Should ski helmets be compulsory?
Saturday March 28, 2009 - Email this article to a friend

For us skiers and snowboarders it's an idea that is debated much in the press and talked about often on the slopes.

It seems though that any sort of blanket compulsion is unlikely in the foreseebale future.

Our content editor, James Cove, covers skiing matters for the BBC and has written about it here.

We have also received a number of emails on the subject and below are a selection.

"It's certainly interesting and I have to say I think my dad will be wearing a helmet from now on. The ski industry almost needed this to happen to such a public figure - It will make people think more than just if it someone on holiday." Ben.

"Very interesting. We at Thomson and Crystal have been offering free helmets for children for the last 5 ski season and for our staff we are offering subsidised ski helmets.In our family have been wearing helmets for years and  I hope, that more people will use helmets in the future, we certainly encourage and live it." Marion Telsnig, Crystalski.

"Very informative article and what an impressive website PlanetSKI is too." Don.

"Very sad story and with regard to helmets, it's only a question of time in Switzerland until we have an obligatory for at least kids." Thomas Schetty, Zermatt tourism.

"I have been keenly following this story on your web site.  I was in Chamonix for a girls trip at the weekend, and smacked my head too - but was wearing a helmet thank God." Morowen Williams.

"I heard Graham Bell on Radio 4 the evening before last saying it should be a matter of personal choice.  I thought he could have been a bit more responsible, and strongly recommended it in crowded areas or for children or whatever, rather than take the liberty ticket.  Natasha R was on a nusery slope for God's sake, and my argument is that somebody else could knock me for six. BUT - and I have not yet read about her - would a helmet have saved her?" Christopher Lloyd Owen

"Natasha Richardson's death really hit home in our household. We were in the midst of a long negotiation about helmets with my daughter mounting a strong campaign not to wear one ( just not cool). In previous years I have insisted the children wore helmets but did not do so myself. Even before Ms Richardson's death I had said I would wear one this year. Suffice to say that the arguement is now settled and we will all be wearing helmets." Carole Walker

"I took both a helmet and an ancient sunhat (designed for a skier – it has a chin cord) to Wengen last week.  The helmet never left my hotel room – I figured the hat’s benefits of preventing burning and skin cancer greatly out weighed the possibility that a helmet might prevent a low-impact injury.  I hope that, for adults, the decision continues to remain with the skier." Nick

"I have been out and bought a helmet since you article on the BBC."  Nick Parks, Mountainguide.

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