Latest posts for the topic "Ski Helmets?"

Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:06:55 GMT

I am just getting back into skiing, bought a seasons pass for White Pass. I skied a LOT from age 3 into my early twenties. The last time I skied was 2000, I am 41 now. I have never seen a ski helmet in person let alone anyone wearing one.

Along with my friends in my teens I skied the most extreme runs at most of the mountains around Washington State; Crystal Mt, Mt Bachelor, Sun Valley etc, we never wore or heard of "ski helmets".

People have been Skiing for 100's maybe even 1000's of years and all the sudden, in the last 5-10 years, you have to wear a helmet? I think helmets are overkill, probably pushed by helmet manufactures. Whats next, jogging or walking helmets?

Now I will admit if you are skiing on "rails" or anything like that where you could hit your head on solid metal, a helmet would be a good idea, but for "normal" or "regular" skiing I don't buy it.

Just my 2c,
Brad

Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:03:43 GMT

Welcome to the forum Brad

brad1138 wrote:
People have been Skiing for 100's maybe even 1000's of years and all the sudden, in the last 5-10 years, you have to wear a helmet? I think helmets are overkill, probably pushed by helmet manufactures. Whats next, jogging or walking helmets?

Brad

It's only in the last ten years that there has really been an option to wear a helmet when skiing and boarding. People have been skiing for hundreds of years without health insurance. As you are in the States, I assume you have health coverage. Do you think it would be responsible as a 41 year old with all the responsibilities we take on by that age, to risk everything by skiing without health care coverage ?. One bad crash and you could be bankrupt. Helmets are a similar insurance (only much much cheaper).

Would you bat at baseball w/o a helmet or go back to the good old days and just turn your cap backwards ? Would you play (American) football w/o a helmet or would you trust those old leather hat things ? The world moves on and we generally benefit.

On a practical note, helmets are very warm and comfortable. Most helmet wearers would not go back to hats for just these practical reasons, yet alone the safety issue.

On a couple of very warm days last season, I skied sans helmet, But only because the slopes were quiet and I didn't need to go near any hard hazards.

Trencher

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:56:38 GMT

I'm afraid to say I do not wear a helmet. It's out of sheer laziness rather than anything. I'm rather of the mind, if a gentleman can't get it in his pockets he doesn't need it.

I am thinking of it this season though.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:16:42 GMT

Welcome to the forum brad1138. One of the main differences between resort skiing way back and right now, is grooming. Modern resort slope preparation leaves a rock hard base, which feels just like tarmac when you hit head 1st.
Can't blame the resorts, they need to make a firm base to last the season.

I wear a helmet unless I'm using my skins. I'd consider carrying it with me if the descent was rocky.

More insurers seem to be asking the question about helmet wear in the event of a medical claim.

Of course you don't "have" to wear a helmet, or a back protector, but many folks do, me included. Average skier speed within resorts seems to have increased and not everyone ski's in control. Some of us feel that the safest place to ski is off piste, I just wish I had the skills to make the best of the terrain.

I'm thinking of all the developments made to skis made since 2000. Enjoy 8)

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:06:56 GMT

Personally, I dont think I would wear a helmet unless it became compulsary. I often dont wear a hat at all, as I like to feel the air on my head, and hats make me too hot (unless its minus 20 of course!)

I see the reasons why people choose to wear them, but I guess my thoughts are that I wont need to worry about things like that, and thats despite having a bad collision in Austria on Xmas Day 3 years ago with an Austrian woman who was all over the place. She went down like a sack of spuds and hit her head on the ice, but was wearing a helmet. I dread to think what would have happened had she not been doing so.

I guess with a lot of people, its something of a fashion statement not to wear one, as they do look a bit "nerdy".

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:24:56 GMT

I actually believe that they have become more acceptable as they have started to become more stylish and fashionable.

New school skiers, freestylers, big mountain skiers, and the likes have all started wearing them.

With these type of skiers wearing them more thought has been put into design bringing them more up to date.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:02:33 GMT

Hey guys, I'm the first vote for "always" :!:

I live in an area (Nova Scotia) where the meaning of "free world" is slipping day by day, or at least changing to "you do what the government tells you to do - or we will fine you". The politicians decided (based on useless advice from the medical people) it was best for "us" to be forced to wear bicycle helmets when on a bike. (I'd like to say to them "on your bike"!) So I stopped riding my bike. It has cost me a loss of fitness level.

When I took up skiing I decided for myself that a helmet was potentially wise move - so I went with that. There have been a few occasions in which this was proven to be a wise move indeed. The helmet provides a good location for storing the goggles. It also has a warming effect and has saved me from a few headaches.

I expect in a very few years the Canadian government will force a helmet law upon us and in thinking of this I'm glad I have already accepted the "brain bucket". I certainly wouldn't want to give up skiing. :shock:

I'm certainly not one of those people who "attack" helmet-less people on the chair lift and preach the use of helmets. Everyone should have the choice :mrgreen:

Mike :wink:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:25:58 GMT

I must admit that i make my kids wear them all the time whilst skiing,Although i dont wear one myself. Its illegle in Italy for under 14`s since Jan 2005.If you trawl through the threads we had a debate about this very subject. Titled Bicycle helmet on the slopes.
Welcome to the forum :wink:

AJ Adele

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:37:11 GMT

I have a helmet but i only wear it sometimes, like if im in the park or skiing off piste and in trees. Just normal piste skiing i dont tend to, cant really hear a huge amount with it on?? :lol: or maybe im just deaf, who knows!!

