CHOOSING THE RIGHT SKI HELMET
In many ways, skiing can be a dangerous sport. Whether on the slopes or off-piste, it's vital to be well protected and well equipped. A ski helmet is an essential piece of equipment for safe skiing.
WHAT CRITERIA SHOULD YOU TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHEN CHOOSING A SKI HELMET?
The best way to choose a ski helmet is to try one on in a shop. Don't hesitate to try on several, while paying attention to the points explained below.
COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY STANDARDS
It's essential to check that the ski helmet you choose is approved to European standard EN1077. In the event of an impact, this standard guarantees a level of protection suitable for downhill or cross-country skiing.
THE SIZE OF THE SKI HELMET
As with all ski equipment, it's important to choose the right size for your body shape to ensure that your protection remains effective. Helmet sizes are often expressed in centimetres, or in XS, S, M, L and XL increments. To find out your size, you can use a tape measure to measure your head circumference, passing it over your ears and eyebrows, and at the base of your skull at the back of your head.
When testing your helmet, make sure it's not too tight and doesn't move too easily. For optimum fit, you can use the Cairn tightening knob on the back of the helmet. Finally, when you lean your head back, it should not touch your cervical vertebrae.
COMFORT FOR RELAXED SKIING
A comfortable helmet is one that's light and comfortable to wear, so it won't bother you and you won't feel it when you're skiing.
Take a look at the comfort options available on the helmet you're testing: chin strap with a soft face on the skin side, removable integrated lining, anti-bacterial foam, OSS (Optimized Sound System) or V-FIT system earpieces to prevent pressure on the ears...
HELMET VENTILATION
In very cold weather, a ski helmet is a great way of keeping your head warm. At the end of the season, when temperatures rise again, a ventilation system on the helmet is more than useful for staying dry.
There are two types of ventilation on Cairn helmets:
- Fixed vents. Some helmets have fixed vents, with an integrated Thermo-Flow ventilation system. Ventilation channels are built into the structure of the helmet to promote ventilation.
- Active vents, which can be opened or closed by the skier according to his or her needs at the time.