I fell while skiing yesterday and hit my head on a rock. Fortunatelly I had bought a helmet only some weeks ago. Though I have skied for years without one.
Feels like God gave me a second life...
Global Forums > Ski / Snowboarding > Why wear a ski helmet?
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Why wear a ski helmet?
Mar 1, 2011 @ 08:34
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I fell while skiing yesterday and hit my head on a rock. Fortunatelly I had bought a helmet only some weeks ago. Though I have skied for years without one.
Feels like God gave me a second life...
renaMar 1, 2011 @ 08:34
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Post 1
Mar 1, 2011 @ 10:20
Its now law for kids to wear helmets, and responsible parents need to set the example... that apart, i heard that most ski collisions involve heads connecting... and those without helmets have a huge chance of being killed or injured beyond repair.
Recent high profile deaths on ski slopes have also urged people to wear helmets.
Skis also are alot faster than they used to be, and easier to use, hence you get inexperienced people doing slopes they shouldnt be on, and invariably they loose control.
In fact I get my daughter to wear a back/spine protector as well.
Gone are the days where skiing caused mainly broken ankles... now its shoulders, backs, collar bones, knees and heads... all in all more serious... and most skiers dont realise the dangers they cause to others through inconsiderate piste movement.
Helmets are a good thing.... and education of piste etiquette is also a good thing. Skiing should be fun, not a fast lane to an early grave.
The text you are quoting:
Its now law for kids to wear helmets, and responsible parents need to set the example... that apart, i heard that most ski collisions involve heads connecting... and those without helmets have a huge chance of being killed or injured beyond repair.
Recent high profile deaths on ski slopes have also urged people to wear helmets.
Skis also are alot faster than they used to be, and easier to use, hence you get inexperienced people doing slopes they shouldnt be on, and invariably they loose control.
In fact I get my daughter to wear a back/spine protector as well.
Gone are the days where skiing caused mainly broken ankles... now its shoulders, backs, collar bones, knees and heads... all in all more serious... and most skiers dont realise the dangers they cause to others through inconsiderate piste movement.
Helmets are a good thing.... and education of piste etiquette is also a good thing. Skiing should be fun, not a fast lane to an early grave.
Charlie, Mar 1, 2011 @ 10:20
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Mar 1, 2011 @ 10:58
The TV news has been saying that, with the icy conditions on slopes this year, more people are getting head injuries, some even when wearing a ski helmet:
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The TV news has been saying that, with the icy conditions on slopes this year, more people are getting head injuries, some even when wearing a ski helmet:
Nicolas M, Mar 1, 2011 @ 10:58
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Mar 1, 2011 @ 11:10
Uh-oh for some reason the link isn't working, the news item was at 19:30 on Saturday 26th...
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Uh-oh for some reason the link isn't working, the news item was at 19:30 on Saturday 26th...
Nicolas M, Mar 1, 2011 @ 11:10
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Mar 1, 2011 @ 13:36
The TV news has been saying that, with the icy conditions on slopes this year, more people are getting head injuries, some even when wearing a ski helmet:
Mar 1, 11 10:58
I think the girl who died on the icy slope in Megeve did not properly close/attache her helmet...
But yes, when you hit the ground it a serious shock despite the protection.
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I think the girl who died on the icy slope in Megeve did not properly close/attache her helmet...
But yes, when you hit the ground it a serious shock despite the protection.
rena, Mar 1, 2011 @ 13:36
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Mar 1, 2011 @ 15:06
I could not agree more!
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Mar 1, 2011 @ 15:25
I don't wear a helmet and I have a hard head. Watch out!
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Mar 1, 2011 @ 15:41
"Eh?” I said. I couldn’t believe it. The bus was winding up from Moutiers towards our ski resort, and one of the wives was giving me a sensational piece of news. It concerned the skiwear of two old friends. If she had told me they were going to be wearing padded bras and cami knickers, I could not have been more astonished.
I mean, I have known these people for decades. We have been skiing together for years, and I can testify that they are, in general, as brave as the next man. When the light is fading and the last lift is about to close, they are the kind of chaps who come to the edge of some vertical mogul field and shout “Man or mouse!” before hurling themselves into the icy void. When you are going up in a lift and you look beneath to see a couple of lunatics negotiating the virgin snow of some precipitous couloir, that’s them.
If you were casting around for two individuals who were still holding out against the elf and safety madness that is sweeping our culture, I would have pointed you in their direction, and I would have proudly added that they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions — until, as I say, one of their wives came up to me on the bus and broke this amazing news. This year, she said, the men were going to be wearing helmets. “Helmets?” I said. “To go skiing? You mean helmets like kids wear?” That’s right, she said; and would I like to set a good example by wearing one too?
I am afraid I did not feel able to accept her offer. In the course of a 35-year skiing career of relentless incompetence, I have been involved in some of the most epic prangs ever witnessed. My falls have taken me from the top of one black run to the beginning of the next – and onwards and downwards. I have sustained all manner of contusions. I have broken a thumb at Les Menuires and a rib at Courchevel. But never, in all the times when I have felt myself being catapulted head-first from my crossed skis, has it occurred to me to wear a child’s helmet to go skiing.
Goggles, yes; a woolly hat, yes; but a helmet – not on your nelly. That was my message, delivered as politely as I could. And yet when we arrived at the pistes, my sense of wonderment grew. Something weird has happened, and it has happened in the past couple of years. It is as though the ski helmet has propagated itself like some frenzied bacillus. Everywhere you look there are thousands of skiers – children and adults alike – transformed by their headgear into shiny-bonced tadpoles. It wasn’t my friends who looked odd, I realised: it was me.
