Starting winter 2025-26, wearing a certified helmet becomes mandatory for all skiers and snowboarders in Italy. This requirement applies across all resorts and lift systems, including our partner Dolomiti Superski. The rule covers every skier and rider, regardless of age or experience.
For SHRED., this confirms what we have always believed: protection is essential. Your helmet becomes part of your identity on the mountain. You are a protected rider. But a new rule also raises an important question: is your current helmet ready for the season and compliant with the law.
What Makes A Helmet “Ready”
Ted Ligety, SHRED. Co Founder and two time Olympic gold medalist, explains what readiness means: “Confidence comes from trusting your protection. A helmet must absorb both the linear and rotational component of impact energy, and it needs to fit properly to work as intended.”
The helmet should sit level and snug, without wobble, and the chinstrap should be buckled securely under the chin. A precise fit lets the protection technology perform as designed and gives you the confidence to focus on your skiing, not on your gear.
Why Helmet Age And Condition Matter
Carlo Salmini, SHRED. Co Founder, materials engineer, and MIT graduate, adds why checking age and integrity matters: “Helmet materials degrade with time and exposure to the elements. Regular inspection and timely replacement keep your protection performing as designed.”
Cracks, dents, deep scratches, worn straps, or compressed or loose padding all indicate that a helmet should be replaced. Even without visible damage, materials age due to UV light, temperature changes, sweat, and everyday use. As a rule of thumb, a helmet should be replaced every three to five years, or sooner if it has suffered a hard impact.
Our Partnership With Dolomiti Superski
We are proud to be an eyewear and protection partner of Dolomiti Superski, working together to help every skier and rider enjoy the mountains with confidence, performance, and fun. The new helmet mandate strengthens this shared commitment to safety and responsibility on the slopes.
The Legal Framework And Sanctions In Italy
The rule is based on Legislative Decree 40/2021, which introduced safety obligations on ski slopes, and it is expanded through the 2025 amendments to the so called Decreto Sport, which extend mandatory helmet use to all skiers and snowboarders, not only minors. The law requires the use of helmets that are suitable and certified for alpine skiing and snowboarding.
If you ski or ride without a certified helmet, you face an administrative fine of 150 euros. In addition to the fine, resorts, including Dolomiti Superski, are authorized to suspend or withdraw your lift pass for a period that can range from one to three days, depending on their internal policies and the circumstances. Enforcement can occur at lift entrances, during slope patrol checks, or following an incident. In practice, this means you may not even be allowed to use the lifts without a helmet that complies with the law.
How To Get Ready For The New Rule
To prepare for the 2025-26 season, start by inspecting your current helmet. Check that it carries a valid certification for ski and snowboard use, that it is within its recommended lifespan, and that it shows no signs of structural damage or serious wear. Make sure it fits level and snug, with the chinstrap comfortably secure. If your helmet is damaged, very old, or uncertified, plan to replace it before your next trip to Italy.
If you want to go deeper into inspection, cleaning, storage, and replacement criteria, you can refer to our complete guide: Complete Guide: Ski And Snowboard Helmet Care And Maintenance.
FAQ - Mandatory Helmet Rule In Italy (2025-26)
Which helmets are officially considered compliant with the new Italian rule
A helmet is compliant if it meets one of the recognized standards for alpine skiing and snowboarding. In Italy, this primarily means EN 1077, the European certification for ski and snowboard helmets. ASTM F2040 is also recognized because it follows similar impact performance requirements. The legal framework comes from Legislative Decree 40/2021, updated and expanded through the 2025 amendments to the Decreto Sport, which extended the mandatory helmet requirement to all skiers and snowboarders, not only minors. The law states that helmets must be suitable for the specific sport and in functional condition. If your helmet carries one of these certifications, still has its internal labels, and is within its usable lifespan, it satisfies the legal requirement. If the certification sticker is missing, the helmet is visibly damaged, or it is beyond its recommended age, you should treat it as non compliant and replace it.
Do rental helmets satisfy the mandate, or do I need my own
Rental helmets are allowed as long as they carry a valid certification such as EN 1077 or ASTM F2040 and are maintained correctly by the rental shop. The law does not require you to own a helmet. It only requires that the helmet you wear is certified and suitable for skiing or snowboarding. If you rent, check that the helmet fits securely, shows no cracks or dents, and has straps and padding in good condition. If it feels loose, uncomfortable, or compromised, ask for another one. Renting can help you comply with the law, but using your own helmet provides more control over fit, hygiene, age, and condition, all of which matter for protection and comfort.
What happens if I ski without a helmet
The updated Decreto Sport in 2025 introduces clear sanctions for skiing or snowboarding without a certified helmet, based on the framework set by Legislative Decree 40/2021. If you are found on the slopes without a suitable helmet, you face an administrative fine of 150 euros. In addition to the fine, resorts, including Dolomiti Superski, are authorized to apply operational sanctions such as temporary suspension or withdrawal of your lift pass, often for one to three days depending on resort policy and the circumstances. Enforcement can occur at lift access points, during piste patrol checks, or after an incident. In practice, this means that wearing a certified, properly fitting helmet is now a basic requirement for accessing lifts and enjoying the slopes in Italy.
