Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or even skijoring (look it up), a quality snow helmet is an essential piece of safety equipment. A good snow helmet will keep you warm, but more importantly, it’ll protect your head from any potential injuries while you enjoy your winter sports.
The Ultimate Guide to Snow Helmets
The Ultimate Guide to Snow Helmets
Choosing a Helmet to Offer Maximum Protection
Skiing and snowboarding are thrilling winter sports that require proper equipment to ensure safety. Therefore, a certified snow helmet is essential. But why exactly is certification so crucial when it comes to choosing a snow helmet?
First of all, certified helmets have been tested and meet strict safety standards. Certification means they offer best-in-class protection against head injuries in an accident. Non-certified helmets do not provide protection sufficient to meet industry safety standards.
Choosing a Helmet that Fits Properly
Helmet sizing is a crucial aspect of buying a helmet. A poorly fitted helmet can cause discomfort and distraction and can even fail you when you need it most. Therefore, it’s essential to understand helmet sizes and what factors to consider when selecting head protection.
When selecting a snow helmet, there are a few key factors to consider, but we will begin with the fit. To get started, you can measure the circumference of your head using a tape measure. You should measure just above the eyebrows and around the back of your head. This measurement will give you an approximate size to begin your selection.
Try on several helmets to find one that fits snugly without being too tight or uncomfortable. The weight and ventilation of the helmet are also important; lighter helmets tend to be more comfortable for more extended periods of wear, while those with good ventilation will prevent overheating during intense activities.
Finally, check for any pressure points or areas where it’s rubbing against your skin – these can lead to discomfort during prolonged use. The best snow helmet will let you stay out there all day in comfort.
Snow helmet safety standards
For your protection, you should choose a snow helmet that meets industry standards for safety. Several certifying organizations set internationally-recognized standards for safety protection, including the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the European Union (EU). Let’s look at the criteria for snow helmets.
US CPSC Safety Standard
The minimum standard for sports helmets of all types is the US CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older. To receive this certification, helmets are rigorously tested in four main areas:
- Peripheral vision – The helmet can cause no obstructions to the athlete’s peripheral vision in any direction.
- Positional stability – The helmet must stay in place without intervention.
- Retention strength – The helmet straps must keep the helmet on the athlete’s head in the event of an accident.
- Impact attenuation – The helmet must absorb and displace impact energy to prevent head injuries during a collision or fall.
EN 1077B
EN 1077B is the European Union standard for helmets for all non-motorized ski and snowboard helmets. EN 1077B certified helmets meet the standard for criteria such as strap retention, impact force reduction, and stability, which are the baseline for certification of all types of helmets. However, winter sports athletes face cold temperatures and conditions that require further protection. Therefore, the EU runs the same tests at lower temperatures to test performance in a cold environment. Then, they add another variable, testing for penetration, ensuring that objects such as tree branches can’t penetrate the helmet.Text
EN 1078
EN 1078 is another European Union helmet safety standard, but this one is for bicycle helmets and skaters. While you may think this standard is unnecessary because it isn’t specifically for winter sports, it measures protection based on characteristics that apply to helmets for all sports. This standard is similar to the US’s CPSC, testing for helmet position stability, view obstruction, strap retention, and force reduction. You may see one of these certifications on your helmet or both, but both standards are essentially the same.
Bern’s snow helmets
We may be biased, but we think Bern’s snow lids are the perfect choice for safe shredding. Here at Bern, we know that style is almost as important as safety. Our lids offer the ultimate balance of style, comfort, and protection - so you never have to sacrifice safety for looks.
When it comes to comfort, our Compass Fit system is the real secret sauce. You can easily adjust the fit of the helmet with a quick turn of a dial, creating a custom fit that won’t shift while skiing or snowboarding.
Perhaps best of all, Bern’s snow helmets are designed with a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System or MIPS.
Multi-Directional Impact Protection System or MIPS is a revolutionary technology that enhances helmet design, offering better protection against rotational forces during an impact. The system provides a low-friction layer between the helmet interior and the head, allowing for slight movement that reduces rotational forces.
MIPS was created by scientists who have extensively researched traumatic brain injuries caused by rotational forces from impacts. According to studies, these types of injuries can cause severe damage to your brain and lead to long-term consequences like cognitive impairment or permanent disability.
The Hendrix
Is the pinnacle of action sports protective gear. Its re-engineered brim, innovative spoiler design, and ribbed EPS liner form the ultimate all season helmet.
Perfect for the trails, the streets, and all that in
between – the Hendrix inspires confidence wherever your adventure takes you.
If you’re looking for the ultimate blend of all season style, comfort, and protection, look no further than the Bern Hendrix.
The Macon 2.0
Combines action sports protection with street ready style.
This OG skate-style helmet is the lid of choice for riders who don’t know where their bike, board, or planks will take them next.
Thanks to its RibTec liner, Compass Fit system, and all season compatibility, this fully loaded hard
The Watts 2.0
Was built for all season athletes that are always on the go.
In true Bern fashion, the Watts 2.0 accommodates a full suite of accessories, making it the perfect helmet for urban explorers, backcountry pathfinders, and everyone in between.
This iconic shell design features the time-tested brim that put Bern on the map, but now features modern day creature comforts like advanced airflow and our updated Compass Fit system.
Bike, skate, snow, – the Watts 2.0 is ready for whatever.
