Safety on the Ski Slopes - Ski Helmets

In the past helmets were seen as pretty uncool but now, thankfully, they are the must-have piece of gear. So if you are starting to think about your kit for next season and have as yet to have purchased a helmet here are a few things to think about.

Why should I wear a helmet?

Wearing a helmet can protect your head from serious injury if you have a fall on the slopes. They are not just for those that push themselves to the limits off piste and on the halfpipe, even a simple fall on a nursery slope can result in a head injury, as was highlighted with the tragic case of Natasha Richardson earlier this year.

If you still need persuading after all of that then they also have the added bonus of keeping your head really warm during those cold January blizzards and the most modern versions can integrate things like mp3 players and cameras!

What should I look for in a good helmet?

You should make sure that if you do buy a helmet it meets an approved safety standard (a CE, ASTM or Snell RS-98 certification). In addition to that you want to make sure that its a really good fit.

How do I know if it fits properly?

Follow these 6 steps to choose your helmet:

1. Measure the circumference of your head, this will determine your helmet size. All good stores will do this for you, even if you decide to buy online it may be worth getting a proper measurement in your local ski wear shop first.
2. Try on the helmet and align the front rim above your eyebrows holding both straps until the helmet fits well.
3. The right helmet should fit snugly and there should not be any gaps that allow it to wiggle around.
4. Make sure the helmet does not touch the nape of your neck.
5. Finally try on a pair of your goggles with the helmet and make sure it still feels comfortable and that your goggles do not push your helmet up.
6. Take your time - you would not rush buying a pair of boots!

Should I buy or rent one?

Its much better to buy your own helmet than to rent one, although obviously renting one is better than not wearing one at all. You know how rushed it can be in a rental shop on a Sunday morning when everyone's desperate to get out on the slopes, you are much more likely to spend time on finding a helmet that fits perfectly if you are buying one before you head out to the snow. Also, rented ones may well have been knocked around a bit and that can weaken their ability to keep your head safe.

How long will a helmet last for?

If you have an accident which results in a significant impact on your helmet you should replace it, otherwise a good helmet can last for years.

And finally, please remember that if you do buy a helmet it does not automatically give you super powers, you still need to take care on the slopes!

Liz is a writer on the Ski Concierge blog http://www.ski-concierge.com/blog, which is your independent guide to all things skiing. ----------------------------------------------- For more on Ski Safety, see www.bestskisource.com.