More and more people are wearing them though, especially boarders.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:47:08 GMT

bennyboy wrote:I have a helmet but i only wear it sometimes, like if im in the park or skiing off piste and in trees. Just normal piste skiing i dont tend to, cant really hear a huge amount with it on?? :lol: or maybe im just deaf, who knows!!

More and more people are wearing them though, especially boarders.

We made our son`s super cool by putting a bright turquoise mohawk on it, All the other kids love it and the lift ops always smile and brush their hands over it.

AJ Adele

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:56:37 GMT

Yeah thats a good way to get kids to wear them :lol:

The ski school in Big White were doing that to the kids who refused to wear them, they did something to the helmet that they liked and the attention that it attracted meant that they wanted to wear it all the time :lol:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:59:25 GMT

Then there's the 'grown ups'

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:06:14 GMT

I am a most of the time person.

If I am doing anything other than being on the nursery/slow slope with my piece of fluff I will wear a helmet.

It is quite a cool one with a winter cammo covering.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:14:39 GMT

AJ your kid will look back in a few years and blame you for this.. it's cool now but when he's in his teens and looks back he actually will ahte you.

Wear a helmet all the time.. would feel naked without it now.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:22:37 GMT

Nice picture of the grown-ups. Looks like a great place for skiing.

But they look like they forgot something and their ears look cold. :mrgreen:

Must have been a really nice trip.

Mike :wink:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:38:13 GMT

AJ wrote:I must admit that i make my kids wear them all the time whilst skiing,Although i dont wear one myself. Its illegle in Italy for under 14`s since Jan 2005.If you trawl through the threads we had a debate about this very subject. Titled Bicycle helmet on the slopes.
Welcome to the forum :wink:
AJ Adele

It's tough being a good roll model. You should have heard my daughter tell me I'm a hypocrite when she saw photos of my two sans helmet days last season. My daughter hated me for insisting she wear a helmet at the roller skating rink (she was the only one there wearing a helmet). She told me later that a kid was take away with a concussion after a collision, QED.

Seven years ago it was unusual to see a ski patroller in the US wearing a helmet. They were especially worried about being able to hear. Now it's unusual to see a patroller not wearing a helmet. Reason - they see all the head injuries.

Another thing for Brad to consider living in States, is that CT scans are the norm whenever there is a chance of concussion. Unless you have double coverage (I do), then even if it only cost you 10% out of pocket, that would cover the cost of a couple of good helmets.

Trencher

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:09:31 GMT

I have never worn one.

However, after a big smash with an out of control skier a couple of years back ( the day after Tony-H inadvertantly hospitalised a woman) and a couple of near misses, I think it may be time to invest, particularly as I like to ski fast and the slopes do seem to be getting more crowded (or is that just my impression?) with people seemingly unable to control themselves or their speed

It will also help silence a nagging partner.

I've never really hurt myself though, so knowing my luck I'll wear a helmet for the first time and break my ******* arm!

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:19:14 GMT

Skidaddle. I have a friend who lives in the mountains. His daughter is a ski racer, so I don't know if she was influential in getting him into a helmet.

The 1st day of wearing a helmet, he fell over off piste, the rock he hit broke his arm quite badly, (requiring surgery, pins and a plate) and also split the helmet, I think he had a headache afterwards :shock:

I've come to believe that we bounce less as we get older!

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:21:36 GMT

A split helmet in a crash generally means a coffin without one!!

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:51:35 GMT

So, what are the "rules" and guidlines regarding helmet-fit?

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:24:40 GMT

skidaddle wrote:So, what are the "rules" and guidlines regarding helmet-fit?

For me the rules would be

Comfort. If it isn't comfortable, you will be tempted not to wear it.

Good fit. It must not move around on your head. It should not need the strap to be very tight to achieve this. The front should be a little above the eye brow, not up at your hair line.

Must work with goggles and sun glasses. A goggle strap retention clip is a must.

Some type of ventilation system. Beori have a slider to open and close vents.

Must look good (good is in the eye of the beholder). Choose a style for your type... park punk, ski racer, cruiser, mad bomber, etc.

I prefer hard shell over my ears, others like the soft ear covers.

A good helmet will be warm down past -20C, so you would not need a liner for most conditions.

Trencher

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:57:13 GMT

skidaddle wrote:So, what are the "rules" and guidlines regarding helmet-fit?

For me it would be:

Fit, put it on, and it should grip the front of the head, so I should be able to waggle the helmet and wrinkle my forehead.

Adjustment, it should have custom moveable pads within the head space, to perfect the fit.

Range of sizes to choose from.

Lots of vents, sliders if possible.

Removeable ear pieces.

Design I like, colour I like.

Strap that's comfy

CE Mark

Goggles fit with retainer clip.

