Sporting helmets on the slopes

It’s time to welcome the sun, shed the down jacket and work on that goggle tan — spring skiing and snowboarding have arrived. The one thing that many alpine enthusiasts don’t seem to be shedding, though, is their helmets. 

Helmets, it seems, are becoming a popular piece of equipment on the slopes. And maybe for good reason — a ski- or snowboard-specific helmet may reduce the risk of head injuries in minor accidents. As a rule, competitive international alpine skiers and snowboarders don’t practice or race without one. Competitors are not permitted to start any International Ski Federation (FIS) competition without wearing a crash helmet that conforms to the FIS competition equipment specifications. 

Haute couture helmets 

With international competitors as role models for injury prevention, perhaps recreational skiers are inspired to buy the protective head gear. With helmets being purchased from a safety aspect, they’re also hitting ski shop shelves in fun colours and styles, and some are even made to insulate from the cold in place of a hat. As the temperatures warm, some even have vents that open to allow a cool breeze to flow through. 

Swiss alpine superstar Didier Cuche has a head for helmet style. The top of his helmets have one mean looking set of wind-burnt eyeballs painted on top. Or there’s Japan’s Itaru Chimura who stylishly sped through the men’s snowboard cross finals at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games with red swirls of colour on his helmet. 

Function and aesthetic appeal play a role but helmet fit should be the most important aspect. If it fits right, it won’t move, protecting what’s most important. Plus it's important to find a tested and reputable brand.

Individual decision 

Like the policies at many of Canada’s recreational ski hills, the Canadian Ski Council is leaving the decision to wear a helmet up to individuals. While helmets won’t protect skiers and snowboarders from every type of accident or injury, Canadian Ski Council president Colin Chedore said he wouldn’t feel as comfortable skiing if he didn’t wear one. 

 “I am 90 per cent deaf in one ear because I fell getting off a lift once and banged the back of my head,” said Chedore. “I don’t know if I would have still injured my ear if I was wearing a helmet; but I wear a helmet, I feel better with it, and I like it. People are wearing them more and more and it’s not a legal thing. It’s the way society’s changing. You can’t take more chances because you’re wearing one,” said Chedore. 

The Canadian Ski Patrol System as well leaves the decision to wear a helmet up to skiers and snowboarders; however, the organization encourages people to wear one.  

“This is a personal anecdote, but they are good protection for small type events,” said Canadian Ski Patrol System president, John Leu. “In other words, if someone hits you with their equipment or you have a small fall. I personally wear it.” 

Helmet or not, it’s important to still ski and snowboard responsibly . . .  and have fun on the slopes this spring.