Italy has decided to make avalanche safety gear (avalanche beacon, shovel and probe) mandatory for all winter sports enthusiasts heading out of marked and secured ski runs. The law will also apply to off piste skiers.
From the excellent off piste skiing site Pistehors.com – more here
Can’t see it happening in France – although we have seen the Pisteurs checking transceivers at the top of the Chanrossa chair before people head off piste this season, not sure if they actually stopped you if you weren’t properly equipped though.