Ski and Snowboard Helmets

• Why wear a helmet?
• Resort rules on helmets
• Choosing the right ski/snowboard helmet
• Getting the right fit

Following the death of Natasha Richardson in the 2008/09 season and a number of other high profile skiing accidents, ski helmets are a hot topic on the slopes this year. Helmets are becoming ever more popular and indeed mandatory in some resorts. In Italian resorts helmets are compulsory for children under 14 non-adherence to which can land you with a fine of up to 150 €. Austria has also recently passed a similar law. However, it really isn't about whether you get caught and fined or not, helmets are there to protect you and Ski Holiday Extras recommends that everyone wears one. This is why we have compiled this useful guide to help you choose the best helmet to suit you. Below you will find all the information you need make the decision about whether to wear a helmet or not and which helmet to choose.

Due to popular demand we have also relaunched our FREE HELMET OFFER for the 2009/10 season: For every ski hire (skis + pole + boots) that you purchase we will supply a free helmet for the duration of your holiday. To claim your free helmet you must first add all the ski hire that you require to your basket, then in the comments box at the checkout please enter FREE HELMET HIRE and the number of helmets required, including of course whether they are adult of child helmets. When you get to resort your helmet will be waiting for you with the rest of your ski hire. See our special offers page for further details.

Why wear a helmet?

The average speed on a straight downhill slope is 20mph; crash into another moving skier and that is a combined speed of 40mph or more! You wouldn't ride a motorbike without a helmet, so why ski without one when the speed involved can be similar?

Austrian resorts predict over 5000 serious head injuries on the pistes this coming season and Swiss resorts report in excess of 150 serious head injuries each day of the season. We aren't trying to scare skiers and snowboarders but these are the hard facts, skiing and snowboarding are extreme sports (hence the need in most cases for additional winter sports insurance) and there are risks involved. These risks can be minimised though with a few precautions here and there. Josef Schmid, of the Austrian skiing federation, supports mandotory wearing of helmets regardless of age or ability: "We recommend that all skiers wear helmets", he said. "It's not just young children - adults also need protection. With the new carving skis, people tend to ski faster and overestimate their abilities. The slopes are very busy; it's safer for everyone if you wear a helmet"

Head injuries account for roughly 10 to 15% of all winter sports injuries. Wearing a ski helmet can help reduce the number and the severity of head injuries. Scientific studies show that between 20% and 60% of head injuries can be avoided simply by wearing a ski helmet. Research from Austria also shows that the number of serious traumatic brain injuries amongst those partaking in winter sports were twice as high among those who were not wearing a helmet.

The figures really do speak for themselves but if you're not convinced and you still think that helmets look a bit uncool then you are mistaken. Helmet use has taken off in the last few years with more and more young skiers and snowboarders making the helmet as much of a must have accessory as a bit of protective kit. Betony Garner, of the Ski Club of Great Britain, says increasing numbers of skiers and snowboarders are seeing the benefit of head protection: "Lots of twentysomethings wear helmets because it makes them look like a freerider". So whether you want it to keep up with the latest fashion trends or you just want to protect yourself this season get out and buy or rent yourself a helmet. If you don't want to spend loads on a new helmet you can rent one through Ski Holiday Extras or make the most of our FREE HELMET OFFER if your getting your ski hire through us

Resort rules on helmets

Italy

It is compulsary for all children under the age of 14 to wear a helmet whilst skiing or snowboarding in Italian resorts. Failure to adhere to the rules will land you with a fine of up to 150 €. Parents are responsible for ensuring their child is wearing a helmet. Adults remain free to choose whether they wear a helmet or not.

Austria

Austrian authorities are set to make the wearing of helmets by children under 15 compulsary this winter. However, each province can make its own decision. Currently only the province of Lower Austria has introduced this rule and at present there are no sanctions for non adherence. Children up to the age of 15 are affected with parents responsible for complying with the rule. Adults continue to be able to make their own decision about wearing a helmet and safety on the pistes. For more information please contact the tourist board in the province to which you are travelling.

