realskiers

There is a pic of me being sledded off a Jackson Hole bump run complements of the ski patrol and none of us were wearing helmets. In my case, I was wearing one without the chinstrap buckled, duuhhhh, not on purpose, but, somehow I did not do it that morning. Philpug picked up my helmet about a half mile down the mountain. I always recall that incident as the first thing I do, after putting one on, is to buckle it.

It's always bothered me that the JH patrol was not required to wear 3 seasons ago, but, JH patrol now does wear helmets. I think mountain employees not wearing sends the wrong message. Kids should be made to wear by parents.

My experience is that helmets have saved my head from safety bars being lowered and skis being carried near the lodge. I've not seen on mountain accidents where they would have made a difference, so, after all these years, I can not conclude they add much to the overall safety of mature skiers. I'm sure those who patrol have seen incidents where a helmet would have helped.


Harald is just..... Harald. It's funny that he rants on so many diverse issues that need fixing on his blog or facebook, but, helmets are not in his cross-hairs. Again, when he or his instructors or students on the mountain, I believe all should wear in the class environment. What the free skiing public does on their own, is their own choice. I must say that on certain nice spring skiing days, I've opted to leave it in the lodge. Does not make much sense, but, I've seen pics of others who wear a helmet do the same thing.