Ski Helmets Used by the Army

United States combat troops ski in standard-issue Kevlar helmets used with a white or snow camouflage cover.

  1. Helmet Variations

    • The Personal Armor System for Ground Troops helmet was developed in the 1980s as a replacement for steel helmets.

      Recent advances in materials have led to the development of the Modular Integrated Communications Helmet, a lightweight ballistic helmet that incorporates communications electronics and harnesses for night-vision equipment.

      The latest Advanced Combat Helmet is based on the MICH and provides improved ballistic protection.

    Snow Camouflage

    • As of August 2009, the United States military employs six variations of the battle dress uniform including a cold weather camouflage pattern.

      The U.S. Marine Corps snow camouflage was developed in 2005 and put into service in 2007. It incorporates a gray fractal pattern to blend with snow-covered surroundings.

    Training

    • Several military branches include ski training, but the most elite troops are trained at the Army Northern Warfare Training Center based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

      The Cold Weather Leaders Course at Fort Wainwright includes ski and snowshoe techniques as part of the curriculum.

    Helmets and Skiing

    • A 2002 Norewegian study, published in the 2006 Journal of the American Medical Association, surveyed 3,277 injured skiers and snowboarders, 578 of them with head injuries. The study found a 60-percent reduction in risk for head injuries with the use of a helmet.

    History of Ski Warfare

    • Ski warfare dates back to the 13th century in Scandinavia. In the United States winter warfare training for World War II began in 1941 on Mount Rainer in Washington and in 1942 at Camp Hale, Colorado.