France brings in smoking ban on ski slopes

"In May this year, France extended its smoking ban to include outdoor spaces such as beaches, parks, bus stops and outside schools (although café terraces are not included in the ban). It went a bit under the radar at the time - because there's not much skiing in May - but the ban also includes ski resorts. Smoking is now banned in ski lifts, the queues for the ski lifts and on the piste, on pain of a €135 fine. Smoking is still allowed while skiing off-piste or in the streets of the ski resorts. Smoking in indoor spaces such as bars, restaurants or hotels has been banned since 2007."

"Some local authorities, including those in ski resorts, had already introduced their own local versions of a ban, but the May 2025 law makes this nationwide. READ ALSO: Explained: France's new smoking ban rules France Montagnes, which represents the skiing areas of the country, said: "We have created an awareness campaign to remind skiiers, with humour, of the new rules and are encouraging local authorities to communicate it to locals and visitors.""

"Among the signs that will greet skiiers this season are "La vue vous coupe assez le souffle comme ça" (the view will take your breath away as it is) and "On vous tend des perches pour arrêter" (we'll give you tips on how to stop), together with information on the new rules and the penalties. Public health is the reason for the new law, but local authorities say they hope it will also help with another problem - littering. A clean-up operation last year found 57,000 discarded cigarette butts in a single ski resort."

France extended its outdoor smoking ban in May to include beaches, parks, bus stops, outside schools and ski resorts, while excluding café terraces. The nationwide law bans smoking in ski lifts, lift queues and on the piste, with a €135 fine. Smoking remains allowed when skiing off-piste or in resort streets; indoor smoking in bars, restaurants and hotels has been banned since 2007. Some local authorities had earlier local bans. France Montagnes launched a humorous awareness campaign and signage to inform skiers. Officials cite public health and reducing litter—57,000 cigarette butts were collected in one resort cleanup.

Read at The Local France