Skiing, like life, is dangerous. I think it would be reasonable to have speed restricted areas for beginners. However, this universal approach is quite another matter and what is proposed is an outrageous idea. If I were approached by an insurance agent armed with a camera, I would smartly dismiss him.

Skiing is about poise and fluidity of movement down the slope, and, sometimes also about speed and embracing the fall line. If one takes that away, then the sport is left devoid of its essence and one might as well go to Disneyland.

Paul McGeoch, San Diego,

Have just returned from two weeks skiing over Christmas. It was fantastic, but the slopes were busy and there did seem to be lots of accidents.

Have been airlifted off the slopes 10 years ago I am a self confessed woos. I am getting my confidence back however and am now doing red runs again. I did however have a potentially nasty fall towards the end of the holiday when it was icy. Free fell down a steep bit of red run - heading towards trees and luck pitched me into a snow drift rather than a tree. I can't help thinking I would have been seriously injured if I had hit one of the trees instead!

I think it is a good idea!

Lucy Jones, Kingston, UK

I am planning to take ski lessons in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, United States, in a few weeks. How will I be able to determine if I'm going too fast--assuming that there are speed limits on the slopes? (I'll be amazed if there are speedometers on our skis or other ski gear when we begin to go down the slopes!)

Joel Bader, West Des Moines, USA, Iowa

Michael from Boston is obviously a skier not a boarder. What a ridiculous idea of moguls instead of speed cameras!

annabel, staffordshire, uk

"I suspect the goal with this new law is to reduce the number of skiers on Swiss slopes and it will be successful."

If that is another consequence, so be it. Maybe now the hot shots and daredevils will be forced to go elsewhere (good riddance, and who cares if you think it's an encroachment on your *liberties*?) and there will be more space on the slopes for us normal folk who want to enjoy a nice, peaceful day of skiing without having to worry about being banged up by some @$$hole who thinks the slopes belong to them.

You can live in denial all you want, but it is a fact: Speed Kills!

An American (yes, that's right) in Switzerland, Zurich,

I agree that this is total misinformation. Suva set up a speed course for volunteers to check their speed - first giving an estimate before being given their actual speed. The idea was to promote awareness - my daughter and I took part in Andermatt yesterday.

Gareth Rees-Evans, Andermatt, Switzerland

this article is total misinformation.

The insurance company makes a sensibilisation campaign, where in special flaged area's skiers can submit themselves to a speed check
with a laser gun, so they can realise the speed at which they are skiing.
It is all on a voluntary basis in a special area of the ressorts on some days. 1-3 days in each resort during this winter.

It is true that sometime our gov is a bit nanny like, but they are not that stupid as to kill winter tourism in our country.


here a link to a swiss press article with the details (in german): http://www.blick.ch/news/schweiz/suva-blitzer-gegen-pisten-raser-79892

Stephane, Zurich, Switzerland

The insurance company makes a sensibilisation campaign, where in special flaged area's skiers can submit themselves to a speed check
with a laser gun, so they can realise the speed at which they are skiing.
It is all on a voluntary basis in a special area of the ressorts on some days. 1-3 days in each resort during this winter.

It is true that sometime our gov is a bit nanny like, but they are not that stupid as to kill winter tourism in our country.

Stephane, Zurich, Switzerland

The insurance company makes a sensibilisation campaign, where in special flaged area's skiers can submit themselves to a speed check
with a laser gun, so they can realise the speed at which they are skiing.
It is all on a voluntary basis in a special area of the ressorts on some days. 1-3 days in each resort during this winter.

It is true that sometime our gov is a bit nanny like, but they are not that stupid as to kill winter tourism in our country.

Stephane, Zurich, Switzerland

The insurance company makes a sensibilisation campaign, where in special flaged area's skiers can submit themselves to a speed check
with a laser gun, so they can realise the speed at which they are skiing.
It is all on a voluntary basis in a special area of the ressorts on some days. 1-3 days in each resort during this winter.

It is true that sometime our gov is a bit nanny like, but they are not that stupid as to kill winter tourism in our country.

