Why You Need a Ski Helmet

Why You Need a Ski Helmet

This winter (and every winter), you need a ski helmet for any sport that could get your noggin cracked. Ice skating, skiing/boarding, and sledding are the big ones.

My kids look at me a little funny when I tell them they don’t need to wear one XC skiing, but maybe they should?!? They love to do some serious skinny-ski jumping.

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Put a Bucket on Your Brain - Why You Need a Helmet

Do you really need to wear a ski helmet?

I don’t even know why helmets are a hot-button topic. I don’t know why there is any negotiation or question about why you shouldn’t wear one.

In my opinion, it’s an across-the-board, no-questions-asked, you wear your helmet  every. single. time.

But, I know there are people out there that disagree and think I am

  1. being overly cautious
  2. am promoting something that doesn’t really work anyway
  3. opening the door for people to be MORE reckless just because they think they are invincible with a helmet on

I beg to differ.

Even if YOU are the best skier/boarder/sledder out there, you’re sharing the hill with many people who are not.

Put a Bucket on Your Brain - Why You Need a Helmet

“Increased helmet usage has proven to reduce all head injuries, especially potentially serious head injuries (PSHI). ….while helmet usage increased in the last 10 years, there was a dramatic improvement in the decline of potentially serious head injuries, particularly in concussions. According to the study’s authors, three quarters of all PSHI from skiing or snowboarding are mild concussions, and 90 percent of PSHIs are typically treated and released from hospitals or clinics within four hours. The study concluded that ski and snowboard helmets are extremely effective at preventing skull fractures, and have virtually eliminated scalp lacerations.”

Source

So basically, yes, it’s still going to hurt if you bang up your head. But, a helmet DOES reduce the severity of the injury in most cases.

The good news? Every year since NSAA (National Ski Areas Association) starting keeping track (in 2002), there has been a significant increase of the amount of people wearing helmets voluntarily. In 2002, it was about 20% of riders, in 2016, it jumped to 80%.

Do Young Children Need Helmets?

Why you need a ski helmet for sledding

While technically, kids’ necks cannot fully support a helmet until they are about a year old, our kids know that without exception they will not be allowed to bike, skate, ski, or sled without one on their head after they reach that age.

In fact, we taught our kids almost too well – they are the self-proclaimed helmet police and quickly notice AND point out anyone not wearing theirs. Which has turned into a few embarrassing situations. But, I’ll take that over my kids fighting wearing helmets at all.

How to Get a Kid to Wear their Helmet

I get questions all the time about how to get kids to be good about wearing helmets. While every kid is certainly different, my best advice is that you just don’t teach them any different. From the very first time they are on skis or on a bike, they wear it. The two go hand-in-hand.

Have a stubborn kiddo? Me too (actually, me four). Believe me, I feel your pain.

Let them jazz it up so they think it is fun. Add stickers or covers or whatever it takes. There are lots of companies out there now working very hard to make helmets attractive, if not completely obnoxious, for kids.

Better yet, “monkey see, monkey do”  – Wear YOUR helmet too.  Every time.

How to Make Sure the Helmet Fits Properly

It is also very crucial to point out the importance of a well-fitting helmet.  Here’s how to fit them best:

Take a soft measuring tape and wrap it around your head about 1 inch above your eyebrows and ears. Most helmets are measured in centimeters, so unless you love calculations, measure your head in centimeters. Order a helmet that will fit your head.

Try it on! Once you get it, be sure it actually fits like it should. It should be snug all the way around, but not so tight as to cause discomfort.

Shake it! If you move your head all around and your helmet stays put, it’s a good fit.

Try it on with goggles – there should be no gap between the goggles and the helmet.

Do NOT buy a helmet to “grow into” for kids or a used helmet.

Put a Bucket on Your Brain - Why You Need a Helmet

Best Ski Helmets for Kids

Our team has gathered our favorite helmets for kids into one post. These are ones we all use and love…and recommend to our family and friends! Read about them here.

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Why You Need a Ski Helmet

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Author

  • Amelia lives with her husband and five young children outside of Jackson, WY in Grand Teton National Park. As a mom, she quickly learned that the secret to sanity was to spend more time outside where tantrums don't see quite so bad. Amelia started TMM in 2012 to help encourage all families (including her own) to get outside, no matter the weather. Due to the necessity of having to keep so many kids warm and happy, she has become an expert in kids' gear and loves being able to share it with others.

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2 thoughts on “Why You Need a Ski Helmet”

  1. I agree! I didn’t want it to be a struggle so we made our kids wear them right from the start … but now we also have “helmet police” ha. Plus, it keeps your head warm!

    Reply
  2. In our case, I just let my kid to fall over in a way that she hit her head (which even left the scratch on a helmet!). There was no more questioning in. Of curse, we – adults – also always have out helmets on 🙂

    Reply

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