Slope rules in South Tyrol

The new slope safety law, in force since January 1, 2022, provides that some rules for winter sports lovers are newly introduced or existing rules are modified. These are Legislative Decrees No. 41 and 73/2021, which replace the old law of 2003. As a framework law, it also applies to all specific South Tyrolean regulations on safety on the ski slopes and sledge runs:

• Mandatory helmet use:
  On the ski and toboggan runs, helmets are now compulsory up to the age of 18 (and not up to the age of 14 as before). The helmet must be CE-certified.

• Compulsory insurance:
  All piste users are required to have an insurance policy similar to the road liability insurance. It must cover liability for damage or injury to third parties and comes into effect if fault in an accident is not civilly resolved. It is available as daily, weekend, weekly, monthly and seasonal insurance and can be purchased when buying the ski pass or from an insurance company. Administrative fines without insurance range from 100 to 150 euros, in addition to the withdrawal of the ski pass.

• Alcohol test:
  The consumption of alcohol is now only permitted to a limited extent, the limits are based on those in road traffic: Being on the slopes with more than 0.5 ‰ is punishable by a fine (250 to 1,000 euros). An alcohol level of 0.8 ‰ or more is a criminal offence.

• Overtaking and narrow sections:
  In July 2023, the Landtag of South Tyrol added the resolution to ensure that there is sufficient space and visibility before overtaking, always with enough distance so that overtaken skiers are not disturbed. At junctions, skiers must check if someone is approaching from another piste, even from above. Ascending the pistes is forbidden.

---

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:

• 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.

---