Ski helmet: yes or no?

November 16, 2005 8:59 AM

Do you wear a ski helmet? Why or why not? I've been skiing a few times, I'm wondering if I should start wearing one this year. Are they uncomfortable? Do they keep your head warm? And is there anything wrong with renting instead buying?
posted by exhilaration to sports, hobbies, & recreation (49 comments total)

And can anyone recommend any brands or models?
posted by exhilaration at 9:00 AM on November 16, 2005

I absolutely wear a helmet now. I didn't always wear one while snowboarding; I'd been snowboarding for 14 years without a problem, was on a minor blue run with friends, totally in control, testing a board for a friend's company. It wasn't my own board and I wasn't used to it, and I was probably going a little too fast for the conditions. Everything was fine until some doofus launched off a cliff above the run, landed almost on top of me, I caught an edge, and I bashed my head against the ice. Really, really hard. Being knocked out for a good while, a major concussion and then post-concussion syndrome for months made me re-think that strategy of sometimes wearing a helmet. And I got off easy.

Now all of my friends wear them too - it's not 'uncool' at all. Helmets, especially the new ones (I wear a RED helmet by Burton, I think?) are warm, have fairly good sound transferrence (the old ones isolated you from too much ambient sound, which is one of the reasons I wasn't wearing one that day), good ventilation, they all fit goggles properly now, and most importantly, they protect your noggin from bouncing around on ice, rocks, skis, chairlifts, other idiots out there.

I personally wouldn't rent a helmet. If the helmet has been knocked around a good amount - dropped off a lift, dropped in a parking lot, dropped too hard on the concrete floor in the bathroom or lunch-line, it's not as safe as one that *hasn't* been knocked around. Granted, any helmet is better than NO helmet (AFAIK), but if you're going to do this more than a few times, a helmet is actually something I'd buy first. Their structural safety is compromised after being knocked around, and rentals are *really* knocked around.
posted by barnone at 9:12 AM on November 16, 2005

I've been skiing for years, never used one. But then, I'm not flying off jumps or going on "Glades" runs (in the trees). If you're doing either of those, or you have a tendency to wipe out a lot, I could see the usefulness of getting one. Sadly, I have no recommendations on brands or models.
posted by antifuse at 9:12 AM on November 16, 2005

I never wore a helmet. I never got hurt.

Ditto for riding a bike. When I bought a new bike last summer, the salesman was incredulous when I said I didn't need a helmet. He told me -- I swear to God -- that his helmet had saved his life at least three times.

I told him, "I don't think you're doing it right."

Helmets are waaaaay overrated. Don't worry. Goggles, a hat, and a scarf. Have fun.
posted by cribcage at 9:16 AM on November 16, 2005

yes ski helmets are great. once you wear one, you'll never go back. They're lighter, they lock you goggles in place, they don't get drenched, and the good ones have vents with removable liners. The Giro 9 is the one i use and love. I've heard its the best one.
posted by alkupe at 9:17 AM on November 16, 2005

oh yeah and safety.
but i've never taken advantage of that part luckily.
posted by alkupe at 9:17 AM on November 16, 2005

i started skiing when i was 4 and the only time i wore one was when i was practicing/participating in slalom competition or going on glades.
as far as skiing in the regular slope with others, i just wear a cap to keep my head warm.

then again, it really depends - if you're a beginner and if the slope is icy, it might be a good idea to protect your head.
posted by grafholic at 9:19 AM on November 16, 2005

If your going to go to the bother of wearing a helmet (any helmet) don't rent one. A crash can leave the helmet damaged with no visible signs.

cribcage writes "I never wore a helmet. I never got hurt."

Keep in mind the brain damaged and dead don't post at MetaFilter.
posted by Mitheral at 9:23 AM on November 16, 2005

I don't know how necessary or effective a ski helmet is, but don't go with cribcage's rationale! The point of precautionary measures is not that they'll be used, but that in the case you do encounter a dangerous situation you remain considerably safer. I've also heard people say that they don't use a seatbelt because they've never been in a car accident.
posted by mikeh at 9:25 AM on November 16, 2005

is cribcage being sarcastic?
posted by alkupe at 9:28 AM on November 16, 2005

No, I'm not being sarcastic. Helmets are insanely, ridiculously overrated in today's society. I spent years skiing, fell down lots of times...and never fell on my head, saw anyone fall on his head, or witnessed circumstances where a helmet would have the slightest relevance. The poster "has been skiing a few times." He's not asking for safety tips during the X-Games; he's asking what people wear on King Ridge.
posted by cribcage at 9:37 AM on November 16, 2005

