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Winter Sports: What You Should Know Before Heading to the Slopes

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Everyone who loves winter sports and activities connected with snow and ice eagerly awaits each year for the first opportunity to put on a hat, dress in a ski suit, and head to the mountains. Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports, and Czechs are well known for their enthusiasm for it. In terms of popularity of downhill and cross-country skiing per capita, the Czech Republic ranks among the top European countries—right after the Alpine nations, where skiing is naturally widespread due to ideal conditions. Some people remain loyal to Czech ski resorts, while others travel abroad in search of snow. Some return to their favorite destinations year after year, while others enjoy discovering new ones.

Before setting off for snow and winter fun, it is important to learn about the rules and conditions required at your destination. If you plan to travel abroad, it is useful to know what is permitted, recommended, or prohibited in order to avoid unpleasant situations such as fines. Wherever you go skiing, you should be familiar with the rules and laws that apply in the particular country. For example, do you know where wearing a ski helmet is mandatory?

Below is an overview of some of the most popular foreign destinations and the rules that apply on their slopes.

Italy

Since January 1, 2022, new legislation has introduced rules for users of ski slopes and ski trails in Italy. The key requirements include valid liability insurance, mandatory helmets for those under 18, a ban on skiing under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speed restrictions, and the principle of shared liability in the event of a collision when the responsible party cannot be clearly determined.

Liability Insurance

Every slope user must have valid liability insurance covering damage or injury caused to third parties. In the Czech Republic, this insurance is usually included in household insurance or can be purchased as an add-on. It is recommended to carry proof of insurance in either paper or digital form. Alternatively, it can be purchased when buying a ski pass directly in Italy. Without valid insurance, a skier risks having their ski pass confiscated and receiving a fine of €100–€150.

Mandatory Helmet for Persons Under 18

All slope users under 18 must wear a certified protective helmet. This rule also applies to snowboarders, sledders, and bobsledders but not to cross-country skiers. The fine for non-compliance ranges from €100 to €150.

Ban on Skiing Under the Influence

Skiing under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. In the event of a positive test, the offender may face a fine of up to €1,000 or even criminal prosecution.

Shared Liability

In the case of a collision where the responsible party cannot be clearly identified, both participants are automatically considered jointly responsible. Damage or injuries are then compensated through the mandatory liability insurance.

Speed Limits and Careful Riding

Skiers must adjust their speed to the conditions—especially in areas with limited visibility, near buildings or obstacles, at intersections, in narrow sections, during fog or poor visibility, or where there are many skiers or beginners.

No Stopping in Dangerous Areas

Stopping is prohibited in narrow sections, behind terrain obstacles, or in places with poor visibility. Skiers who stop must move to the edge of the slope to avoid endangering others. The same rule applies after a fall or accident. A skier entering or leaving a slope must ensure that they do not endanger themselves or others.

Austria

In most regions, helmets are mandatory for children under 15. In the federal states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg, however, wearing a helmet is only recommended. Alcohol consumption is not strictly prohibited, but insurers may refuse compensation if an accident occurs while under the influence.

France

France does not have nationwide rules requiring helmets for skiing or snowboarding, although some resorts impose their own regulations. Therefore, it is important to check the rules of the specific resort.

France also has zero tolerance for alcohol in skiing accidents. If a skier involved in an accident has any alcohol in their bloodstream, they are automatically considered at fault. Fines can reach up to €15,000.

Switzerland

Helmets are not legally required, and alcohol consumption is tolerated. However, anyone who appears clearly intoxicated may be expelled from the resort and lose their ski pass.

Slovakia

Alcohol is not restricted, but helmets are mandatory for skiers under 15.

Slovenia

Helmets are required for skiers under 15. Alcohol is not strictly prohibited, but intoxicated skiers may be removed from the slopes and have their ski passes revoked. Random breathalyzer tests may also be carried out by police.

Poland

Helmets are mandatory for young people under 16. Alcohol is tolerated up to 0.5‰.

Czech Republic

Alcohol is not banned on slopes, but ski resort operators do not tolerate heavily intoxicated skiers who endanger others. Anyone who violates the resort rules may have their ski pass confiscated and be removed from the slope.

If a skier is clearly under the influence after an accident, the mountain rescue service may call the police. Fines can reach up to CZK 50,000, and causing injury under the influence is considered an aggravating circumstance in court.

Travel Insurance for Winter Sports Is Essential

Every sport carries a certain risk, but this is especially true for winter sports. Untrained legs can fail us on skates or skis, collisions during downhill runs can lead to serious injuries, and icy surfaces can cause accidents in seconds.

Without quality travel insurance, you would have to pay all treatment costs abroad yourself—and even minor medical procedures can cost hundreds of thousands of Czech crowns. Travel insurance covers such expenses for only a few crowns per day.

Although the European Health Insurance Card provides basic coverage within the EU, it only ensures essential treatment in public healthcare facilities. It does not cover treatment in private facilities, patient co-payments, mountain rescue services, or repatriation back to the Czech Republic.

That is why comprehensive commercial travel insurance is essential, especially if you plan to travel abroad for sports.

Additional Insurance for Risky or Extreme Sports

In addition to standard travel insurance that covers typical winter sports, insurers also offer additional coverage for risky or extreme sports. Definitions vary among insurers, so it is important to check in advance.

For example, ice hockey is considered a risky sport, meaning you will need additional coverage—often costing roughly twice as much as standard winter sports insurance.

For extreme sports such as freestyle skiing or glacier hiking, premiums can be up to 200% higher.

Annual Travel Insurance Card

To ensure your holidays remain carefree and enjoyable, an ideal travel companion is our annual travel insurance card, created exclusively for RESPECT clients in cooperation with UNIQA Insurance.

It provides comprehensive travel insurance including winter sports. You do not need to arrange insurance before every trip. Even if you decide on a spontaneous one-day ski trip to neighboring Austria, you will already be covered.

These annual cards have become increasingly popular among clients. Save yourself the hassle and join them.

The card can be obtained only through our brokers.

Benefits of the Card

Winter sports included
Unlimited number of trips
Coverage for the whole family
Medical expense limits for each insured person
Dental treatment covered within medical expense limits
Coverage for all types of travel (tourism, non-manual business trips, student travel)
Option to add extreme sports coverage
Platinum variant includes trip cancellation insurance
Competitive pricing

If you are interested in tailor-made travel insurance, do not hesitate to contact us.

In the gallery you can also view a comparison of our premium annual card with other offers on the market.

We also include the 10 rules of the International Ski Federation, which every skier should follow (source: Mountain Rescue Service of the Czech Republic).