What Are the Dangers of Skiing Without Helmets?

Skiing is a popular winter activity, but it is not one without perils. Crashes occur frequently on ski slopes, and each accident presents a risk of injury. Although statistics show that head injuries account for only around 15 percent of all snow sport-related injuries, they are the most prevalent cause of death and severe disability.

  1. Head-Related Injury Statistics

    • The American Association of Neurological Surgeons reported 16,948 instances of patients being treated for a head-related injury sustained in a winter sport in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2009. Of these, 6,750 cases involved children aged 14 and younger. According to the AANS, the number of head-related injuries is likely to be considerably higher, but the study did not count many injuries because they went untreated or were treated at a physician's office rather than an emergency room.

    Head Injuries

    • Head injuries can range from relatively minor to very severe. Although minor injuries can include cuts and abrasions, severe injuries can involve suffering a concussion or going into a coma. Concussions range in severity and are graded on a scale from one to three. Typical symptoms include loss of consciousness, memory loss, lack of concentration, dizziness and headaches. A coma refers to when a person is in a state of unconsciousness. For someone who is comatose, the recovery period can vary greatly. Suffering a brain injury can affect motor skills, senses, cognitive functions and a person's speech.

    Protective Helmet Figures

    • According to the 2009/10 National Ski Areas Association Demographic Study, 57 percent of skiers and snowboarders wear helmets, a 9 percent increase from the year before. A breakdown of the overall figures reveals that 86 percent of children aged nine and younger wear helmets, while the rate is 75 percent for children between the age of 10 and 14. Helmets are least popular among the 18- to 24-year-old age group, but the usage rate is up considerably from 2003, when only 18 percent of young adult skiers wore helmets. No state laws mandate the use of helmets, but the NSAA strongly recommends wearing one.

    Finding the Right Helmet

    • Finding a helmet that fits properly is essential. Helmet sizes are measured by the circumference of your head and typically range from 48 to 62 cm. Not all helmets fit the same way. Some are designed for oval-shaped heads, and others are designed for round heads. When fitting a helmet, no large gaps should exist between the helmet lining and your head, and the chin strap should fit tightly. The helmet should not move when you shake your head.