bazule wrote:I have read conflicting articles to just how much safety a helmet offers.
The best source of facts (stats and studies) I've found is at
www.ski-injury.com/prevention/helmet.
And there is a summary of the latest research here -
www.ski-injury.com/research/isss-2011
To date research has shown that helmets are effective at protecting against the majority of mild/moderate head injuries but hard evidence has been lacking that helmets can protect against more serious injuries such as skull fractures.
bazule wrote:Do most skiers now wear a helmet?
Certainly amongst the people I ski with. Of around 20 people I've skied with this season, only one skied without a lid.
bazule wrote:what are your thoughts?
No downside, plenty of benefits.
Apart from safety; they keep your head warmer and dryer, won't fly off (with your goggles) when you stack it and they allow you to put your goggles up in lifts without them steaming up... etc. etc.
Er, that's it.