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Besides adding comfort and boosting performance
on the slopes, helmets provide an all-important safety element.
Here are the basics to help you choose the styles best suited
to your activity and the prevailing weather conditions.
Helmet basics
* Most helmets designed for wintersport use
are appropriate for both skiing and snowboarding
* The type of activity--be it recreational or competitive
participation--as well as the terrain and your own personal
preference should determine the helmet that best suits your
needs
Ventilation
* If you plan to ski in warm spring conditions
or in temperate locales, or if you tend to work up a sweat,
consider a helmet with good ventilation that will provide
airflow and thus add to your overall comfort
* Non-ventilated snowboard helmets restrict airflow and are
generally preferable for wet, snowy, or extremely cold conditions
Shells
* Most ski helmets have a UV stabilized polycarbonite
shell that provides high strength and light weight
* The helmet interior is usually made of expanded, double-density
polystyrene (18mm) with additional lining for comfort and
protection
Full vs. open faced
* Generally, full-face helmets are designed
for competition--such as speed and slalom events--in which
the wearer is at higher risk of falling forward or hitting
objects straight-on
* Open-face helmets are more common--and less cumbersome--for
recreational use
Visors
* Many ski helmets come with a built-in visor,
and those that don't often accept visor attachments
* Oftentimes, it is easier to fit goggles to helmets that
don't have a built-in visor, but you should check a model's
specifications to be sure
* Visors can cut overhead glare and can help protect your
face in wet or windy weather
Helmet styles
The type of ski helmet style you purchase
depends on how and where you ski.
Full shell
* Full shell models provide complete coverage
and seal out wind, precipitation and other elements normally
encountered on the slopes
* Some also have venting to help regulate temperature
* These are recommended if you are planning to do a lot of
tricks or some faster skiing
Short shell
* Short shell models offer comparable protection
to full shell styles, but give less coverage and have a less
armored and constrictive feel
* Many include venting and removable liners
* Buy this type of helmet if you are uncomfortable with the
full helmet
Competition
* Competition helmets feature densely padded
liners, structured open ear zones inside the shell, and add-on
jaw pieces for speed and slalom events
* This may be too much if you are a strictly recreational
skier, but is highly recommended if you plan on participating
in some serious downhill competition
Youth
* Youth helmets are simply proportioned to
smaller heads
* Look for the same safety standards as adult helmets
* Most have pads that can be inserted or taken out to adjust
to a child's head size
How to fit a helmet
* A properly fitted ski helmet will be comfortable
and provide maximum protection and performance
* For the perfect fitting helmet, see Determine Your Helmet
Size before making your purchase decision
Helmet
or not? | Choosing
a Pair of Ski Goggles| Fitting
Your Goggles to Your Helmet | Sizing
Helmets |
How
To Buy Ski Helmets | Before
You Buy a Ski Helmet |