Stephane, Zurich, Switzerland

The insurance company makes a sensibilisation campaign, where in special flaged area's skiers can submit themselves to a speed check
with a laser gun, so they can realise the speed at which they are skiing.
It is all on a voluntary basis in a special area of the ressorts on some days. 1-3 days in each resort during this winter.

It is true that sometime our gov is a bit nanny like, but they are not that stupid as to kill winter tourism in our country.

Stephane, Zurich, Switzerland

the insurance company only does a voluntary sensibilisation speed check in a special area of the slopes. there is no fine and it is totaly voluntary,

John , Zurich, Switzerland

The insurance company only does a voluntary campaign, so that skiers can monitor their speed in a special area on the slopes. It is all voluntary and only lasts a few days per resort. there is no speed restriction on swiss slopes.

The ski patrol will warn reckless skiers though as in most international ski resorts.

Lucien, Zurich , Switzerland

Why stop at 19mph. lets move it to 10mph. Then everyone will be happy and super safe because nobody can get hurt at "that" speed?!?!

MARC, NY,NY,

Blanche Devereaux, what you Americans don't seem to realise is that we Europeans really do laugh at your "freedom-loving-ness" that you like to bang on about all the time. We find it so amusing simply because America is FAR FAR less free than most European countries. Pick any topic, you can bet we get it "freer" - alcohol, driving, education, HEALTH, etc etc.

The point is even more laughable because you have had ski patrols monitoring your skiing for donkey's years - there are no ski patrols in Europe. One country has decided to trial an idea already being used in America, and all you Yanks are up in arms saying the socialists are coming to take your children away.

Grow up.

Having said that, I still think it's a terrible idea - as many have noted, overcrowding is the problem, not speed.

Nicholas Ord, Guildford, UK

Let the resorts choose other insurance providers. If a resort converts all their slopes into bunny slopes, let them try to market that as skiing the Swiss Alps. Let the market decide.

Plenty of double diamond runs here in California.

Frank, San Diego, CA

I have been on the Ski Patrol in Vermont for 20 years. We often have accidents with major injury caused by fast out of control skiers. Excellent skiers often collide with a skier who makes a sudden stop or move. Fast skiers who make a very small mistake often crash. Officially monitoring fast skiers is long over due. The patrol has warned fast skiers to slow down since I began skiing over 45 years ago. Fine fast skiers and remove them from the slope. You do not have the freedom to crash into other skiers. If there is enough demand for high speed, then establish high speed only trails and charge the stupid skier an additional fee to kill themselves and pay for the effort of the medical staff to attempt to save their life.

George, Manchester, NH

I don't ski, but 19mph doesn't sound very fast to me. To break the boredom around here, we'll roll Grandma in her wheelchair down a hill. I know she goes faster than 19mph. and she hardly screams anymore.

Tony, Rockbridge, VA

Another case of dumbing down to the masses. If you don't like fast skiing stay on the (speed controlled) bunny slopes. The fact that a bunch of gapers are clogging the slopes shouldn't ruin the sport for those that actually know how to ski.

Eric, Breckenridge , CO

Happy with your euro-Socialism yet? Perhaps people shouldn't leave the ski lodge, think how safe we would all be! Better yet, don't even drive to the mountains! It would be better for the environment!
Weenies.

Jon Fraud Carry, Washington, DC

My dear American friends, your minds are washed up from your government. In a country where every step of ordinary person is closely watched from the government (through SSN, credit cards, phone calls, text messages, air-plane tickets, pharmacies and so on) to agitate against such enforcement is dumpy, ignorant and vulgar. Please stay in your great country, choose your next president and leave alone Switzerland, and do not bother the Times's readers. Good luck and God bless you!!

yanko, St gallen, Switzerland

70,000 "reported" crashes a year? Gee, maybe limit the number of lift passes per day to the safe number of skiers!

More power for the government when they can increase the surveillance level, I suppose.

Mike , Texass, USA

Now everyone can go skiing many popular runs are like a jammed Freeway /Motorway at rush hour with people standing still falling over so it makes sense to police them both with speed controls but most of all some 'lane discipline'- perhaps express thru' ways and local tracks. People standing in the middle of ski-runs should also be cautioned and fined.

Convergence of trails approaching lifts is always a nightmare and many at time I've seen a ?skier go straight into a queue.

DM, Eastbourne,

As if to say this was unexpected. I used to dream of skiing Switzerland, not anymore. I'll just be happy here in the states where when you act the fool everyone happily lets you know in no uncertain terms how they feel about your actions. And when the patrols see such actions they kick the actors instead of punishing all participants. Of course, at least to some degree, Americans are expected to be responsible for their actions as individuals. At least until the Euro nanny-state finds itself more entrenched in our society.

Phil, Dallas,

But what about those v. dangerous Snow boards -- I've been hit twice and had several near misses?

Etaoin, Williamsburg, USA/VA

Leave it to the European socialists to institute the nanny state on their ski slopes.

Of course chronic, irresponsibly reckless skiers should be hauled off slopes meant for beginner and/or intermediate skiers.

But if you choose to ski on a double black diamond like Evil Knieval, you should be left alone.

How about having special, more expensive passes to ski on double diamonds?

Leave the Nanny staters at the UN.

Dave, New York, USA

this is political corectness gone mad
i think that heightening awareness of those around you on the mountain is a valuable idea to prevent snowboarders coming off jumps into your back (has happened a few times) and prevent serious injuries.
However, there is a limit.
Next thing you know they're gonna ban off piste skiing, which is something that i (as a hardcore chamonix skier) would detest. just as long as it doesn't happen in france...

ed, LONDON, uk

I have never come across speed restrictions on European slopes before. But have been warned in every US resort I have been in. Not for being outta control just for carving a tad fast.

Europe is becoming a Nanny state because we are blindly modelling ourselves on the US the country with the least personal freedom I've ever been too, that is if you obey all their laws.

France is the least ligatious country I've ever been too where it is all about personal responsibility rather than blaming anybody else for your own foolishness.

alistair, Tignes, France

I applaud the swiss. Idiots travelling at high speed on down hill slopes has led to me abandoning France, Swtizerland, Italy and the like for alpine skiing. Even if a skier were very experienced an excess of speed is NOT safe when you are skiing through young families or inexperienced skiers. This demographic does not ski off piste, and I am sure that is the best place to test your mettle. The above comments are the same as saying "I am an excellent driver, so I should be able to drive at whatever speed I like on the road, just keep the drunks and inexperienced out of my way." a ridiculous attitude and very selfish. Those that consider themselves excellent skiers, are often not (it's not difficult to go fast) but if you are actually quite good, then why not find other areas to ski fast, where you are less likely to injure yourself or others?

mike, hereford, England

When I was radar platoon leader in Germany, all members of my platoon had to be tested semiannually for glaucoma, because radar causes glaucoma.
We are already being shot with it on the freeway. Now on the ski slopes?

Redleg, American Fork, Utah

The problem is that the Swiss resorts want to take our money FIRST, and only AFTER do they want to use your presence there as an excuse for harassment in order to make themselves feel better, and pretend they are making an effort to care. Remember the rule, first they take your money, only AFTER do they try to take your LIBERTY. Ski Slopes are already divided into different areas of expertise, and those who are not competent should not be skiing on them. The issue of speed is not one of manhood, though most Europeans would not understand the meaning of the word in anycase. The premise of the EU is to treat all males as females, and this trend will only continue. Most in the EU are falling into line with this concept of zero risk. That is an absurd proposition for living, so they actually only shift the risk to other areas of life, and then pretend that this shift must mean they have had genuine results. Zero risk in conversation, somebody might be offended – (quick, run and tell your mommy), Zero risk in everything else.

John, Newark, New Jersey

I skied at Stowe, VT and nearly got killed by idiots going way too fast. We need to have moguls back or speed fences or ski patrolmen that pull passes for people going way too fast. In the old days with huge moguls it wasn't a big deal, but with these perfectly groomed slopes, too many idiots can go way too fast.

