[Closed] Skiing Helmets - does everyone wear them now?

Skiers dont tend to, but most snowboarders do.... My friend was concussed on out first snowboarding holiday by crashing on his head, we have all worn helmets since...

Do you wear a bike helmet?

Seeing as you ski faster than you bike and ice is harder than dirt, its a no-brainer.

Same in Italy for 14 and under IIRC

I'm planning on wearing one this year, but it will be the Bell one that I wear for dirt jumps and wakboarding. Last time I used a hire one it smalled like someone had taken a wee in it.

I wear one, irrespective of whatever the evidence base is/isn't dont really fancy a ski boot or a snowboard or a runaway ski etc.. hitting me in the noggin. I wouldn't go down same slopes on bike without one and I probably go faster on ski's too, so for me its a bit of a no brainer. I'm a skier btw.

Im a skier and I wear one most of the time, however it does depend on what type of skiing im planning on doing on that day and who Im skiing with.

Yep

I've worn one for 10 years, after getting flown down the hill after a silly fall but bashing my head.

After that the way I saw it and still do ... is that I go faster and much higher and further on my snowboard than I ever do on my bike... and I wonldn't dream of going out without my slid lid on, when going out biking.

The Giro G10 (i think) is lovely this year... white with tan leather ... Mmmm

I suggest getting one with a movable visor (sp) Keeps the sun out of your eyes and keeps snow,when it's dumping, off your goggles.

It's not really abolut what everyone else is doing. However, your observation is right, it does seem to be more prevailant these days. I wore a snowboarding helmet for the first time last year (always had wrist guards and impact shorts befor that) and felt so much safer. I wouldn't board without one now.

I started to wear one after seeing stars and feeling sick after a good snowboard crash, always wear it both skiing and snowboarding. Makes you feel completely invincible with a helmet on while skiing. They are also really warm when coupled with googles they are brilliant when its really cold. Think within a year or 2 they will be the norm and their will be a few folks not wearing them.

Their is stories every year of really experienced skiiers coming a cropper normally from a small fall resulting in hitting their head.

They are cheap and in my opinion look pretty cool as well.

I felt really vulnerable last year without one. I've never worn one before and then suddenly thought 'what the hell am i doing?'

I always wear one skiing - not only does it protect you if you fall on something hard but it keeps your head warm and looks better than the stupid bobble hats people used to wear. Most people doing any sort of serious skiing seem to wear them these days, just as most serious cyclists wear them. Not sure why there's a fashion for matt black helmets though; first time the sun comes out you'll boil your head.

Last year I skiied with a group off piste one day with a local guide; coming off the mountain at the end of the day one guy without a helmet fell over as he dropped back onto the piste and was taken off the mountain with concussion. Next day the guiding company had made helmets compulsory...

Been boarding for more than 15 years (the usual 2 weeks a year plus the odd snowdome or Glenshee trip).
I got a helmet because they are compulsory in snowdomes and if you don't have your own you have to share with sweaty teenagers 😐

I wear it while in the mountains too. Might as well since I own it.
Controversially I don't think it makes me any safer (risk compensation and all that) but it is comfy, keep my ears warm and my goggles in place.

Yup, i wear one, i have hit my head once or twice hard enough to see stars, glad i had it on.

I wear one all the time now. I was taken out by an idiot and dislocated my shoulder the year before last. I banged my head quite badly as well as I was going quite fast.

helmet +1 here too 🙂 even if your own skiing/snowboarding is safe and awesome, another rider/skier might not be and when they crash into you putting you down hard on the back of your head its (in my humble opinion) much more comfortable with a helmet on.

I live in Switzerland and ski a large number of different resorts averaging about 40 days a year so I get to see a fairly good representation of how it is here in Switzerland.

The vast majority of people (more than 80% from rough counts I've done standing in lift ques) wear them now. The people that don't are usually tourists... and of those tourists I reckon the largest group to not wear them are English tourists. Everyone I ski with wears one.

Anecdotally, the people who put up the biggest arguments about not wearing helmets are the ones who think they are good, but in reality are not as good as they think they are! The really good skiers all wear them and the ones that have a good estimation of their ability all seem to wear them.

id say most people wear them now. you are definitely in the minority if you haven't got one on. reasons for getting one:

1) protection
2) warmth (keep whole head (and ears) warmer than a hat)
3) look better than hats

Yep I wear on and had a big smash were I broke my collar bone and smacked my head at the same time. Saw stars and nearly passed out even with the helmet on. Would probably have hurt more if I was not wearing it 🙂

I noticed the other day you can get a hat with D30 armour in it, did make me chuckle. I think I would want a hard shell if skiing off piste with rocks about etc.

