remains voluntary.

However, there is no sign of imminent legislation in France where the authorities favour education about ski safety over legislation.

The latest recommendations from the Académie nationale de médecine emphasised the need to remind skiers of the International Ski Federation rules already in force: maintain control, adapt speed to conditions, and give priority to the downhill skier.

General recommendations also include wearing a helmet and checking insurance, adjusting ski bindings, monitoring weather conditions and respecting piste signage. 

Off-piste skiers are advised not to go alone and to seek professional guidance.