Sports Medicine

Use Your Head!

Wear a Helmet When Skiing or Snowboarding
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recommending skiers and snowboarders wear helmets to help prevent head injuries from falls and collisions. In a recent study, the CPSC concluded that helmet use by skiers and snowboarders could prevent or reduce the severity of 44 percent of head injuries to adults and 53 percent of head injuries to children under the age of 15. The proportion of head injuries that result from skiing and snowboarding is higher in children than in any other age group.

Through the local coalitions of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, many communities have programs that help families obtain discounted ski/snow helmets. For information on programs near you, go to http://www.safekids.org/, and find the coalition near you.

The CPSC estimates that 7,700 head injuries- including 2,600 head injuries to children- could be prevented or reduced in severity each year by using skiing or snowboarding helmets.

The Right Fit - Choosing a Helmet

When selecting a helmet, make sure it fits properly and is comfortable. Helmets shouldn't be too snug or tight, and there shouldn't be too much room on the sides. If your helmet doesn't fit correctly, it won't protect you properly. Helmets should:

Cover the front of your forehead, back of your head, temples and ears
Keep your field of vision clear
Allow you to wear you ski goggles
Allow you to hear clearly
Have an adjustable chin-strap
Allow good ventilation

How to Prevent Ski Injuries

In addition to wearing helmets, follow these safety tips when skiing:

Ski on trials
Ski with a partner
Ski under control (slow down)
Know who is skiing near you
Know the snow conditions and conditions of the slopes
Use properly maintained equipment
Replace helmets after children grow significantly
Make sure you have proper training, and don't ski beyond you ability
Avoid skiing after drinking alcohol, using medication, or taking any type of drug
Wear warm, close-fitting clothing. Loose clothing can become entangled in lifts, tow ropes and ski poles.

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Last Reviewed: Jun 20, 2006

Walter Chwals, MD, FACS, FAAP, FCCM
Formerly, Professor of Pediatrics
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University