Ski Helmets - Put a lid on it!
Congratulations, you've decided to protect your noggin against the perils of the ski slope. Helmets  are an invaluable part of your ski outfit - take it from someone who has hit a tree more than once, you'll be glad you've got it on, especially if you like to venture off the beaten path into the woods.
No matter how tempting, don't use a helmet from another sport as your ski helmet. Your bicycle helmet will not keep you warm on the slopes and safe on the snow.
| Ski Helmet Styles |
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Ear Flaps - Some helmets have separate soft ear flaps. Keeps your ears toasty.
- Better hearing and more flexibility of fit.
- Adequate for most users.
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Solid Ear-Covereing Helmet - Covers the ear with an extension of the helmet. Sometimes has a mouth guard as well.
- Perfect for the more gutsy skier.
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Full-Head Helmet - Usually only used by professional racers.
- Bulky for the average user.
- Complete coverage, including a face shield.
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Safety- Clearly, safety is on your mind - otherwise, why buy a helmet?
- Look for helmets with CE, ASTM, or Snell RS-98 certification.
- Every season brings helmets that are lighter, stronger, and more comfortable, as material technology continues to advance.
Fit- You want your helmet to fit snugly, but not too tightly or too loosely.
- Check for gaps -- you don't want cold air to sneak in.
- If you usually wear a helmet liner, be sure to try the helmet while wearing the liner, just as you would try a shoe with a sock.
- Make sure your goggles will fit on the helmet and fit closely to your face. Not all helmets and goggles are compatible.
- ABC of Snowboarding - article about buying helmets for skiing or snowboarding - detailed instructions about measuring your head and finding your helmet size.
Features- Air Vents
- Keep your head from overheating.
- A helmet liner will keep your skull warm when it's really bad.
- Goggle Loop
- Small snappable plastic loop at the back of the helmet.
- Fastens the goggle strap in place so that your goggles can't come off your helmet.
- Headphones
- The latest feature in helmet technology are helmets with built-in headphones.
- Some models have two jacks -- one for your MP3 player and one for your cell phone or walkie-talkie.
- Ask yourself, though, if you feel confident enough to ski with those kinds of distractions constantly available.
Major Manufacturers
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