Shades slot in liner, stops ears getting sore.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:21:24 GMT

It's something I'm considering but I'm bad enough being constrained by goggles, I really don't think I'll like it (apart from the fact that it'll obviously mess up the hair :mrgreen:!)

My boys don't have a choice and will hopefully grow up with it as second nature.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:53:27 GMT

caron-a wrote:It's something I'm considering but I'm bad enough being constrained by goggles, I really don't think I'll like it (apart from the fact that it'll obviously mess up the hair :mrgreen:!)

Hmmm, the hair :lol: I get far less hair grief when wearing a helmet. Much less static than with a hat of any sort. Gone are the days when I took off my hat and looked like I'd not done my hair for a week :shock:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:04:11 GMT

its a problem we all face.....sigh

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:18:49 GMT

tino_11 wrote:its a problem we all face.....sigh

Excluding Slapheads. Do they have an unfair advantage :mrgreen:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:23:22 GMT

they go faster lol

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:24:08 GMT

tino_11 wrote:they go faster lol

Only if they get polishing though :lol:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:31:51 GMT

I practically started a row on the forum last year with this posting about whether you could use safely bicycle helmets (assuming that you have no shame of course):

http://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/3419.page

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:40:32 GMT

I remember it well :D

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:52:55 GMT

What a brilliantly entertaining read!

I love Ise's idea about a really thick woolly hat. With a bobble on it.

Note to self - get one and Tony_H can stop his "dog with no ears" rubbish

)

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:45:22 GMT

Ok, it's not possible for me to refrain from joining in any more ;)

Here's the thing, you (as a sentient adult) should "almost certainly" wear a helmet when doing any of the following:

• Ski Racing - From Slalom to Downhill, Skiercross or any other form of closed course alpine event.
• Skiing Off Piste - From full on backcountry to just down the edge of the piste and everywhere in-between.
• Any kind of aerials (inverted or not).
• Skiing in a resort new to you.

It takes no imagination to realise that impact with hard objects on (in my case) soft skulls will always result in high volumes of Claret!

But here's the sting in the tale …

Here are some times when I suggest wearing a helmet could be real liability:

• ALL Children aged about 3yrs - 15yrs whilst in Ski School.
• Children aged about 3yrs - 15yrs whilst not in Ski School, depending on ability, activity and supervision level.
• When skiing with friends / family on piste in a resort known to you.
• In a nightclub!

Now I know that poor Mr Admin will have to invest in some more disk space to deal with the arguments that this post will inevitably bring but here is my reasoning:

Point 1. - Young children have heads that are disproportionately larger than their bodies which means that in simple maths terms their helmets weigh more in proportion to their body weight than is true for adults.

Point 2. - Young childrens's muscles and neck structures are proportionally weaker and softer than that of an adult. (1)

Point 3. - "Standard" helmets are great at protecting skulls from impact collisions with hard objects.

Point 4 - "Standard" helmets are poor at protecting faces against full frontal abrasion.

Point 5 - Most helmets limit vision and spatial awareness.

Point 6 - Most helmets limit auditory awareness.

Point 7 - Most children (people) adopt an attitude of immortality and demonstrate a reduced ability to accurately access danger when provided with enhanced safety equipment. (2)

I'm not going to join the dots for you but what I would suggest is that there are a substantial number of situations where real consideration should be given to the balance between the benefits to be gained from wearing a helmet and the problems that their use may bring. Ok, ok, I will just join a few dots to illustrate my point. Let's start by considering a child of 4 in "Ski School" or "Ski Kindergarten". If we think about points 1 & 2, mix in some point 4 and then blend points 5 & 6 to a smooth consistency - What do we end up with? A child who is potentially at an elevated risk of neck injury, who may not be able to hear and see instructions from their instructor and who is more likely to fall flat on their face than hit a hard object at high speed.

Like everything in life there are very few times when you get something for nothing. The compensation culture has driven a move towards "protection" at all costs and the Pavlovian (not our Pavel but the Classical Learning Theorist) response of wearing helmets in all situations! I suggest that this response needs to be tempered with a good old fashioned dollop of parental juggling. Educate yourselves about the risk and act in whatever way you feel most appropriate.

In case this is all getting a little boring - Just for fun try to help me understand why there is no requirement to wear helmets at (most) ice rinks? Today, I rang "The Worlds Largest Ice Rink" in Blaine, MN, USA (www.superrink.org) and was told that there was no requirement to wear helmets for adults or children. When I asked if I could hire (rent) a helmet they put me on hold "to check" and after some time they told me I could "maybe rent something for kids but, for sure, not for grown-ups!" … Kinda odd hu? Especially considering that you are far more likely to sustain a head injury ice skating than skateboarding (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/114/1/124) where helmet use is almost universally observed … Go figure!

Finally, I can introduce one interesting piece of "evidence" for your consideration. In ESY 2003-4 there was at least one LEA in the UK that explicitly prohibited the use of helmets for school children whilst abroad on snow in "ski schools" whilst under the responsibility of the LEA. The Chief Physical Education Officer for that county submitted a detailed paper to the governing body of skiing in England stating many of the issues I raise above.

Having re-read the above paragraph it does sound rather officious, sorry :oops: but I'll leave it in just to add some gravitas to this thread )

I look forward to all discussion from here on in!

