Ski helmet

Short description: Winter sports equipment

A skier wearing a helmet and gogglesGerman ski jumper Svenja Würth helmet and goggles File:2018-01-01 (210) White Ski helmet.jpgA typical ski helmet

A ski helmet is a helmet specifically designed and constructed for winter sports. Use was rare until about 2000, but by about 2010 the majority of skiers and snowboarders in the US and Europe wore helmets.[1] Helmets are available in many styles and typically consist of a hard plastic/resin shell with inner padding. Modern ski helmets may include many additional features, such as vents, earmuffs, headphones, goggle mounts, and camera mounts.

## Contents

* 1 Risks
* 2 Usage
* 3 Standards and testing
* 4 Effects
* 5 References
* 6 Further reading

## Risks

In terms of injuries per 1,000 skier or snowboarder days, Switzerland reports around 3.5, Norway 1.5, Vermont, US, 1.9, and Canada 2.5.[1] The death rate in the US is about one per million visits,[2] of which more than half are related to head injuries.[1]

Studies from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Norway and Canada show that the proportion of head injuries is estimated at 15% for ski injuries and 16% for snowboard injuries.[1] 74% of head injuries occur when skiers hit their head on the snow, 10% when they collide with other skiers, and 13% when they collide with fixed objects.[3]

## Usage

Germany, Austria, and Switzerland report 40%, 63%, 76% helmet wearing rates respectively. Switzerland reports a 95% helmet wearing rate among children. In France, 65% of children wear helmets.[1] In the 2012-2013 ski season, 70 percent of all skiers and snowboarders wore helmets, up 5% from the previous season.[4]

North Korea and Italy are the only countries where ski helmets are universally mandatory.[5][6] North Korea initially set the standard (presumably at the time the Masikryong Ski Resort was opened), with Italy following the North Korean example in summer 2025, after intense campaigning by some local liberal parties.[7]

No other country worldwide is known for mandating ski helmets universally, although some countries made them mandatory for children (such as some states of Austria,[8] and the state of New Jersey) or for particular uses (such as employees at Vail Ski Resort in the US,[9]). Additionally, helmets may be mandatory at a local level, such as in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, or at certain ski resorts.

The use of ski helmets in terrain parks.[10][11] or for competitions is also very frequently mandatory, worldwide.

## Standards and testing

Product certification norms include the European CE standard CEN 1077, issued in 1996, The American Society of Testing and Materials F2040, and the Snell RS-98.[10] CEN 1077 permits an impact speed of about approx 20 km/h, which is far below average skiing speeds.[1] Helmets are tested for effectiveness at about 14 mph (23 km/h), but the typical maximum speed of skiers and snowboarders is approximately twice that speed, with some participants going much faster. At such speeds, impact with a fixed object is likely to be fatal, regardless of helmet use.

## Effects

A meta-analysis, mostly of case-control studies, showed that skiers and snowboarders with a helmet were significantly less likely than those without a helmet to have a head injury.[12] However, Swiss statistics on rescue services provided to people injured in snow sports show a fairly constant proportion of head injuries, while the observed rate of helmet wearing increased from 16% in 2002-3 to 76% in 2009-10.[1][13]

Helmets have been shown to reduce the incidence of head injuries.[11] Helmets have not been shown to reduce the number of fatalities. According to Dr. Jasper , "We are up to 40 percent usage but there has been no change in fatalities in a 10-year period."[14][15]

It is not known whether helmet use results in risk compensation,[11] i.e. skiers and snowboarders behaving less cautiously when they feel protected by a helmet, as studies give conflicting results. One study found that helmeted skiers tend to go faster[16] and helmet-wearing has been associated with self-reports of more risky behavior.[17] Other studies find that helmet use is not associated with self-reports of riskier behavior[18][19] and does not increase the risk of other injuries.[18]