always wear my helmet. keeps me warm, comfortable. i especially like being able to take my goggles off and rest them on the helmet where they don't get fogged up with sweat if you were wearing just a hat. the helmet makes me feel extra confident in sketchy situations, and... it has built in speakers, which, might not be extra safe, but is awesome. i believe it's made by giro.
posted by garethspor at 9:38 AM on November 16, 2005

cribcage, i'm glad that you think helmets are overrated, but who cares? do you feel that the helmet industry is trying to screw us over or something? even if i never need my helmet in a crash, i still prefer wearing it over a hat, it's just more comfortable, functional and enjoyable to wear.

and maybe none of us are in the x-games, but lets all try to step up our game a bit this winter, i know i'll be going for it. if my helmet gives me the extra nudge of confidence to go big, then it's great.
posted by garethspor at 9:45 AM on November 16, 2005

He told me -- I swear to God -- that his helmet had saved his life at least three times.

I told him, "I don't think you're doing it right."

Not to derail too much, but WTF? I've had my life saved twice by helmets when biking, and I was always "doing it right."

I wasn't the one who felled the tree in the middle of the trail, nor was I the one who opened the car door, but in both cases I landed hard and cracked my helmet.

The level of comfort of modern helmets is so high (even for the cheap ones) that I rarely notice that it's on, and when I do I notice it's because it has a nice visor and is keeping the sun out of my eyes.

Ski helmets from all appearances seem to have made the same advances that bike helmets have in the past few years. I'd like to think ~$50 is a fair price to help insure you're not left a drooling idiot after hitting a rock/tree/bad skier.
posted by togdon at 9:46 AM on November 16, 2005

I never wore a helmet. Here in Quebec up until very recently the only people that wore helmets were racers/slalom folks on closed tracks and little first time kiddies. Snowboarders started wearing helmets, and now you see more and more folks doing it. When I talk to my buddy in Colorado he says pretty much everyone wears one these days.

I follow the same philosophy as hockey helmets in the NHL. Even though I am only 29 I consider myself an "oldtimer" and so will spend my days with the wind running through my hair/tuque, while my kids will probably be forced to wear a helmet.

I think wearing a helmet makes sense, but I think the risk is much less than when on a bike... speed may be similar but the ground is a lot softer, the fall is shorter most of the time (I can't remember ever falling forward on skis) and you're not running the risk of being hit by a car. Unless you're so uncoordinated (or ski so blindingly fast) that you risk running into trees then I don't think it's really necessary.

P.S. I consider myself an advanced skier and have skied on all levels/types of slopes.

P.P.S. I only snowboarded once, and I think all snowboarders should wear helmets, kneepads and wristguards.
posted by furtive at 9:51 AM on November 16, 2005

One more vote for the pro-helmet crowd.

I got over my aversion when I realized that the new ones are quite nice to wear.

cribcage: I sincerely hope that you are lucky enough to never be proven wrong. Not being snarky... I mean it.
posted by I Love Tacos at 9:54 AM on November 16, 2005

According to this article from the The Brain Injury Association of America:

Over 17,000 skiers and snowboarders suffered head injuries in 1997. In a study released in January 1999, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 7,700 of those skiers and snowboarders could have prevented their injury or reduced the severity had they been wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. In addition, the study showed that helmet use could prevent about 11 skiing and snowboarding deaths annually.

posted by Staggering Jack at 9:57 AM on November 16, 2005

Yeah, I'd get a helmet. I haven't been skiing for five years, but if I were to go again I'd certainly wear one. I saw a good friend of mine knocked cold one day after falling while simply traversing a slope; wouldn't have happened if he'd been wearing a helmet.

I told him, "I don't think you're doing it right."

Regarding bike riding, it's all fine and dandy to be doing everything right yourself, but you're not eliminating the variables of others -- in vehicles that outweigh your bike by a couple tons, by the way -- not doing everything right. Try to skew the variables you can control for in your favor; wear a helmet.

However, these are only my anecdotes and opinion, as are all the previous posts. So, here's an article that bats around some statistics and gives a case for and against using helmets. Judge for yourself.
posted by cog_nate at 9:58 AM on November 16, 2005

For the record: Several folks above have posted great reasons to wear a helmet -- comfort, convenience. I don't agree, personally; but that's just a matter of opinion. By all means, try it and see how it feels. But don't be dragged into the "you must wear a helmet" phobia. That's nonsense.
posted by cribcage at 9:59 AM on November 16, 2005

I think the main issue people are having with Cribcage's argument is that it's a logical fallacy (the fallacy of composition ? -- I'm not well versed): he's never seen anyone get hurt, or gotten hurt himself, so universally helmets are useless (or overrated).

