Alpine skiing is a great sport. It keeps you active in the cold weather, and learning to ski can be empowering. Wearing a ski helmet is an excellent piece of equipment at any skill level, but it should not encourage a skier to ski beyond his ability.
Staying Warm
Helmets can insulate against winter winds and protect the ears from frostbite. Using a helmet will reduce exposure to the cold and allow you to stay on the slopes longer.
Risk of Injury
Ski resorts are seeing more traffic, making collisions more likely. Advanced skiers might feel a helmet is not necessary because they almost never fall. Although most skiing injuries involve broken legs, a head injury involves more damaging, and possibly deadly, results.
Habits are Hard to Break
Anyone who learned to ski 20 years ago might not remember needing a helmet as part of their gear. New skiers are now encouraged to wear helmets. Aggressive skiing is discouraged.
Glades
Expert skiers who ski in the woods should always use a helmet. Glades skiing involves making more accurate turns and staying in control while going down the mountain through the trees.
Imperfect Conditions
Some factors that could necessitate a helmet for any level of skier include icy terrain, potential for avalanche and crowded slopes. The potential for a severe head injury resulting in permanent brain damage is greatly reduced with this simple piece of equipment.
Tags: head injury, piece equipment