How to Choose a Helmet
Is a Ski/Snowboard Helmet Right For You?
Skiing and snowboarding are safe and can help you get fit and stay in shape over the winter, but anyone who's ever skied or rode knows that winter sports aren't risk-free. The number of alpine injuries has declined significantly in the past decade, thanks to advances in bindings, boots skis and boards. When injuries do occur, most are minor and not life-threatening. However, 5 to 10 percent of all ski injuries involves the head, and blows to the noggin are among the most devastating and lethal ski accidents.
Less than a decade ago, hardly anyone wore helmets on the slopes. Helmet sales had their biggest jump during the 1999-00 season, when more than 524,000 helmets were sold, nearly double the figure from the season before. Skiers and snowboarders have bought more than 600,000 helmets each season since then.
It used to be that snowboarders and children were most likely to wear helmets, but now you see them on people of all ages and skill levels.
Protecting the Brain
Most severe head injuries occur from colliding with trees, other stationary objects or the snow, so it makes sense that the use of helmets, by dispersing the brunt of the blow, could help eliminate or reduce the severity of head injuries. However, since helmets are fairly new to alpine sports, few studies have been conducted to show their effectiveness. One study conducted in Europe found that skiers who wore helmets suffered half as many head injuries compared to those who did not wear helmets.
Stewart Levy, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Intermountain Neurosurgery and St. Anthony Hospital in Denver, has documented skier/snowboarder head injuries during the past six seasons at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver. During that time, 261 skiers and snowboarders were admitted with traumatic brain injuries. Only 13 of the injured wore helmets. Of the 13 helmeted skiers/boarders, most suffered minor concussions and all made full recoveries. However, among the nonhelmeted subjects, the majority suffered severe injuries such as cerebral contusions, subdural hematomas or comas, and 4 percent died. Although the data is far from conclusive, Levy contends that "Wearing helmets can protect against 30-40 percent of brain injuries."
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also conducted a study and determined that helmets could protect against 44 percent of head injuries among all skiers and boarders and up to 53 percent of those head injuries among children up to age 15. Many health and safety organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and the CSPC recommend helmets for all skiers and boarders.
Why have helmets become so popular so fast? Some of the reasons include:
- Increased consumer awareness that helmets can help reduce the incidence of head injuries.
- Helmet manufacturers have done a great job of making helmets strong, yet lightweight
- Helmets are made in various styles and designs that have become fashionable to wear.
- Olympians, ski/snowboard instructors and other pros now wear helmets in both training and racing. When the best of the best wear them, recreational skiers and boarders follow that lead.
Before you Buy
Several companies make high-quality helmets for skiing and snowboarding. One helmet works fine for either sport. Most helmets are made of polycarbonate shell, a foam liner and a "comfort liner" made of wicking fabrics to keep you from getting too warm. Prices vary tremendously, starting at about $60 for children's helmets to more than $160. Higher prices don't necessarily mean more protection; it's often the helmet's design, graphics or features such as vents or airflow systems that increase the production (and end) cost. To ensure that the helmet has been tested to provide adequate protection, look for the SNELL RS-98 or ASTM F2040 sticker on the inside.
Try on several brands. Make sure that the one you purchase fits snugly but isn't uncomfortable, recommends Dennis Leedom, founder of Leedom Helmets. It should also not ride too high on your head but fit just over your eyebrows to protect your forehead. "A helmet should fit like a glove or your shoes," adds Leedom.
No Guarantee
"Helmets won't protect you from all head injuries, and they are no guarantee that you won't hurt yourself," emphasized Dr. Levy. In fact, some researchers believe that helmets may cause more harm than good because they provide a "false sense of security" or a license, if you will, to ski or board beyond one's capabilities. However, Levy's data has found that helmeted skiers were less likely to suffer other injuries, providing they didn't ski or board more recklessly than nonhelmeted alpinists.
"We don't want people to get the impression that if they wear helmets, they can tree-ski or ski beyond their ability," says Katie Eldridge, public relations manager at The Canyons in Park City, Utah. "The skier's responsibility code is still the best way to prevent injuries."
For more information
Go to the National Ski Areas Association's "Lids on Kids" Web site, which has news articles and tips on whether a helmet is appropriate for your child (and you). Another very good information resource is SkiHelmets.com. Whether to wear a helmet or not is a personal choice that only you can make.
Article by Julie Walsh from Winter Feels Good
Julie Walsh, M.S., R.D., is NYC-based freelance writer and registered dietitian who specializes in nutrition, fitness and health articles. Her work frequently appears in The New York Times, Shape, Sports Illustrated for Women and NY Magazine. She is a category II road racer and has competed in numerous marathons, triathlons, the Hawaii Ironman World Championships and the Swim Around Manhattan Island. In the winter, she enjoys skate skiing and alpine skiing (with helmet) in and around Park City, Utah.