Michael, Boston, MA

I don't know the rules in Switzerland, but in the U.S., if all they did was prohibit drinking and skiing -- which would, of course, mean the end of very lucrative saloonkeeping at the bottom of the hill, accidents would go down substantially. Booze on the ski slope doesn't make any more sense than booze on the motorway.

Jim Houghton, Los Angeles, CA, USA

If the tax payers are paying the 100 million a year for rescue operations I could see there concern.Especially those tax payers that have no interest in ski sports and don't want to spend there hard earned tax dollars for extreme skiers thrills.On the other hand if insurance companys will insure extreme skiers and the ski resort has a show proof of insurance and said insurance companies are paying all the rescue operation cost and not the tax payers I'd say let them ski off the cliffs with a thousand foot free fall if thats how they want to get there kicks...8)

Kirk, Arlington, Texas

Downhill skiing and snowboarding are great fun. The exhilaration only gets better the faster you go.

Most drivers drive around to get from A to B. Drivers need to know that they can get around safely and in a predictable manner. This means predictable road surfaces and most other drivers behaving the same as them.

Going skiing or 'boarding should be fun. Unlike roads, slopes can be entirely unpredictable and micro-climatic changes mean that conditions continually vary.
This unpredicatability is part of the fun but invariabley leads to minor and serious accidents largely unrelated to speed, fast or slow. (How fast do you really need to be travelling to break someone else's neck on a slope? 15 mph would surely do it.

Going fast only really gets dangerous when the slopes are allowed to get overcrowded. Before introducing speeding fines for users, let's see some fines for all those money grabbing resort operators who choose to pack the slopes with as many people as possible.

Alex Pettett, Krakow, Poland

Interesting how many ignorant remarks are coming from Americans--- who gleefully give up their freedoms for the so-called "war on terror."

At least Switzerland is trying to do something about 70,000 ski accidents (which I frankly have difficulty believing). There are no fines yet mandated, so I fail to see what all the uproar is regarding.

Fsweep, Stavanver/Norway,

I lived in switzerland for four years, I now live in a town that is directly between two great ski resort's, here in Colorado.
When mentioning this story to my boyfriend and roommate, both of whom work at one of the resort's they both started cracking up.
Apparently, this was tried here in Colorado a number of year's ago, but was thrown out in court because it amounts to entrapment. Seeing as there is no way for a skier to accurately judge their speed without a speedometer they cannot be held liable for skiing too fast.
The majority of incident's on any ski mountain stem from, as previous poster's have said, stupid people, drunk people, people skiing on slope's they are not skilled enough to be on, and uncaring, reckless individuals.
I ski several times a week, I've skied all over Europe and throughout the U.S. and I think this is ridiculous, and probably won't stand for long.
With that, I'm off to hit the slopes...

Stephanie, Gunnison/Zug, USA/CH

Why are Americans so upset by this? Oh, you Europeans. You'll just never get it. We're not offended by it...we're just shocked that such a restriction would be acceptable, and that intelligent people would swallow this kind of bigbrother-imposed tripe. One commenter compared it to speed limits on roads - public thoroughfares. A ski area is a private company, and one accepts all risks when buying a ticket. There is an enormous difference.

We feel sorry for Europeans, and we're glad we don't live there. No, America is not perfect. Yes, we have a terrible government right now. However, despite our many unfortunate problems, we are a freedom-loving nation. The U.S. does not run the world, thank goodness! We're watching Eurabia slowly descend into a childless [except for the Muslims], joyless state. And due to Europe's neo-socialist nanny mentality, we are unable to help.

"It is possible to love your country yet hate your government."

Blanche Devereaux, Bronx, NY

All the more reason to ski Deervalley,Utah

K.Stewart, Mesa , Arizona

Try skiing at only 19 miles per hour! You could do that on a bunny slope. This is just another way they are showing you how your freedom is able to be taken and how an "authority" can control your behaviour. If you accept this little infringment, you will be forced later to accept even worse restrictions in your life and on your liberty. Do not accept it, dare I say it is a slippery slope!

