Why do we have to wear helmets when skiing?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Importance of Wearing Helmets While Skiing
Head Injuries in Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports, but they come with significant risks, particularly head injuries. Head injuries account for 9% to 20% of all skiing and snowboarding injuries, and traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and serious injury among skiers1 2 6. Given these statistics, the use of helmets is crucial for safety on the slopes.
Efficacy of Helmets in Reducing Head Injuries
Research consistently shows that helmets significantly reduce the risk and severity of head injuries in skiing and snowboarding. Studies indicate that helmet use can reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 60%1 6 7. Helmets are particularly effective in preventing severe head injuries, including those that result in loss of consciousness7. This protective effect is observed across various age groups, although it is especially pronounced in children6.
Addressing Concerns About Neck and Cervical Spine Injuries
One concern about helmet use is the potential for increased risk of neck and cervical spine injuries. However, multiple studies have found no significant increase in these types of injuries among helmet users1 6 7. This suggests that the benefits of wearing a helmet far outweigh any potential risks.
Risk Compensation Behavior
Another argument against helmet use is the possibility of risk compensation behavior, where individuals engage in riskier activities because they feel protected by their helmets. However, evidence does not support this claim. Studies have shown that helmet use does not lead to increased risk-taking behavior among skiers and snowboarders1.
Legislative and Policy Recommendations
Given the strong evidence supporting the efficacy of helmets, several regions have implemented or are considering mandatory helmet laws. For example, the Canadian province of Nova Scotia requires all skiers, including adults, to wear helmets2. Similarly, many ski resorts and schools have policies mandating helmet use, especially for children3 6. These policies have been effective in increasing helmet use and reducing head injuries.
Conclusion
Wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding is a simple yet highly effective way to reduce the risk and severity of head injuries. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the use of helmets, showing significant protective benefits without increasing the risk of neck injuries or encouraging riskier behavior. As such, both recreational skiers and snowboarders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets to ensure their safety on the slopes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
An evidence-based review: Efficacy of safety helmets in the reduction of head injuries in recreational skiers and snowboarders
Safety helmets effectively reduce the risk and severity of head injuries in recreational skiing and snowboarding without increasing the risk of neck, cervical spine, or risk compensation behavior.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedSkidding at Speed: The Ethics of Head Protection While Skiing
Forced adult helmet use in skiing is justified by the high risk of traumatic brain injury, which is the leading cause of death and serious injury among skiers.
THE COMPULSORY USE OF HELMETS ON SCHOOL SKI TRIPS
Helmet use in skiing reduces the number and severity of head injuries, and compulsory helmet use in schools should be considered to increase awareness and reduce financial barriers.
Literature ReviewThe role of helmets in skiing and snowboarding
Helmets in skiing and snowboarding should be designed using injury data and suitable standards, as there is no common mechanism for concussive injuries or skull fractures in these sports.
Highly CitedHelmets for skiing and snowboarding: Who is using them and why
More than 25% of skiers and snowboarders in Canada do not wear helmets, increasing their risk of serious brain injury.
Observational StudyIs there a need for a ski helmet mandatory for children?
Wearing a ski helmet effectively reduces head injury risk in children and adults, but mandatory helmet use for children under 16 years old may not be necessary due to higher head injury risk and lower helmet use.
The effectiveness of helmet wear in skiers and snowboarders: a systematic review
Helmet use significantly reduces the risk of head injuries in skiing and snowboarding, without increasing cervical spine or neck injuries.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedResponse to: ‘Helmet use and risk of head injuries in alpine skiers and snowboarders: changes after an interval of one decade’
Wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding is strongly recommended, but the authors' conclusion that there was an "unexpected reduction in protective effect" between 2002 and 2011 is misleading, as helmets typically provide the same protective effect.
Rigorous JournalResponse to: ‘Helmet use and risk of head injuries in alpine skiers and snowboarders: changes after an interval of one decade’
Wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding is strongly recommended, but the authors' conclusion that there was an 'unexpected reduction in protective effect' between 2002 and 2011 is misleading, as there was no measure of helmet physical abilities in their study.
Rigorous JournalHelmet use and risk of head injuries in alpine skiers and snowboarders: changes after an interval of one decade
The protective effect of helmets on head injuries in skiers and snowboarders has decreased over time, possibly due to new skiing trends in alpine resorts.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalTry another search
Why do we need to sleep?
Why do we have to eat food that is not contaminated?
what is the water requirement for a geothermal powerplant?
What is the potential of digital twins in optimizing manufacturing processes and product design?
What is the role of antioxidants in health?
What is the Microbial fuel cells for clean energy?