Wear Your Helmet: Safety and Style on the Slopes

Wearing a helmet while skiing has become as standard as holding poles, with most skiers and snowboarders opting to protect their brains while on the slopes. It’s good practice. Wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of head injury by 60%, according to the National Ski Areas Association. Not to mention, they’re warmer and more windproof than a beanie. So, what should you know when selecting the right helmet for you? We caught up with K-1 Retail Supervisor Nevin Fitzgerald to get some recommendations.

What is the most important thing when selecting a helmet?

First and foremost is the fit. A helmet should fit snugly, but also be comfortable.

Is there a trick to selecting the right goggles and avoiding the dreaded "gaper gap"? Is it good to stick with the same brand helmet and goggles?

In my experience the gaper gap results from a poor fitting helmet. It's usually too small or it's an old helmet that just doesn't fit the new goggle profiles. Anything made in the last 5 years should fit well with the current goggle profiles. The manufacturers want you to buy a matching helmet and goggle, but it's not necessary. This is also why it's beneficial for the customer to seek expert advice from a shop.

Why does it make sense to purchase a helmet in a store vs buying online?

Other than being able to try a few things on in front of someone who has experience and training in regard to the proper fit of the helmet to the head and to the goggles, it’s important to support the brick-and-mortar shops. I can't begin to tell you how many times a guest tells us how they got such a good deal on something they bought from the Internet, but it doesn't fit them. So not a good deal at all.

Is there anything new or exciting in helmet technology?

It's not necessarily new technology but several years ago MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) was introduced to the helmet market. MIPS is a liner that sits between the head and the inside of the helmet. Its purpose is to reduce rotational motion that can result in shearing/stretching of brain tissue, which can increase the risk of brain injuries. There's also now spherical MIPS, which is an improved system compared to the original MIPS. Spherical MIPS works more like a ball and socket, if that helps you visualize the technology. There are also a few things we're seeing become more common across most helmet lines. Things like BOA fit systems that provide a more symmetrical head fit than traditional fit systems and Fidlock magnetic buckles on the chin strap.

What’s the difference between the cheapest helmet on the shelf and the most expensive one?

The main thing that drives the price of a helmet is going to be how it’s constructed and what features it has. Basic, budget-friendly helmets are usually heavier, don't have MIPS, magnetic chin buckles, BOA, or adjustable venting and they're not that attractive. In terms of helmet construction, there are 3 different types. Hardshell helmets tend to be less expensive and heavier.

How often should you replace your helmet?

If you have an impact, you want to inspect the inside of the helmet for dents and cracks. If you see any damage, you should replace the helmet. If you don't have an impact, you should replace the helmet every 3-5 years depending on how the helmet is stored. Helmets should be stored in a climate-controlled environment if possible. If you store it in the attic and the attic gets really hot and humid in the summer, it can cause the foam to expand/contract and compromise the integrity of the helmet. People put stuff in their basement, and the basement gets wet and then their gear gets moldy. You're not going to be very happy with moldy stuff.

Anything else people should know?

Compare wearing a helmet while skiing/riding to wearing a seatbelt when you drive. You don't buckle up because you're a terrible driver, you buckle up because accidents can happen.