Choosing a Ski Helmet
Ski helmets were once the preserve of downhill racers and ski jumpers. Now where ever you go skiing the majority of nationalities will be wearing one. So which countries skiers are in the minority of not wearing ski helmets? In a recent survey British skiers came third in list of nationalities which don't wear ski helmets behind Fiji and The Maldives. Now thankfully there is a realisation that not wearing a ski helmet is as foolish as not wearing a seat belt or smoking while filling your car with fuel.
So what steps should you take to ensure you find the right helmet for you? The cost is obviously a factor. Skiing holidays are expensive enough so maybe you won't want to be shelling out to much for a helmet. However your safety has to be a priority so a balance between safety, cost and comfort has to be made.
Find Your Helmet Size
Finding your helmet size is relatively easy. To determine the correct size use a tape measure. Wrap the tape measure around your head just above your eyebrows. Make a note the measurement in centimetres. This is your ski helmet size.
Check Your Helmet Fits Correctly
Once you have chosen a ski helmet you like the look of either in the ski shop or ordered online (make sure you can return any helmets purchased online) you need to check if it fits correctly. Put the helmet on. Align the front rim of the helmet above your eyebrows. Hold the straps on both sides and roll the helmet over the back of your head.
The padding inside the helmet should be flush against your cheeks and forehead. The back of your helmet should not touch the nape of your neck.
Once you have fastened the chin strap your helmet should be snug and comfortable. Try moving your head gently from side to side and backwards and forwards to see if there is any movement. If it slips forward to cover your eyes or back to reveal your forehead then it's not the right fit for you. If the skin on your forehead moves, you have a good fit.
When you are happy that your helmet is comfortable and fitting correctly try your goggles on and adjust to the correct position. There should be minimal or no gap between the top of the goggles and the helmet on your forehead.
An important point to note is the fact that ski helmets can also be better suited to different head shapes. In the majority of cases, if you chose a helmet which corresponds with the circumference measurement of your head, above your eyebrows, it will fit fine. However if you have a particularly round or oval head you may need to try on a variety of helmet sizes to ensure the best fit.
So what steps should you take to ensure you find the right helmet for you? The cost is obviously a factor. Skiing holidays are expensive enough so maybe you won't want to be shelling out to much for a helmet. However your safety has to be a priority so a balance between safety, cost and comfort has to be made.
Find Your Helmet Size
Finding your helmet size is relatively easy. To determine the correct size use a tape measure. Wrap the tape measure around your head just above your eyebrows. Make a note the measurement in centimetres. This is your ski helmet size.
Check Your Helmet Fits Correctly
Once you have chosen a ski helmet you like the look of either in the ski shop or ordered online (make sure you can return any helmets purchased online) you need to check if it fits correctly. Put the helmet on. Align the front rim of the helmet above your eyebrows. Hold the straps on both sides and roll the helmet over the back of your head.
The padding inside the helmet should be flush against your cheeks and forehead. The back of your helmet should not touch the nape of your neck.
Once you have fastened the chin strap your helmet should be snug and comfortable. Try moving your head gently from side to side and backwards and forwards to see if there is any movement. If it slips forward to cover your eyes or back to reveal your forehead then it's not the right fit for you. If the skin on your forehead moves, you have a good fit.
When you are happy that your helmet is comfortable and fitting correctly try your goggles on and adjust to the correct position. There should be minimal or no gap between the top of the goggles and the helmet on your forehead.
An important point to note is the fact that ski helmets can also be better suited to different head shapes. In the majority of cases, if you chose a helmet which corresponds with the circumference measurement of your head, above your eyebrows, it will fit fine. However if you have a particularly round or oval head you may need to try on a variety of helmet sizes to ensure the best fit.