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Selecting Ski Headgear Tips
How to Choose a Helmet
At the risk of overstating the obvious, the first step in selecting a ski helmet is to make sure that it actually is a ski helmet. A bicycling or motorcycling helmet just doesn’t cut it for skiing. Your next decision will involve your ski helmet’s construction. Let’s say that you are a recreational skier. You usually avoid the trees, and you have no interest in playing in the terrain park or half pipe. An in mold helmet construction is sufficient for your needs. When in mold helmets are constructed, the shell and a shock-absorbing foam are molded together. These helmets are lighter than injection-molded helmets.
When injection-molded ski helmets are made, the foam is molded to a separate shell, which is composed of a high-impact plastic. Thus, you are getting and extra layer of protection, which would be needed in a high impact fall or collision. However, they are somewhat heavier than in-molded ski helmets.
Next, check the ski helmet’s fit. While it should be snug, it should not be so tight as to cause a migraine headache! Shake your head from side to side. If the helmet rocks back and forth, it is too loose. Parents should resist the temptation to purchase kids helmets that are too big, with the hope that their child will grow into it. An ill-fitting ski helmet offers no protection. You will also want to make sure that there is no gap between the bottom of your helmet and the top of your goggles.
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Skis.com Tip : Why Wear a Ski Helmet?
Although advanced design in skis, boots and bindings have caused a significant reduction of injury rates; about 5 to 10 percent of all serious ski injuries involve the head. This could explain the recent popularity of ski helmets, since less than a decade ago, hardly anyone wore one. Perhaps it's the number of “celebrity head injuries” that caused skiers and snowboarders to think twice about protective head gear. Thus, it should come as no surprise that ski helmet sales had a significant jump during the 1999, 2000 season, which was the year that over 540, 000 helmets were sold.
In most cases, the worst head injuries occur from close encounters with trees. As you probably know, trees are not noted for their ability to get out of your way when you approach them. In many cases, a helmet could have eliminated or reduced the severity of these fatal injuries. All current helmets are light, warm and come in cool colors. If you have a tendency to to be too hot in a helmet make sure to check out the ones with adjustable vents, so there are no excuses for not wearing one!
This information has been backed up by research performed by Stewart Levy, M.D. Levy surveyed 261 skiers and snowboarders that were admitted to Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Denver for brain injuries. Only 13 of those who suffered these injuries were wearing helmets. Additionally, the injuries suffered by the helmet wearers were minor concussions. All 13 patients made a full recovery. In contrast, those who were not wearing helmets suffered severe injuries such as cerebral contusions, subdural hematomas or comas. Four percent of those who were injured died.
In addition to Levy’s research, a study performed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also confirmed that helmets could protect against 44 percent of head injuries among all skiers and boarders and up to 53 percent of those head injuries among children up to age 15 (high school racers are required to wear helmets with jaw guards). This study has been endorsed by the American Medical Association, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the CSPC.
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Skiing Gear and Face Masks
While most ski helmets are guaranteed to keep your head warm, sometimes, in exceptionally cold weather, you might need a bit of extra warmth. Fortunately, manufacturers of ski wear are aware of this, and have developed various types of head gear that is designed to fit under your ski helmet. These products are also popular with cross country skiers, who, in most cases, do not wear ski helmets.
While most helmet liners, ski masks, etc. are supposedly designed to fit under your ski helmet, you should never take this for granted. While they are supposed to fit, this does not always happen. It’s best to bring your ski helmet when you go to try on any of these products. For example, while a balaclava may fit under your helmet, a balaclava with a thick fleece neck gaiter mike make you feel as if you are being chocked by your helmet straps. Thus, in some cases, you might need a skull cap helmet liner with a separate neck gaiter.
Tube-shaped neck gaiters are usually made from fleece. They are perfect for keeping your neck warm on cold days. If you have trouble breathing extremely cold air, you might want to consider a face mask. The best ones are made from neoprene, and have holes for ventilation. If you have very serious trouble breathing cold air, you might want to consider a Psolar.Ex face mask, which comes with a heat exchange device that is designed to warm inhaled air. The Psolar Company also makes a HX Helmet Balaclava, which also has the air warming device. Keep in mind that although most skiers claim that these products really work, they do look rather strange. Then again, if they keep you warm, who cares?