RELATED ARTICLES
Loan helmets to skiers and boarders, urge scientists 11 Feb 2011
Sometimes I would find myself on a chairlift sitting in a row of Darth Vaders, and I would pluck up the courage to ask. Why the helmet? I murmured, and after a few days I began to get a fix on the phenomenon. Of course it is partly fashion. Helmets are in this year in the way that ruffs or codpieces or top hats used to be in. They are treated as a new must-have accessory, and much of their success – in the words of Etienne the (helmetless) instructor – is down to “le marketing”. You can get fur-lined helmets and helmets with stereo, and it all means good business for the ski-hire shops. But as almost everyone said, the main reason was safety. It was about minimising risk, they said; and suddenly I realised I was looking at a rich and suggestive illustration of the human herd instinct.
Here in the Alps, as the helmets spread from head to head, you can physically see the contagion of panic as it passes from beast to beast, and you can see how otherwise sensible people give way to an irrational misjudging of risk. Has skiing really become more dangerous in the past couple of years, when people have started adopting these glistening black craniums? On the contrary, the steady improvement of skis and bindings has made the sport safer than ever. Of course there was the sad case of Natasha Richardson, killed in a freak accident on the nursery slopes. But then there are always injuries, and if anything I imagine it might be even more painful, if you are on the downhill side of the argument, to be walloped by an out-of-control skier equipped with a plastic battering ram on his head.
No: there is something strange here, a mutation in the Zeitgeist. I reckon the helmet mania is more than just a question of fashion or a re-assessment of the medical risks of skiing. It’s a sign of the psychological state of the Western bourgeoisie in the grip of an economic crisis. They have seen what happened to the risk-taking bankers; they have seen how the sky fell in on the insouciant system of free-market capitalism; and so they literally cover their heads as an expression of the safety-first mentality that has seized us all.
I do not say they are wrong, any more than I say my friends are wrong to wear helmets, and I brace myself for the angry letters from those with head-injury stories of loved ones. Each of us must make his or her choice. But I ask you this: does James Bond wear a helmet, when he out-skis the baddie in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service? Look at those pictures of the plus-foured British pioneers of alpine skiing, with their seven-foot skis and dementedly dangerous bindings. Did they wear helmets? Of course not.
Skiing is about the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you personally describe the contours of snow-covered mountains at extraordinary speed. It is the closest many of us come to flight. It is my humble but deep belief that it should involve the maximum communion with nature, and that means no helmet for me. For the sake of completeness I should add that I did hit a tree the other day, but I hit it nose first. A helmet would have made no difference – and you should have seen the tree.
The text you are quoting:
"Eh?” I said. I couldn’t believe it. The bus was winding up from Moutiers towards our ski resort, and one of the wives was giving me a sensational piece of news. It concerned the skiwear of two old friends. If she had told me they were going to be wearing padded bras and cami knickers, I could not have been more astonished.
I mean, I have known these people for decades. We have been skiing together for years, and I can testify that they are, in general, as brave as the next man. When the light is fading and the last lift is about to close, they are the kind of chaps who come to the edge of some vertical mogul field and shout “Man or mouse!” before hurling themselves into the icy void. When you are going up in a lift and you look beneath to see a couple of lunatics negotiating the virgin snow of some precipitous couloir, that’s them.
If you were casting around for two individuals who were still holding out against the elf and safety madness that is sweeping our culture, I would have pointed you in their direction, and I would have proudly added that they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions — until, as I say, one of their wives came up to me on the bus and broke this amazing news. This year, she said, the men were going to be wearing helmets. “Helmets?” I said. “To go skiing? You mean helmets like kids wear?” That’s right, she said; and would I like to set a good example by wearing one too?
I am afraid I did not feel able to accept her offer. In the course of a 35-year skiing career of relentless incompetence, I have been involved in some of the most epic prangs ever witnessed. My falls have taken me from the top of one black run to the beginning of the next – and onwards and downwards. I have sustained all manner of contusions. I have broken a thumb at Les Menuires and a rib at Courchevel. But never, in all the times when I have felt myself being catapulted head-first from my crossed skis, has it occurred to me to wear a child’s helmet to go skiing.
Goggles, yes; a woolly hat, yes; but a helmet – not on your nelly. That was my message, delivered as politely as I could. And yet when we arrived at the pistes, my sense of wonderment grew. Something weird has happened, and it has happened in the past couple of years. It is as though the ski helmet has propagated itself like some frenzied bacillus. Everywhere you look there are thousands of skiers – children and adults alike – transformed by their headgear into shiny-bonced tadpoles. It wasn’t my friends who looked odd, I realised: it was me.
RELATED ARTICLES
Loan helmets to skiers and boarders, urge scientists 11 Feb 2011
Sometimes I would find myself on a chairlift sitting in a row of Darth Vaders, and I would pluck up the courage to ask. Why the helmet? I murmured, and after a few days I began to get a fix on the phenomenon. Of course it is partly fashion. Helmets are in this year in the way that ruffs or codpieces or top hats used to be in. They are treated as a new must-have accessory, and much of their success – in the words of Etienne the (helmetless) instructor – is down to “le marketing”. You can get fur-lined helmets and helmets with stereo, and it all means good business for the ski-hire shops. But as almost everyone said, the main reason was safety. It was about minimising risk, they said; and suddenly I realised I was looking at a rich and suggestive illustration of the human herd instinct.
Here in the Alps, as the helmets spread from head to head, you can physically see the contagion of panic as it passes from beast to beast, and you can see how otherwise sensible people give way to an irrational misjudging of risk. Has skiing really become more dangerous in the past couple of years, when people have started adopting these glistening black craniums? On the contrary, the steady improvement of skis and bindings has made the sport safer than ever. Of course there was the sad case of Natasha Richardson, killed in a freak accident on the nursery slopes. But then there are always injuries, and if anything I imagine it might be even more painful, if you are on the downhill side of the argument, to be walloped by an out-of-control skier equipped with a plastic battering ram on his head.
