Ski Helmet Safety

Ski helmets are an important part of safety in winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing. They offer protection against injuries to the head, but not for the neck or any other part of the body.

  1. Size

    • In 2000, the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) launched a campaign to educate the public in the importance of buying ski helmets for children in the correct size. Helmets bought in sizes too large for a person's head lose important safety measures.

    Differences

    • According to the Vermont Winter Safety organization, bicycle helmets are sometimes worn by skiers searching for an inexpensive helmet. The Bicycle Safety Institute says bicycle helmets are not created for the types of high-speed collisions associated with winter sports.

    Features

    • Helmets designed for use on ski slopes provide an integrated fit for ski goggles and trap important heat. Bicycle helmets are designed to allow air into the helmet and heat to escape.

    Standards

    • Ski helmets are rated for safety merits, from the least-rigorous CEN 1077 standard created for the European Union to the highest safety rating of the Snell RS-98. The latter has a higher safety rating than required by current standards.

    Obstacles

    • According to the Vermont Winter Safety organization, many skiers still refuse to wear helmets because of appearance and their confidence in their own abilities and experience.