Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Just to balance this out a bit - personally I don't think helmets are essential for beginners, although getting into the habit can't hurt and if it gives you more confidence then that is a great thing.
If I'm sticking on a piste I don't worry about it, as I prefer having nothing on my head. However - I will be wearing one when going off piste or over jumps. There's no point bringing up one story of someone that had an accident, tragic as it is - accidents happen. How many people die of head injuries in car accidents - yet do any of us wear helmets when in a car? It's quite possible to fall and hit your head whilst walking down the street, and pavements are a lot harder than snow.

I feel that the dangers of skiing can be over hyped a bit sometimes and put people off. So if you want to wear a helmet then great! If not then I think that's fine too. More important in my opinion is staying within your limits (ish ), respecting other people on the slope and not being an idiot! And relaxing and having fun!

Matt

"It is of course down to personal choice - but when someone is asking for advice we give what we consider to be the best response."

Totally agree. I'm not criticising anyone for wearing or recommending helmets. I'm just giving what I consider to be the best response to allow a balanced judgement.
Muppets flying past at 60mph can cause accidents - but personally I think being aware of where you are, what is going on around you and being in control is the most important thing. Then you can avoid the accidents in the first place.
"It's far better to have and not need than need and not have"
Yes, as it would be in your car or walking down the street. Do you wear one?

Anyway enough of this, I don't want to sound like i'm against helmets - I'm not. I'm buying myself one this year. I just won't be wearing it all the time as for me I don't think the risk warrants it. And i wouldn't want people to be put off skiing/snowboarding for being too dangerous or the equipment too costly.

There was a very good article in the 'Express on Sunday' this week, about this exact subject. Unfortunately dont have it any more but if i remember it did say you've got more chance of having a fatal accident in the bath than one when skiing!

It basically said if you are an intermediate skier, averaging speeds (i think) 30 mph plus and you hit a tree, you dont stand much chance even with a helmet!

Apparently they can help if you take a fall and hit your head on compacted snow, so perhaps thats good advice for beginners.

The one thing i thought was very relevant was, if wearing a helmet makes you more confident and you push yourself to do more than you would without a helmet dont wear one!

Hilly

Ive posted this every year since it happened i think- but my young son would not be alive today if he hadnt been wearing a helmet- in Borovets, top of Gondola green run- wasnt even skiing at the time, stood still with his group- out of control french women (nothing against the nationality!)- smashed into him doing over 60MPH totally wiped him out- his helmet had such a dint in where his head hit the ground- he would have had a fractured skull at least. That was a hired helmet- he has his own now- until that day i didnt wear them, i do now and would certainly recomend their use