Jan

(1) - http://www.smf.org/articles/pdf/choptrauma.pdf
(2) - http://www.lidsonkids.org/ski-or-snowboard-as-if-youre-not-wearing-one.asp

Further Reading:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2005/02/04/ski-helmets050204.html

http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/News/Helmets-for-injury-prevention.aspx?articleID=8084&categoryID=news-poh6

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:09:38 GMT

Well said. Bit of common is all that is required, as with most things in life.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:24:13 GMT

I think it's rather like the bone Doctor who proclaimed that "as many people are low on vitamin D, everyone should get more exposure to the sun". The skin and cancer Doctors were a little upset that he thought the risk of being a little low on vitamin D was worth the increased risk of skin cancer.

There is of course that small number of car drivers who are alive today because they were not wearing a seat belt in some unusual accident. For decades such anomalies have been providing people with an excuse not to buckle up.

The NRA here in the States produces all kinds of statistics and studies to show how easy access to guns makes us all safer

I took my daughter to hospital with a concussion after she fell and someone ran into her on the bunny hill. If she had not been wearing a helmet the impact might have killed her. The guy who ran into her was a beginner who had momentarily lost control. This type of minor, but potentially serious accident happens every day and no degree of ski school supervision will prevent it.

Someone I know suffered a serious brain injury last season. He was free skiing on an uncrowded day and collided with another skier. He slid into a lift tower head first. Without a helmet he would be dead.

The reticence to wear protective gear in many sports is cultural. The more individual and casual the sport, the less protective gear is worn. In line skating is typical of this behavior. In suburban USA there are adult inline skates hanging in many garages, hardly used. The owner thought it would be a fun way to get fit, went out on the skates, grazed up knees and arms in a fall and never used them again. No way would this person ever consider wearing protective gear. What would the neighbours think ? … some kind of dweeb or sissy. Ice skating is similar. No one wants to be thought a sissy. Besides which helmets are inconvenient, but then so were seat belts in cars.

I do think people should have the choice of whether or not to wear a helmet. There are situations where a helmet would so detract from the experience that increased risk is acceptable. To suggest though, that helmets might not reduce overall serious accident rates defies logic (with respect).

Trencher

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:39:39 GMT

skidaddle wrote:What a brilliantly entertaining read!

I love Ise's idea about a really thick woolly hat. With a bobble on it.

Note to self - get one and Tony_H can stop his "dog with no ears" rubbish

)

You.

In a helmet.

Only one thing springs to mind...............

............potty time :D

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:58:52 GMT

Letting off small explosive devices in the board park!!

Re:Ski Helmets?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:07:40 GMT

If my skis are on, so is the helmet (as well as my knee brace and will in my back pocket next to my " If I'm a dead call this number" card). The one and only time I didn't; my butt was extremely lucky after a concussion and neck strain. If I bought/rented out one I probably would have shrugged it off.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:29:09 GMT

Safety is the hardest sell! Be it through appropriate helmets or fire protection.

I've mentioned a time or two that I skate sometimes with the "lucky to be retired" people. Every now and then any one of the better skaters has fallen resulting in nasty head wounds or broken wrists, arms or shoulders. After such an event the number of helmets being worn increases a bit.

Knowing full well how bad such a fall can be on the ice, I haven't adopted the use of helmets here; but to me it makes more sense to wear a helmet while ice skating than while skiing. I guess the warmth the helmet provides when skiing is of more value to me than the safety aspect.

In time helmets will be required in the rinks and on the ski hills.

Another example where safety gear should be required in the rinks, is during the free-for-alls where you see the 3 or 5 years olds spending more time on the ice and the hot-shot wannabe hockey playing children charging through the pack. Gloves should be a requirement as well. I shutter at what could happen to the little ones' fingers at such times.

Yes - safety is a hard sell. (I do wear helmet, wrist guards, gloves and knee pads when on the roller blades - hmmm ... must pick up some elbow pads!)

Mike

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 07:05:18 GMT

Here come the restrictions....

Just seen a BUPA Travel Policy requiring snowboarders to use a leash and use "protective headgear" in the small print. my italics

So, the $64,000 question.... Would they disallow a claim if their snowboarding claimant chose not to wear a helmet. Plenty of other insurers to choose from currently, but it could start a trend, and others may follow this.

BUPA are selling insurance to UK residents in this instance.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 14:09:15 GMT

Hi all,

I posted another thread here as I want to but a helmet this year. My problem is that I have no idea what type of helmet to buy.
My criteria are:
1) Comfortable
2) Air vents
3) Covers my ears
4) Does not make my look like Rubric

Any help ?

Re:Ski Helmets?

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:52:24 GMT

Hi guys n girls,

I personally don't use a helmet at the moment although if I boarded rather than skied I reckon i'd get one ASAP.

Currently I stay mainly on piste although I have started to look at the areas alongside or between runs which I consider, baby off piste
When I go away next Feb (09) I'd also like to try some jumping at the fun park so I guess a helmet would be something I should look at purchasing.

