How Important Is That Ski Helmet, Really?

Fortunately for winter sports fans, Utah has seen a lot of snow this year. When I was growing up in the 80s, I never wore a helmet while skiing or sledding, nor do I remember seeing anyone else wear one. Now my whole family is expected to wear a helmet when they are on the hill.

While helmets are used more widely today, the numbers of those who don’t wear them may still surprise you. According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), only about 70 percent of all skiers and snowboarders wear helmets on the slopes. The numbers are better for kids - 90 percent of children nine years old and younger wear helmets. At some resorts, helmets are mandatory for children taking lessons and many resorts offer inexpensive helmet rentals.

The main reason people don’t wear helmets? They don’t really expect to fall or crash. Either they have great confidence in their abilities or they have the “invincible mentality.” Also, a surprising number of snow sports enthusiasts are still not convinced that helmets reduce overall injury risk. Some worry that a helmet could reduce peripheral vision, hearing and reaction times making them slower and clumsy. They worry that it may even cause people to take risks on the slopes. Researchers have studied these concerns and in almost all instances, helmets have proven their value.

The importance of wearing a helmet seems obvious. A helmet can, if worn properly, reduce the risk of a serious head injury by as much as 60 percent. Studies have also shown that helmet usage does not increase risky behavior.

Here are some tips for purchasing or renting a helmet for your child or yourself:

1. Make sure it fits properly. A ski helmet is not something a child should grow into. It’s important that it fits snugly and is secured with the helmet strap. Not all helmets fit the same, so it’s important to try on several different brands and styles to find the one that fits the best.
2. Helmets designed for other uses (bike, football, etc.) should not be used on the slopes. Be sure the helmet you choose meets the specific design and safety criteria for snowboarding and skiing.
3. Before buying a helmet, spend time researching helmet manufacturer websites for design, fitting instructions and other specifications.

Have fun on the slopes and remember to be safe!

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