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How to Find Good Prices on Ski Head Gear
As if skis, boots, ski wear and ski vacations were not expensive enough, when you factor in the cost of ski helmets, neck gaiters, balaclavas and helmet liners, you will discover that you have a rather pricey hobby. Fortunately, savvy skiers know that they never need to pay full price for ski head gear. Here are some of the best methods to pay less for these items.
Shop Online.
In most cases, you can get a better price for ski head gear online than in-store. Although you might have to pay shipping and handling, many sites occasionally offer free shipping, or other types of shipping discounts.
If you are looking for hats, it may be hard to find the exact brand at the ski store. However, the hat’s material will probably be listed on the website, so you can try on similar materials to see if they feel comfortable.
Your next choice is eBay. If you go this route, be sure to check the seller’s reputation. If you don’t like getting into bidding wars, your other choice is to choose one of the sellers that have a “Buy Now” option. The price may be higher than what you would pay on a bid, yet lower than what you would pay in retail.
Finally, for those of you that hate to buy online, a bit of timing and a whole lot of loyalty can get you some good buys on ski head gear at retail shops. In general, the best time to buy at ski shops is at the end of the season. Also, if you become a regular buyer, the shop owners might cut you an occasional deal.
If it’s convenient, consider becoming a ski area employee. Most resorts give their staff anywhere from 5 to 20 percent discounts at the shops.
You can also check out the local consignment shops, as well as the pre-season ski swaps. While these usually feature skis, you can sometimes find a helmet. Kids ski helmets are especially easy to find, since kids rapidly outgrow these items.
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Helmets Recommended
Trees, rocks, lift towers, hard snow, ice, other skiers -- these are the reasons to wear a helmet. No matter where you ski, no matter your ability, helmets are always recommended. Protec helmets are a great brand with a slick style that won't get in your way.
The pros of Protec include a decent price point, multiple impact protection and a simple look that won't embarass your teenager and, in basic black, won't clash with your favorite ski outfit.
The Protec doesn't have great heat and air venting, so you may overheat with this helmet. Also, because of the multiple impact protection of the helmet, it is a bit heavier than some other options.
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Everyone Can Benefit from a Ski Helmet
When my family used to adventure to the mountain, only us kids would be equipped with ski helmets. I guess my parents thought their heads were harder than ours or something, but all that covered their most precious body part was a thin hat. Today, many families have learned, often through pain, that everyone should be wearing ski helmets when embarking down a mountain.
Unfortunately, all skiers must realize that no matter how careful the may be, skiing has inherent dangers that a skier must prepare and try to minimize if possible. Simply by wearing ski helmets, the risk of serious brain injury is significantly less. Now that I am growing my family, we will all embark down the mountain with our heads safe and secure in a ski helmet. It won't take a tragedy to teach US to stay safe.
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Ski Hats come is So Many Styles!
Perhaps the best way to modernize an old ski outfit is with a new ski hat. Whenever I book a ski trip, one of my first stops is a ski store…not for new skis or jackets, but to update my skiing look with a new ski hat!
Today, hats come in many fabrics, colors and styles… almost nothing is off limits! Ski Hats can be an inexpensive way to personalize even the most basic of ski outfits. And they are reasonably priced, so a skier need not be afraid to experiment with a few different styles.
I personally love the look of a classic ski outfit with a hat is a bold color. Even the shape of a ski hat can spunk up an outfit…have fun, experiment, and most importantly, be bold when it comes to covering your head while flying down the mountain!
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Cleaning a Ski Mask
Your ski mask is like a second layer of skin on the slopes. It absorbs your swear, as well as the outdoor elements. When you stop for a hot chocolate break, your ski mask may be stuffed in your gloves, places on a dirty table, or worse yet, thrown on the floor. In other words, your ski mask may be a germ paradise. A good cleansing routine will help keep those germs away from your skin.
After a day on the slopes, place your mask in warm soapy water. Treat it like a delicate garment and carefully rinse the ski mask so that all soap is removed. When finished, blot to begin drying the mask. A good ski mask will dry quickly, allowing the mask to be ready for the elements the following day.
