Ski helmets

The ski helmet

When you head down the slopes today, you'll see a lot more big round heads than you used to - and perhaps that's because people have become smarter than they used to be. However, the large heads are probably not because our brains have gotten bigger, but rather because we have become much better at looking after them. If you get a little closer to the others on the slopes, you'll realize that it's not their own heads that have changed - no, they've just put on a helmet.

The days of daddy riding with a soft hat and sunglasses in the Austrian sun are over. Now he's equipped with a new helmet that even matches the suit and glasses. This is, of course, commendable and a testament to the general trend in skiing for more safety. But even more importantly, children are also starting to wear ski helmets. Especially when you consider what a concussion can do to a child's brain. It's therefore completely crazy to imagine children without a helmet on their heads, even though it was quite normal not so many years ago.

Of course you have to wear a helmet, and fortunately, it has become an unwritten rule on the slopes, especially in Europe. At One Open Sky we have a huge selection of helmets for all ages, levels and fits. A helmet can prevent a brain injury or reduce its severity. For this to happen, the helmet must use the best brain protection system, and two of the leading protection systems are MIPS and WaveCel.

The technology

When it comes to ski helmets, there's no doubt that technology has evolved significantly over the years. Ski helmets are no longer just a simple protection against hard falls and injuries, they have become an integral part of winter sports athletes' equipment. In this blog post, we will explore some of the latest ski helmet technologies available today.

One of the most important technologies introduced in ski helmets is MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). The MIPS system helps reduce the rotational forces that occur during injuries. This is particularly important as most head injuries occur as a result of rotations that can cause serious brain damage. MIPS technology consists of a low-friction layer between the helmet and the head, allowing the helmet to move independently of head movement. This helps reduce rotational forces and thus better protects the brain.

Whether you're a beginner or experienced skier, wearing a ski helmet is essential to protect yourself from potential injury. While it may be tempting not to wear a helmet, especially if you feel confident on the slopes, it's important to remember that accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. A ski helmet can be the difference between a minor injury and a serious head injury.

So the next time you plan to go skiing or participate in winter sports, make sure you bring and use a ski helmet. Your safety and protection is valuable, and a ski helmet can give you the safety and peace of mind you need while enjoying your activities.

What is Mips?

MIPS - Multi-directional Impact Protection System

Refers to a slip-plane helmet technology that minimizes the effect of the rotational movement of the brain. The slip-plane system mimics the brain's self-protection mechanism to protect it from an angled or rotational impact.
Normally, the MIPS system takes the form of a non-friction layer that allows the head to rotate naturally by around 10-15 mm while waiting to absorb or reduce the energy released from an angled impact. When the head rotates naturally and then suddenly stops, the brain can feel a strong impact that can cause a concussion. MIPS helps reduce the impact and protects the brain from a possible injury.

Considering that most ski related brain injuries are from rotational impact, MIPS is a highly effective technology and although MIPS helmets do not guarantee survival, they are more effective than non-MIPS options, which is a good investment. According to experts, MIPS reduces rotational or angled impact force by around 10%.

See our selection of helmets

What is WaveCel?

WaveCel is a Trek-engineered helmet protection system found on Anon ski helmets.

In fact, the term WaveCel today refers to a collapsible cell layer inside the helmet that offers up to 48 times the protection of a traditional foam helmet.

WaveCel acts as the crumple zone, whose job is to absorb the impact force before it reaches the head and brain and protects from all angles (top, back, sides and front); thus, protection is more effective. According to experts, WaveCel is effective against both rotational/angular impact and linear impact.

In general, WaveCel works in three steps:

• Step 1 - During an impact, the WaveCel cell layer bends to reduce the initial impact force.
• Step 2 - The next event is the cell layer crumbling, much like a vehicle bumper.
• Step 3 - Finally, the WaveCel cell layer redirects the impact energy away from the head, protecting your brain.

