Nashoba promotes the use of helmets on the slopes. We urge skiers and riders to wear a helmet – but to ski or ride as if they are not wearing a helmet. Nashoba views skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner – not helmets only – as the primary safety consideration for all skiers and boarders. A skier’s behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment.
Helmets are Important
We urge all participants to wear a helmet, but to ski or ride as if they are not wearing a helmet. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just hitting the slopes for the first time, wearing a helmet can make all the difference in staying safe and enjoying your time on the mountain.
Skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner is the primary safety consideration for all. A participant’s behavior has more to do with their safety and that of others than any piece of equipment.
Limitations of Helmets
Helmets protect your head, but they don’t prevent all injuries, especially from high-speed impacts or collisions with obstacles. Always ski within your ability, stay alert, and follow safety guidelines. It’s important to understand that helmets are far less effective at higher rates of speed. Remember, a helmet is just one part of staying safe on the slopes.
Helmets and Kids
Wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding reduces the risk of head injuries. They are most effective when you ski or ride at slower speeds. Bonus: they also keep your head warm! Not all ski areas require helmets, but it is a good idea to outfit your child with one and wear one yourself.
While wearing a helmet is a personal choice, you would be setting a good example for the young ones in your family if you chose to wear one while skiing or riding. Nearly all ski areas rent helmets to the public. Make sure your helmet is properly fitted and the chin strap is fastened.
Helmet Safety for Skiers & Snowboarders This site contains FAQs about helmet use, fit and sizing information, general slope safety information, related articles and games, and testimonials about helmet use from well-known athletes, including US Ski Team members. The tagline, “A Helmet-It’s a Smart Idea,” is printed on posters and promotional cards at resorts nationwide.
Lids on Kids
In 2002, only 63% of kids age 9 and under wore helmets while skiing or snowboarding. Kids 17 and under? Less than half!
NSAA developed the Lids on Kids program to help ski areas educate their guests on helmet use in skiing and snowboarding. The campaign included FAQs about helmet use, fit and sizing information, general slope safety information, related articles and games, and testimonials about helmet use from well-known athletes, including U.S. Ski Team members. The tagline, “A Helmet-It’s a Smart Idea,” is printed on posters and promotional cards at resorts nationwide.
The result? A demonstrable and significant increase in kids wearing helmets. Nearly 100% of kids age 9 and under reported wearing a helmet while skiing or riding – without state or local mandates. This past season (2023-24), about 96% of all kids age 17 and under wore helmets on the slopes.
What’s next?
NSAA is focusing its efforts on young adults, ages 18-34, to encourage further adoption of helmets within this group. While approximately 92% of people in this age range report wearing helmets, our data shows that most of our opportunity to increase usage lies here (especially with male skiers and riders). NSAA encourages all ski areas and state associations to maintain helmet safety messaging, and recommends targeting this group to help increase helmet adoption.