No: there is something strange here, a mutation in the Zeitgeist. I reckon the helmet mania is more than just a question of fashion or a re-assessment of the medical risks of skiing. It’s a sign of the psychological state of the Western bourgeoisie in the grip of an economic crisis. They have seen what happened to the risk-taking bankers; they have seen how the sky fell in on the insouciant system of free-market capitalism; and so they literally cover their heads as an expression of the safety-first mentality that has seized us all.
I do not say they are wrong, any more than I say my friends are wrong to wear helmets, and I brace myself for the angry letters from those with head-injury stories of loved ones. Each of us must make his or her choice. But I ask you this: does James Bond wear a helmet, when he out-skis the baddie in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service? Look at those pictures of the plus-foured British pioneers of alpine skiing, with their seven-foot skis and dementedly dangerous bindings. Did they wear helmets? Of course not.
Skiing is about the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you personally describe the contours of snow-covered mountains at extraordinary speed. It is the closest many of us come to flight. It is my humble but deep belief that it should involve the maximum communion with nature, and that means no helmet for me. For the sake of completeness I should add that I did hit a tree the other day, but I hit it nose first. A helmet would have made no difference – and you should have seen the tree.
Feehary, Mar 1, 2011 @ 15:41
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Post 8
Mar 1, 2011 @ 16:03
I don't wear a helmet and I have a hard head. Watch out!
Mar 1, 11 15:25
until you hit someone, or they hit you..and THEYRE wearing a helmet....
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until you hit someone, or they hit you..and THEYRE wearing a helmet....
Charlie, Mar 1, 2011 @ 16:03
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Mar 1, 2011 @ 16:08
until you hit someone, or they hit you..and THEYRE wearing a helmet....
Mar 1, 11 16:03
They'd better not... cause if the impact doesn't kill them I will! 
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Mar 1, 2011 @ 16:48
Of course the same arguments apply to wearing head protection for cycling, horse riding, cricket etc etc. I think it should be down to personal choice, with the obvious exception of motorbikes.
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Of course the same arguments apply to wearing head protection for cycling, horse riding, cricket etc etc. I think it should be down to personal choice, with the obvious exception of motorbikes.
Nicolas M, Mar 1, 2011 @ 16:48
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Post 11
Mar 1, 2011 @ 17:05
Of course the same arguments apply to wearing head protection for cycling, horse riding, cricket etc etc. I think it should be down to personal choice, with the obvious exception of motorbikes.
Mar 1, 11 16:48
I strongly protest against the presence of motorbikes on the slopes! In fact anything with an engine, really. Not a fan of snowmobiles either.
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I strongly protest against the presence of motorbikes on the slopes! In fact anything with an engine, really. Not a fan of snowmobiles either.
catalin, Mar 1, 2011 @ 17:05
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Mar 1, 2011 @ 17:13
WOW!
Marvellous prose and deep insight.
Although probably spent on the wrong cause.
Besides... I don't think it's true that skying is safer than ever.On the contrary: the bloody curving skys are a danger, even if slower, and snowboarders should be forbidden slopes and let to commit suicide off-piste and off-view.
Never been a fan of obligations, so go your way, but my black helmet with red devilish horns is funnier and cooler than your wool cap!
By the way... James Bond is a fictional character.
I wouldn't try to fly out of a window, just because Superman does it! 
Ciao
The text you are quoting:
WOW!
Marvellous prose and deep insight.
Although probably spent on the wrong cause.
Besides... I don't think it's true that skying is safer than ever.On the contrary: the bloody curving skys are a danger, even if slower, and snowboarders should be forbidden slopes and let to commit suicide off-piste and off-view.
Never been a fan of obligations, so go your way, but my black helmet with red devilish horns is funnier and cooler than your wool cap!
By the way... James Bond is a fictional character.
I wouldn't try to fly out of a window, just because Superman does it!
Ciao
Stef__Granny, Mar 1, 2011 @ 17:13
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Post 13
Mar 1, 2011 @ 17:40
(The one above was an answer to freehary)
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Mar 1, 2011 @ 17:44
WOW!
Marvellous prose and deep insight.
Although probably spent on the wrong cause.
Besides... I don't think it's true that skying is safer than ever.On the contrary: the bloody curving skys are a danger, even if slower, and snowboarders should be forbidden slopes and let to commit suicide off-piste and off-view.
Never been a fan of obligations, so go your way, but my black helmet with red devilish horns is funnier and cooler than your wool cap!
By the way... James Bond is a fictional character.
I wouldn't try to fly out of a window, just because Superman does it!
Ciao
Mar 1, 11 17:13
Stef you managed to piss me off mate. Don't make me put a curse on you (again ;) ).
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Stef you managed to piss me off mate. Don't make me put a curse on you (again ;) ).
catalin, Mar 1, 2011 @ 17:44
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Mar 1, 2011 @ 17:46
I find that wearing a helmet comes in handy when you happen to get on a chairlift with someone who is particularly eager to swing the safety bar down - my helmet has saved my nugget several times in that type of situation!
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I find that wearing a helmet comes in handy when you happen to get on a chairlift with someone who is particularly eager to swing the safety bar down - my helmet has saved my nugget several times in that type of situation!
Andrea S, Mar 1, 2011 @ 17:46
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Mar 9, 2011 @ 17:06
I have recently started to work at the airport, and you just wouldnt believe how many passengers come everydaywith broken limbs, neck braces, even a lady who had to arrive to the airport and be taken to the plane in an ambulance due to two broken knees!!!!
To be more specific, I started only 2 weeks ago and have seen already many injuried passengers, so people, please be safe and wear a helmet!
