Safety. That’s the key word when it comes to ski helmets. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced skier, you run the risk of taking an unexpected fall and hitting your head. It is essential to protect yourself as best you can to ensure that your experience on the snow is as safe as possible.
There are many different types and brands of ski helmets, including full-face helmets, half-shell helmets, open-face helmets, and hybrid helmets. Full-face helmets offer the most protection and coverage, while half-shell helmets offer slightly less coverage and protection. Open helmets offer the least coverage and protection, but are still a good choice for those who want a lighter, more breathable helmet. Hybrid helmets combine the features of full-face and half-shell helmets, offering more coverage and protection than open helmets, but less than full-face helmets.
Tips for choosing a ski helmet
Choosing the right size helmet for skiing and snowboarding
It is very important to choose the ski helmet that best fits your head. To find out your size, you can visit a specialist shop and ask for help, or you can do it yourself by measuring the circumference of your head about 2 cm above your eyebrows. The tape measure should go around the back of your head. One important thing to keep in mind is that depending on the helmet brand and even the helmet you choose within the brand itself, the centimetres associated with each size may vary, as well as the range of sizes available. The most common sizes are as follows:
- XS: 49 – 52 cm
- S: 52 – 55 cm
- M: 55 – 59 cm
- L: 59 – 62 cm
Some brands of ski helmets offer a larger size, and we recommend that you carefully review the size guides that each brand provides individually and clearly on each of its helmets.
If the helmet size is not suited to the size of the head, the helmet’s effectiveness will be compromised. Therefore, to choose the right helmet, it must be comfortable for the person wearing it. This is essential for enjoying yourself on the ski slopes.
Adjustment system
In general, the helmet fastening system is based on the strap that fastens under the chin and the adjustment dials located at the back of the helmet. You will need to adjust the length of the strap and the position of the dial to secure the helmet on your head. The helmet should not move, but be careful not to tighten it too much and lose comfort, which is essential for wearing the helmet during hours of sport.
Some helmets now feature the BOA® Fit System, an improved adjustment system that ensures total comfort when wearing this safety equipment.
Ski goggles complementary to helmet
It is important to choose good goggles that fit your ski helmet perfectly. In general, all goggles and helmets are compatible, so that both safety items are secure, but if you want to ensure maximum compatibility, many brands offer helmets and goggles as a set. Another option you may want to consider is purchasing a ski helmet with a visor and skipping the need to buy goggles separately. Nowadays, you can find ski helmets with visors of very high quality.
For standalone ski goggles and ski helmets with visors, we suggest you take a look at Bollé ski goggles. Many of their products are currently equipped with Phantom, the first photochromic lens that will protect your eyes in all weather conditions.
In summary, we consider ski goggles to be another very important piece of equipment for skiing and for your safety.
Weight and ventilation characteristics are closely linked to the different technologies that can be used in the manufacture of ski helmets. These are ABS, In-Mold, Hybrid and MIPS technologies, which we will discuss later.
Avoid using equipment that is too heavy.
Avoid choosing headphones that are too heavy, as this will prevent discomfort in your neck and shoulders. You will be able to wear the headphones for hours without any problems. A normal weight for your headset is between 400 and 500 grams, and we can then talk about lightweight headsets or ultra-lightweight headsets weighing less than 400 grams.
Choose a ski helmet with good ventilation.
Avoid letting heat, humidity and sweat build up by choosing options with a good ventilation system. These ventilation holes in the helmet can be fixed, meaning they are always open, or adjustable. Today, many brands have incorporated the second option, a clear example being Bollé ski helmets. These have an adjustable ventilation system, called adjustable ventilation, which allows you to change the amount of air that passes through the helmet.
The regulations on ski helmets
Ski helmets, like motorcycle helmets, must protect the wearer’s head from impact. The European standard EN 1077:2007 focuses on two different types of helmet protection, class A and class B.
Class A and Class B helmets
The main difference with Class B helmets is that Class A helmets must cover the ear area.
However, Class B helmets do not need to comply with ear coverage requirements.
