Safety first

SKIERS and snowboarders heading for Italy are now legally required to buy insurance, a decision that came into effect on January 1. Travellers are expected to purchase winter-sports cover, including third-party liability cover; those who do not have it must buy a plan on arrival, with their lift pass. Those who fail to comply will face fines up to £125 and have their passes revoked. Italy has long led the way in alpine safety and has a mandatory helmet rule for anyone aged 18 or below. Some reports suggest up to 20% of UK travellers do not buy winter-holiday insurance.