skiers, helmet or not

I've skied since I was five, and snowboarded for about 15 years on and off.  I haven't been for a couple seasons, but intend to go this year, and I intend to wear a helmet (there are admittedly other concerns, but I'd wear one anyway).

Besides, they're now cool and not dorky

Not to mention the beginner slopes are usually where the snow is packed the hardest.

I snowboard and I always wear a helmet.

Two years ago, I fell and whacked the back of my head hard enough against the ground to make my nose bleed... I can't imagine what would have happened if I weren't wearing a helmet!

I learned to ski at 1.5 years old and ski raced until I was around 12. In those days we only wore helmets during Super G races.  Now I ski about 40 days per year and coach ski racing.  I absolutely wear a helmet.  I think I've skied once in the last 6 years without it and I felt so naked and vulnerable that I won't do it again.  On top of the safety I find them far more comfortable than hats and definitely warmer.  Just make sure you get one that fits correctly.  It should stay put when you put it on and don't buckle but shake your head around.  Personally I prefer my white one over the black one I had because on warm days the black one got so hot it was miserable but the color doesn't really make a difference when it's cold out.  Also, take your goggles when you're trying on helmets to make sure they fit together.  

Helmeted me (with hood up for extra protection) during a blizzard in April.  Is it ski season yet?

BikerGrrrl - 2011-09-23 4:18 PM I can imagine what she's thinking:  I have to buy goggles?

Goggles are the BEST!  If you don't have a pair, they require a bit more research.  I found a comfy lid pretty quickly but the goggles can be expensive and there are a ton of options. 

Happy shopping!

For Goggles, www.steepandcheap.com

TONS of them up there regularly

Helmet for a few reasons:

• Park City's cold and it will help keep you toasty
• It will help when some snowboarder comes screaming down the hill out of control and takes you out (if you're a responsible snowboarder - thank you for setting a good example - recklessness on either skis or a snowboard is inexcusable, but the ability to avoid a run-in seems to be much lower on the snowboard)

If you're going to buy gear there - make sure you go by SureFoot - I think they're in two locations at the base of two resorts.  I don't ski often, but made to fit ski boots are a luxury I was happy to shell out hard earned money for.

twomarks

Yes.  Absolutely.  100% wear one.

Even if you are not a super aggressive skier accidents can happen.  Some of my worst tumbles were when I was just farting around on a green teaching other people to ski...so, totally crawling along and going slow speed.  Whacked my head doing that one day (pre-helmet days) and it HURT!  That was one of the falls that convinced me I needed a helmet.

I proceeded to land on my head (in powder, so kind of a soft hit) just a few weeks later while wearing my brand new helmet.

Kind of like riding a bike...you're good at it, but you wear a helmet anyway because you never know what will happen. That applies to skiing too.

And I realize that it says I live in Florida.  But I spent 4 years in Colorado and have 5 ski seasons under my belt (I skied a bit when I was in SD too).  I was one of the first average Jane's to start wearing a helmet back in the late 90's.  Now when you go out there everyone is doing it.

I wear a helmet when I ride a bike.   always.

I wear a helmet when I ride my motorcyle.  always.

I wear a helmet when I fly my paraglider or hang glider.  always

I am an adept skier, having skied since I was 6.  These days- I ski with my 7 year old daughter down the greens and blues, but if I can fit in a bump run or a steep chute, I'll take it.  I don't wear a helmet.  No argument- It's undoubtably safer with one.  In the grand scheme of things, yeah, it's more dangerous- but it's not the most dangerous thing that I do.

I wear one, always. I have had a few collisions. When we collide, my helmet is going to either bounce off your helmet or your skull. Your choice. Doesn't matter how good you are, it's the other guy you gotta prepare for.

I think it's fair to say that it's a good idea for me.