Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but wearing a ski or snowboard helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries. A good helmet is light and comfortable and doesn’t impair your hearing or vision. Wearing a cap or balaclava under your helmet doesn’t affect the protection it offers. All new helmets should meet the EN 1077 standard. Those certified under the FIS safety standard offer even better protection, and those with MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system) technology are the best of all.

Using a helmet camera or listening to music while practising snowsports may distract riders and thus increase the accident risk. On top of that, helmet cameras increase the injury risk in the event of a fall by acting as a lever and applying additional pressure to the head. Enjoy the snow, the weather and the scenery during winter sports – without earbuds in your ears or a camera on your head.

• Try a helmet on before you buy it. It shouldn’t feel tight or wobble.
• The helmet must also be a good fit with goggles – no tightness or wobbling.
• Set the straps right. You should be able to fit your finger between the strap and your chin.