Off for two weeks from the 23rd of December 🙂 cant wait 🙂

Bazzer

Best check with TJ before making your final decision.

I got a Bern helmet for Austria last year and wouldn't be without it now. Way more comfortable and warmer than a beanie. Makes me fasterer too. What prompted me to get one, was seeing some poor chap with a nasty head gash caused by someone elses ski edge. Blood soaked snow is certainly a sobering sight. I would say last year more people than not were wearing them in Austria.

Wear one if you're planning on doing a spot of downhill or super-g.

Otherwise, don't bother.

The biggest cause of death in car accidents is head injury but we don't wear helmets whilst driving do we?

Anecdotally, the people who put up the biggest arguments about not wearing helmets are the ones who think they are good, but in reality are not as good as they think they are! The really good skiers all wear them and the ones that have a good estimation of their ability all seem to wear them.

Interesting point ir12daveor but I'm probably a much better skier than I think I am 😉

Otherwise, don't bother.

Please listen to the sensible advice rather than to this.

After seeing my mate in a coma I wear mine all the time now.

Sorry to be blunt but its a case of:

If you don't [b]think[/b] you need a helmet, then you probably don't !!!

ie, Have you got anything you (or significant others) would consider worth protecting?

Our kids have always worn them but, to be honest, the penny only dropped for me about 5 years ago. Since then the wife and I have worn them too. Now I'd feel vulnerable without. I've seen too many accidents where it would have made all the difference between laughing it off and being carried off.

I'd say the chances of somebody else hitting you are much higher on skis than when you're on a bike.
You're probably also likely to be going much faster on skis than on wheels.

Last year, one of the kids in our party took a big fall, failing spectacularly to land a massive jump (maybe 20m+)
She went down HARD on her back and hit the back of her head in the process.
Her helmet definately served its purpose but unfortunately she was evacuated for suspected spinal. (Thankfully later given the all clear)

My eldest is now after a spine protector for christmas as he's still narked that she outjumped him (even if she didn't land it).

Get one!

I used to wear one racing, but have never warn one free skiing. The only head injury I have had was falling in GS practice where I high sided, I still got concussed but I guess the helmet stopped my head from splitting open.

They are definately a skill compensator though, and encourage you to go quicker than your ability etc etc, and over the last few years people do appear to be going quicker than their ability, and it tends to be the ones wearing helemts.

IMO learn to fall properly that wil save you from many injuries.

I would love to see the data from snowdomes which proves that compulsory helemts prevent accidents, and that in fact head injuries are one of the major injuries that people get a snow domes. I'm sure its probably more about being able to make a few more quid by renting them out.

"Last year, one of the kids in our party took a big fall, failing spectacularly to land a massive jump (maybe 20m+)
She went down HARD on her back and hit the back of her head in the process.
Her helmet definately served its purpose but unfortunately she was evacuated for suspected spinal. (Thankfully later given the all clear)

My eldest is now after a spine protector for christmas as he's still narked that she outjumped him (even if she didn't land it)."

"Now I'd feel vulnerable without"

Thats exactly what I mean !! Shouldn't they learn to jump 20m safely first before attempting a 20m jump???

Feeling vunerable is good, it lets you know where your limits are.

IMO learn to fall properly that wil save you from many injuries

The serious injuries occur when you are suddenly hit by someone else or suddenly crash due to hitting ice or catching an edge etc, you can't learn to fall properly in these circumstances as it happens too quickley. Most accidents happen when people are actually going slowly and not concentrating, usually after having just skied hard or at speed as you perceive the danger to be over.

Please listen to the sensible advice rather than to this.

Each to their own.

The OP says he's not that bothered but will wear if everyone else is. That's fine.

Personally, I wouldn't bother. The OP has skied before without one and survived hasn't he? I've skied for over 20yrs without one (except for doing some GS races). I'm not skiing at my limit on a public piste so the risk of a major crash is very small so I'm happy to accept that level of risk. It's one more piece of extra clobber I can do without.

I wear a helmet and a back protector. I hope that I don't need either but I would rather they were there and not use them than need them when they're not.

