What To Look For
Helmets are important safety equipment for skiers, especially young children. Start your children out with good habits by purchasing a ski helmet for their first run on the slopes. As you shop for a helmet, here are some things to consider:
Safety: Make sure the helmet meets one or more of the following safety standards: ASTM F2040, CEN 1077, Snell RS-98.
Size: Helmet sizes are usually provided in centimeters. Kids' helmets usually range in size from 49 to 56. Wrap a measuring tape around your child's head, just over the eyebrows, to determine the size needed. If helmets are sized simply as small, medium and large, refer to the manufacturer conversion chart to get the appropriate size in centimeters.
Fit: Size provides a guide, but the most important aspect of the helmet is fit. The helmet should cover the head, from just over the eyebrows to the back of the skull, not touching the neck. The helmet shouldn't create pressure points but should be snug even when your child shakes his head from side to side or forward and backward. A helmet with an adjustable fit system is a good idea for growing children. Fit the helmet with the goggles that your child will be using.
Insulation: The helmet should be amply insulated for skiing weather, unless your child plans to use a hat underneath. If a hat is going to be used, your child should wear it when trying the helmet on.
Venting: Adjustable vents help provide cooling and air circulation. These are a good feature to have if you'll be skiing in various temperatures.
Common Pitfalls
Don't purchase your child's helmet with growing room. Although you may think this is saving some money in the long term, it's actually a waste of money. A helmet that is too big cannot properly protect your child's head. In effect, he might as well not be wearing a helmet. A child's head doesn't grow as fast as the rest of the body, so he shouldn't outgrow the helmet that quickly. If it's important to you that the helmet be used for a number of years, consider purchasing one with a size adjustment system to allow for a bit of growth; this is a common feature among kids' helmets.
Where To Buy
Purchase helmets at a local ski or sports shop. Bring your child to the store so you can ensure that the helmet fits correctly. The only way to know for sure is to test it. Allowing your child to pick out styles that she likes will lessen the chance that she won't want to wear the helmet on the slopes. When purchasing an adjustable helmet, where you have a little bit more leeway, you may consider buying online from a knowledgeable, quality retailer such as Backcountry or REI. These retailers also have good return policies in case the helmet doesn't fit well.
Cost
Expect to pay $50 to $100 for an average child's ski helmet. More expensive helmets will have features such as adjustable fit and adjustable venting.
