Why You Should Always Wear a Helmet While Skiing

Alpine skiing is a great sport. It keeps you active in the cold weather, and learning to ski can be empowering. Wearing a ski helmet is an excellent piece of equipment at any skill level, but it should not encourage a skier to ski beyond his ability.

  1. Staying Warm

    • Helmets can insulate against winter winds and protect the ears from frostbite. Using a helmet will reduce exposure to the cold and allow you to stay on the slopes longer.

    Risk of Injury

    • Ski resorts are seeing more traffic, making collisions more likely. Advanced skiers might feel a helmet is not necessary because they almost never fall. Although most skiing injuries involve broken legs, a head injury involves more damaging, and possibly deadly, results.

    Habits are Hard to Break

    • Anyone who learned to ski 20 years ago might not remember needing a helmet as part of their gear. New skiers are now encouraged to wear helmets. Aggressive skiing is discouraged.

    Glades

    • Expert skiers who ski in the woods should always use a helmet. Glades skiing involves making more accurate turns and staying in control while going down the mountain through the trees.

    Imperfect Conditions

    • Some factors that could necessitate a helmet for any level of skier include icy terrain, potential for avalanche and crowded slopes. The potential for a severe head injury resulting in permanent brain damage is greatly reduced with this simple piece of equipment.