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My Favorite Ski Mask
I have a very simply ski mask ready for my next ski trip. It is simple, but warm and comfortable. My ski mask is made from synthetic materials and is blue on one side, black on the other, allowing me to match it with multiple outfits. I suggest keeping your ski mask simple. It serves a very useful and practical purpose, and from my experience, isn't something that needs to have lots of bells and whistles…I would leave that to your ski hat! There are many types of ski masks out there. As long as it is warm and comfortable, it should serve many years of fun in the snow!
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Storing Ski Goggles
After a fabulous ski trip, sometimes its all too easy to throw all your ski clothes in a bag and let it gather dust until next season. But you spent a good deal of time and money gathering your ski apparel…why not use a little care storing your ski goggles and other ski equipment to protect them for next season?
Ski goggles, especially, can be an expensive investment, and are often very delicate and subject to deterioration. The more care used in their storage, the more likely you won't have to make the same investment next year! Ski goggles should be thoroughly cleaned before being put away for the next ski season. The should then be wrapped in soft fabrics and secured in a sturdy case.
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Ski Hats are a Necessity, No Matter What the Weather
Teenage skiers especially are very focused on looking good on the slopes. In the springtime, this usually means they want to leave their ski hats inside. But parents should be cautious to allow their teen to make this decision, as even on a warm spring day. The wind chill can be extremely cold, and hats are a necessity.
Hats not only shield the scalp from the effects of wind chill, but help keep ears warms as well. Any skier knows that frozen ears are no fun on the slopes, especially on the ski lift riding up to the top. Teenagers as well as fashion conscious adults should remember that their ski hat is as essential as their skis for proper and safe skiing, all season long.
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Ski Masks in the Sun
Ski masks are not only to protect your face from the wind. I remember being a teenager and skiing with my family in the springtime. The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm. My brother and I didn't wear a ski mask – and boy did we get sun burnt! My brother not only suffered redness from not wearing a ski mask, but had burned his nose to the point of blistering. My skin was so burnt that I had patches of skin on my checks that felt (and looked) like leather! I never forgot this most basic leason…a ski mask can protect you from ALL the elements…snow and sunshine. Don't risk getting burnt like we did…wear your ski mask all year long to protect your face from the elements!
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Children and Goggles – The Perfect Fit
It is always a good idea to invest wisely in ski goggles. This couldn't be more true when buying your child a pair. Kid's faces grow rapidly, and to keep your children in ski goggles season to season, you will save money by investing in a pair that has an adjustable strap to fit a growing head. The straps on ski goggles are only one of the factors to look into.
Ski goggles come in many sizes, and a parent needs to make sure the ski goggles fit comfortably over the eyes and above the nose. The more comfortable the goggles, the easier it will be to get your young skier to wear his ski goggles, season after season!
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A Helmet, You Need!
Some skiers think helmets are for the most aggressive. Others think such protection is for wimps. Helmets in fact, are for every skier. People hit their heads on every type of trail (and ability is useless if an out-of-control person slams into you). The saying goes, “No brain bucket. No brain!” Don't prove the point. Wear a helmet.
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Ski Masks – Getting the Perfect Fit
Be cautious of buying a ski mask that says “One Size Fits All.” From my experience, this is simply not true. If you wear a ski mask that is too big, you may find that it is difficult to breathe through because of the extra fabric around the nose. If you chose a ski mask that is too small, you may find the nose holes are too small to get adequate air.
The best way to try on a ski mask is to wear it for a few minutes. Does it tend to fall when you turn your head? Does the mask over too much of your nose or mouth? Is it comfortable? When skiing, you must be comfortable. Ski masks can be a skiers best friend, but only if it doesn't make you have to take it off to catch your breath!
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Balaclava! (Not Baklava!)
Helmets will keep your head warmer (longer) than most ski hats. But you will often need coverage for the rest of your face, especially the space on your forehead between the top of your goggles and the edge of the helmet. This is especially true for cruisers, rippers, bombers, and any other group of fantastically fast skiers.
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All Ski Helmets are not Created Equal
Ski Helmets vary widely in price, quality, and style. Unlike most of my skiing wardrobe, style comes in a distant third when I chose my ski helmet for the season. And the reason is simple. All ski helmets are NOT created equal. Ski helmets can be made from a variety of materials. For my family, I always look for something that has won the approval of the experts in the industry. I also look for something made to withstand serious falls. Safety on the slopes is no laughing matter, and I suggest investing wisely in ski helmets for your family. It only takes one fall for the value of your helmet to make significant returns on your investment.
