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Heads Up
by Steve Casimiro
Courtesy of SKIING MAGAZINE

You're running out of excuses for not wearing a helmet when you ski. Helmets are everywhere -- not just on tree-bashing hardcores and the under-seven set -- in part because of dramatic improvements in the lids themselves. Weight is down, style is up, fit is light years better, venting actually works, and new manufacturers have increased the number of helmet options from which to choose.

Even though there's a profusion of choices, the process of selecting a helmet doesn't have to be brain surgery. Focus on two things. First, look only at helmets that pass one of the three safety standards: CE, ASTM, or Snell. Second, find a helmet that fits. It should be snug but not tight, with good visibility and no movement when you mosh your head around or go inverted.

After that, it's all personal preference. Some comfort-enhancing trends include visors, removable ear flaps, and drop liners for more warmth in shorty shells. Indeed, short shells are one of the hottest styles this season: They're lighter, less restricting, and don' t muffle sounds as much as traditional helmets do. Of course, they also offer less protection than a full-coverage gourd, but a lot of people think the sensory deprivation of a full helmet can be detrimental in its own right.