You might look like a Super Mario Bros character like Richdog, but I think if its saves your life, its worth it!!!!!
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I have recently started to work at the airport, and you just wouldnt believe how many passengers come everydaywith broken limbs, neck braces, even a lady who had to arrive to the airport and be taken to the plane in an ambulance due to two broken knees!!!!
To be more specific, I started only 2 weeks ago and have seen already many injuried passengers, so people, please be safe and wear a helmet!
You might look like a Super Mario Bros character like Richdog, but I think if its saves your life, its worth it!!!!!
SritaUfa, Mar 9, 2011 @ 17:06
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Mar 9, 2011 @ 17:52
I have recently started to work at the airport, and you just wouldnt believe how many passengers come everydaywith broken limbs, neck braces, even a lady who had to arrive to the airport and be taken to the plane in an ambulance due to two broken knees!!!!
To be more specific, I started only 2 weeks ago and have seen already many injuried passengers, so people, please be safe and wear a helmet!
You might look like a Super Mario Bros character like Richdog, but I think if its saves your life, its worth it!!!!!
Mar 9, 11 17:06
The helmet would NOT do anything about the broken knees nor the broken neck. Putting a pice of plastic on your head an rushing down is NOT the answer. There are other issues that needs to be addressed such as basic rules and etiquette on the slopes. I skydive without a helmet and manage to keep myself safe as long as everybody respects the rules. I did break my ankle and had minor back injuries while skydiving but again the helmet would not have helped.
Sinfeld has a great piece on helmets:
The text you are quoting:
The helmet would NOT do anything about the broken knees nor the broken neck. Putting a pice of plastic on your head an rushing down is NOT the answer. There are other issues that needs to be addressed such as basic rules and etiquette on the slopes. I skydive without a helmet and manage to keep myself safe as long as everybody respects the rules. I did break my ankle and had minor back injuries while skydiving but again the helmet would not have helped.
Sinfeld has a great piece on helmets:
catalin, Mar 9, 2011 @ 17:52
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Post 18
Mar 9, 2011 @ 18:09
Catalin> The problem is not so much yourself, but the random skier out of control crashing into you or suddenly swerwing into your path.
The debate is akin to the seatbelt debate. Anyone still refusing?
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Catalin> The problem is not so much yourself, but the random skier out of control crashing into you or suddenly swerwing into your path.
The debate is akin to the seatbelt debate. Anyone still refusing?
FerneyL, Mar 9, 2011 @ 18:09
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Post 19
Mar 9, 2011 @ 18:14
Also, your head is, by far, the most expensive and sensitive gear, you will ever own - and the hardest to repair.
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Also, your head is, by far, the most expensive and sensitive gear, you will ever own - and the hardest to repair.
FerneyL, Mar 9, 2011 @ 18:14
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Mar 9, 2011 @ 22:43
Hey folks, I used to play hockey not wearing a helmet, I used to drive a car that didn't have seatbelts, and I skied for 30 years with only a pompom on my hat as protection.
I am still living, however, I stopped playing hockey to save my teeth, sold my old sportscar because I didn't have time to fix it (it was British), and this year I broke down and bought a ski helmet mostly because of the icepack on the slopes.
Some decisions just take more time than others, but eventually we all see the better side of safety, and its better for people to make that decision after they have come to their own senses, even if that means taking a few chips off the rock like Rena has done.
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Hey folks, I used to play hockey not wearing a helmet, I used to drive a car that didn't have seatbelts, and I skied for 30 years with only a pompom on my hat as protection.
I am still living, however, I stopped playing hockey to save my teeth, sold my old sportscar because I didn't have time to fix it (it was British), and this year I broke down and bought a ski helmet mostly because of the icepack on the slopes.
Some decisions just take more time than others, but eventually we all see the better side of safety, and its better for people to make that decision after they have come to their own senses, even if that means taking a few chips off the rock like Rena has done.
Poster, Mar 9, 2011 @ 22:43
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Mar 9, 2011 @ 22:48
Hey folks, I used to play hockey not wearing a helmet, I used to drive a car that didn't have seatbelts, and I skied for 30 years with only a pompom on my hat as protection.
I am still living, however, I stopped playing hockey to save my teeth, sold my old sportscar because I didn't have time to fix it (it was British), and this year I broke down and bought a ski helmet mostly because of the icepack on the slopes.
Some decisions just take more time than others, but eventually we all see the better side of safety, and its better for people to make that decision after they have come to their own senses, even if that means taking a few chips off the rock like Rena has done.
Mar 9, 11 22:43
ha ha, wisdom comes with age? Fortunatelly my wisdom came just in time 
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Mar 10, 2011 @ 08:08
ha ha, wisdom comes with age? Fortunatelly my wisdom came just in time
Mar 9, 11 22:48
Well I got the age but I'm not sure about the wisdom haha...
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Mar 10, 2011 @ 09:42
My guessing is that it will be law soon anyway, so let the "bobble hats" have their day...
FYI I played high level rugby, no pads or skullcap (only gum shield), parachuted, no helmet (admittedly with a large pack and gun hanging off me), boxed without headguard, ridden a horse without a helmet, have skied without helmet (or bobble hat) for years, have ridden scooters (on holiday) without helmet, driven cars without seatbelts, etc etc
Now I would do all of the above with max protection.... I guess Life is too good to be cut short ...maybe its age ...maybe common sense...eitherway..
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My guessing is that it will be law soon anyway, so let the "bobble hats" have their day...
FYI I played high level rugby, no pads or skullcap (only gum shield), parachuted, no helmet (admittedly with a large pack and gun hanging off me), boxed without headguard, ridden a horse without a helmet, have skied without helmet (or bobble hat) for years, have ridden scooters (on holiday) without helmet, driven cars without seatbelts, etc etc
Now I would do all of the above with max protection.... I guess Life is too good to be cut short ...maybe its age ...maybe common sense...eitherway..
