Welcome to the 5th Annual Braveskimom.com/Ski ‘N See Junior Helmet Giveaway.

This year, just as in years past, we are thrilled to offer a Giro Junior Helmet to one lucky winner. For giveaway details, see below.

Junior Helmets: Yes or No?

In some states and at many resorts, the answer has to be “yes” because of mandatory helmet laws and requirements. While opinions differ, I think wearing a helmet is a superb idea, whether it’s mandatory or voluntary and whether you’re a kid or an adult.

That’s my opinion, and I never hesitate to tell people how much I love my helmet.

It’s saved my head from blunt trauma numerous times and I find it very comfortable. Our kids have never skied without helmets and they don’t know the difference. To them, a helmet is the same as ski boots. You can’t slide down the mountain without ’em.

But you don’t have to take my word for it. Just for you, I’ve prepared some questions and answers, using information from LidsOnKids.org, a project of the National Ski Areas Association.

 1. Will my child be safer if he or she wears a helmet?

Snowsports safety can’t be boiled down to just one component. Safety involves knowing and following the Skier/Snowboarder Responsibility Code, skiing and riding within your ability and in a manner appropriate to the weather and terrain, and having and properly using the correct equipment.

While the effectiveness of a ski or snowboard helmet is reduced at higher speeds (concussions are going to happen if you ring your bell going fast), a helmet can reduce the force of the impact and may help prevent other types of injury. According to the National Association of Ski Areas, helmets can reduce head injuries by 30-50% and may mean the difference between a minor mishap and a serious injury.

2. So how much protection does a helmet actually provide?

Helmets are designed to lessen the severity of head injuries. Beanies are not. While ski and snowboard helmets are most effective at speeds less than 14 m.p.h. (23 k.p.h.), a helmet will still provide protection, even if you are going faster. What helmets won’t do is keep you from making stupid decisions. A helmet will not make you or your child invincible. Taking extra risks because you’re wearing a helmet is not a good idea.

3. Does it have to be a ski or snowboard helmet?

The short answer here is “yes.” Helmets designed for biking are different from helmets designed for snowsports. There are some manufacturers making hybrid helmets that have inserts and convert from one use to the other. This is a great idea. Just make sure that any helmet you purchase conforms to ASTM Standards for skiing and snowboarding helmets.

Once you’ve found the correct helmet, it’s important that it fit well, too. For kids, look for helmets that adjust and will “grow” with your child. Never buy a helmet that is too big, in hopes that your child will grow into it. When you go to purchase a helmet, bring your goggles to make sure they will fit with the helmet as well. Ski shop staff is always happy to help you find the right fit. Just ask.

Giro Junior Helmet Giveaway

To enter to win a Giro Junior Ski or Snowboard helmet, please follow this link to the Ski ‘N See form. One winner will be chosen randomly from all completed forms on Monday, November 3rd.

Many thanks to giveaway sponsor Ski ‘N See of Utah, Utah’s Premier Ski and Snowboard Shops, offering discount lift tickets to all of Utah’s major resorts.

With 12 locations serving Park City, Deer Valley, Cottonwood Canyons, and Ogden ski resorts, the Ski ‘N See family of shops is large enough to handle your biggest groups and small enough to care. They have the state’s largest selection of rentals, with ski and snowboard gear for all skill levels.

Related Posts:

• Ski Helmets: Should Kids Have a Choice? October 17, 2011.
• Kids, Safety and Ski Helmets: Some Questions and Answers, October 15, 2012.
• Of Course You Should Put A Lid on Your Kid (Helmet Fitting Tips) November 18, 2010.
• Ski Helmets: True Stories, Safety Campaigns and a Junior Helmet Giveaway, October 14, 2013.

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