"We, ... are thinking seriously about helmets since the deaths of Michael Kennedy and Sonny Bono"

Hey, Bucket head!" That’s how some of my skiing friends attract the attention of our other friends who are wearing helmets. We may laugh now, but as avid "tree skiers" we, like many others across the nation, are thinking seriously about helmets since the deaths of Michael Kennedy and Sonny Bono. Both died of head injuries after colliding with trees, and both shared many similarities with other fatal slope accidents: experienced skiers on intermediate slopes, late in the day when the snow pack turns slick or the skier is tired, heading off into the trees, and not paying full attention to their skiing. This applies equally to snowboarders: just fill in "snowboarder" for "skier" in any of these situations.

Many have speculated whether helmets would have saved any of these lives. Various state legislatures across the nation are considering whether to enact mandatory helmet laws for either children or adults, but none have gotten beyond the planning stages. A requirement for mandatory helmet use by skiers and snowboarders is likely to spark even more opposition than requirements for their use on motorcycles. Skiing has always been a sport that encourages the expression of freedom, and this type of restriction will be strongly opposed.

"mandatory helmet use ... is likely to spark even more opposition"

"A non-helmeted friend showed up with a bloody scrape"

However, many adults have decided the extra protection can’t hurt. The good news is that my "buckethead" friends claim their helmets are lightweight and warm, and they don’t notice them any more than a ski hat - except when they hear a "doink" when they get too close to a tree. A non-helmeted friend showed up with a bloody scrape (through his ski hat) when he "ran into" the same situation.

If you decide a helmet is for you, what do you look for? The most important consideration is fit. The helmet should come to just above your eyebrows: any lower could compromise vision; any higher could compromise safety. Try the helmet on with any goggles or sunglasses you might wear with it to make sure they create a tight seal with the helmet. The chin strap should be snug but not too tight: one finger’s space between chin and strap will assure a good fit. The helmet should not move on your head, but make sure there are no pressure points. On cold days, a silk hood can be worn under the helmet for added warmth.

"The most important consideration is fit"

One thing everyone agrees on: wearing a helmet should not be a substitution for common sense. A helmet may help reduce the risk of a serious head injury, but it won’t make you invincible!