Charlie, Mar 10, 2011 @ 09:42
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Post 24
Mar 10, 2011 @ 12:09
The helmet would NOT do anything about the broken knees nor the broken neck. Putting a pice of plastic on your head an rushing down is NOT the answer. There are other issues that needs to be addressed such as basic rules and etiquette on the slopes. I skydive without a helmet and manage to keep myself safe as long as everybody respects the rules. I did break my ankle and had minor back injuries while skydiving but again the helmet would not have helped.
Sinfeld has a great piece on helmets:
Mar 9, 11 17:52
Catalin, I get your point.
Like Richdog said, its silly to point out that a helmet would not have helped with broken knees, but I think you are being over stubborn in this one.
You cant never be too safe, but of course thats up to you.....wanna bang your head in an ice patch? Fine for me....
It just takes a little bit of common sense(like some folks already mentioned) to be safe, for your own person and for the ones around you.
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Catalin, I get your point.
Like Richdog said, its silly to point out that a helmet would not have helped with broken knees, but I think you are being over stubborn in this one.
You cant never be too safe, but of course thats up to you.....wanna bang your head in an ice patch? Fine for me....
It just takes a little bit of common sense(like some folks already mentioned) to be safe, for your own person and for the ones around you.
SritaUfa, Mar 10, 2011 @ 12:09
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Post 25
Mar 10, 2011 @ 14:21
Jan 1, 70 01:00
You're an idiot. No offence.
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Post 26
Mar 11, 2011 @ 09:49
Jan 1, 70 01:00
Richdog, sorry for being an ass. Please be assured that I said it jokingly. What I would like to point out though is that while I was talking from my own experience and quoting facts, you only tried to discreditate and ridiculize me, which is not really advancing the discussion about safety, is it? I also find it hard to believe that a man with such an attitude on a forum is safe and curteous to others on the slopes, but then again I might be wrong...
Don't forget that I am only protecting my point of view and my freedom, the message was not directed to you and I never said that it was wrong to wear a helmet or vehemently opposed it. I just belong to a breed of people that make their own choices and don't feel the urge to follow the crowd.
As for the skydiving example, although there is less "traffic", most people would agree that it is far more dangerous than skiing. There are however big skydiving events with 300 - 400 people simultaneously in the air (and in the landing area), which is far worse than a crowded slope. The bottom line is that people who do it care enough about safety and basic rules to make it safe for everyone involved without the need for any protection gear. This would be a welcome addition to skiing. Cheers.
The text you are quoting:
Richdog, sorry for being an ass. Please be assured that I said it jokingly. What I would like to point out though is that while I was talking from my own experience and quoting facts, you only tried to discreditate and ridiculize me, which is not really advancing the discussion about safety, is it? I also find it hard to believe that a man with such an attitude on a forum is safe and curteous to others on the slopes, but then again I might be wrong...
Don't forget that I am only protecting my point of view and my freedom, the message was not directed to you and I never said that it was wrong to wear a helmet or vehemently opposed it. I just belong to a breed of people that make their own choices and don't feel the urge to follow the crowd.
As for the skydiving example, although there is less "traffic", most people would agree that it is far more dangerous than skiing. There are however big skydiving events with 300 - 400 people simultaneously in the air (and in the landing area), which is far worse than a crowded slope. The bottom line is that people who do it care enough about safety and basic rules to make it safe for everyone involved without the need for any protection gear. This would be a welcome addition to skiing. Cheers.
catalin, Mar 11, 2011 @ 09:49
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Re: Why wear a ski helmet?
Post 27
Mar 11, 2011 @ 10:26
Richdog, sorry for being an ass. Please be assured that I said it jokingly. What I would like to point out though is that while I was talking from my own experience and quoting facts, you only tried to discreditate and ridiculize me, which is not really advancing the discussion about safety, is it? I also find it hard to believe that a man with such an attitude on a forum is safe and curteous to others on the slopes, but then again I might be wrong...
Don't forget that I am only protecting my point of view and my freedom, the message was not directed to you and I never said that it was wrong to wear a helmet or vehemently opposed it. I just belong to a breed of people that make their own choices and don't feel the urge to follow the crowd.
As for the skydiving example, although there is less "traffic", most people would agree that it is far more dangerous than skiing. There are however big skydiving events with 300 - 400 people simultaneously in the air (and in the landing area), which is far worse than a crowded slope. The bottom line is that people who do it care enough about safety and basic rules to make it safe for everyone involved without the need for any protection gear. This would be a welcome addition to skiing. Cheers.
Mar 11, 11 09:49
not entirely sure a helmet would save you if your parachute (and emergency chute) didnt open.... hence why many just wear leather style head guards , which is for safety for "exiting" the plane...(ie so youre not unconcious before opening your chute)...
The risk on the slope for a non helmet wearing person is twofold...one if you crash yourself onto rock or ice, and two if someone else hits you... On the latter if theyre wearing a helmet (more and more likely) and heads collide youre gonna come off worse.
But as you say the choice is yours, "Freedom" as William Wallace would shout... for the time being anyway.
The text you are quoting:
not entirely sure a helmet would save you if your parachute (and emergency chute) didnt open.... hence why many just wear leather style head guards , which is for safety for "exiting" the plane...(ie so youre not unconcious before opening your chute)...
The risk on the slope for a non helmet wearing person is twofold...one if you crash yourself onto rock or ice, and two if someone else hits you... On the latter if theyre wearing a helmet (more and more likely) and heads collide youre gonna come off worse.
But as you say the choice is yours, "Freedom" as William Wallace would shout... for the time being anyway.
