While recreational skiers stick to leisurely rides on mellow slopes, downhill skiers prefer the adrenaline rush of sharp turns and long distance jumps. Because of the breakneck speeds of downhill maneuvers, extreme skiers often wear a protective helmet. There are two common styles of downhill skiing helmets. Choose the helmet that best suits your riding style.
Dome Helmet
The dome-shaped model is one of the most common types of downhill skiing helmets. The back of the helmet extends toward the base of your skull, which helps to provide increased protection during a backward fall. The outer shell of this downhill skiing helmet features a rigid design that is often constructed of carbon fiber or polycarbonate. According to the downhill skiing experts at REI, the interior of the dome shaped model is lined with high-density EPS foam that will compress during a high-speed fall.
Full-Face Helmet
For increased protection of the mouth and jaws, choose a downhill skiing helmet that features a full face design. Downhill skiers who participate in high-speed races often opt for the full face model. The full-face helmet will keep you protected from the sharpened edges of the skis in the event of a collision with a fellow rider or competitor. Although the full-face helmet does provide the best protection, it has been known to hinder your peripheral vision.
Special Features
Regardless of the style, most downhill skiing helmets are equipped with a few special features. Both the dome style and full-face skiing helmet are equipped with a specialized ventilation system built into the outer shell. The ventilation system allows the outside air to absorb your perspiration during warm days on the slopes. According to the Dick's Sporting Goods buyer's guide, some skiing helmets are equipped with an extended visor that helps to shield your eyes from sun.
Safety Certifications
Regardless of the style you prefer, make sure your downhill skiing helmet has received the standard safety tests and certifications. Check the interior of your helmet to ensure it features a small sticker sticker with ASTM printed on it. This is one of the most common U.S.-based safety certifications from the American Society for Testing and Materials. An ASTM certification means that the helmet can withstand high-impact falls. Downhill skiing helmets made in Europe should have a CE EN safety certification.
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