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Helmet Advice

A ski helmet isn't just an accessory - it's a necessary part of your skiing wardrobe. Because ski helmets can save you from serious injury, there is no excuse not to wear a helmet. Also, helmets can look cool and sleek, too. 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.

Find Your Helmet Size

Finding your helmet size, or your "hat size," isn't very difficult. Most helmets are sized in centimeters, based on the circumference of your head. To get a measurement, use a tape measure around your head (just above your eyebrows). Is your measurement in inches? Use a centimeter-to-inches converter.

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

Helmet Features

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 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

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

Try the Helmet On!!

It's a very good idea to try helmets on. A well-fitting helmet should be snug, but not uncomfortablly tight or headache inducing. For optimal protection, it shoudn't roll off backward when you have it on. Also, the ear pads should be right against your ears. Because all helmets are shaped differently, part of finding a good helmet is feel. This is why trying on helmets (and keeping them on for a few minutes) is important.

Try Your Goggles on With the Helmet

Try your goggles on with the helmet you plan on purchasing. If the goggles fit your face well with the helmet on and feel comfortable, they should be fine. Sometimes, an uncomfortable pressure can be changed my loosening or adjusting your goggles, so before you nix a particular helmet, adjust your goggles.

You wear a helmet to protect your head from injury, but you won't get the maximum protection unless it is properly sized with a snug, aligned fit.