Gregg, Austin, Texas

Well at least they won't be able to do this in France or Italy or any EU country - will they??? Doesn't it contravene our innate (God Given) human rights - ie to make the best of ourselves, to push our selves to the limits, to take risks in the never ending evolution of individual and human ability.

I suggest that if there is a sub speices evolving who don't wish to move on with the real human race (or the planet) that we gently move away from them and maybe keep a few samples in contained spaces, like zoos, where we can learn to apprecaite how far the rest of us have come by taking risks and sometimes losing.

Perhaps Switzerland would like to be the first such "Sub Human Zoo" - thought they don have very stiff competion for the rest of Europe and the especialy the urban liberals in the UK who seem to have lost all connection and comprehension of the laws of God and/or narture. We really should ban city dwellers from having any say over what little is left of the real world!

R Holburn, London, London

I am an experienced International Ski Instructor and i do think that speed is dangerous but only if used by skiers and boarders that can not control it. I am perfectly happy skiing very fast and stay completly in control whilst doing it but if someone, less able were to ski at the same speed then i feel it could be dangerous.
Ski within your limits!

Scott Roberts, Portsmouth, UK

I am not sure why so many from the US are expressing shock about this: they already have Ski Patrol which can take away your lift pass if you speed. We have never had anything like that , but surely this is an equivalent (except that the Ski Patrol do it subjectively).

David Johnson, London, UK

Liberals? Ha. You've clearly never been to Switzerland. They are conservative to the hilt and rules crazy. This is just the Swiss doing what they do best, making up new rules and enforcing them to the letter. That's how the Swiss like it and it's their country. Get over it. Americans don't rule the world so this has nothing to do with them, so why be so offended at something that has nothing to do with you?

Pedro, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This is what happens when your country starts to fill up with leftists. Big brother gets stronger and all rights evaporate.

Carl, Saratoga, CA

Yesterday my GPS clocked me at 75kmh on a nice empty piste... how much would I be fined for that?

I´ve been skiing for over 25 years, and the only collisions I have had have been someone hitting me, usually whilst I was stationary.

The biggest causes of collisions are drunkeness, stupidity (people attempting pistes above their level of ability or stopping just below a rise in the middle of the piste) and boarders who have a relatively restricted field of view compared to skiiers........ not speed!

Neil, Zurich, Switzerland

This is not good because I have a bad habit of beating up anyone trying to steal (confiscate) my personal belongings. I don't care what country I'm in.

Dan Wells, Clarks Summit, USA Pennsylvania

Liberals... What will they come up with next?

Brett, san francisco, USA / San Francisco

Perhaps in beginners areas yes, but 30 km/h is ridiculous elsewhere on the mountain! Just because I ski quickly, generally above 50 km/h, does not mean that I am out of control. I do not condone reckless, and especially not drunken skiers, but I think that this idea is daft. For a start in a car you have a speedometer...how do you even know if you're breaking the ski-speed limit? And where's the fun in going slowly...?!

Alex, Bristol, UK

I'm from the US, and as of yet, I've not been blessed to ski Europe. But, I'm sure the Swiss have Ski Patrol as we do in North America. Instead of "hidden people" with cameras (which I'm sure is a paying job), why not just get more people on the Patrol (which at most places is a VOLUNTEER position)? I know of many ski areas where the patrollers carry handcuffs to deal with people skiing drunk, and those who are reckless and resistant.

Benjamin Millina, Conway, NH , USA

Sarah,
You obviously are French. You feel people should be restricted all the time. I am american and believe in personal freedoms. Reckless skiing should be considered when kicking someone off the mountain but restricting speeds is unacceptable. I am a good skier and like to go fast, and in control. I should be alowed to do that if I want to. I will not be going to Switzerland anytime soon.

Mike, Philadelphia, Pa, USA

19 mph! U can go down on your bum faster than that! The swiss are gonna shoot themselves in the foot with this idea, there are plenty of other worldwide resorts with sensible safety policies, like busting irresponsible skiers and confiscating their passes based on general recklessness rather than a strict limit.

