The Ski Helmet Debate

I think the case for helmets is strong. As I said, I wouldn't let my kids ski without one and I think it is essential for novices. However, I do believe some people ski in a way that makes injury unlikely and some ski in a way that exposes them to additional risk even if they have a helmet on, that concern at head injuries lulls people into a false sense of security, that risk is broader than concerns over head injury and should include discussion over other defensive equipment and that the only place this debate is going to end up is with compulsion. Somebody is going to make me wear a helmet after 42 years of injury-free skiing.

Haven't had time to read the whole thread so sorry if I'm repeating other posts.

I am of an age to remember riding motor bikes without a helmet and driving without a seatbelt, and complaining bitterly when the legislation was introduced - now I almost panic if I realise I have driven off without seatbelt buckled (I haven't quite managed to ride off without lid in place first!)

but...I ski without a helmet without a second thought, so bring on the legislation - as far as I am aware it's already illegal for children to ski or snowboard in Italy without wearing helmets.

Our kids have been wearing helmets since day one as most of us do insist on it and it is compulsory in Austria for kids anyway.

This year we have had 24 days on the slopes so far.
Day one I was run into by novice skier (do not know what they were doing on that red slope to start with) and fell backwards and banged my head - saw stars! Conversation with OH about how we should get helmets.
Day two on the slopes, I was run into by another novice, twisted my knee and cracked my head again!
- now starting to notice that 90 percent of skiers are wearing helmets.
Day three on the slopes - came out of a left hand turn and smack bang into another person doing a right hand turn - bruised ribs. Straight down the mountain, into the ski shop and both OH and I are now proud owners of a new helmet each!!!

I must admit, they are very comfortable, don't look too bad and at least I do not have to kep pulling my hat down over my ears every five minutes!

Best investment we have made for a while I think!

cwagner wrote:Day one I was run into by novice skier (do not know what they were doing on that red slope to start with) and fell backwards and banged my head - saw stars! Conversation with OH about how we should get helmets.
Day two on the slopes, I was run into by another novice, twisted my knee and cracked my head again!
- now starting to notice that 90 percent of skiers are wearing helmets.
Day three on the slopes - came out of a left hand turn and smack bang into another person doing a right hand turn - bruised ribs.

Keep me posted where you are next skiing. That's more crashes than I have ever had and I ski every week! I think we should keep to different slopes! )

nicoatridge wrote:

cwagner wrote:Day one I was run into by novice skier (do not know what they were doing on that red slope to start with) and fell backwards and banged my head - saw stars! Conversation with OH about how we should get helmets.
Day two on the slopes, I was run into by another novice, twisted my knee and cracked my head again!
- now starting to notice that 90 percent of skiers are wearing helmets.
Day three on the slopes - came out of a left hand turn and smack bang into another person doing a right hand turn - bruised ribs.

Keep me posted where you are next skiing. That's more crashes than I have ever had and I ski every week! I think we should keep to different slopes! )

Hi nicoatridge - This year Scheffau, Soll, Saalbach and Kitzbuhel. Note the avatar and keep clear 8)

every week, lucky you :!:

I have to say that none of the accidents were my fault - promise.

shazzo wrote:

but...I ski without a helmet without a second thought, so bring on the legislation - as far as I am aware it's already illegal for children to ski or snowboard in Italy without wearing helmets.

Thats precisely how I feel, Shazzo. If it becomes law, I will have no choice, but whilst I have a choice, I will decide what I want to wear to ski in.

AllyG wrote:

localboy wrote:I got a ski helmet for £17 at lidl. I don't think it looks that good, but I'm kind of ugly anyway.

I saw some there as well, but only for kids. You were lucky to get an adults one. I should think they must all comply to the same safety standards - does it have some sort of kite mark on it?

Mine says it meets standard pr EN 1077 - Class B /ASTM F2040, whatever that means. As long as yours fits okay and meets the standard I should think it will be fine - it doesn't matter what it looks like. Mine is a Salomon Kiana with ear muffs and cost me £40 in a ski shop.

Ally

It fits well and I prefer it to my wooly hat. It's got a few fancy numbers on it which means it's got to be good :-). It was hidden in with some kind of motorbike/scooter helmets so I was lucky to get it. I'm sure you can get cheaper 2nd hand ones on ebay.

freezywater wrote:

Tony_H wrote:

betty wrote:=

I love my helmet :D

Mrs H is quite keen on mine.

pmsl :mrgreen:

Tony when you get your helmet cam fitted & working,will you post the film on here :oops: