Ski helmets in Europe: Italy makes them compulsory, could France be next?

Italy has taken a decisive step on ski safety, introducing a nationwide requirement for helmets on all ski pistes. From 1 November, anyone skiing without a helmet in Italy risks a €150 fine and confiscation of their lift pass - and that includes skiers crossing the border from France.

France, meanwhile, enters the 2025–26 winter season without a similar national law. Helmets are already widely worn, particularly by families and younger skiers, but they remain a matter of personal choice rather than legal obligation. So why is the conversation around helmets intensifying, and what does it mean for your next ski holiday?

Italy’s new law extends an earlier rule that already required under-18s to wear helmets. Now, everyone on Italian pistes must comply, regardless of age or nationality.

France has taken a different approach. Despite renewed concern around collision accidents and injury severity, the authorities currently favour education and enforcement of existing safety rules, rather than introducing new legislation.

In April, the Académie nationale de médecine highlighted the “consistently high level and severity” of ski-to-ski collisions, calling for clearer speed control, better slope management and stronger reminders of existing skier responsibility rules. For now, helmet use in France remains strongly encouraged, but not compulsory.

According to the Système national d'observation de la sécurité en montagne, over 1,000 collisions are recorded on French slopes each year. In 2024 alone, around 52,000 people were injured out of an estimated 10 million ski participants, with 29 fatalities reported.

Head injuries continue to be a major concern. Mountain rescue group Médecins de montagne has previously recorded a marked reduction in traumatic brain injuries among children following the long-running Skiez casqué (“Ski with a helmet”) safety campaign, first introduced in 1993.

Helmets don’t prevent accidents - but they do significantly reduce the severity of head impacts, particularly in falls or collisions where the head is often the first point of contact.

Public opinion already leans strongly in that direction. A February 2025 Odoxa study found that 88% of skiers wear a helmet, and 74% believe helmets should be mandatory.

Uptake is highest on red and black pistes and among younger skiers, but remains voluntary. At present, there is no indication of imminent legislation in France. Instead, the focus remains on reinforcing the International Ski Federation (FIS) rules already in place: staying in control, adapting speed to conditions, respecting priority, and observing piste signage.

Modern ski helmets are lighter, more comfortable and better ventilated than ever before. The key is choosing a helmet that fits well and suits your style of skiing.

In-mould helmets
Lightweight and comfortable, these are popular with recreational skiers and families. They’re ideal for all-day wear and tend to feel less bulky.
Hard-shell helmets
Extremely durable and often favoured by instructors, seasonnaires and freestyle skiers. They’re slightly heavier but built to withstand repeated impacts.
Hybrid helmets
Combining elements of both designs, hybrid helmets offer a balance of comfort and durability, typically at a higher price point.

Whatever the style, a helmet should sit snugly without pressure points, fasten securely under the chin, and feel stable when you move your head.

How much does a ski helmet cost?
Prices vary depending on features, brand and construction:

• €30–€50 – entry-level helmets, often suitable for occasional skiers or children
• €60–€100 – mid-range helmets with better ventilation and adjustability
• €120–€200+ – premium helmets offering advanced safety systems, lighter materials and enhanced comfort

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it depends on how often you ski and what matters most to you. Many families choose to buy helmets for children while renting for adults, particularly if they ski less frequently.

Renting a helmet

• Convenient for short trips
• Lower upfront cost
• Quality has improved significantly in recent years
• Fit and choice can vary depending on resort stock

•  Guaranteed fit and comfort
•  More hygienic
•  Better long-term value for regular skiers
•  Wider choice of features and styles

While helmets play an important role, they’re only part of a broader safety picture. French health authorities continue to emphasise the importance of:

• Skiing within your limits
• Adjusting speed to conditions and visibility
• Respecting piste signage and priority rules
• Ensuring bindings are correctly set
• Checking insurance cover
• Avoiding off-piste skiing alone and seeking professional guidance

At VIP SKI, our priority is always that guests return home with brilliant memories of the mountains - not injuries. Helmets may not be mandatory everywhere yet, but they are now a normal and widely accepted part of skiing, particularly for families and confident piste skiers alike.

Whether you’re heading across borders into Italy or staying in France, making an informed choice about helmet use is a simple step that can make a meaningful difference on the slopes.

If you’d like advice ahead of your trip, our team is always happy to help, because great ski holidays start with feeling confident, comfortable and well prepared.