Chang, Surrey,

The next thing will be issuing of number plates to skiers, on the spot fines and prison sentences for dangerous skiing. Carrying of log books, insurance documents and MOT on ski equipment, a Doctors and vision test certificates and to have a skiing licence.

Peter, Hastings, UK

I think it's a shame that speed cameras are having to be introduced because of the selfish individuals who think they can do whatever they like.

It's very simple really if take the example of roads - if there are lots of people, you have to make allowances and reduce your speed. This is for the common good and survival of all.

Ski pistes are no different. You cannot go hurtling down a mountain at 65km/h when there are others, who have also paid, just trying to enjoy a peaceful ski. If you want to be a daredevil, rent a special downhill course and if you break your neck, you'll be the only one.

It's called living in society. You just have to think of others. Everyone does. And the fact that they don't is shown in the excessive number of accidents that occur. The not considering others is responsible for draconian measures such as the introduction of speed cameras. You only have yourselves to blame.

Sarah, Montpellier, France

Come to Tbilisi, Georgia. I am an American living here. We have beautiful slopes on the Caucasus and they are never full during the week. There are no restrictions. The Georgians would feel ashamed telling someone to slow down on the slopes. I pay around 100 dollars for ski rental and passes for a family of four. Screw Switzerland. If you don't mind a few missing creature comforts, ski in Georgia. We love the skiing here.

Greg, Tbilisi, Georgia

The reason for the increase in the number of collisions is, as the article points out, overcrowding on the slopes, not exessive speed. Surely the sensible answer is therefore to restrict the number of people on the slope - but of course that would cost the operators money rather than fining the users who have already paid to get on the piste...

Edmund, London, UK

I do not agree with the idea of speed cameras on the pistes. Skiing is known to be a risky sport - there are other winter sports for those unwilling to accept the risks. However, being lectured on over regulation and nanny states by Americans is laughable. How fast are your motorway speed limits? 'Freeway'? No way! And what about the militarisation of your police?

Dominic Allan, London, UK

warning america. we're next. the socialist are coming and it's in the name of the greater good. you want government sponsored medical insurance? then this is what you will get.

john galt

john galt, the valley, colorado

It's very interesting that most of the comments are from people in the US. European skiers are on the slopes to enjoy themselves, not to prove their manhoods. If I see a skier sking off piste (out of bounds---often over crevaces) I can guarantee they're from North America. When you ski leave your zippers done up---it prevents frostbite.

C Proctor, Toronto, Canada

I've skiied all over Europe way back in the 80's. I thought it was awesome to experience the freedom of downhill runs, going as fast as you wanted or as fast as you dared. These "Speed Traps" on the mountain are just totally ridiculous. As Caleb said, "This is just one more intrusion on our general lives", and I totally agree. What happened to freedom in our lives? It seems that our freedoms are ever so slowly being taken away from us everywhere you look. The good old days are gone.

Mark Balli, Denver, Colorado

Let's not forget that many accidents are also caused by people stopping where they should not - in a spot that is blind to others until it is too late. Besides that reason the bulk of the rest of the accidents happen at intersections where I think are the only places where speed limits are needed. Slopes that impose impose a blanket speed limit won't get my business; I like going fast - where and when it is safe to do so.

Mike, Boston, Massachusetts

I lived in Switzerland from Feb. 2002 - Mar. 2003. You'd be surprised how accepting the Swiss people are of these kinds of laws. It is truly a nanny state. They have a rather elaborate fine system for all sorts of "violations".The Swiss government , be it local, canton, or federal) has cameras in all kinds of places. It's big brother in the highest degree. I suspect the goal with this new law is to reduce the number of skiers on Swiss slopes and it will be successful. The Swiss don't like foreigners staying too long, but do deposit some money on the way out!

KB, Austin, TX

They should fine people who eat too much in one sitting, too. And people who play rough sports should be monitored. I can think of a thousand things the government could do to make us safer, if we relinquish our obviously mistaken desire to hang on to the archaic, quaint idea of "freedom."

