Helmets

The main reason, of course, is that a good helmet protects you in case of a fall or accident. It is scientifically proven that the severity of head injuries is significantly reduced when you wear a ski helmet. Moreover, like a hat, a helmet ensures that you lose less body heat. And if your body temperature is well maintained, you will whizz down the mountain feeling comfortable, which helps to maintain a better focus. 

Whether or not you are required to wear a ski helmet depends on the country where you go skiing or snowboarding. We’ve listed the main destinations:

• Austria: in Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Vienna, and Burgerland, children up to the age of 15 must wear a helmet. Helmets are not mandatory in Tyrol and Vorarlberg. 
• Germany, France, Switzerland, Norway, Czech Republic, Canada, and the US: helmets are not mandatory.
• Italy and Spain: children up to the age of 14 are required to wear helmets.
• Poland: children up to the age of 16 are required to wear helmets.

Note that these rules can always change. So you should always check which rules are currently in force in a particular ski resort before you leave. Safety first!

Choosing the right ski helmet depends mainly on your activity. If you stay on the slopes, for example, beware of the crowds. Most accidents here involve other winter sports enthusiasts. Opt for an in-mould helmet: it protects well against superficial impacts. If you prefer to go off-piste, you are more likely to hit a rock than a fellow skier. Opt for a hardshell helmet that also protects you from sharp objects! 

Whether you choose a visor or not depends mainly on your own preference. The main advantages of a helmet with a visor are:

• You have a wider field of vision as opposed to when you'd be wearing separate ski goggles.
• The space behind your visor provides ventilation, making it less likely to fog up.
• Ski goggles press against your face, while a ski helmet with a visor does not. As a result, you enjoy a freer and more comfortable feeling.
• Very handy for glasses wearers: you can wear your glasses under your visor with ease.
• And since you’re not wearing separate ski goggles, you can’t lose them either.

Prefer a helmet without a visor? Then ski goggles are absolutely essential. Ordinary sunglasses do not fit as well. Moreover, ski goggles are made to protect your eyes from sunlight as well as bright white snow.

To find the right size, measure the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows. The number of centimetres determines your helmet size. Keep in mind that your ski helmet should be tight but comfortable!