Japan Joins Austria, Italy, US, France, And Other Countries In Enforcing Tough Fines For Tourist Misbehaviour At Ski Resorts, Part Of Efforts To Curb Overtourism And Protect Local Environments

Published on December 28, 2025

Japan joins Austria, Italy, the US, France, and other countries in implementing strict fines for disruptive behaviour at ski resorts, as part of a growing global effort to preserve the quality of the visitor experience and ensure the safety of both tourists and local communities. With the surge in winter tourism, particularly in popular destinations like Hakuba, these new regulations aim to curb issues such as noise disturbances, graffiti, and disrespect for local customs. By introducing fines for misconduct, these countries are reinforcing the importance of maintaining order in their ski resorts while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

In a world where tourism continues to surge, especially in winter destinations, the balance between enjoying nature’s pristine beauty and maintaining order has become increasingly delicate. Ski resorts around the globe have witnessed a steady rise in disruptive tourist behaviour, from noise disturbances to vandalism. With rising international visitor numbers, especially after the pandemic, some of the world’s top ski destinations have decided to take matters into their own hands. Among them is Japan, which recently announced it would implement strict fines for disruptive behaviour starting July 1, 2026, joining the ranks of other renowned winter destinations like Austria, Italy, the United States, and France, which already have similar measures in place.

Japan’s Bold Move: Fines for Disruptive Behaviour at Ski Resorts

Japan’s ski resort town of Hakuba, located in the Nagano Prefecture, has become a popular winter hotspot for skiers and snowboarders, attracting millions of visitors each year. With over 2.7 million tourists visiting Hakuba in 2024 alone, a significant increase from just 330,000 in 2023, the destination has seen a remarkable tourism surge driven largely by a weaker yen and growing international demand. However, with this increase in visitors, there has also been an uptick in disruptive behaviours, including loud noises, vandalism, and disrespect for local customs and regulations. To address this, the village is introducing strict fines for a range of disruptive actions, effective July 1, 2026.

The measures update the existing “Village Manners” ordinance, which, though prohibitive of disruptive behaviours, did not impose fines. Under the new rules, offenders who refuse to comply with official orders could face fines of up to ¥50,000 (£237) for actions such as graffiti, loud noises after 10 PM, fireworks, and smoking while walking. These fines are aimed at protecting the peaceful environment of Hakuba, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area without interference.

Hakuba’s move comes as part of a broader trend across the globe where ski resort towns and winter tourism destinations are beginning to recognize the need for stronger regulations to curb misbehaviour in these increasingly popular spots.

Japan Joins the Global Trend

Japan is not the first country to implement such measures. Other countries with renowned ski resorts have been enforcing fines and penalties for disruptive behaviour for years. Austria, Italy, the United States, and France have long recognized the need to maintain decorum in their ski areas, ensuring that their ski resorts remain safe, enjoyable, and respectful places for both locals and tourists.

Austria: Enforcing Conduct with Fines

In Austria, ski resorts such as Ischgl have long enforced rules against disruptive behaviour, particularly during the high season. Austria’s commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors is evident in its enforcement of fines for violations ranging from walking around with skis or snowboards in the resort centre during night hours to more severe infractions like causing accidents due to reckless behaviour. Penalties can range from a modest €25 to as much as €2,000, depending on the severity of the violation.

Austrian ski resorts have been at the forefront of addressing the consequences of overtourism, with some areas even introducing zoning measures to mitigate overcrowding. In some places, fines for overcrowding or violating resort policies are now common.

Italy: Nationwide Safety Regulations

In Italy, ski resorts have long focused on both safety and environmental protection. From November 2025, Italy introduced mandatory helmet rules for all skiers, snowboarders, and tobogganers nationwide. Fines of up to €200 and the potential suspension of ski passes for non-compliance have been put in place to enforce these measures. This is part of a broader effort to improve safety and reduce accidents, but it also serves to curb chaotic or dangerous behaviour on the slopes. In addition, resort areas like Madonna di Campiglio have capped daily ski passes to 15,000 during peak periods to combat overcrowding. While there are no specific fines for overcrowding violations, this limit aims to preserve the quality of the experience for visitors.