James Deppeler, Brielle, New Jersey, USA

Insurance company "enforcers" doling out fines? Sounds like a dangerous precedent.

PA, Lake Worth, FL

One more reason not to ride in Europe... This is more big brother intrusion in our general lives. What happened to punishing people who actually create/cause accidents? As a very experienced rider, I see way more problems caused by newbies not paying attention to what they're doing than ski/snowboarding going at higher rates of speed. One more reason not to ride in Europe.

Caleb Skinner, Portland, Oregon, USA

I've been skiing for thirty years. The only collision I ever had was when an out of control snowboarder hit me from behind. I was standing still on a flat area on the side of the ski run so there was no possibility that I skied into the boarder's path or that I was obstructing a trail or that I couldn't be seen from up the slope. It was just one of those things -- an out of control beginner (probably) who misjudged his speed and direction. It didn't stop me from future skiing, but it sure put a crimp in that day's fun. If you want to go fast relatively safely, ski on a fenced-in competition GS run. Then you can cruise at 50 MPH (80 KPH) if you've got the skis and the guts.

Patrick C., Irvine, CA

The Europeans will accept this as they are used to the nanny state carring for them. Look out if they try to introduce it here.

Lee, Rio Rancho, NM

Traffic laws are already organized around this principle. Skill has no place in the equation, rather rules are written to reflect the abilties of the least of us. Why should skiing be any different?

John, Detriot, MI

An "experienced London skier" is an oxymoron, much like London cuisine. Best stay home where the multitude of cameras will keep you safe.

Paul, Bozeman, Mt. US

Slow down

gbruder, eaton town, monmouth NJ

This is the most logical and obvious next step of the European nanny-state. The government decides that since they are paying for the medical care, they are going to decide how fast you can ski. It doesn't matter if you are experienced or not it is school zone speed for everybody.

Daryl Beatty, Lake Jackson, Texas, USA

I've gone to davos every other year after La Grave. No more.

Ralph, san francisco, ca

I hope that not all communities will have this. So people can chose.

liz, wst palm beach, usa

Taking my business to the Austrian Alps. Go Badgastein!

Kevin, Chicago, IL

So...who has the market for speedometers for skiers?

Bob, Corpus Christi, TX

I will not be spending my time and money in Switzerland.
Unfortunately, I'm running out of places to travel.
The Euro/Amero NannyState is absolving us of all responsibility for our actions, in order to save us from us. Apparently, we sheeple are not intelligent enough to ski with any amount of skill. 30kph is just getting under way.
As a certain YYZ-based band once said, "Those who know what's best for us must rise and save us from ourselves."
They're certainly making headway with my cash, they take it before I get it, so I can't spend it foolishly on getting out of debt.

Pat Bamrick, Port Huron, Michigan, USA

I guess my winter travel plans will no longer include Switzerland. This move is beyond dumb

Rick , Rossland, Canada

This is insane. Europe, enjoy your police state.

Edward, Chicago, USA

We might as well force everyone to ride on green slopes only with rope in hand following the leader too. That would reduce injuries fairly significantly I would presume.

Brian, Jacksonville, USA

You have to kidding me......GET A REAL LIFE

JB, PGH, PA

Huh?

JRex, West Chester, Ohio/USA

What a ridiculous idea. I can see it if it's confined to beginner slopes or congested areas, but to make is a resort-wide rule is indeed "another fun-spoiling campaign from the health and safety brigade". I regularly ski *much* faster than this; sometimes more than three times their proposed limit. I have wiped out at speeds in excess of 65 *miles* per hour before and walked away without major injuries. Hitting another skier or a tree or lift tower at such speeds would indeed be disastrous, but skiing is not an activity without risk. Reckless skiing should not be tolerated, but defining all high-speed skiing as reckless is preposterous.

Justin, Waterloo, Iowa, USA

When they have regulated all the danger out of your lives, what will you have left? Is this what you want or is it simply what you cannot now avoid?

Fabula Atrox, Clearwater,