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Policy briefing: Snow sports helmets". European Association for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion. http://www.fips-skipatrol.org/?dl_id=14.
2. ↑ "Facts About Skiing/Snowboarding Safety" (PDF) (Press release). National Ski Areas Association. October 1, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
3. ↑ Greve, Mark W.; Young, David J.; Goss, Andrew L.; Degutis, Linda C. (2009). "Skiing and Snowboarding Head Injuries in 2 Areas of the United States". Wilderness & Environmental Medicine 20 (3): 234–8. doi:10.1580/08-WEME-OR-244R1.1. PMID 19737041.
4. ↑ "NSAA HELMET FACT SHEET". National Ski Areas Association of America. http://www.ski-injury.com/uploads/fck/file/NSAA facts/NSAA_2013 Helmet Fact Sheet.pdf.
5. ↑ February 4, Filed under: Uncategorized |; 2014 (2014-02-04). "Ski in North Korea at Masik Pass" (in en-US). https://www.uritours.com/blog/how-to-ski-in-north-korea-at-masik-pass/.
6. ↑ Amante, Martina (2025-07-29). "Via libera della Camera al decreto sport. Dal casco sugli sci obbligatorio per tutti agli Atp finals: tutte le misure" (in it). https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/via-libera-camera-decreto-sport-casco-sci-obbligatorio-tutti-atp-finals-tutte-misure-AHK3VsrB.
7. ↑ "Sicurezza sulle piste da sci, Sala (FI) presenta un emendamento per rendere obbligatorio il casco" (in it). 2025-07-16. https://www.affaritaliani.it/milano/sicurezza-sulle-piste-da-sci-sala-fi-emendamento-obbligatorio-casco-978365.html.
8. ↑ "Stay Safe on the Slopes". https://www.austria.info/us/activities/wintersports/stay-safe-on-the-slopes.
9. ↑ Carrig, Blaise; Garnsey, John (April 13, 2009). "Vail resorts to require helmets for all on-mountain staff when skiing, riding next season". RealVail. http://archives.realvail.com/RealSport/644/Vail-Resorts-to-require-helmets-for-all-on-mountain-staff-when-skiing-riding-next-season.html.
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Helmets". Ski Club of Great Britain. http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/infoandadvice/article.aspx?articleID=119#.VGdHu5OS2Fk.
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Masson, Maxime; Lamoureux, Julie; de Guise, Elaine (October 2019). "Self-reported risk-taking and sensation-seeking behavior predict helmet wear amongst Canadian ski and snowboard instructors.". Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science 52 (2): 121–130. doi:10.1037/cbs0000153.
12. ↑ Russell, Kelly; Christie, Josh; Hagel, Brent E. (2010). "The effect of helmets on the risk of head and neck injuries among skiers and snowboarders: A meta-analysis". Canadian Medical Association Journal 182 (4): 333–40. doi:10.1503/cmaj.091080. PMID 20123800.
13. ↑ Niemann S, Fahrni S, Hayoz R, Brügger O, Cavegn M. STATUS 2009: Statistics on non-occupational accidents and the level of safety in Switzerland. Bern: bfu-Swiss. Council for Accident Prevention; 209
14. ↑ Fletcher Doyle (4 March 2008). "Use your head on the ski slopes". The Buffalo News. http://www.rit.edu/news/utilities/pdf/2008/2008_03_04_Buffalo_News_use_head_on_slopes_Shealy.pdf.
15. ↑ Johnson, Robert J. (2006) (in en). Skiing Trauma and Safety: Sixteenth volume. ASTM International. ISBN 978-0-8031-3400-3. https://books.google.com/books?id=0evgrSwB3NgC&pg=PA27.
16. ↑ Shealy, JE; Ettlinger, CF; Johnson, RJ (2005). "How Fast Do Winter Sports Participants Travel on Alpine Slopes?". Journal of ASTM International 2 (7). doi:10.1520/JAI12092.
17. ↑ Ružić, Lana; Tudor, Anton (2011). "Risk-taking Behavior in Skiing Among Helmet Wearers and Nonwearers". Wilderness & Environmental Medicine 22 (4): 291–6. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2011.09.001. PMID 22137861.
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Ruedl, G; Pocecco, E; Sommersacher, R; Gatterer, H; Kopp, M; Nachbauer, W; Burtscher, M (2010). "Factors associated with self-reported risk-taking behaviour on ski slopes". British Journal of Sports Medicine 44 (3): 204–6. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2009.066779. PMID 20231601.
19. ↑ Scott, Michael D; Buller, David B; Andersen, Peter A; Walkosz, Barbara J; Voeks, Jennifer H; Dignan, Mark B; Cutter, Gary R (2007). "Testing the risk compensation hypothesis for safety helmets in alpine skiing and snowboarding". Injury Prevention 13 (3): 173–7. doi:10.1136/ip.2006.014142. PMID 17567972.

## Further reading

* McIntosh, Andrew Stuart; Andersen, Thor Einar; Bahr, Roald; Greenwald, Richard; Kleiven, Svein; Turner, Michael; Varese, Massimo; McCrory, Paul (2011). "Sports helmets now and in the future". British Journal of Sports Medicine 45 (16): 1258–65. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2011-090509. PMID 22117017.
* Hoshizaki, T Blaine; Brien, Susan E (2004). "The science and design of head protection in sport". Neurosurgery 55 (4): 956–66; discussion 966–7. doi:10.1227/01.NEU.0000137275.50246.0B. PMID 15458605.

