While there are several very important pieces of equipment (like the skis, poles, and goggles), one very overlooked piece of equipment is a helmet.  Oftentimes a person will opt to not use a helmet, due to it being clunky and “not fashionable.”  The harsh reality is, though, that 50-80% of deaths on the slopes is the result of head injury caused by not wearing a helmet.  In today’s article, we are going to go over just a few of the many benefits of wearing a helmet:

It protects your head: Now, I know this is an obvious reason, but it is the most important: Helmets protect your head.  Now why is this?  As we all know, a helmet has a hard shell exterior.  This hard shell exterior reduces the force exerted on the brain in the case of a collision.  Because of this, it reduces the risk of concussions, and prevents other head injuries (like skull fractures and cuts).

Increases your visibility: On top of protecting your head, helmets can make you more visible in the snow.  Having a bright and fun colored helmet makes all of the difference!  It can be very hard to spot a skier at times  (as almost everything blends in with the thick white snow), and a bright colored helmet can make it so much easier for ski patrol or other skiers to spot.  This is so so crucial in the case of an avalanche or heavy snow storm

Keeps your head warm: If a all else has not convinced you yet to wear a helmet, maybe this will.  A helmet keeps your head warm.  A beanie or baseball cap will not keep you as warm as a helmet will.  It is full of soft padding and insulation, ensuring that the heat does not escape.  You don’t want to get sick out on the slopes now, do you? Bonus points if you get a fluffy hood for your helmet!