10 January 2022

Italian skiing holidays - New rules have been introduced to keep you safe on the slopes in Italy

Third party liability insurance is now compulsory for skiing in Italy

It is really great news that the ski resorts are opening up again for the 2021/22 season after a quiet time on the slopes last year. Italy offers some of the best skiing and resorts and attracts a large number of skiers and snowboarders. New safety guidelines have been introduced this year which include compulsory third party liability. This can be included in your wintersports travel insurance. We explain what the latest rules are so you can enjoy a fabulous winter holiday in Italy.

From the 1st January 2022, if you are skiing, snowboarding or taking part in various other wintersports in Italy, you must have third party liability insurance. This insurance covers claims against you for injury or damage that you have caused to another person or their property. Third party liability insurance is often covered by travel insurance but not always. There are some hefty fines if you do not have it and, if you are involved in an incident, the authorities will check.

Ski resort operators in Italy are now obliged to offer liability insurance when you purchase your ski passes however buying it in advance or including it in your travel insurance will almost certainly be cheaper. You will need to make sure you have travel insurance which covers skiing or snowboarding - and any other sports or activities that you hope to take part in while you are in Italy. You can compare wintersports travel insurance which includes third party liability insurance with MoneyMaxim.

Helmets are now compulsory for those aged under 18 years old. Injuries from sports on the slopes are common and head injuries can be devastating. Concussions make up about 20% of skiing and snowboarding injuries with snowboarders 50% more likely to suffer from damage to their head or neck compared to skiers. Any helmet must conform to the current EU certification guidelines.

Perhaps not unsurprisingly - it is now against the law to ski or snowboard while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It in unclear what the limits are but many ski companies believe it will be in line with driving rules. Bear in mind when you are out in the ski resort in the evening that, if you want to be first in the queue for the lifts in the morning, you may have to take it easy.

Covid rules are always changing so refer to the UK government website for Italy travel advice and speak to your travel company or resort if you need more guidance. Italy introduced a Super Green Pass in December 2021 which shows your Covid vaccination status and whether you have recovered from an infection. These need to be shown at restaurants and lifts to gain access. This is an EU pass but it is thought that the NHS Covid Travel pass will be adequate. This should be verified with your ski resort operator before you travel.

Masks must be of surgical quality or FFP2 masks. These have to be worn in all indoor communal areas including on lifts and in the boarding area at lift stations. Eating and drinking are not permitted on the lift so, if you were hoping to have a sneaky bar of chocolate, you will need to finish your snack before you get on the chairlift!

The latest rules for skiing in Italy are to keep us all safe while we are hurtling down the slopes. It is just joyous that we can all go back to the winter holidays we love - and protecting ourselves and others is the best way to do it.

Image courtesy of: Pixabay