* v
* t
* e

Skiing and snowboarding

* History of skiing
* Glossary of skiing and snowboarding terms

Nordic skiing|

| Competitive|

* Cross-country skiing
* Paralympic
* Ski jumping
* Ski flying
* Nordic combined

|

Endurance|

* Ski marathon
* Ski orienteering
* Ski touring

Recreational|

* Cross-country skiing
* Backcountry skiing
* Roller skiing
* Skijoring

Alpine skiing|

| Olympic disciplines|

* Slalom
* Giant slalom
* Super-G
* Downhill
* Combined

|

Other disciplines|

* Extreme skiing
* Glade skiing
* Heliskiing
* Para-alpine skiing
* Speed skiing

Other skiing|

* Biathlon
* Indoor skiing
* Night skiing
* Ski archery
* Ski mountaineering
* Telemark skiing

Freestyle skiing|

* Aerial skiing
* Big air
* Freeriding
* Freeskiing
* Half-pipe skiing
* Mogul
* Ski ballet
* Ski cross
* Slopestyle

Snowboarding|

* Alpine
* Backcountry
* Big air
* Freeriding
* Freestyle
* Half-pipe
* Slopestyle
* Snowboard racing
* Snowboard cross

Technique / learning|

* Carved turn
* Jump turn
* Parallel turn
* Pivot turn
* Snowplough
* Stem christie
* Ski school
* Ski simulator
* Snowboard tricks

Equipment / venues|

* Bindings
* Boots
* Half-pipe
* Superpipe
* Helmet
* Monoski
* Poles
* Skins
* Skis
* List of ski brands
* Snowboard
* Suit
* Wax

Resorts / amenities|

* Chairlift
* Dry ski slope
* Gondola lift
* Piste
* Ski lift
* Ski tunnel
* Snow grooming
* Snowmaking
* Surface lift
* Trail

* Category:Skiing
* Category:Snowboarding

* v
* t
* e

Helmets

Individual
historical
helmets|

* Agighiol
* Agris
* Benty Grange
* Broe
* Canterbury
* Ciumeşti
* Coppergate
* Coțofenești
* Coventry Sallet
* Crosby Garrett
* Emesa
* Gevninge
* Gjermundbu
* Guilden Morden
* Guisborough
* Hallaton
* Hellvi
* Horncastle
* Iron Gates
* Lokrume
* Meyrick
* Newstead
* Nijmegen
* Peretu
* Pioneer
* Ribchester
* Shorwell
* Staffordshire
* Sutton Hoo
* Tjele
* Veksø
* Venetian
* Waterloo
* Witcham Gravel

Combat|

| Ancient|

* Attic
* Boar's tusk
* Boeotian
* Chalcidian
* Coolus
* Corinthian
* Galea
* Illyrian
* Imperial
* Kegelhelm
* Konos
* Late Roman ridge
* Montefortino
* Negau
* Phrygian
* Pilos
* Shmarjet

|

Medieval and
Early Modern|

* Armet
* Aventail
* Barbute
* Bascinet
* Burgonet
* Cervelliere
* Close
* Dragoon
* Enclosed
* Falling buffe
* Frog-mouth
* Great
* Hounskull
* Kabuto
* Katapu
* Kettle
* Kulah khud
* Lamellenhelm
* Lobster-tailed pot
* Mempo
* Morion
* Nasal
* Paseki
* Pickelhaube
* Sallet
* Secrete
* Spangenhelm
* Takula tofao
* Turban
* Viking

1914–1945|

* Adrian
* Brodie
* Bulgarian M36
* Czechoslovakian M32
* Danish M1923
* German Stahlhelm
* Greek M1934/39
* HSAT
* Italian M33
* M42 Duperite
* M1
* M1C
* Mk II talker helmet
* Mk III
* Netherlands M34
* Polish wz. 31
* Portuguese M1940
* RAC
* Soviet of WWII
* Spanish M21
* Spanish M26
* Spanish M34
* Spanish M42
* SSK 90
* Swedish M26
* Swedish M37
* Swiss L'Eplattenier
* Swiss M18
* Type 92 Tetsubo

1945–1980|

* CABAL II
* CCB
* Czechoslovak Vz. 53 Helmet
* CG634
* GK80
* Hungarian M70
* JK 96
* Mº 44 E.T.A.
* M59/85
* M63
* M76 Para
* Mk IV
* Mk 6
* Modèle 1951
* Modèle 1978
* MPC-1
* OR-201
* Paratrooper
* Polish M50
* SSh-60
* SSh-68
* Swiss M71
* Type 66

1980–2000|

* M92
* GOLFO
* Head Gear System
* Iraqi M80
* Iraqi M90
* M59/85
* M87
* PASGT
* QGF03
* Sfera
* SPECTRA

2001–Present|

* A2 Helmet
* Advanced Combat Helmet
* BK-3 Helmet
* ECH (Australia)
* ECH (US)
* FAST
* Lightweight Helmet
* MICH
* Mk 7

Athletic|

* Batting
* Coolflo
* Bicycle
* Stackhat
* Cricket
* Equestrian
* Gridiron football
* Eyeshield
* Revolution
* Hockey
* Lacrosse
* Motorcycle
* Racing
* Scrum cap
* Ski

Work|

* Custodian
* Diving
* Firefighter's
* Hard hat
* Riot protection
* Welding

Other|

* Heraldic use
* Horned
* Mahiole
* Tarnhelm
* Pith
* American fiber
* Winged
* Zuckerman

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