Are you planning a mountain trip this winter and wondering if you must wear a helmet on the slopes? Most of the time, this equipment is not required at French ski resorts, but there are exceptions. And “not mandatory” does not mean “useless”! A helmet is actually your best ally to protect your head in case of an accident. To ensure it is effective and truly protective, it is important to choose the right ski helmet. Here are some safety tips and advice to help you enjoy your mountain vacation safely!
Wearing a Helmet on the Slopes: Requirement or Recommendation?
Is a helmet mandatory on alpine ski slopes? Generally, in France, the answer is no. However, if you go skiing in neighboring countries such as certain regions of Austria, wearing a helmet is required. Similarly, in Italy, Spain, and throughout Austria, helmets are mandatory for young skiers up to 14 years old. This measure is currently under discussion in France, with the idea of legislating helmet use for people under 1.50 m tall.
Currently, in France, helmet requirements only apply in certain ski schools for learning to ski and for supervised outings (for example, freeride with a guide). Some activity providers also require helmets for sledding, competitions, sporting events, etc.
Therefore, when skiing on the slopes of a ski area, you are not obliged to wear a helmet. Nevertheless, it is a highly recommended accessory, as skiing falls can be serious—even at low speed or if you are hit while stationary. Helmets protect against trauma and could even save your life in case of a fall or collision. Moreover, today’s helmets come with technologies that make them safer, lighter, better ventilated, and more comfortable.
In summary: for your safety on the slopes, we strongly recommend wearing a helmet, and even more so for your children, who could suffer serious injuries in an accident.
Criteria for Choosing a Comfortable and High-Performance Ski Helmet
To ensure your helmet provides protection and does not bother you, it’s important to know how to choose the right ski helmet. Here are the key points to find the right equipment!
A Ski Helmet of the Right Size
The first step in choosing a ski helmet is to know your size. For a helmet to be effective and comfortable, it must fit perfectly on the skier’s head without being too tight, especially around the temples. To choose the right size, start by measuring your head circumference. Use a measuring tape and wrap it horizontally around your head, using your eyebrows as a reference. This will give your head circumference in centimeters, helping you choose a helmet that fits, whether for children or adults.
Tip: if you don’t have a measuring tape, you can use a piece of string or cord, then measure it with a ruler or tape measure on a flat surface. Even if helmets are not mandatory on ski slopes, it should still fit your head... like a glove.
A Ski Helmet Suitable for the Discipline
Choosing a ski helmet isn’t just about size; you also need to consider how you will use it. If you only plan to do alpine skiing, a classic and versatile helmet is sufficient to protect against falls or collisions with other skiers. However, if you plan to try other winter sports, such as freestyle skiing, it is highly recommended to choose a helmet designed for that activity, stronger and more resistant.
Even though helmets are not mandatory on ski slopes, we strongly advise wearing one. It is especially recommended for ski touring or freeride. Choose a helmet among lighter and better-ventilated models for more comfort. Air can circulate freely while keeping you warm. Since these activities carry a lower risk of falls (unless you go through dangerous areas), there’s no need for a heavy, robust helmet.
Understanding Ski Helmet Technologies
As you can see, wearing a ski helmet is not (yet) mandatory, but more and more skiers wear one for safety. Manufacturers offer helmets with additional comfort features, such as:
- Adjustable ventilation to release heat
- Fit adjustment systems to perfectly match your head and other equipment (goggles, glasses)
- Variable thickness inner lining for more protection against cold
- An integrated visor to avoid wearing goggles or sunglasses
- An audio system for listening to music while waiting at lifts or taking breaks on the slopes
Until helmet use becomes mandatory on ski slopes, note that these additional features are optional and can significantly increase the price—from double to triple for high-end models.
Choosing a ski helmet should consider your budget, needs, desires, and frequency of use. There’s little point in buying a top-of-the-line helmet if you ski only one week per year; a mid-range model will suffice. Likewise, if it’s your first ski trip or an occasional vacation, it may be easier to rent all your equipment at a ski rental store, including the helmet.