Approval tests
According to these regulations, helmets must pass a series of tests in order to be approved:
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- The fastening system must prevent the helmet from moving from its initial position and, in the event of an accident, must release easily.
- As an essential requirement, the helmet’s impact absorption capacity must be excellent. This capacity is tested by performing impact simulations.
- Ensure that the helmet does not restrict the skier’s field of vision.
- The helmet must be capable of protecting all vulnerable parts of the head.
- The helmet must be resistant to any perforation that could be caused by any sharp object, such as a stick.
- All helmets must be durable. To test its durability, the helmet is subjected to certain tests, including impact absorption, perforation and artificial ageing tests, during which the helmet will be exposed to extreme temperatures and ultraviolet rays.
FIS Standard RH2013
Because this standard is focused on competitive skiing and snowboarding, the requirements that helmets must meet are higher. For example, speed tests are conducted at higher speeds, and competition helmets must be Class A helmets.
Finally, there is also the American standard ASTM F2040. It should be noted that this standard and the European standard differ in certain approval tests. However, helmets can be manufactured with both certificates.
Are ski helmets compulsory?
According to French ski resort regulations, wearing a ski helmet is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended.
A 2010 study entitled “The effectiveness of helmet wear in skiers and snowboarders: a systematic review” revealed that wearing a helmet in these sports significantly reduced the likelihood of suffering head injuries, ranging from 15% to 60% depending on whether or not this safety equipment was used. They also found that skiers and snowboarders involved in accidents who wore helmets were significantly less likely to lose consciousness.
Another study, conducted in 2002 and entitled “Effect of helmet wear on the incidence of head/face and cervical spine injuries in young skiers and snowboarders”, assessed the condition of 70 children who had been involved in a skiing or snowboarding accident and found that of the 56 who required medical treatment, 17 children (30%) were wearing helmets and 39 (70%) were not.
Ski helmets are there to protect you from possible blows caused by falls and unexpected impacts. Therefore, although it is not compulsory, it is always advisable to wear a helmet. People often say that it only happens to others, but it is better to be prepared and wear a helmet than to risk a serious accident.
Types of ski helmets: how to choose the right one?
There are many types of helmets for skiing and snowboarding. There are ski helmets for men, ski helmets for women and ski helmets for children. As you can imagine, there are a large number of brands that also manufacture helmets. Although it is not highly recommended for hygiene reasons, some ski shops offer ski helmet hire, which is usually included in the ski equipment hire. In any case, if you are considering hiring or buying a helmet, first ask yourself the following question.
The characteristics of the helmet vary depending on how you intend to use it. It should be noted that there are generally no technical differences between ski helmets and snowboard helmets, but it is important to know the basic characteristics of a helmet depending on the type of skiing you choose.
Alpine skiing
Choosing a helmet for seasonal sports is the easiest option because it depends on your situation, i.e. your level of experience and the protection you decide to wear, since it is not mandatory safety equipment. However, it must always be approved. You can find a wide variety of models, in terms of size, weight, ventilation, level of protection, and price (remember the types of helmet classes mentioned above), and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Competitive skiing
At this stage, the most important thing to know is that regulations are changing. Wearing a helmet is mandatory in ski competitions. According to FIS regulations (International Ski Federation), participants must wear a helmet in each discipline, in accordance with the specifications indicated for competition equipment. In general, these helmets must have a high level of protection. Choose your competition discipline and helmet according to the standard.
Freeride
Freeriding, in general, consists of skiing or snowboarding off-piste, for which you must first master traditional techniques. In general, the helmets recommended for this type of skiing or snowboarding are lightweight and equipped with a good ventilation system.
Ski touring or Skimo
Also known as skimo, this activity can be divided into two main parts. Firstly, the aim is to climb the mountain on foot, and secondly, to descend it on skis, choosing the right areas. This activity is not recommended for beginners; it is advisable to have a medium to high level of experience on skis.
After explaining the basics, helmets designed for this sport must be ultralight and equipped with an excellent ventilation system. These helmets, especially when used in competition, must have dual certification, the EN 1077:2007 standard mentioned above, in this case complying with the characteristics of class B helmets, and the EN 12492:2012 standard for climbing and mountaineering helmets.