A friend of mine (boarder) had a fall in Bulgaria where he went over and hit his head on black ice.
He spent 2.5 days in hospital with bad concussion and when he arrived home he was signed off for around 2 months with severe restrictions on what he could do, read, TV, play games etc.
Needless to say he now wears a helmet all of the time and would never board without it.

I think that most boarders fall on their front or back which makes this more likely to hit their heads.

Shame hats look cooler )

Re:Ski Helmets?

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:16:28 GMT

During the initial learning phase, I'm sure boarders are more prone to head impacts in falls, especially heelside slams. At more advanced levels skiers are more likely to be moving faster than boarders. When things go wrong at speed, it matters little whether you are on a board or skis. Some experience with martial arts falls can help, but often only luck will determine the outcome. I have had many "flying through the air" type falls on skis and boards where a helmet has been benificial to say the least. In the general population of resort users, I think skiers are less adventurous than boaders. Unfortunately, people who like to stay within thier comfort zone are likely to under estimate the potential for a serious fall. The terrain park is on another level of risk entirely.

In the US now, helmet wearing is a good indication of a skier's/boarder's level of skill, experience and seriouseness. That is, the more time people spend boarding or skiing, the more likely they are to wear a helmet. Which is why to experienced people hats don't look cooler :wink:

Trencher

Re:Ski Helmets?

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:27:46 GMT

Another benefit of helmets not mentioned above is face protection. I have landed face down several times with force and at speed. The front of the helmet has skidded along the snow rather than my face.

Trencher

Re:Ski Helmets?

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:54:43 GMT

bandit wrote:Here come the restrictions....

Just seen a BUPA Travel Policy requiring snowboarders to use a leash and use "protective headgear" in the small print. my italics

So, the $64,000 question.... Would they disallow a claim if their snowboarding claimant chose not to wear a helmet. Plenty of other insurers to choose from currently, but it could start a trend, and others may follow this.

BUPA are selling insurance to UK residents in this instance.

I'm covered by BUPA through work for 'winter sports' - their policy wording is very long when it comes to snowboarding (including the helmet wear) and for skiing it is nearly as vague. I always opt for BUPA but only becuase it is cheap (through work) but for off piste, it is ludicrous - you would never be covered, you have to take a stand alone policy on top.

Basically, I include BUPA travel cover at work as one of my flexible benefits (not just for winter sports but for summer trips and it includes family very cheaply) but my boyfriend works with me and many years ago used to work in insurance and doesn't opt for the BUPA cover because he thinks they have too many caveats when it comes to winter sports.. Maybe I'm silly, maybe he is (for paying over the odds every year) but we won't know until we have a claim.....

As an anecdote, it is very easy to make a claim in spain for getting drunk and losing your bag but losing a ski is a very different matter.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:38:44 GMT

I did buy a helmet after I crashed with my head within inches of sharp rocks and had I hit them I would probably not be posting here. But once I wore it and found it very uncomfortable obstructing my hearing and heating up. So what I do is slow down in narrow passages and stay more vigilant.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:02:54 GMT

Maybe try a different brand of helmet? Most recreational helmets have removable ear pads, fitting fine tuning and adjustable vents, so overheating and hearing issues should be easily remedied.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 04:06:22 GMT

Well, thought I would revive this old thread to say, I bought a helmet for this next ski season :)

I do get it now, with all the off piste skiing I have been doing and the level I want to push myself to, it is a good idea, also got one for my son.

Also going Skiing tomorrow at Crystal Mnt. :mrgreen:

Brad

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 13:10:21 GMT

I started wearing a helmet a couple of years ago, after 2 seasons without one. For me, as an intermediate snowboarder, I found that putting on a helmet gave me more confidence to attempt more difficult terrain, on and off piste, not having to worry about a head injury is one thing off my mind while trying to concentrate on a new slope or technique.

Also, don't forget the importance of replacing your helmet after an impact, as just like a bicycle helmet, the integrity of the helmet may be compromised even if you cannot see any damage.

I would also like to add, I don't think that it matters whether you are a skier or a snowboarder, you should consider wearing a helmet regardless of the terrain that you ski or ride. It only takes one out of control person to cause a serious collision, and these can and do occur off piste and in the back country too.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 13:55:33 GMT

Uh oh, the old "I'm invincible with a helmet" approach springs to mind

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:04:13 GMT

That is not at all what I meant, I am a very cautious person by nature, and I do not think that I am invincible. The point i am trying to make is that wearing a helmet can help you develop your skiing or riding by increasing your confidence in the same way that a good haircut can improve your confidence in other situations. I am well aware of my limitations. In my experience, there are many people that think they are invincible that do not wear helmets, and it is partially because of those people that i have chosen to wear one myself.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:17:55 GMT

My Nephew has just had a head injury (not ski related) - He is in a comma, anything that can reduce the risk is a must.
We always wear our helmets.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:57:09 GMT

What I find interesting and also supports what I see in the resorts is this.

On another forum I frequent for people who live fulltime in Switzerland the exact same poll was done. Of 221 respondents only 30% never wear a helmet. 70% always or sometimes wear one. 67.5% always wear one!

Anecdotally this supports what I see in the resorts. People who do not wear helmets are in the minority now(a very small minority!). The people I see who are not wearing helmets are nearly always tourists!