France

In French resorts it is not compulsary for anyone to wear a helmet but you should check with individual ski schools if your child needs to wear a helmet during lessons as some ski schools require them and all strongly advise them. Outside of ski school it is not compulsary for children to wear ski helmets and adults remain free to make their own choice about safety on the pistes

Switzerland

At present there are no rules making the wearing of helmets mandatory. However, some resorts are introducing other safety measures. For the past 3 years, a two-kilometre stretch above the resort of Grindelwald has been subject to a 30km/h speed limit. However, this stretch represents about 1% of the total pistes on offer. Swiss resorts are currently focusing on making skiers and snowboarders across all Swiss resorts aware of the rules of conduct skiers and snowboarders are expected to follow, but which many are unaware of.

Andorra

More information shortly

Choosing a helmet

When choosing a helmet there are three standards that you should be aware of. All helmets should carry either a CEN 1077, ASTM or Snell RS-98 certification. The most common standard is the Central European CEN 1077 standard, however, it is the least stringent standard of the three. Helmets undergoing ASTM tests have to undergo a series of tests, including testing the strength of a helmet's retention system under simulated hot, cold and wet conditions. Helmets are subjected to multiple impacts and velocities against all sections of the helmet to determine its performance in the event of a multitude of accidents. Snell RS-98 and S-98 certification standards are tougher still with Snell certified helmets being required to withstand at least 30% more impact force that the CEN 1077 standard. For this reason there are unfortunately very few commercially available helmets which meet the Snell standard. The reason for this being that there is no common international standard enforced by an international body. The bottom line is that if you are going to purchase a helmet you should ensure that it at least meets one of the three recognized standards. You should under no circumstances use bicycle or other sports helmets. Other types of helmets have been specifically designed for other sports and the resulting impacts that might occur. Ski/snowboard helmets have been specifically designed to meet the conditions found on the slopes and afford the user the protection they require.

Getting the right fit

As with most sports equipment all helmets are different and do not fit the same. Helmets and ranges of helmets are designed for all sizes and shapes of head. The best advice is to try them on before you buy or rent them. If your looking to save money, see if you can try them in resort or a winter sports shop in the UK and then purchase them on the internet. Below you will find our fitting guide, giving you step by step instructions on how to fit a helmet correctly and also a guide to the sizing charts of the main manufacturers to save you time when trying on different helmets.

Helmet sizing is quite simple. The size of a helmet is determined by the circumference (how many centimetres around) of your head. You should use a tape measure and measure around your head with the tape measure placed just above your eyebrows. For children it is very important to not add too much to account for growth. A loose helmet will not provide the necessary protection and can actually be dangerous. Children's heads grow relatively slowly so it is better to purchase a helmet which fits than one they will grow into. The only time you may wish to go up a size is if your child is right in-between sizes. Then you can select the larger helmet.

Fitting guide

Measuring the circumference of your head - To determine the correct size, wrap a tape measure around your head, placing the tape just above eyebrows. Note your size at point of overlap. This is your helmet size.

Putting On Helmet - Align the front rim of the helmet above your eyebrows. Hold the straps on both sides and roll the helmet over the back of your head.

No Gaps - Pads should be flush against your cheeks, side of your head and forehead. The back of your helmet should NOT touch the nape of your neck.

Roll Test - With the chin strap correctly fastened the helmet should feel snug and comfortable. Try rolling the helmet off your head. If the skin on your forehead moves, then the helmet fits correctly.

Try with goggles - You should always take your goggles along to try with your helmet. Make sure that your goggles fit your face whilst you are wearing the helmet.

Manufacturers sizing charts

Typically, as with clothing and other protective gear, each manufacturer has a slightly different size chart. To help you out and save you time trying on helmets you think should fit but which don’t we have collated a comparison of the main manufacturers sizing charts below.