As for myself, I always wore a helmet biking, didn't wear one once (admittedly on a motorscooter instead of a bike) and came home with 10 stitches in my head. Helmet would've provided adequate separation between my head and the road to avoid contact.
posted by GreenTentacle at 10:03 AM on November 16, 2005

Helmet probably would've helped with the concussion I had too... but that was kind of cool, never had one before. I was more amazed at the weird things my vision and hearing were doing than scared.
posted by GreenTentacle at 10:07 AM on November 16, 2005

Been skiing in Europe for 8+ years and only seen people who are very young or who are going off-piste wear them.

I can't say I think they're overrated but I have seen plenty of accidents where a helmet would not have helped in any way whatsoever.
posted by mr_silver at 10:15 AM on November 16, 2005

I snowboard and wear a helmet. I didn't until I hit some ice and fell and hit my head hard. Not concussion hard but it still hurt. I decided a helmet was cooler than a possible head injury. Now my brother, cousin, and friend all wear helmets. My helmet is a Leedom in a clear, dark blue plactic.

I generally ride fast but in control. However there are knuckleheads on the slopes and I've been hit more than once by them.

I also tried wrist guards buy they were too bulky and uncomfortable under my mittens so I don't use them.
posted by 6550 at 10:19 AM on November 16, 2005

I recommend them. I have been snowboarding for almost 10 years and can recall three times I caught my heel edge and whipped my head into ice or hard snow while wearing my helmet. Each time, I immediately knew that my money was well spent. Other benefits: my goggles fog much less than when I was wearing just a hat, particularly when I push them up on my forehead for a few minutes. Also, I took an old helmet, drilled a few holes in it, and then mounted a small tripod to the top. Now I can put my handycam on top of my helmet, turn it on and off with the remote control, and it films whaterver I am looking at during my run. Fun!
posted by procrastination at 10:24 AM on November 16, 2005

I've been boarding for 12 years, after being a skier for 5. I started wearing a helmet 5 years ago after a lots-of-blood-no-damage head whack against a branch. I find it comfortable, warm, and it keeps me aggressive on the steeps and the trees, which I need, as I'm getting a little timid as I age (mid-30's).

I tend to ride pretty agressive stuff, and actively hunt out powder in bowls and trees. But the worst accident I ever had was on a blue where I caught an edge. The helmet didn't matter, but it could have.

I have a cheap helmet from a company called pro-tek. The most important thing is if it fits.
posted by sauril at 10:24 AM on November 16, 2005

I'm sorry, but exactly how are discussions about the validity of cribcage's answer to the original question in any way an answer to the original question? That's his answer, the questioner can mark it best answer or not. The rest of you can flag it or shut the hell up, no matter how big an idiot you think he is. Your opinion is irrelevant and off-topic.

I've never worn a helmet when skiing but honestly nobody ever suggested it and I never considered it. In the late 80s when I did most of my skiing it just wasn't suggested and I don't think I ever saw anyone in one. I wear one when biking now that I'm old and cognizent of my own mortality/fragility and it meets my personal requirements in the cost:reward ratio.

Now that you've mentioned the idea I will probably wear one if I take any more snowboarding lessons. I'm very interested in any hard facts on buying/renting costs anyone else has to offer.
posted by phearlez at 10:25 AM on November 16, 2005

The first time I went snowboarding I refused to wear a helmet because I thought I'd look dorky. Then I fell on my head. Really hard. I've never hit my head that hard before (I wasn't knocked out but I lay in the snow in fetal position crying for 20 minutes because of the pain and the thought that I could've broken my neck). I went straight down the mountain to the village and bought one. It has definitely saved my life since then and mine has neato ear warmy things and keeps my goggles in place. I've even worn it off the slopes - during hurricanes when i thought a tree was going to go through my window.

I don't wear one biking unless I go on the trails where they require it.
posted by superkim at 10:27 AM on November 16, 2005

I think wearing a helmet makes sense, but I think the risk is much less than when on a bike... speed may be similar but the ground is a lot softer

If you ski in the east, the ground is often not all that soft...

