France is considering new legislation that would explicitly ban skiing or snowboarding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, bringing the country closer to safety laws already in force in neighbouring Italy.
The draft bill would introduce two major changes to slope regulations. First, it would create a specific offence for skiing while intoxicated, currently prosecuted only under general dangerous behaviour laws. Second, it would make helmet use compulsory for all slope users.
New penalties for intoxication
The proposed law would explicitly prohibit skiing, snowboarding or sledging under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The measure would allow on-the-spot fines, introduce stronger penalties for repeat offenders, and increase sanctions if intoxication leads to serious injury or death. Ski passes could be cancelled without refund.
The legislation follows repeated concerns about alcohol-related collisions in busy resorts. France currently has no national legal requirement for adults or children to wear helmets on slopes, though helmet use is strongly recommended and many ski schools require them for children during lessons.
Italian regulations already stricter
Italy introduced major slope safety reforms in 2022, which have since been tightened. Skiing under the influence is illegal, with breath tests carried out on slopes and fines reaching several hundred euros. Ski passes may be withdrawn for violations.
Italy also requires all skiers to hold third-party liability insurance covering damage caused to others. The requirement was introduced following repeated collisions and serious accidents, including incidents involving intoxicated skiers. Resorts can request proof of insurance, with some ski passes including coverage options. Helmets are mandatory for all skiers and snowboarders.
The measures follow a winter marked by several serious avalanche incidents across the Alps.
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