Charlie, Mar 11, 2011 @ 10:26
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Post 28
Mar 11, 2011 @ 10:22
Rena and Charlie have paraphrased the reality of such issues " . . wisdom comes with age . . ." as anyone who has raised children will tell you, and for all of us, if we look back at our own lives and wonder how the hell we are still living and in such good shape today - miracles, luck, or ???
I might add that people adapt and humanoids evolve (quickly) over time, given new technologies, new materials . .. . just think, 12 years ago you didn't have internet at home, 15 years ago you didn't have a cell phone, 45 years ago there were no seatbelts, and Charlie will live forever, at least . . . so far so good !
The text you are quoting:
Rena and Charlie have paraphrased the reality of such issues " . . wisdom comes with age . . ." as anyone who has raised children will tell you, and for all of us, if we look back at our own lives and wonder how the hell we are still living and in such good shape today - miracles, luck, or ???
I might add that people adapt and humanoids evolve (quickly) over time, given new technologies, new materials . .. . just think, 12 years ago you didn't have internet at home, 15 years ago you didn't have a cell phone, 45 years ago there were no seatbelts, and Charlie will live forever, at least . . . so far so good !
Poster, Mar 11, 2011 @ 10:22
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Post 29
Mar 11, 2011 @ 10:39
not entirely sure a helmet would save you if your parachute (and emergency chute) didnt open.... hence why many just wear leather style head guards , which is for safety for "exiting" the plane...(ie so youre not unconcious before opening your chute)...
The risk on the slope for a non helmet wearing person is twofold...one if you crash yourself onto rock or ice, and two if someone else hits you... On the latter if theyre wearing a helmet (more and more likely) and heads collide youre gonna come off worse.
But as you say the choice is yours, "Freedom" as William Wallace would shout... for the time being anyway.
Mar 11, 11 10:26
Charlie buddy, it's been a long time since you made those jumps... Also fun diving is not like the army where you jump alone. We mostly jump in groups and build formations in freefall hence the risk to colide in freefall. And you are obviously facing the others, hence head first.
The second most dangerous even being landing, where modern high-speed parachutes can reach horizontal speeds in the range of 100 km/h with the canopy open.
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Charlie buddy, it's been a long time since you made those jumps... Also fun diving is not like the army where you jump alone. We mostly jump in groups and build formations in freefall hence the risk to colide in freefall. And you are obviously facing the others, hence head first.
The second most dangerous even being landing, where modern high-speed parachutes can reach horizontal speeds in the range of 100 km/h with the canopy open.
catalin, Mar 11, 2011 @ 10:39
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Post 30
Mar 11, 2011 @ 10:45
Rena and Charlie have paraphrased the reality of such issues " . . wisdom comes with age . . ." as anyone who has raised children will tell you, and for all of us, if we look back at our own lives and wonder how the hell we are still living and in such good shape today - miracles, luck, or ???
I might add that people adapt and humanoids evolve (quickly) over time, given new technologies, new materials . .. . just think, 12 years ago you didn't have internet at home, 15 years ago you didn't have a cell phone, 45 years ago there were no seatbelts, and Charlie will live forever, at least . . . so far so good !
Mar 11, 11 10:22
His greatest enemy is alcohol though, and all these advancements won't keep him from it I'm afraid...
The text you are quoting:
His greatest enemy is alcohol though, and all these advancements won't keep him from it I'm afraid...
catalin, Mar 11, 2011 @ 10:45
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Post 31
Mar 11, 2011 @ 11:13
Is that not a bottle of bubbly on the table in your profile picture ? Your look to be sitting alone, the bottle is within striking reach for your next swig . . . so the answer could just be to get drunk, toss the helmet and ski your head off !!!! 
The text you are quoting:
Is that not a bottle of bubbly on the table in your profile picture ? Your look to be sitting alone, the bottle is within striking reach for your next swig . . . so the answer could just be to get drunk, toss the helmet and ski your head off !!!!
Poster, Mar 11, 2011 @ 11:13
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Post 32
Mar 11, 2011 @ 11:20
Is that not a bottle of bubbly on the table in your profile picture ? Your look to be sitting alone, the bottle is within striking reach for your next swig . . . so the answer could just be to get drunk, toss the helmet and ski your head off !!!!
Mar 11, 11 11:13
Except that it was summer, it was by the beach and a beautiful lady was taking that picture ;) Cheers!
The text you are quoting:
Except that it was summer, it was by the beach and a beautiful lady was taking that picture ;) Cheers!
catalin, Mar 11, 2011 @ 11:20
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Post 33
Mar 11, 2011 @ 11:45
Lucky you, except I don't see the beach ??? . . . who needs it anyway ! Just hope you remembered to put the helmet on your dickie . . . . LoL
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Lucky you, except I don't see the beach ??? . . . who needs it anyway ! Just hope you remembered to put the helmet on your dickie . . . . LoL
Poster, Mar 11, 2011 @ 11:45
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Post 34
Mar 11, 2011 @ 16:29
Lucky you, except I don't see the beach ??? . . . who needs it anyway ! Just hope you remembered to put the helmet on your dickie . . . . LoL
Mar 11, 11 11:45
Yeah im with you on that...wheres the beach? and why are the curtains closed, and why (if its the beach) are you dressed... all little conumdrums to baffle us mere mortals no doubt...
ps..if im gonna life forever I had better start behaving myself...history has a habit of catching us all...and no way do I want to meet mine again... whats done is done, whats to be done, will be done... and so the circle turns
The text you are quoting:
Yeah im with you on that...wheres the beach? and why are the curtains closed, and why (if its the beach) are you dressed... all little conumdrums to baffle us mere mortals no doubt...
