Skiing safely on South Tyrol’s slopes

The Italian Slope Safety Law came into effect on the 1st of January 2022, introducing several new regulations and adjustments for winter sports enthusiasts. Legislative Decrees No. 41 and 73/2021 replaced the old 2003 law and now form the framework for South Tyrol's specific regulations regarding safety on ski and toboggan slopes:

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• Helmet requirement:
  Wearing a helmet is compulsory on ski and toboggan slopes up to the age of 18 (previously 14). The helmet must be CE-certified.

• Compulsory insurance:
  Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all slope users, similar to car insurance. 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 and 150 Euros, as well as the withdrawal of the ski pass.

• Alcohol:
  Alcohol consumption is permitted only in moderation. The limits correspond to those for road traffic: From 0.5 per mille on the slopes, a fine (250 to 1,000 Euros) may be imposed. From 0.8 per mille, it constitutes a criminal offence.

• Overtaking, narrow sections, and ascending:
  As of July 2023, the South Tyrolean Provincial Council has passed additional regulations: Overtaking is permitted only when there is sufficient space and visibility, and with enough distance to avoid hindering the person being overtaken. At intersections, attention must be paid to winter sports enthusiasts coming from other slopes. Ascending the slopes is forbidden.

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The 10 FIS Rules form the basis for responsible skiing and apply to all winter sports enthusiasts. Everyone is obliged to know and observe these rules. Violations that cause an accident can have civil and criminal consequences:

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• Respect:
  Always ski in a way that does not endanger or harm others.

• Speed and control:
  Ski in control. Adapt your speed and style to your ability, the terrain, snow and weather conditions, and the density of traffic on the slope.

• Choice of route:
  Choose a route that does not pose a danger to skiers ahead.

• Overtaking:
  Leave enough space when overtaking a skier ahead to allow for unforeseen movements.

• Entering and starting:
  Before starting to ski from a standstill or merging onto a slope, look uphill and downhill to ensure that you can do so safely.

• Stopping:
  Avoid stopping on narrow or blind spots. After a fall, clear the slope as quickly as possible.

• Descending on foot:
  When descending on foot, always keep to the edge of the slope.

• Respect for signs and markings:
  Obey all signs and markings.

• Assistance:
  In the event of an accident, everyone is duty-bound to assist.

• Identification:
  All those involved in an accident, including witnesses, whether responsible or not, must exchange names and addresses.

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