Here comes the new code for the ski slopes. The ski season has already started for weeks, since the snow has whitened the peaks but there are new rules on the horizon. Not only the green pass and the distancing, from 1 January 2022 the new measures on the slopes: from the obligation to wear a helmet even over the age of 14 to having an insurance policy up to the behavior to adopt. Here's what changes.
MANDATORY INSURANCE
The new legislation introduces the obligation for all skiers to have a valid insurance policy which covers their civil liability for damage or injury to third parties. The manager of the lift must allow users to sign a policy when purchasing the ski pass, even for just one day. Those who do not have this insurance, starting from January 2022, will be subject to the payment of one fine from 100 to 150 euros and the withdrawal of the ski pass. A figure that may seem very low, but it is not when you consider that ski insurance costs between 1,50-2 euros per day (30 for the season) and 3 euros for those that also cover accidents (45 euros for the season).
Instead, for those who have a policy "Civil liability of private life"Or"Householder” – includes all members of the subscriber's family unit among the insured – it is not necessary to take out the ski one as well, because it is already included. Often this policy is included in the one against damage to the home, which offers a ceiling (for example of 500 thousand euros, for an annual cost between 60 and 90 euros), for damage caused to third parties.
HELMET MANDATORY FOR MINORS
One of the most important changes concerns the use of helmets: not only the under 14s but all minors who practice alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark, sled and toboggan will be obliged to wear them. Except for cross-country skiing. Failure to do so will result in a fine of between 100 and 150 euros. But not only that, the helmet must comply with the safety features. Those who import unsuitable helmets risk fines of up to 100 euros, up to 5 for those who commercialize them.
BEHAVIOR ON THE TRACK
New rules also for the behavior to be followed during descents on the slopes. Obligation to give precedence for those coming from the right is eliminated and all skiers will have to pay attention to their own trajectory. At intersections you have to make detours and reduce your speed to avoid any type of collision. You can overtake both upstream and downstream, provided there is sufficient space and visibility. These rules will also be valid for those entering or restarting after the stop. In case of falls, the track must be cleared as soon as possible. Anyone who breaks these rules risks a fine of between 50 and 150 euros.
The same fine applies to those who travel the ski slopes on foot or with snowshoes, except in cases of necessity. Those who walk down a ski slope must keep to the edges, giving priority to emergency vehicles. Anyone who enters a track during training or competitions is subject to a fine (from 100 to 150 euros).
In the event of a collision between skiers, the law assumes, until proven otherwise, that both have the same responsibility. Therefore, each party involved will be responsible for 50% of the cost of their damages, which only an accident policy can guarantee.
Particularly heavy the fine in case of failure to rescue (from 250 to 1.000 euros) for those who find a person in difficulty in the snow and do not provide assistance and do not notify the manager of the accident.
It is strictly forbidden to ski in state of intoxication oh sotto narcotic substances. Otherwise, the transgressor will be punished with a fine ranging from 250 to 1.000 euros. Control officers will also be able to subject skiers to checks with several laptops. Furthermore, managers will be obliged to install semi-automatic defibrillators in suitable places and guarantee the presence of personnel capable of using them. While the slopes will have to be divided according to the activity (skiing, snowboarding, competitive spirit, sledges) and the degree of difficulty. Also in this case the skier can be fined if he practices slopes with a degree of difficulty not related to his abilities. In this case, the fine starts from 250 euros and can go up to 1.000.
OFF-PISTE SKI
The new decree also provides for measures for those who practice off-piste skiing, ski mountaineering or hiking activities. In this area, avalanches are obviously the main danger. The managers must display the bulletins on a daily basis, giving them maximum visibility. Furthermore, if the risk of avalanches exists due to the weather conditions, all skiers must equip themselves with the appropriate electronic signaling and search systems, shovel e snow probe, to ensure idoneo rescue operation. Penalty a fine of 100 to 150 euros.