FunkyDunc,
In her case, the problem was that she wasn't trying to do a 20m jump!!! (It should have been shorter) She just went too fast at the takeoff.
That kind of illustrates my point, which is that sometimes you get it wrong and sometimes other people get it wrong. Either way, I'd rather have the benefit of the protection.

The OP has skied before without one and survived hasn't he?

Fantastic reasoning. Ignore me, carry on. 😯

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natasha_Richardson

But I am sure there are hundreds of people who fall over and don't die. Just like on a bike.

I protect my head cause it earns me my money.

Dom

I was at Glenshee on Saturday when I got smacked in the face by a returning Poma. I now have 8 stitches above my eyebrow, a chipped tooth, a nasty cut/swelling on my lip and don't remember hitting the ground when I fell.

I wish I had a helmet on!

Feeling vunerable is good, it lets you know where your limits are.

This assumes that you are happy with where you think your limits are.

Yeah, there's a skills compensator element to it but you can't conversely say that you'll get better skills if you ski without.
It's not like the "big forks" debate.

In Sweden and Finland the resort hire shops normally have a big bucket of helmets for people to borrow for free or for a small fee. The warmth aspect is a big bonus but after a couple of near misses with trees trying to keep up with my kids I can see the real value as well.

OP be aware that sizes are a total hit and miss affair between the manufacturers. I've got a Xen for the bike but hate the fit of the Giro ski helmets I've tried.

I have worn a helmet for the last 2 seasons after a trip to canada. My last 2 trips to austria and france have seen the american/canadian trend of helmets being the norm and wooly hats being the odd ones out now, its good to see. Only a few years ago it was the total reverse.

I actualy prefer wearing my helmet with goggles, as it has a goggle reataing strap on the back, so i cant loose my goggles when wearing them on my forehead on lifts etc as i could with my hat. Also goves me some where to mount the go-pro.

Wow great response thanks. Seems like an overwhelming case for wearing a helmet so will definitely buy one.

Keeps head warm
Keeps headphone speakers in place
Keeps brain in skull
Keeps googles in place

its all good

Feeling vunerable is good, it lets you know where your limits are.

Yep that why I said they don't reduce risk (for me anyway). When someone says "I wouldn't ride rails/boxes/trees/pipe/backcountry without a helmet" then they are openly admitting that having a helmet is exposing them to risks they otherwise would not take.

I'm honest with myself: I wear impact shorts and a helmet because it let's me try stuff that I may otherwise reconsider.

I would love to see the data from snowdomes which proves that compulsory helemts prevent accidents, and that in fact head injuries are one of the major injuries that people get a snow domes. I'm sure its probably more about being able to make a few more quid by renting them out.

Nope. In Xscape they are free. As is board/boot rental. You can bring your own gear but it doesn't alter the price (just the hygiene!)

bigsurfer - Member

............. Makes you feel completely invincible with a helmet on while skiing............

Do you guys not think this attitude is at least questionable? Are you more likely to crash when you " feel invincible"

Like cycling - make an informed choice depending on the real risks and benefits.

Like cycling please don't think you will be invulnerable if you wear one.

Whats the evidence base like for ski / snowboard helmets? I have never seen any research but I know that the helmets perform better in oblique impacts - less rotation from the cycle helmets comparison.

Just anecdotally there would appear to e more head inpacts in skiing / snowboarding - would that seem fair?

Whats the evidence base like for ski / snowboard helmets? I have never seen any research but I know that the helmets perform better in oblique impacts - less rotation from the cycle helmets comparison.

🙄

Please stop.

Why? I am asking a question and giving some info that I have. Not seen any specific stuff on snowsports helmets apart from one set of comparisons on oblique impacts where the snowsports helments outperformed the cycle helmet.

Ok, to humour you, take a look at some research that Dr. Stewart Levy has done - he is the chief of neurosurgery and neurotrauma at St. Anthony Central Hospital in Denver, Colorado and a close friend of the family. His research is suggesting about a 60% reduction in serious head trauma and an 80% reduction in fatalities with the use of helmets in North America.

About 15,000 people in the US alone get taken off the mountain each year with a head injury.

TJ: I'm with you on Risk Compensation, but there is definitely a decent case for injury prevention by snow helmets: low speed prat falls and being hit by equipment are pretty common and are the kind of things where helmets are good at limiting injury.

About 15,000 people in the US alone get taken off the mountain each year with a head injury.

Sounds like a lot of people.

any clues how it compares per hour / mile / whatever with cycling?

Graham = sounds fair enough.

