Snow safety: going BIG? Get a LID!
WORLDWIDE | Wednesday, 7 January 2009 | Views [626]
With the snow season amping up in the Northern Hemisphere, we asked our friend Miriam Bougie at Whistler/Blackcomb her big tip for keeping all you adventurous World Nomads safe on the slopes.
Ahh, Spring-time. The sun is out, everything is starting to smell green, and the ski runs are softening up by 11am. The adventurous are heading up to the park to learn a few new tricks prior to the end of the season. Others are heading up to do cruisers, chillaxing and riding for fun.
Then there's the other staff that have had enough of the winter. Mountain bikes are out, the Pemberton and Squamish trails are ready.
Sweet! Here we go! So, what do we need? There's the usual list of gear. Skis/board or bike; boots or bike shoes; lift pass; spring gloves; sunnies and/or goggles. Anything missing?
How about a helmet?
As much as it feels great to have the wind in our hair and sun on our foreheads, why stop wearing a helmet just because the weather has warmed up? If anything, the melting conditions are exposing more rocks, and the runs and terrain parks are faster and harder in the mornings.
Most people I spoke to wouldn't ride a bike trail without wearing their helmet; it's just too risky. So, why doesn't this translate to snow sports?
Risk of head injury
6% of this past season's workplace injuries amongst mountain staff were concussions and soft tissue neck injuries. The most severe head injuries occur from colliding with trees, other stationary objects or the snow. Helmets offer protection because they help to reduce the severity of head injuries by dispersing the brunt of the blow.
Seasonal staff who are new to snow sports and hard core snow bunnies are deciding it's not a bad investment; perhaps prevention is the key? If you are currently wearing a helmet, good for you. If you aren’t, take some time to think about why not. Sometimes it takes one bad injury (to yourself or a friend) to serve as a wake-up call.
Keep in mind that helmets aren't the only solution though. We still have to take responsibility for our skiing and riding.
That's why there’s an Alpine Responsibility code; there are always repercussions to our actions, and there's certainly quite a few of us out there having a good time.
What to look for in a helmet
Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a helmet:
- Size. Make sure you buy a helmet that properly fits your head... It can match your suit at the same time ;-)
- Material. Most helmets are made of polycarbonate shell, a foam liner and a "comfort liner". The comfort liner is made of wicking fabrics to keep you from getting too warm
- Price. Prices can range from US$60 to US$160.
- Snugness. The helmet should fit snugly but not be uncomfortable. For optimal protection of your forehead, the helmet should fit just over your eyebrows.
- Airflow Systems. It will cool you down.
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Whistler/Blackcomb has set the standard for the XL Terrain and Mountain
Bike parks. If you want to play, you have to wear a bucket. We suggest you do the same!
Tags: snow, health, helmet, skiing, snowboarding
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