ps..if im gonna life forever I had better start behaving myself...history has a habit of catching us all...and no way do I want to meet mine again... whats done is done, whats to be done, will be done... and so the circle turns
Charlie, Mar 11, 2011 @ 16:29
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Post 35
Mar 11, 2011 @ 17:19
Lucky you, except I don't see the beach ??? . . . who needs it anyway ! Just hope you remembered to put the helmet on your dickie . . . . LoL
Mar 11, 11 11:45
Grr trying again:
1. Proof that there was a beach ;)
<a target='_blank' target="_blank" href='http://img859.imageshack.us/i/056.jpg/'><img src='http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/6820/056.th.jpg' border='0'/></a>
2. proof that there were girls ;)
<a target='_blank' title='ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting' target="_blank" href='http://img862.imageshack.us/i/barcaedit.jpg/'><img src='http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/6504/barcaedit.jpg' border='0'/></a>
The text you are quoting:
Grr trying again:
1. Proof that there was a beach ;)
<a target='_blank' target="_blank" href='http://img859.imageshack.us/i/056.jpg/'><img src='http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/6820/056.th.jpg' border='0'/></a>
2. proof that there were girls ;)
<a target='_blank' title='ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting' target="_blank" href='http://img862.imageshack.us/i/barcaedit.jpg/'><img src='http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/6504/barcaedit.jpg' border='0'/></a>
catalin, Mar 11, 2011 @ 17:19
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Post 36
Mar 11, 2011 @ 17:24
nope...gobbeldeegook is not proof...
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Post 37
Mar 11, 2011 @ 17:27
Lucky you, except I don't see the beach ??? . . . who needs it anyway ! Just hope you remembered to put the helmet on your dickie . . . . LoL
Mar 11, 11 11:45
Last try:
1. Proof that there was a beach. 2. Proof that there were girls ;)
The text you are quoting:
Last try:
1. Proof that there was a beach. 2. Proof that there were girls ;)
catalin, Mar 11, 2011 @ 17:27
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Post 38
Mar 11, 2011 @ 17:35
I wore a pirate hat once.....
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Post 39
Mar 11, 2011 @ 17:38
I wore a pirate hat once.....
Mar 11, 11 17:35
I find it brave that you stopped covering your glass eye...
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Post 40
Mar 11, 2011 @ 18:17
I fell while skiing yesterday and hit my head on a rock. Fortunatelly I had bought a helmet only some weeks ago. Though I have skied for years without one.
Feels like God gave me a second life...
Mar 1, 11 08:34
btw, did you get a new helmet? Depending on the force of the impact, and a rock sounds like it might be hard, the helmet crumble zones might be 'used up'.
The text you are quoting:
btw, did you get a new helmet? Depending on the force of the impact, and a rock sounds like it might be hard, the helmet crumble zones might be 'used up'.
FerneyL, Mar 11, 2011 @ 18:17
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Post 41
Mar 11, 2011 @ 21:11
btw, did you get a new helmet? Depending on the force of the impact, and a rock sounds like it might be hard, the helmet crumble zones might be 'used up'.
Mar 11, 11 18:17
no, as this one is brand new.... Thanks for the hint, will check out
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Post 42
Mar 13, 2011 @ 20:26
Rena: In fact, if its a new helmet and you broke it, chances are they will replace it under warranty.
In case you lost a few marbles, can I reckomend the beach with Catalin . . . . seems he's got the place and the bubbly
The text you are quoting:
Rena: In fact, if its a new helmet and you broke it, chances are they will replace it under warranty.
In case you lost a few marbles, can I reckomend the beach with Catalin . . . . seems he's got the place and the bubbly
Poster, Mar 13, 2011 @ 20:26
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Post 43
Mar 13, 2011 @ 21:19
Rena: In fact, if its a new helmet and you broke it, chances are they will replace it under warranty.
In case you lost a few marbles, can I reckomend the beach with Catalin . . . . seems he's got the place and the bubbly
Mar 13, 11 20:26
ah! Thanks for the hint!
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Post 44
Mar 24, 2011 @ 00:14
Jan 1, 70 01:00
you're just a fashion victim then...
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Post 45
Mar 24, 2011 @ 00:16
Catalin, I get your point.
Like Richdog said, its silly to point out that a helmet would not have helped with broken knees, but I think you are being over stubborn in this one.
You cant never be too safe, but of course thats up to you.....wanna bang your head in an ice patch? Fine for me....
It just takes a little bit of common sense(like some folks already mentioned) to be safe, for your own person and for the ones around you.
Mar 10, 11 12:09
Crap. It's about freedom of choice and the nanny state. I don't want to wear a helmet and don't see why I should be forced to. It's my choice and I accept the risk. Next they'll be telling me I must make sure my partner wears a condom. Bloody ridiculous.
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Crap. It's about freedom of choice and the nanny state. I don't want to wear a helmet and don't see why I should be forced to. It's my choice and I accept the risk. Next they'll be telling me I must make sure my partner wears a condom. Bloody ridiculous.
Anna Naz, Mar 24, 2011 @ 00:16
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Post 46
Mar 24, 2011 @ 00:19
The TV news has been saying that, with the icy conditions on slopes this year, more people are getting head injuries, some even when wearing a ski helmet:
Mar 1, 11 10:58
Exactly. So wearing a helmet is of no use at all. Point proven.
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Post 47
Mar 24, 2011 @ 02:39
Exactly. So wearing a helmet is of no use at all. Point proven.
Mar 24, 11 00:19
Your standard for proving things seems pretty weak. I hope you ski better ;)
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Your standard for proving things seems pretty weak. I hope you ski better ;)
FerneyL, Mar 24, 2011 @ 02:39
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Post 48
Jun 6, 2011 @ 13:55
Everybody have to take there own decission, but I do not wear one when I go by bike. But I would wear one when I go ski, I do not know why. Most of the time it is crowed and peole are really fast.
