Information

Snow riders (both skiers and snowboarders) are running out of excuses for not wearing a helmet whenever on the slopes.  New helmet designs and technology have produced lightweight, comfortable helmets that are both warm and well ventilated.  A wide variety of styles are available and as more and more pros utilize helmets they are becoming an accepted part of snowriding equipment.  Best of all they may help to protect you or your child in an accident. 

Tips for using and wearing helmets when skiing and snowboarding

1. Ski and snowboard as if you weren’t wearing a helmet.
   Helmets may help reduce the chance of an injury in the event of certain types of accidents. Snow sports are safe and healthy activities but only if done responsibly. Helmets are of little help in high speed head on injuries and offer no protection against neck and other type of injuries. It is important that all skiers and boarders ride responsibly and in control at all times.
2. Use a skiing or snowboarding specific helmet.
   Bike helmets are designed radically differently than ski helmets. They have different impact characteristics and different areas of protection. Some of the other major non-safety advantages (such as warmth and an integrated fit with goggles) are lost when using a bike helmet for snowsports.
3. Take time for a proper fit.
   Ski helmets are not something to grow into. The helmet must fit properly to function safely. In addition a helmet that is an uncomfortable fit will end up not being worn.
4. Make certain to buy a helmet that conforms to industry standards.
   There are various helmet standards in place including CEN (the least rigorous standard), ASTM and Snell (far and away the most rigorous and hard to meet standard for certification). The product literature will make it clear which standard the helmet meets.
5. Buy from a reputable store and a knowledgeable salesperson.
   Take the time for a good fit and to get all questions answered. Hand-me- downs and ski swaps are a great place to purchase some items but not a properly fitting helmet. People come in a variety of head shapes and different styles or brands of helmets might be needed to get the best fit.
6. Bring your child’s or your goggles in when you buy your helmet.
   Different goggles and helmets work together differently. A well fitting system will provide great protection for the face and forehead from cold wind and snow and still allow adequate ventilation for the goggles.
7. Be prepared for how warm and comfortable a helmet can be.
   Safety considerations aside, most riders who have worn a helmet marvel at how much warmth and protection they provide from the elements. Human beings lose a tremendous amount of heat from the head. Wearing a helmet makes a huge difference in comfort on a cold windy day.
8. Keep goggles and helmets attached together.
   It is much harder to lose both a helmet and a set of goggles. Some parents may find they recoup the cost of the helmet by not replacing lost goggles (and hats!) as often.
9. Stickers and other personal decorations make helmets cool.
   Parents should allow the rider to have some liberty to make some personal statements with their helmets (making it easier to accept). Consider spending a few dollars and letting the child pick some cool stickers for the helmet at the time of purchase.
10. Parents should be role models for children (and not just their own!)
    Monkey see, monkey do. If parents expect that their children should ride responsibly and use helmets, then they should be expected to hold themselves to the same level of responsibility. Children pick up on hypocrisy at light speed.  Be prepared to back up what you preach. Conversely, the parent is also ultimately in charge with tremendous veto power. If a parent decides that helmets are a good idea but the child is resistant, remember that it’s OK to say no. “No helmet equals no skiing or no snowboarding.”  This works completely and absolutely. Most ski teams and academies have rules requiring helmet use in their athletes.  These athletes accept these rules as a matter of course.  Your child will also if presented in a polite but noncompromising manner.