Freestyle
This style is characterised by acrobatics, jumps and various tricks in which the skier demonstrates their skill and ability to improvise with the snow and various obstacles. Helmets for this discipline must offer a high level of protection due to the high risk of falling.
Ski helmets and their manufacturing technology
First, we will discuss three types of helmets associated with the technology used in their manufacture: ABS helmets, In-Mold helmets and hybrid helmets. Next, we will discuss a protection system called MIPS®, which can be incorporated into the helmet’s construction.
ABS helmets
This type of helmet consists of an ABS outer shell and protective foam padding made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), a very lightweight material. The acronym ABS refers to a type of plastic called acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a material characterised by its high impact resistance, which is the main feature of ABS helmets. Ski helmets manufactured with this technology are characterised by their high resistance. It is important to note that they have less ventilation and are not considered lightweight helmets compared to others, but if you are looking for resistance, guaranteed safety and an affordable price, ABS helmets are a very good option.
In-mould helmets
The main features of In-Mold helmets are that they are ultra-lightweight and have an excellent ventilation system. Unlike previous helmets, helmets manufactured using In-Mold technology are composed of a single layer, with an outer shell made of polycarbonate, a durable and resistant plastic, filled with EPS, which significantly reduces the weight of the helmet.
Hybrid helmets
Helmets manufactured with hybrid technology combine the best features of the two previous types. One thing to note about these helmets is that, compared to the previous ones, they are less economical. In any case, if you are looking for a helmet that is impact-resistant, very safe, lightweight and well-ventilated, this is a very good option.
MIPS technology
When we talk about the MIPS® system, rather than a type of helmet, we are referring to an additional protection system in the helmet’s construction. The MIPS® protection system consists of a low-friction layer located inside the helmet, usually between the top of the helmet and the EPS protective foam. The purpose of this system is to reduce the rotational movement of the brain caused by oblique impacts, providing even greater safety to the helmet without compromising its lightness and ventilation system.
Koroyd technology
This technology is innovative in terms of helmet construction. The main objective is to make helmets even more resistant. It consists of a structure made up of small tubes welded together, forming a shape similar to a honeycomb. This construction is placed inside the helmet and generally complements the EPS protective foam explained above.
The construction is designed to protect against direct and angular impacts. Upon impact, it instantly deforms to absorb the force of the impact, thereby minimising the energy of the blow to the head.
Furthermore, it is not only capable of absorbing more energy in the event of an impact, but it is also characterised by a lightweight and breathable construction. It therefore increases safety without compromising the weight and ventilation of the product.
We answer the main questions you may have about this ski safety equipment, so that you can always enjoy your skiing experience in the safest way possible!
Ski helmets: protection, but also a way to stand out from the crowd
A ski helmet is a protective accessory, but it can also have many interesting features for skiers, such as: a way to stand out from the crowd.
The helmet means you don’t have to wear an extra hat. It keeps your head warm and also has ventilation areas to prevent you from getting too hot.
What could be better than standing out on the slopes with a more modern, attractive, personalised helmet?
Customising your ski helmet is a great way to make it unique and reflect your personality on the slopes. Nowadays, there are many ways to personalise it: earflaps that attach to the edge of the helmet, adding a customised cover over the helmet, or sticking on decals and/or stickers.
More and more manufacturers are opting to produce stylish designs. You can therefore also find ski helmets for men or women that will give you a great look on the slopes.
Some facts about wearing ski helmets
In recent years, more and more skiers and snowboarders have been wearing helmets, both in France and around the world. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 35%. In 2019, the SNOSM (National Mountain Safety Observation System) conducted a qualitative analysis of ski helmet use with a sample of 3,476 people.
97% of children under the age of twelve wore helmets on the ski slopes. Next, out of 100 people aged 13 to 30, 73 also wore helmets. In addition, almost seven out of ten people aged 31 to 50 skied with helmets. Finally, for those over 50, only slightly more than six out of ten French people wore helmets on the slopes. The national average remains low compared to the average for all nationalities. The average in France is 73% compared to 88% for other nationalities.
