| In the past helmets were seen as pretty uncool but | | | | 2. Try on the helmet and align the front rim above |
| now, thankfully, they are the must-have piece of | | | | your eyebrows holding both straps until the helmet |
| gear. So if you are starting to think about your kit | | | | fits well. |
| for next season and have as yet to have purchased | | | | 3. The right helmet should fit snugly and there should |
| a helmet here are a few things to think about. | | | | not be any gaps that allow it to wiggle around. |
| Why should I wear a helmet? | | | | 4. Make sure the helmet does not touch the nape of |
| Wearing a helmet can protect your head from | | | | your neck. |
| serious injury if you have a fall on the slopes. They | | | | 5. Finally try on a pair of your goggles with the |
| are not just for those that push themselves to the | | | | helmet and make sure it still feels comfortable and |
| limits off piste and on the halfpipe, even a simple fall | | | | that your goggles do not push your helmet up. |
| on a nursery slope can result in a head injury, as was | | | | 6. Take your time - you would not rush buying a pair |
| highlighted with the tragic case of Natasha Richardson | | | | of boots! |
| earlier this year. | | | | Should I buy or rent one? |
| If you still need persuading after all of that then they | | | | Its much better to buy your own helmet than to |
| also have the added bonus of keeping your head | | | | rent one, although obviously renting one is better |
| really warm during those cold January blizzards and | | | | than not wearing one at all. You know how rushed it |
| the most modern versions can integrate things like | | | | can be in a rental shop on a Sunday morning when |
| mp3 players and cameras! | | | | everyone's desperate to get out on the slopes, you |
| What should I look for in a good helmet? | | | | are much more likely to spend time on finding a |
| You should make sure that if you do buy a helmet it | | | | helmet that fits perfectly if you are buying one |
| meets an approved safety standard (a CE, ASTM or | | | | before you head out to the snow. Also, rented ones |
| Snell RS-98 certification). In addition to that you want | | | | may well have been knocked around a bit and that |
| to make sure that its a really good fit. | | | | can weaken their ability to keep your head safe. |
| How do I know if it fits properly? | | | | How long will a helmet last for? |
| Follow these 6 steps to choose your helmet: | | | | If you have an accident which results in a significant |
| | | | impact on your helmet you should replace it, |
| 1. Measure the circumference of your head, this will | | | | otherwise a good helmet can last for years. |
| determine your helmet size. All good stores will do | | | | And finally, please remember that if you do buy a |
| this for you, even if you decide to buy online it may | | | | helmet it does not automatically give you super |
| be worth getting a proper measurement in your local | | | | powers, you still need to take care on the slopes! |
| ski wear shop first. | | | | |