WaveCel is a product produced by top experts that the US National Institute of Health has even funded. Furthermore, it is certified by the Virginia Tech Safety System and although WaveCel doesn't guarantee 100% brain protection, experts believe it is 48 times more effective than traditional foam helmets.

Frequently asked questions about ski helmets

• Do I need ventilation in my ski helmet?
  Basically, all helmets have ventilation systems and it is definitely necessary. When you're skiing, you're also moving, which means you generate body heat, and you need to be able to get rid of that body heat, otherwise you'll quickly overheat.
  
• Should I change my ski helmet after a crash?
  Of course you shouldn't change your helmet after every crash. But if you've had a violent crash and you can see damage to the helmet, it's a good idea to have it checked by a professional. Another rule of thumb is that the older the helmet is, the more vulnerable it is to damage.
  
• What is magnetic technology for closing ski helmets?
  Magnetic technology is something that has come onto the market in recent years. The magnet is located in the buckle under the chin and allows you to open and close your helmet effortlessly and without having to remove your gloves.
  
  
• Is my helmet useless if I put stickers or gopro-mount on it?
  There is no clear answer to this, as it depends a lot on which helmet and which stickers you put on them. All adhesives contain some form of solvent, which can potentially react with the plastic the helmet is made of and cause invisible damage. There hasn't been much research in this area, but we can say that you are taking a risk by putting stickers etc. On your helmet, even though it may be a very small risk.
  
  
• How do I store my ski helmet?
  As a rule, it should not be packed on the outside of the suitcase, as it can get damaged during transportation. Sweet Protection takes this very seriously and when you buy a helmet, it comes with a storage bag and cardboard box for the season, so you can be sure it won't get damaged when not in use.
  
• What does MIPS mean?
  MIPS means: "Multi-directional Impact Protection System". MIPS is a helmet system that is essentially a 2-in-1 solution where there is an inner helmet and an outer helmet. During impacts and crashes, the outer helmet takes most of the impact, while the inner MIPS helmet stays fixed to the head and therefore fits the brain much better.
  
  
• How do I wash my ski helmet?
  Most helmets today have a removable inner liner. This can easily be washed according to the instructions provided. Otherwise, you should wipe your helmet with warm water and soap after a ski trip so it's ready for the next trip.
  
  
• Do I need a ski helmet?
  Everyone needs a helmet, regardless of ability, age, gender or other excuses.

Take care of your helmet

Your helmet looks after you, but you also need to remember to look after your helmet. Just like bike helmets, ski helmets are made of a material that is safe due to the pressure applied during the molding of the helmet. In hard impacts and crashes, this internal tension absorbs the force applied. This is a good thing, of course, but the pressure can weaken or disappear from a helmet over time if you're not careful.

Therefore, you shouldn't throw your ski helmet around at après-ski or drop it on the asphalt too many times, as it simply won't protect you after such incidents.

That's why it makes sense to replace your helmet at regular intervals or after a hard crash. If there is obvious external damage to the helmet, there is probably also internal damage. If in doubt, we recommend you come by the store and we can look at a solution together.

Buy your own

Helmets are not a place to skimp on your ski vacation, neither for yourself nor for the kids. A rented ski helmet is definitely not optimal, as it has been used countless times before, has probably been mistreated and is not exactly a hygienic solution.

Helmets come in different sizes. Typically, it's based on head circumference. There aren't specific helmets for every circumference, as they are usually grouped in a range that could be 53-56, 56-59 or 59-61. You should therefore experiment with sizes that don't necessarily fit even if the circumference matches.

It makes good sense to buy a helmet for you and your children, preferably in a store where you can come in and try it on; both for fit and look.

The most important thing is to take care of yourself on the slopes or in the deep powder - because if you don't, you risk not being able to go skiing ever again.

See our full range of ski helmets HERE, or find us here:

Tel: 97 12 29 65

Mail: info@oneopensky.dk

Or you can visit our stores in Herning and Copenhagen for more detailed guidance on choosing a ski helmet.