TJ, some reading for you...

Ta

Sounds alot to me as well, and begs the question what the hell are people doing to have so many injuries that involve their heads?

If 15,000 people are getting carted off the hill each year with head injuries, then obviously helmets are not making it much safer. Either people need to improve their skills or all dangerous items on the slopes need to be removed.. even if this means limiting the number of people allowed on the slopes.

How the hell did we cope before helemts??

From what I (vaguely) remember, snowsports helmets require more side impact protection to pass their required standards (compared to cycle helmets.

The forward rotating / over the bars scenario seems to be the main consideration in cycle helmet design (and criticism :wink:), but I am fairly sure that ski helmet design gives more consideration to side impact.

I've worn one for the last few years. Never used to, but returning to skking after a mainly mtb'ing kid break, I felt naked without it.

As others have said - what's not to like. Warm, comfortable, good goggle mount, skullcandy side pads and even reasonably stylish 😀

And yes, helpful with flying equipment - in my case an over energetic poma lift release

funkyduc - don't forget that is in the states - so a lot of folk skiing / boarding and also many of those will be minor injuries being evacuated as a precaution.

That summary of research LHS points to is very interesting.

From what I (vaguely) remember, snowsports helmets require more side impact protection to pass their required standards (compared to cycle helmets.

The area at the rear of the helmet is the primary point of impact for most ski accidents, usually falling backwards and impacting on the rear of the head. Ski helmets are designed with more side protection, but this is primarily aimed at minor oblique scuffs rather than hard impacts.

15,000 does sound like a lot but you need to take into account that head injuries are characterised as:

Head impact trauma
Neck compression trauma
Neck whiplash trauma
Laceration to soft tissue
Burn to soft tissue
Impact to nasal and chin areas
Impact from foreign object (ski pole, tree branch etc)

How the hell did we cope before helemts??

The area at the rear of the helmet is the primary point of impact for most ski accidents, usually falling backwards and impacting on the rear of the head

TBH having skied for a very long time, it never occurs to me to wear a helmet unless I plan on doing some tree skiing. On the other hand, when boarding it is reversed and I wear a helmet nearly all the time as the 'fall mechanics' are very different and the chances of an occipital impact are much higher.

I would [b]hate[/b] helmet wearing to be compulsory.

wearing a helmet makes perfect sense.

I learned and got to intermediate without one. Now I'm doing hard stuff wear it all the time. Keeps me head warm and has saved a few nasty bangs off piste.

I always wear one, barely notice it's there and as I'd wear a hat anyway, it's no bother at all.

I wear a helmet whilst skiing in case some drunken tw*t wipes me out. I was the first in our group to wear one and my mates took the p1ss until I got wiped out by some daft Frenchie and the helmet ended up with a fairly big dent. Pretty much all our group wear them now, even the ones who worry about how their hair looks!

not everywhere its illegal here in austria 😉

there is no1 controlling for helemts for under any age.

i went last week and i saw older people with them ie 50+ and mostly girl boarders but myself and partner both dont wear one and alot of friends also not, but then again in sölden more wear than not and here in stubai not so many. think it just depends on people.

but as for a law 😉 aint seen that yet enforced 😉

I wear one. Not because I'm concerned about my own ability, but because I'm concerned about everybody else and their ability. The most dangerous place on the mountain is the intermediate areas because the skiers there are between levels attempting to get better but maybe skiing slopes above their control level. We have to wear helmets when teaching as per Vail Resorts.

I LOL at those people above feeling they need to give reasons of seeing someone fall nasty last year or "I fell and hurt myself last year, so that's why I decided to wear a helmet", so you never had a fall or saw someone fall and hurt themselves 3 years ago and before?.
There's no shame in admitting to being a fashion victim you know, especially when the new fashion actually improves your safety.

There's no shame in admitting to being a fashion victim you know, especially when the new fashion actually improves your safety.

But I seriously look a knob in mine. Is that being a fashion victim? I thought the idea was to look cooler?

I just take my cycling p1sspot and put a balaclava under it Mace Solo and I have tunes to 🙄

http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/199/550121/mace-trigger-solo-helmet--with-speakers-.html

I look like I've left my panzer in the car park but hey......

A woman hit me very hard a few years ago - 8 stone traveling at speed hitting nearly 16 stone stationary - she did bounce along way and I will admit it knocked the wind out of me as there was no warning. if it had been a fat bloke it would have smarted abit/alot.