United States: Ski Resort Safety and Fines

The United States has also been proactive in implementing ski resort rules and enforcing fines. In Colorado, for instance, any skier or snowboarder caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs on the slopes faces fines that can reach up to $1,000. Similarly, any violation of resort-specific rules, such as skiing in restricted areas or using an unauthorized ski pass, can result in hefty penalties. The U.S. ski industry has consistently placed safety and behaviour as top priorities, as evidenced by various resort regulations and law enforcement efforts aimed at keeping visitors in check.

Ski areas like Aspen and Vail have also introduced measures to deter disruptive behaviour. These resorts have established clear codes of conduct, and violators can face not only fines but also permanent bans from the resort if their actions are severe enough.

France: Protecting Nature and Visitors

In France, ski resorts have similarly cracked down on misbehaviour. The French Alps, home to iconic resorts such as Chamonix and Courchevel, have implemented strict safety regulations, particularly for off-piste skiing. Violations, such as skiing in restricted areas or triggering avalanches, can result in fines as high as €15,000 and even criminal charges. The French government and ski resort operators work closely to maintain safety standards and minimise the environmental impact of tourism. There are also substantial fines for those found to be damaging the natural environment, including littering or disturbing wildlife.

French ski resorts, much like their counterparts in Japan, are taking the necessary steps to ensure that ski tourism doesn’t compromise the safety or serenity of their communities. By introducing these measures, these resorts are addressing the growing concerns of overtourism and ensuring that their destinations remain attractive to responsible visitors.

Other Countries Implementing Fines

Many other ski resorts worldwide are following suit. Resorts in Switzerland, Norway, and even smaller European countries have started implementing fines for actions that threaten the environment or disrupt the peace. For example, some resorts in Switzerland fine visitors who ignore environmental guidelines related to waste disposal, while Norwegian resorts have introduced penalties for skiing in protected nature reserves or for unsafe practices on the slopes.

The Growing Need for Regulation in Winter Tourism

The rise of overtourism, particularly in popular ski destinations, has highlighted the need for stricter regulations. These measures are not just about imposing fines; they reflect the growing concern among local authorities, residents, and tourism operators about maintaining the quality and safety of the visitor experience. As ski resorts become increasingly crowded, the introduction of such fines is seen as an essential step in ensuring that tourism does not overwhelm these delicate environments or diminish the overall experience for responsible visitors.

For countries like Japan, Austria, Italy, and the United States, implementing these rules is a way to preserve the heritage, safety, and enjoyment of their iconic ski resorts. By addressing disruptive behaviour directly, these nations are setting an example for other popular winter tourism destinations around the world.

The Future of Ski Resort Tourism

As Japan, Austria, Italy, the US, and France continue to lead the charge, it is clear that strict regulations, including fines for disruptive behaviour, will become an increasingly important part of managing ski tourism. This trend represents a broader shift towards sustainable tourism practices that prioritize both environmental preservation and the safety of all visitors. The introduction of these fines is just one step in the ongoing effort to ensure that ski resorts remain welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for generations to come.

The implementation of strict fines for disruptive behaviour at ski resorts marks a significant turning point in the management of winter tourism. As Japan joins the ranks of Austria, Italy, the US, France, and other countries, it becomes clear that maintaining a balance between attracting tourists and ensuring the preservation of natural resources and local communities is paramount. By introducing these regulations, ski resorts are setting a high standard for responsible tourism, ensuring that both visitors and local populations can enjoy the benefits of tourism without sacrificing the environment or safety.

Japan joins Austria, Italy, US, France, and other countries in implementing strict fines for disruptive behaviour at ski resorts to address the growing concerns of overtourism and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and local communities.

As we move towards the 2026 ski season, visitors to these ski resorts will be reminded of the importance of respecting the environment and the communities they visit. Those who choose to ignore these rules will find themselves facing substantial fines, making it clear that responsible tourism is the only acceptable way forward.