The text you are quoting:
Everybody have to take there own decission, but I do not wear one when I go by bike. But I would wear one when I go ski, I do not know why. Most of the time it is crowed and peole are really fast.
Maaike Duisters, Jun 6, 2011 @ 13:55
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Post 49
Jun 6, 2011 @ 16:08
While you are wearing a hat (as 99% of people do while skiing) why not make it a hat that stops your head getting caved in?
Especially this last season which was pretty much downhill ice skating due to the lack of snow! I had a ding this season where i got concussed even with the helmet, and that was just from hitting a divot and falling onto the piste, thank god i was wearing my helmet or i may well of not been around to write this post!
But more than anything i think that proper piste ettiquette needs to be taught, I haven't been long at this skiing lark (in fact i snowboard) just a few years, but the greater part of accidents i have seen have been due to someone thinking they are far better than they actually are and/or just not caring about the other people around them and careering into them.
Skiers: stop standing in a row across the top of any even slight rise in the piste blocking the entire piste.
Snowboarders: quit sitting down in stupid places, especially just underneath said rise.
Everybody: quit being such gits to everyone! have a bit of sense and responsability for the danger you put everyone else in around you!
Everybody: as much as we know that those further up the hill have to give way to those below, this is skant solace when the person below suddenly darts out from the side of a piste immediately in front of you! Look up the piste before joining it people!
The text you are quoting:
While you are wearing a hat (as 99% of people do while skiing) why not make it a hat that stops your head getting caved in?
Especially this last season which was pretty much downhill ice skating due to the lack of snow! I had a ding this season where i got concussed even with the helmet, and that was just from hitting a divot and falling onto the piste, thank god i was wearing my helmet or i may well of not been around to write this post!
But more than anything i think that proper piste ettiquette needs to be taught, I haven't been long at this skiing lark (in fact i snowboard) just a few years, but the greater part of accidents i have seen have been due to someone thinking they are far better than they actually are and/or just not caring about the other people around them and careering into them.
Skiers: stop standing in a row across the top of any even slight rise in the piste blocking the entire piste.
Snowboarders: quit sitting down in stupid places, especially just underneath said rise.
Everybody: quit being such gits to everyone! have a bit of sense and responsability for the danger you put everyone else in around you!
Everybody: as much as we know that those further up the hill have to give way to those below, this is skant solace when the person below suddenly darts out from the side of a piste immediately in front of you! Look up the piste before joining it people!
BadDNA, Jun 6, 2011 @ 16:08
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Post 50
Jun 6, 2011 @ 16:31
Mandatory wearing of seat belts reduces the likelihood of death or injury in case an accident happens, but does not reduce the death rate per capita. Similarly, airbag equipped cars tend to be driven more aggressively and that aggressiveness appears to offset the effect of the airbag for the driver and increases the risk of death to others. Cars outfitted with antilock brakes are driven faster, more carelessly, and closer to the car in front, braked more abruptly, and have no lower accident rate per hour of exposure than cars without these devices.
Ergo – skiers who wear helmets take greater risks but with less consideration for their fellows skiers because their OWN risk element is comparatively reduced. The “I’m all right, Jack” mentality.
The second type of skier who wears a helmet is from the school of “I’m wearing a helmet because I believe everything I read in the media and Natasha Richardson, Sonny and Michael Kennedy would all be alive today, if they’d been wearing a helmet”. And off they ski, not being able to hear a thing as they have Moby playing through their integral, insulated ear muffs.
I’m not sure which type I’m more scared of…..
However, the real reason for the increase in ski related injuries is due to the reduction of people taking ski lessons as skis become easier and easier to use and people get skeptical about the usefulness of Ski Instructors. In ski school you learn about mountain safety, etiquette and the rules of the piste, as well as how to control your turns and ski quickly, but safely.
As with most things in life, its not about safety – its about education and consideration for your fellow man/woman.
The only time I have had a ski related head injury, I was in a bar in Megeve – ten jello-shots later, I fell backwards, took out the local ESF and landed in a huge heap on the floor. Re-iterates my point above about still needing Ski Instructors.
So if anyone’s got a drinking helmet I can borow…..
The text you are quoting:
Mandatory wearing of seat belts reduces the likelihood of death or injury in case an accident happens, but does not reduce the death rate per capita. Similarly, airbag equipped cars tend to be driven more aggressively and that aggressiveness appears to offset the effect of the airbag for the driver and increases the risk of death to others. Cars outfitted with antilock brakes are driven faster, more carelessly, and closer to the car in front, braked more abruptly, and have no lower accident rate per hour of exposure than cars without these devices.
Ergo – skiers who wear helmets take greater risks but with less consideration for their fellows skiers because their OWN risk element is comparatively reduced. The “I’m all right, Jack” mentality.
The second type of skier who wears a helmet is from the school of “I’m wearing a helmet because I believe everything I read in the media and Natasha Richardson, Sonny and Michael Kennedy would all be alive today, if they’d been wearing a helmet”. And off they ski, not being able to hear a thing as they have Moby playing through their integral, insulated ear muffs.
I’m not sure which type I’m more scared of…..
However, the real reason for the increase in ski related injuries is due to the reduction of people taking ski lessons as skis become easier and easier to use and people get skeptical about the usefulness of Ski Instructors. In ski school you learn about mountain safety, etiquette and the rules of the piste, as well as how to control your turns and ski quickly, but safely.
As with most things in life, its not about safety – its about education and consideration for your fellow man/woman.
The only time I have had a ski related head injury, I was in a bar in Megeve – ten jello-shots later, I fell backwards, took out the local ESF and landed in a huge heap on the floor. Re-iterates my point above about still needing Ski Instructors.
So if anyone’s got a drinking helmet I can borow…..
Carolyn C, Jun 6, 2011 @ 16:31
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