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Should ski resorts require helmets?

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Anonymous

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Is it not finally time for us as a civilized society to require all skiers to wear protective helmets? I think so.
 

skiguide

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i think the industry is definitely moving towards this as a whole.

As more and more resorts are experiencing fatal or serious accidents/collisions, insurance risks are rising, and the threat of lawsuits is already apparent.

I do expect to see several resorts announce plans to require helments - and, many will make this work with the $5 day rental programs that are already running.
 
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Anonymous

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While I feel it is a good idea to wear a helmet, it should NOT be required.

The day seems to be coming that we should all live in a bubble and be protected with so called regulations / laws (meant for the better of the commonwealth, of course).

We all need to take responsibilty for our own actions and with a little common sense we should all do just fine.

How long have people been enjoying this great sport? Have we ever been required to wear a helmet in the past? Last I checked some states still allow people to ride a motorcycle with out a helmet!

I understand that times have changed over the years and we need to change too! But we should be moving in the right direction.

LIVE FREE OR DIE - N.H.
 

riverc0il

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i think there are many different sides to this issue, and people on all sides usually feel passionatly about their position.

where do i stand? i stand on the side of common sense and individual choice. i've seen more skiing accidents (or near accidents at least) from a lack of common sense. if anything needs to be required on the slopes, it's common sense. but then again, it is typical of the human species to learn best through our mistakes.

in any case, i raced for six years and always with a helmet (which were required, but i would have any ways). sometimes i enjoyed the fit and comfort and other times, i couldn't wait for the end of the race to take it off.

there are days when there is nothing better than having the wind in your hair, and your head free of gear. on those warm, bright, sunny days... i take the hat, helmet, goggles, and neck warmer off and am glad for the freedom to do so, as i can enjoy the outdoors as i please.

then again, when i tackle the double diamond terrain, trees, thin cover, harsh conditions, etc... i'd like to have a helmet protecting my head.

in both cases, i think 'most' people are smart enough how to decide their own safety and risk factors and people should have the freedom to choice accordingly. over regulation is a problem we must be aware of. let's remember one reason why the government was put in place to begin with, to protect freedom.

in either case, any state that allows motor cycle operators to drive without a helmet would have no place regulating skiiers. but then again, if someone wants to drive a bike at 70 MPH without a helmet, that's their decision, as long as they don't bother me.
 
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I worry that ski areas open themselves to *more* pontential legal action by requiring helmets. Are they going to define what standards those helmets must meet? And don't we project an image of skiing as being more dangerous by such a requirement? Though danger attracts . . . so who knows. I do know that I personally want to continue to have the freedom to use my helmets or not use them as I feel each situation dictates. SL with just face, hand and shin guards. GS with my light helmet, speed events or off-piste steeps with my heavier helmet. Cruising the pow, cordorouy, bumps . . . no helmet at all. We each must make up our own minds.
 
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Anonymous

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Do ski helmet manufacturers have to meet standards like motorcycle helmets do? MC helmets must meet DOT compliance testing. Is there not something similar in place for ski helmets?
 
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All reputable helmets carry Snell RS98 certification (a good safety standard), however you can legally sell helmets without this certification - fortunately such helmets are becoming rare.
 

dmc

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Anonymous said:
Is it not finally time for us as a civilized society to require all skiers to wear protective helmets? I think so.

......No......
 

Greg

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Jeez. Talk about a bump. :roll: This thread is 3 1/2+ years old... :blink: We' already have an active helmet thread. Locking.
 
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