WHY WEAR A HELMET WHEN SKIING?
They were almost non-existent on the ski slopes a few years ago, helmets have become a must-have for good skiing equipment. We tell you why you should wear a ski helmet and if this accessory is mandatory.
What is the purpose of a ski helmet?
As you might expect, the ski helmet is there for your safety. But why wear a ski helmet now when not long ago you could barely find one in the shops? The preparation of ski slopes has greatly improved in recent years and, with the advent of increasingly high-performance equipment, both skiers and snowboarders are going faster and faster, thus multiplying the risk of injury in the event of a fall. Not to mention that, while the technicality of the equipment is there, the skill level isn't quite as good.
Moreover, even if you excel on your skis after years of intensive practice, you must not forget that you are not alone on the slopes and the biggest danger comes from the risks of collisions with other skiers who do not control their trajectory or speed. In addition, between freeride and ski touring, more and more ski enthusiasts are venturing off-piste. The rocks hidden under the snow and the trees surrounding the paths constitute so many dangers against which great vigilance is required.
The ski helmet: the right reflex to avoid complications
Studies conducted over the past few decades to learn more about accidents in the mountains are unquestionable. With more than 8 million ski lovers, no fewer than 150,000 injuries are recorded every year. Of these, 3% suffer head injuries with more or less disastrous consequences. In fact, most victims of a mild head injury suffer no after-effects after 6 months, but in some cases, hospitalisation is essential and the prognosis is vital. Wearing a helmet when skiing therefore appears to be the first thing to do since it would halve the risk of a serious accident on the slopes and tenfold the risk of a head injury.
Is a ski helmet compulsory?
While wearing a helmet when skiing is a reflex in many countries, in France, still too few skiers are wearing it. It must be said that helmets are not compulsory. In fact, although the French Ski School requires children to wear a helmet when they register for lessons, there is no obligation for adults to wear one. As a result, in 2012, only 37% of skiers protected their heads when out on the slopes.
Yet it is the best way to set an example for the little ones and teach them the basics of safety. But many are still reluctant, because at very high speeds, wearing a ski helmet would make no difference. It is therefore important, in order to limit the risk of serious injury, to ski responsibly by ensuring that you push your limits without endangering yourself or others.
The ski helmet: a practical accessory
Not only is wearing a helmet for skiing an essential safety move, it's also a good way to treat yourself to an accessory that has more than one trick up its sleeve. As well as protecting you from impact, the ski helmet also allows you to do without a beanie and benefit from a good heat input.
Coupled with more or less ventilation on the helmet, the breathable materials that make up the liners allow you to keep your head at a good temperature and avoid overheating. You can also wear a ski helmet with a visor: your eyes will be perfectly protected, steam avoided and, if you wear glasses, you can definitely wear them under your visored helmet - provided you have small frames. Wearing a visor helmet for skiing will also give you easy access to lenses treated for each of the weather conditions. Bright sunshine or overcast conditions don't actually require the same type of lens, so many helmets are sold with interchangeable visors.
Get over your apprehension, because now the ski helmet is light, comfortable and awfully stylish. You can say whatever you want, look matters on the ski slopes, which is why manufacturers are doubling down on their imagination to come up with models that are impeccable from a safety standpoint and also have a neat design.
Finally, if you like to indulge in a few musical interludes in ski lifts, you should know that you can also wear a ski helmet with a built-in audio system.
GOOD TO KNOW: WITH A CAMERA, IT'S POSSIBLE!
Want to film your exploits on the slopes? Instead of attaching a camera to your helmet, which could impair its protective performance, try wearing a ski helmet with a built-in camera to safely capture your footage.
If you don't already have the reflex to wear a helmet for skiing, you now know why this accessory is essential for your safety and that of the little ones. You'll see: you'll try it, you'll keep it!
THE THREE KEY POINTS ABOUT WEARING A HELMET WHEN SKIING:
- Wearing a helmet for skiing is not mandatory, but strongly advised.
- The number one ally for your safety, the ski helmet also improves your comfort.
- Even if you have a good level of skiing and only practice on the slopes, never forget that you are not alone there and that the danger often comes from others.