Another vote for helmets. I started wearing one when it was required for racing GS, but came to prefer wearing a helmet to a hat. Helmets are warmer and can be better ventilated and more comfortable. Plus, in certain types of falls and collisions, they are invaluably helpful. While not a panacea, a helmet is definitely a good investment.
posted by andrewraff at 10:46 AM on November 16, 2005

I wear a helmet because I happen to do alot of more aggressive snowboarding (glades and park/pipe for example). I suppose it used to be "uncool" but times have changed and it is very acceptable to wear one (especially eastern US skiing as we have to deal with ice all the time).

After watching a friend slip into a coma after hitting his bare head on a rail, I really didn't need to think twice about getting one for myself.

Additionally, I think the common misconception is that the helmet is only there for you when you lose control. Well, firsthand, I've seen too many out-of-control skiers/boarders smash into innocent bystanders. I've even seen a teenager desperately try to jump over another snowboarder who was sitting on the side of the trail (He ended up cutting a big gash in her scalp).

You don't really need much of a reason if you've seen what can really happen out there. As others have said, the helmets have really progressed in comfort and looks (and features like built-in headphones if you're into that) so there are less cons to helmets than ever before. So is it worth $75-$100? Yea, I think so.
posted by pooya at 10:59 AM on November 16, 2005

The risk ratio for me depends on location (ice and trees), amount and quality of traffic (crowded spaces and lots of beginners/yahoos), and activity (downhill vs. boarding). I love downhill skiing fast and would loath to do that with a helmet (old-timer bias), but I'm a good skier and only ski good conditions (no ice, low crowds, long stretches), like are found out west outside the day-trip range of crowds. My ski snobbery keeps me safe(r).
However, I'm not nearly as good a snow-boarder, and the falls are much more sudden and head-cracking than skiing, and it's much more difficult to not be surrounded by yahoos. I vote for helmets in that case.
posted by dness2 at 11:07 AM on November 16, 2005

I'd probably wear a helmet skiing, but I *always* wear one snowboarding. But, then, the mechanics of wiping out snowboarding (catch an edge, tomahawk your head into the hill) are different than wiping out skiing (yard sale).

In the end, of course, it's all about risk management. I'd say at least rent a helmet, and if you really hate it, ditch it.

So is cribcage gonna let us know if he cracks his skull and ends up in an iron lung? "Must... post... AskMe..."

And, yes, I do think there's value in pointing out flaws -- or insight -- in other people's answers. That's what peer review is all about and, IMO, why AskMe is so useful. Consider, we could all privately e-mail our answers instead. But, then, this is MetaTalk territory...
posted by LordSludge at 11:23 AM on November 16, 2005

Protect your head to the extent that you value it.
posted by theora55 at 11:28 AM on November 16, 2005

Issues of safety aside (they seem pretty clear) I find that I like wearing a helmet more than a ski cap because it keeps me warmer.

I'm used to skiing in very cold weather, and with a cap, neoprene face mask, and scarf, there are always leaks along the edges -- it's difficult to keep everything lined up over the ears. In fact, at the end of a long day of skiing, I would find my ears hurting from being plastered up against my head all day.

Now I just wear a helmet and the neoprene mask -- my ears are warmer and they can breathe.
posted by event at 11:59 AM on November 16, 2005

I skiied for a long time without a helmet. One day I hit a patch of ice on an easy, winding trail through the woods, and got knocked out. I woke up a couple hours later with a bad concussion.

I haven't been skiing since that happened, but if I did again, I would wear a helmet.

I think it's better to prevent the concussion in the first place, and it sounds like the helmets today are pretty comfy.
posted by nekton at 12:44 PM on November 16, 2005

When I was younger I used to race in the southern Ontario leagues, and was in a few FIS races. In some races (downhills, super g) helmets were mandatory - it would be stupid to go without them at the speeds we were going. But for training I rarely wore a helmet. I ended up with a bloody lip a few times after bashing my face into those breakaway slalom gates, but a helmet wouldn't have helped with that. The one person in our racing league that died during the years I was racing was wearing a helmet at the time. She skied off the race course and into the trees, and aparently it wasn't a head injury that killed her in the end.
I don't think I would wear a helmet while free skiing now, but I'm confident in my ability to stop before I get into trouble. That might be a bit of hubris, but make of it what you will!
posted by nprigoda at 1:03 PM on November 16, 2005

I decided a helmet was cooler than a possible head injury.

An excellent summary.
posted by weston at 1:05 PM on November 16, 2005

I did not wear a helmet while learning to snowboard. That decision came within a whisker of killing me. I spent several days slipping in and out of consciousness, with a fractured skull and quite possibly some post-recovery personality changes.

Strangely, I have decided to not wear a helmet the few subsequent times I've gone skiing. On the one hand, I'm a very good skiier. On the other hand, I'm apparently dumber than dirt.

