Whether racing down a hill or getting off a lift, if you're on skis or a snowboard you can fall. To minimize the chance of injury from even a simple fall, many skiers wear a helmet. In addition to protection from falls, wearing a helmet protects your head from other skiers or snowboarders who may not be as skilled or who may have lost control.
Helmet Basics
All helmets come in two basic types: in-mold or injection mold. Both provide padding, but in-mold helmets tend to be lighter, while injection mold helmets are more durable, according to the experts at REI. Both types of helmets come with ear pads and liners to help keep your head warm as well as protected. To get started, measure your head to gauge the correct fit and try the helmet on. The helmet should fit snugly but not feel too tight, nor should it wobble. Additionally, the chinstrap should fit snugly against your throat so the helmet doesn't fly off upon impact.
Safety Certification
Ski and snowboard helmets have two potential safety ratings: ASTM F2040 and CE EN1077. ASTM is the U.S. standard, while the CE EN rating is European. Some helmets meet both standards. The key difference is that the European standard tests for sharp objects being repelled by the helmet; this testing includes dropping a spike on the helmet.
Boeri V.I.P. Ski Helmet
The Boeri V.I.P. ski helmet ranks among the top choices for women. While it's not inexpensive---running about $190 as of January 2011---it has options that make it ideal for women. It has a short shell, which fits a woman's head more comfortably than many helmets. It also comes with a velvet carry back and a chinstrap that has Swarovski crystal inlays for a little style on the slopes. Also, the vents can be opened or closed depending on the weather, making it ideal for both winter and spring skiing.
Salomon Venom Helmet
The Salomon Venom helmet comes in sizes ranging from XXS to large. Its design allows you to wear a low ponytail rather than bundling your hair uncomfortably under the helmet or having it whip around when you ski, making it a good choice for many women. Despite a lower price point---about $70 as of January 2011---this helmet includes attractive styling, and the wide variety of sizing options makes finding a comfortable fit easier for both women and girls. Additional features include vents placed on top of the helmet help cool you off and a clip on the back to keep your goggles in place.
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