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 17:34:00 GMT

ir12daveor wrote:What I find interesting and also supports what I see in the resorts is this.

On another forum I frequent for people who live fulltime in Switzerland the exact same poll was done. Of 221 respondents only 30% never wear a helmet. 70% always or sometimes wear one. 67.5% always wear one!

Anecdotally this supports what I see in the resorts. People who do not wear helmets are in the minority now(a very small minority!). The people I see who are not wearing helmets are nearly always tourists!

I'm very happy to be in the minority :thumbup:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 21:04:28 GMT

I have a friend who wears a helmet to ski. He's getting a new one for this winter, as he escaped with just a scalp wound from this encounter. He's holding the rock that made the hole in his Giro G10.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 21:09:44 GMT

bandit wrote:I have a friend who wears a helmet to ski. He's getting a new one for this winter, as he escaped with just a scalp wound from this encounter. He's holding the rock that made the hole in his Giro G10.

Yes I remember ,,,,,, :wink:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:02:24 GMT

I've just returned from a week in Hintertux where I tried out my new helmet for the first time, and was very grateful after a bad fall on the first day! As a boarder I know we're more inclined to fall and injure our heads than a skier, but my sister was then also encouraged to wear hers for the duration fo the trip and she skis. I was impressed with the number of people wearing helmets regardless of skis or boards, I won't be without one again!

Re:Ski Helmets?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:06:47 GMT

I was a helmet cynic for many years; now I am a helmet convert. I prefer technique to speed as I get older but enjoy the steep and wild from time to time.

Definitely see more people wearing crash hats than not in Swisserland these days - and I just think it's sensibly minimising another risk to life and limb (or my swede!)

You may be a sensible, controlled and sensible skier, but the mountains are a hazardous environment where you cannot legislate for the unexpected or the skills, attitudes and aversion to risk of your fellow slope users.

And, anyway, nothing much looks nerdier than a wooly hat or a baseball cap!

Re:Ski Helmets?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:51:14 GMT

LOTA wrote:

And, anyway, nothing much looks nerdier than a wooly hat or a baseball cap!

Has anyone seen Tony_H around? He's easy to spot, just look for the Pom Pom :D

:P (snigger)

Re:Ski Helmets?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:06:08 GMT

You might be Franz Klammer, but if Eddie the Eagle is about you really want to be wearing a helmet . Iv'e seen someone ski into a rock face and smash there head against it . It shocked other memebers of my group into going to the ski shop and getting a helmet straight away. You can buy one in the uk for under GBP20(FROM LIDL).

LET THIS BE A WARNING

Re:Ski Helmets?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:19:06 GMT

It's interesting how it's changed is quite a short amount of time. We started arranging big group (20-40 people) ski holidays in 2000, back then I don't think anyone wore a helmet. The first I think must have been about 2002. The following year a couple more, I think I got mine in 2004. Now almost everyone on each trip has a helmet.

Personally I can't see any reason not to wear one. Providing you get one that suits, you can barely feel the weight, the vents stop you getting too warm, you get more protection in bad weather. Mine doesn't effect what I can hear, neither does it effect my vision.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:28:02 GMT

Hello.
Nerdy - bobble hats? Are you actually real?
Coming from people who look like day release with their lids on, thats actually quite funny :mrgreen: 8) )

Seriously, nothing has changed since people began skiing. There is a risk, of course, but whats made it more serious in recent times?
Oh yeah, the media.
Glad I dont read the papers.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:56:05 GMT

No way I don't look like day release I look like a pink and white storm trooper. :P :lol:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:13:01 GMT

With all due respect to those who try to save enough to SKI three times a year. :roll: I've been a Patroller in the Canadian Rockies for 22 years, my kid is a sponsored snowboarder and our family skis/rides 50+ days each season. My kids learned to ski and walk at the same time. :D

While it's debatable if helmets actually save lives in incidents of severe trauma, in the other 99.9% of on-snow accidents they make a significant difference especially with concussions.

Those who yearn for the "good old days" are welcome to do so, nobody's forcing you (yet) to put on on. At one time, hockey helmets and goalie masks were new and I'm sure the same argument was made (but they kinda sounded weird because they had no teeth, actually people with multiple concussions sound weird too).

I wear a helmet, it's light, comfortable and has plenty of air flow when I open the vents.

Rant complete.

IT'S SNOWING, wtf am I doing here? :(

Re:Ski Helmets?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:13:03 GMT

Tony_H wrote:Hello.
Nerdy - bobble hats? Are you actually real?
Coming from people who look like day release with their lids on, thats actually quite funny :mrgreen: 8) )

Seriously, nothing has changed since people began skiing. There is a risk, of course, but whats made it more serious in recent times?
Oh yeah, the media.
Glad I dont read the papers.

Thats exactly the the view I started with when getting back into skiing a couple years ago. But it is incorrect, things have changed. With fatter skis, we are seeking out the powder more and more, often off piste. Also the level of tricks these days are way beyond what we were doing, just 20 years ago. No one, outside of Olympic level skiers, would have imagined the jumps that are common in terrain parks now.

Brad

Re:Ski Helmets?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:39:30 GMT

The bobble or wool hat perhaps reached its style zenith when modelled by one Mr Benny Hawkins of the Crossroads motel.