You should wear a helmet. Period.

If you don't wear a helmet and end up as I did, I hope you have a good near-death experience. I gotta say, my fear of death is remarkably reduced: I could have slipped this mortal coil at any time during those few days and I'd never have realised it! I was not afraid at any time, even when semi-consciously realizing that things were Very Bad.
posted by five fresh fish at 1:07 PM on November 16, 2005

I've also had opportunity to have my life saved by my bicycle helmet, back in the days when I was a reasonably hardcore mountain biker. Endos are a bitch when they happen at 50+kmh.

Finally, I should mention that on my local ski hill (consistently ranked as one of the top three in Canada), there are likely more helmets being worn than not. The trend really picked up a few years back, and now they seem to be de riguer.
posted by five fresh fish at 1:11 PM on November 16, 2005

My buddy -- a neurosurgeon -- makes a living off of people not wearing helmets. Almost once a week the ambulance goes by with a paralyzed or dead boarder or skier that smucked a tree or worse. Why take a chance ??
posted by orlin at 1:15 PM on November 16, 2005

...it keeps me aggressive on the steeps...

...I wear a helmet because I happen to do alot of more aggressive snowboarding...

Never think you can take more risks because you have a helmet on and therefore are protected.

35% of individuals who died were wearing a helmet. This is much higher than the rate of helmet use amongst the general population on the piste ...it must be remembered that wearing a helmet will not protect you if you have a high speed impact
posted by Lanark at 3:00 PM on November 16, 2005

Do you enjoy your brain? Wear a helmet.
posted by k8t at 3:01 PM on November 16, 2005

I wear a helmet for racing. Almost never bother with it otherwise. But if it's really cold, then yes, wear a helmet. They do keep your head very warm.
posted by sfenders at 3:12 PM on November 16, 2005

Skiing in washingon and whistler, I always wear a helmet and have for about 3 years now. Over that period its gotten to the point where its weird if I ski with someone not in a helmet. I am more comfortable in mine than I ever was in a hat.

I think they key is to find a place (like whistler village) where you can find just about every brand of helment. Try them all on and buy what fits best and you'll be much happier wearing it.

Its like driving a car, you may be the best, most perfect, in control skiier ever, but that doesn't stop some airborne, high, drunk, etc dumbass from taking you out.
posted by btosch at 4:11 PM on November 16, 2005

Gee cribcage I know just how ya feel. I got centerpunched by an Oakie skiing out of control,I saw stars!but the real damage was to my neck,and a helmet would not of helped.
posted by hortense at 5:26 PM on November 16, 2005

I've been skiing for about 20 years and wore a helmet a few times several years ago when racing required it.

I am planning on getting one, probably for this season. I'm a pretty aggressive skier, so it makes sense. In addition to the general safety though, I found that when I have worn a helmet I've felt safer, and thus more confident. And you will ski better when you have more confidence, so it could actually help your skiing.

And yeah, out west, helmets are very common, not so much at all in the east.
posted by sinical at 5:33 PM on November 16, 2005

bashed into a tree skiing outta bounds last season... wearing my helmet... lost a bit of my day, but otherwise, not concussed, no lingering damage. i am happy to wear a helmet; i always wear one. i ski lots, whenever there's snow on the ground... and i believe it's noteworthy to point out that i am a freeheeler, a telemarker... out west anyway, we're supposed to be a rather crusty lot; but these days, with the lift-served hills crawling with punks on snowboards grinding their big edges sideways down the hill, just on the edge of control, a helmet is a must inbounds. plus, it's now fashionably stylish to wear a helmet... and it's nice and warm on cold, windy days... and i installed a simple set of headphones in the ear pouches so now i've got cool tunes, too. why wouldn't you wear a helmet?
posted by RockyChrysler at 7:09 PM on November 16, 2005

Everyone pointed out the safety aspect, so no need to reiterate that. It's the warmest, most waterproof hat I own. And you can personalize it with stickers. That sounds stupid, but try it, you'll really enjoy yourself. And if you're a badass female skiier worried that you look like a guy in that helmut, putting pink "girls rock" stickers on your helmut should settle any doubt.
posted by kaestle at 8:25 PM on November 16, 2005

Helmut likes stickers, does he?
posted by five fresh fish at 9:18 PM on November 16, 2005

I bought one when I started skiing glades. As kaestle said, it's a great hat, especially here in the windy, wet Northeast.
posted by Opposite George at 9:19 PM on November 16, 2005