The Ski Helmet Debate

Ian Wickham wrote:

Tony_H wrote:

Stewart Dowling wrote:

Tony_H wrote:

catford wrote:Both me OH had helmets this year for the first time. No diff in wearing a hat, prob better. Personal opinion, but I can't see the argument for not wearing one.

Good for you. Enjoy your helmet. I cant see the need to be ramming it down peoples throats that they shouldnt not wear one, but each to his own eh?
Now, which hats do I take next week.....?????

Tony, no one is ramming it down throats, we all just think that everyone should wear one.
They are cool and offer protection and warmth.
Personally I think that you shouldn't knock it till you have tried it.
Know what I mean old pal? :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Stewart, it HAS been rammed down our throats on this forum before though, thats my point (if thats ok with Catford, of course.....).
And as for being cool......well, I couldnt disagree more on that point.
I understand that in certain situations, wearing a helmet might possibly cause less damage or in extreme scenarios save a life. Thats not up for dispute.

As has been discussed before, and without our more inexperienced posters jumping in feer first, wearing a helmet WILL not save your life. It might, in certain unfortunate circumstances. And I do think that all kids should be made to wear one, along with beginners until they reach a certain level where they should be given THE CHOICE whether to continue or not with wearing one.

There is clearly a sway towards wearing them, mainly because of media hype over the Natasha Richardson incident. It has not been proven that a helmet would have saved her life at all.

There is also a number of people who think that by wearing a helmet they cannnot get hurt - get real please.

And I have definitely noticed that people who wear helmets now also think that those who choose not to are lesser beings.

As a non helmet wearer, I have respect for others opinions, and if my mate Stewart feels better skiing in a helmet, thats brilliant as it means he will improve so much that we can spend time skiing together. But it will not make me inclined to buy one.

I think what we need to finally cover off on this thread is the following:


More people are wearing helmets than ever before

Not wearing a helmet will not necessarily cause you harm

Wearing a helmet does not make you unbreakable

Helmets are getting more fashion conscious, but regarding them as "cool"....? Its a bit like saying socks are cool.

In the event of head trauma, wearing a helmet may or may not increase the chances of reduced damage to the wearer.

Manufacturers will further exploit people with helmet prices in seasons to come

The media will continue to scaremonger every time someone dies in a skiing/boaridng accident

Recreational skiers do not have to wear helmets, but it is likely in years to come that this will become obligatory - until that time, please allow people the freedom of choice.




I want to be straight that there are reasons why people make choices. I personally do not plan to have an accident when skiing, I doubt many do, but I am aware it is a potentially hazardous past time and the risk is always there. But for years and years, people have skied without helmets, so whats changed all of a sudden? NOTHING, apart from people reading too much hype on the net and the newspapers.

If it makes you feel better, wear a helmet, but please, for one last time, will those who wear helmets and feel all self righteous about it, stop trying to belittle those who dont wear them. Please.

I agree old boy 8) by the way two working days and four sleeps :lol:

Tony_H wrote:Thanks Stewart, sensible words.
Trencher, I guess you need an incident like that to make your mind up to wear one.
Interestingly, and I said this before, I have never ever in my life seen a ski instructor wear a helmet. Guides, yes, but ski schools, no. Plenty of learners in the group wearing them, but not the instructors.

I dont wear a helmet, and I dont rent skis. Is that relevant?