The seasonal workers in Engelberg were sporting a hideous woolly hat off the slopes last season; it was akin to something Noddy or Big Ears would have worn.

Truly, truly, appallingly nerdy!

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:02:20 GMT

I think for nerdy, you misunderstand the word "cool".
Helmets are safety devices and are most definitely not cool. Hats are extremely fashionable.
For those who want to look like window lickers or who actually perform extreme enough skiing to warrant wearing one (ie unpatrolled off piste, base jumping, jibbing in the park etc ie where the risk of falling over is MASSIVELY increased) then I guess you have to find the "coolest" lid you can, which I think must be difficult, but all this nonsense talk about the risk has increased per se....come on?

I do believe we had this discussion last season, and its not going to change.

If you feel you need to wear a lid, feel free. If you ski to extremes, probably a good decision. But for us holiday skiers, please continue to feel free to choose what you want on your head (as long as its not those stupid things with bright pink hair built in....).

I do like the idea of children and beginners having to wear helmets however. I think you should be issues with a certificate of competency by an instructor, which enables you to have the honour of wearing a hat rather than a helmet. A bit like throwing away your L plates when driving.

I am sure the day will come when we are all forced to wear a helmet, just because the media over hype someones unfortunate death which they will no doubt pin on the fact the person was not wearing a helmet yet again, but I will choose not to until that time comes. I find my collection of hats not only keep my head warm when its particularly cold, but they also complete my extremely stylish look on the slopes.
With a lid on, that look would be diminished massively.

Each to his own.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:19:41 GMT

:lol: Tony, if Anna Kournikova came off a slope with a lid on and sat next to you to drink a beer, would you say "oi window licker, move along"? :lol: :lol:

I agree though. Each to his (or her) own. :thumbup:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:36:26 GMT

from a previous message

I do like the idea of children and beginners having to wear helmets however. I think you should be issues with a certificate of competency by an instructor, which enables you to have the honour of wearing a hat rather than a helmet. A bit like throwing away your L plates when driving.

You might be a good skier, but it's the out of control skier hitting you that might knock you out .

So stick a lid on your head

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:19:51 GMT

Helmet use is a personal preference. I don't give anyone a hard time for not wearing one. That said, misinformed statements as to why not to wear them should be questioned. Inform yourself, then make you own choice. Here is an excellent resource from a UK based website:

http://ski-injury.com/prevention/helmet

130 cms in the last 5 days !!! The clock is ticking!

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:27:19 GMT

paulschlote wrote:from a previous message

I do like the idea of children and beginners having to wear helmets however. I think you should be issues with a certificate of competency by an instructor, which enables you to have the honour of wearing a hat rather than a helmet. A bit like throwing away your L plates when driving.

You might be a good skier, but it's the out of control skier hitting you that might knock you out .

So stick a lid on your head

That was me. And yes - there has ALWAYS been the possibility of some numpty trawling into me like that, it isn't just a recent thing, so I repeat - why the sudden thought change?

And no - I won't be told to wear one :twisted:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:28:25 GMT

EmmaEvs wrote: :lol: Tony, if Anna Kournikova came off a slope with a lid on and sat next to you to drink a beer, would you say "oi window licker, move along"? :lol: :lol:

I agree though. Each to his (or her) own. :thumbup:

No, probably not. But I'd ask her why shes skiing, when a leg injury could end her tennis career.

I bet she'd be in horrible Spyder gear too.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:35:54 GMT

Tony_H wrote:

EmmaEvs wrote: :lol: Tony, if Anna Kournikova came off a slope with a lid on and sat next to you to drink a beer, would you say "oi window licker, move along"? :lol: :lol:

I agree though. Each to his (or her) own. :thumbup:

No, probably not. But I'd ask her why shes skiing, when a leg injury could end her tennis career.

I bet she'd be in horrible Spyder gear too.

I could put up with the Spyder gear :wink:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:37:09 GMT

Tony_H wrote:I think for nerdy, you misunderstand the word "cool".
Helmets are safety devices and are most definitely not cool. Hats are extremely fashionable.
For those who want to look like window lickers or who actually perform extreme enough skiing to warrant wearing one (ie unpatrolled off piste, base jumping, jibbing in the park etc ie where the risk of falling over is MASSIVELY increased) then I guess you have to find the "coolest" lid you can, which I think must be difficult, but all this nonsense talk about the risk has increased per se....come on?

I do believe we had this discussion last season, and its not going to change.

If you feel you need to wear a lid, feel free. If you ski to extremes, probably a good decision. But for us holiday skiers, please continue to feel free to choose what you want on your head (as long as its not those stupid things with bright pink hair built in....).

I do like the idea of children and beginners having to wear helmets however. I think you should be issues with a certificate of competency by an instructor, which enables you to have the honour of wearing a hat rather than a helmet. A bit like throwing away your L plates when driving.

I am sure the day will come when we are all forced to wear a helmet, just because the media over hype someones unfortunate death which they will no doubt pin on the fact the person was not wearing a helmet yet again, but I will choose not to until that time comes. I find my collection of hats not only keep my head warm when its particularly cold, but they also complete my extremely stylish look on the slopes.
With a lid on, that look would be diminished massively.

