Italy – Skiers May Face Jail for Triggering an Avalanche

The Italian government may introduce legislation to impose substantial fines and even jail terms for off-piste skiers, snowboarders and hikers who set off avalanches which result in deaths. 

Even if an avalanche is not triggered, those who ignore avalanche or other posted warnings and ski off piste could face a fine of several thousand pounds.

The proposed (and controversial) new legislation has been given urgent attention following a recent spate of avalanches which resulted in several deaths and injuries in the Italian Alps, and one in the Appenine range.  If it passes, the new legislation could be enacted in the current ski season. 

It will be a shame for responsible off-piste skiers who ski with a guide and are more likely to be carrying signalling devices and avalanche survival equipment.  The adventurous, but inexperienced and unprepared, may not stop to consider the consequences if they trigger an avalanche or put themselves in danger.  Very often rescuers lose their lives trying to save them. 

In most cases that end in tragedy, posted avalanche or other warnings had been ignored and the skiers had gone off piste or into areas roped off or designated as unsafe by the resort management.

Switzerland has also cracked down on irresponsible skiers (including speeding) with fines, often requiring payment for rescue operations, as well as confiscating ski passes and in some cases blacklisting skiers.  Jail time is also a possibility.  

Skiers and boarders are advised to check the terms and conditions of their Ski Insurance policy before engaging in any potentially hazardous activities on the slopes.  For example, heli-skiing and free-style skiing may be excluded from a general policy.  Most policies will contain an exclusion with wording such as the following:

    ‘Off piste skiing on areas desingnated as unsafe by resort managment which invalidate claims where official posted warnings have been ignored’.

What this means is that your insurance policy may be invalidated (not cover you) if you put yourself in danger by ignoring posted warnings.  (The same applies if intoxication is found to be a factor).

The resulting cost to you (or your family) could be mind-boggling.  Imagine the bill for medical treatment, emergency medical repatriation (bringing you home), and any fines or costs imposed to pay for your rescue – which may include use of a helicopter!    Is it worth it?