The use of helmets in the sport of skiing has impacted the number of unusual deaths. With a never ending debate on the same along with conflicting views, the importance of Helmets to avoid fatal head injuries has taken a new turn.

Throughout the history of skiing, one can notice that skiers seldom had a helmet on their heads. However, it was only in the 1980s, with the invention of light weight helmets that the need to adorn helmets emerged. Downhill skiers have worn helmets for years now, but slalom racers, giant slalom racers, and freestyle racers have in recent years started to give this small piece of shell an important stature.

It had been reported that between the time periods of 1995-2010, there was an increase in the use of helmets that directly affected the head injuries and death rates statistics. Slowly and steadily it became important, and in fact compulsory to wear ski helmets in any organized ski competition. Many known celebrities supported this move.

Helmets were never a consumer product until the 1990s. Motorsports and cycling required the use of headgear. In the early days a “hairnet” with lightly padded leather straps was used. This wasn’t really an effective invention. Boiled-leather helmets with felt or shearling liners too were used by ice hockey and football players. The motorcyclists chose to wear football helmets.

The origin of ski helmets owes hugely to Sir Hugh Cairns. He emphasized on the fact that the ideal protection of the skull is possible with a liner that reduces deceleration of the skull.

Helmets and Slopes

Downhill skiers never felt the need of wearing helmets as the speed on downward slopes was very slow. However, with the introduction of steel edges and Kandahar binding, the speed touched over 30mph.

World War 2 brought about the invention of fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resins and crushable plastic foams. British and American pilots were the first ones to try these. These were used by skiers soon after, in the 1950s. This technology gained success immensely. All crash protection helmets were based largely on EPS crushable foam with or without a protective shell. This American invention was doing rounds across the globe. The Europeans, however, never really appreciated the efforts. This did not crush the faith of the Americans. Incidents like the head injury of Tommy Corcoran maintained their faith in the Bell Helmet.

Instances of skiers dying due to head injuries while having worn leather helmets were increasing. Hence, for the Olympics in 1960, hard-shell helmets were made mandatory for all downhill skiers.

With a switch to metal skis, skin tight suits, the use of hard-shell helmets became more prevalent. However, the weight of the helmets was causing a huge issue with skiers, many of whom died a catastrophic death.

The SR-1 Helmet

Only after 1973 did Bell bring up a motocross helmet that featured a lighter fiberglass shell. The SR-1 was one such helmet by Bell that, like an original motocross helmet, featured a jaw protector and a large face cutout for better fitting of the goggles.

ABS Helmet

The acrynitrile butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a synthetic rubber. The ABS helmets along with EPS were marketed by European companies for kids.There were innumerable helmet companies that manufactured helmets based on EPS liners. With almost all athletes using helmets, head injuries started to reduce and helmets started making waves in the mainstream. Helmets were considered to be life savers, as not only did they provide security along with improved efficiency, but they were also helpful in preventing scalp lacerations, head-bumps etc.

Trouthead

A helmet that allowed the skier to have improved visibility along with no airstream disruption came into existence around 1972. With Carrera producing 500 units, helmets were engineered keeping in mind the trout-head design.

On a personal level I have always felt that wearing a ski helmet can make skiers invincible. This does not mean that injuries are unavoidable, but a helmet can definitely help create a sense of security. I can never afford to go out without adorning a helmet, especially when I am engaged in a sport like skiing which has numerous risks associated with it. Wearing a helmet has now become more than just a safety measure. People have various options to choose from and can look equally cool while you slaying it downhill this season!