Each to his own.

I get it now (I haven't posted a lot here) you are a contrarian. I don't know about the "lids" on your side of the pond, but a lot of the ones over here look plenty cool in my assessment.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:08:42 GMT

No Brad. I am just an individual who won't be told what to wear and who thinks hats look cool and helmets don't. I don't need to be labelled, in typical American fashion, thanks. If you see where I am coming from:-

"Oh look at him with the beard and rucksack, he must be a terrorist"
"Oh look at that man with the limp, he must be gay"
"Oh look at him in the bobble hat, he must be a contrarian"
"Oh look at those people with all that oil, they must have weapons of mass destruction"

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:09:00 GMT

I get it now... you are a contrarian

Hey, language brad1138, it's only 7pm ! :shock: :lol:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:27:31 GMT

:lol: I don't always agree with him but if you could put Tony_H in a bottle I would buy a crate :wink:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:41:36 GMT

Pfff! Twelve bottles in a crate, with twelve little bobble hats on top. Why does that make me chuckle? :lol:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:43:08 GMT

EmmaEvs wrote:Pfff! Twelve bottles in a crate, with twelve little bobble hats on top. Why does that make me chuckle? :lol:

Hmmmm quite :lol:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:07:03 GMT

AlistairS wrote: :lol: I don't always agree with him but if you could put Tony_H in a bottle I would buy a crate :wink:

I am liking you, Stez.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:28:46 GMT

If you wear a helmet - That's ok by me

If you don't wear a helmet - That's ok by me

If you wear a helmet and preach to those who dont - Will you please STFU and just get on with what you bought your helmet for in the first place...Skiing/boarding.

"The fact remains that the risk of such an injury remains too small to insist that everyone on the slopes must wear a helmet. It should remain your personal choice at the end of the day...." (The AMA)

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:43:06 GMT

snowb4ndit wrote:
If you wear a helmet - That's ok by me

If you don't wear a helmet - That's ok by me

If you wear a helmet and preach to those who dont - Will you please STFU and just get on with what you bought your helmet for in the first place...Skiing/boarding.

"The fact remains that the risk of such an injury remains too small to insist that everyone on the slopes must wear a helmet. It should remain your personal choice at the end of the day...." (The AMA)

Amen to that.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:31:30 GMT

"please STFU" ???

I thought the idea of a forum was to have fun with the debate.......

Re:Ski Helmets?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:45:48 GMT

Tony_H wrote:

AlistairS wrote: :lol: I don't always agree with him but if you could put Tony_H in a bottle I would buy a crate :wink:

I am liking you, Stez.

Steady Tony... AlistairS clearly got cut-off and meant to complete his post with "drop the bottle in and nail the lid down." :wink:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 02:11:25 GMT

SkiPatrollerDave wrote:"please STFU" ???

I thought the idea of a forum was to have fun with the debate.......

:thumbup:

Agreed, I haven't told anyone they need to wear a helmet, just pointed out that skiing has gotten more extreme in the last 10+ years, and a helmet does make more sense now than before.

Tony, the contrarian comment was meant in jest. Maybe I should have said you like to talk Shite ) Anyone who's favorite movie is Pulp Fiction can be all bad.

Brad

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:02:12 GMT

Admin wrote:

Tony_H wrote:

AlistairS wrote: :lol: I don't always agree with him but if you could put Tony_H in a bottle I would buy a crate :wink:

I am liking you, Stez.

Steady Tony... AlistairS clearly got cut-off and meant to complete his post with "drop the bottle in and nail the lid down." :wink:

Ah, but would he tax the beany first or leave it in the crate? :wink:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:01:35 GMT

i never drive my car without a seat belt, it doesn't feel right ? same when i'm skiing i dont feel right without a lid on and i dont let my boys ski without one either.

ste

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:41:31 GMT

brad1138 wrote:

Tony, the contrarian comment was meant in jest. Maybe I should have said you like to talk Shite ) Anyone who's favorite movie is Pulp Fiction can be all bad.

Brad

I'm sure it was, Brad. But people have been telling me I ought to wear a helmet, and thats balls quite frankly.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:02:12 GMT

i didn't wear a helmet in 2008 when this thread started and none of the arguments put forwarded have persuaded me since...

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:47:07 GMT

daved wrote:i didn't wear a helmet in 2008 when this thread started and none of the arguments put forwarded have persuaded me since...

How dare you, Dave!!! :shock:
Watch out, the Window Lickers will be out to nail you now.
You might even get a thread started in your honour, now they know you are a Beanie Boy.

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:10:18 GMT

I Googled "define: window licker", cause I've never heard that term before a few days ago...

Too many knocks to the head, that that's exactly what you'd be.

Let the fun begin!

Re:Ski Helmets?

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:42:17 GMT

Re:Ski Helmets?

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 08:00:53 GMT

Tony_H wrote:

:lol: :lol:

Re:Ski Helmets?

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:15:02 GMT

Tony_H wrote:

Now that really did make me lol. Hahahaha!

Re:Ski Helmets?

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:35:48 GMT

I've had some laughs, thanks eh!