What to Look for When Buying a Ski Helmet

It is important that all skiers and snowboarders wear head protection such as a ski helmet or snowboarding helmet.. The leading cause of death and disability in children is head injuries. It is also the most common cause of death among both skiers and snowboarders alike. It has been said that a bump on the head may lead to a concussion, which in turn has the potential to lead to many other difficulties later on in life. Among these many difficulties that are inherent to head injuries are learning disabilities, along with behavioral and emotional problems. The worst being head injuries that can easily end up in death. Ski/snowboarding helmets can help prevent these head injuries.

Most winter sports that involve speed such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and even cross country skiing involve a potential to receiving head injuries. Any falls when reaching speeds of 35 to 45 KPH create an impact that will most certainly result in a serious injury. Ski helmets will help to prevent these serious injuries from happening. So what are you going to be doing in order to protect yourself this winter?

What Should I Look for in a Helmet?

The first question is to ask who should be wearing a ski helmet. Take a look at any sport professionals and if they are wearing a helmet, then you should be wearing one to. This applies to both children and to adults.

• The first thing to look for when buying a helmet is to look for some sort of a label that indicates that the helmet has been certified by a safety standard. In the USA it is the ASTM (Americam Standard), in Canada it is the CSA (Canadian Standard), in Europe the CE (European safety seal). These labels will let you know that the helmet has been approved for safety.
• It is imperative that you make sure you get the proper helmet for the proper sport. Bike, hockey and skiing (snowboarding) helmet are specifically designed for each sport and should not be intermixed. When you are either skiing or snowboarding you are going fast and the helmet you purcased has to withstand a greater impact. In addition the helmet used in skiing or snowboarding covers more of the back of the head since most accidents involve backward falls.
• Avoid buying any helmet that does not have any certification.
• Since all helmets have a certification and they meet the same standards, they will provide you with the protection you need whether they are fancy or not.

Make sure the Helmet Fits

Whatever type of helmet you purchase make sure that it is a proper fit. Most ski helmets come in three sizes with fillers for the in-between heads.

• For a child, do not buy a large one think he/she will grow into it.
• Make sure that the helmet fits snugly and when the chin strap is tightened you can only fit one finger between the strap and the chin. When you shake the head back and forth sideways or up and down there should be no movement in the helmet. (see video on other page)
• Make sure if you are wearing goggles that they fit properly on the helmet.

Do you Need to Replace a Helmet?

• Some of the helmets are only meant to withstand a single accident. You should check the manufacturers instructions to see if yours is a multiple or single impact helmet.
• Also check the manufactures instruction to see if the helmet has a life span. Depending on the materials used in the manufacturing process, some will tend to deteriorate over time with exposure to weather temperature and UV rays.
• Whatever you do, do not buy a second hand helmet. You will have no idea if it has ever been in a crash before.

Looking for a Ski Helmet? Check out these Cheap Ski Helmets.

More Information on Head Injuries and Helmets.

Helmets Saves Lives, Injury Free Zone, safety games and videos for kids.

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