The debate around mandatory ski helmet use has reignited following a series of high-profile incidents. The two incidents of greatest interest are the death of British actress Natasha Richardson and the jailing of a German politician for the manslaughter of another skier following a collision.

The consensus of opinion among the medical profession and ski/snowboard organizations is that the use of ski helmets should not be mandatory. Both sides argue that there is little or no scientific research to show that a ski helmet will actually reduce the chance of death or serious injury after a crash. They also point to the fact that serious head injuries are rare in skiing and snowboarding. However, when they do occur, they are a significant factor in any death. Medical professionals and ski/snowboard organizations agree that skiers and snowboarders should be encouraged to wear a ski helmet.

This sentiment is echoed in the multitude of ski and snowboard forums where mandatory ski and snowboard helmet use is hotly debated. Many argue that by making ski helmets mandatory, skiers and bikers will ski or ride less carefully and attentively, as the helmet can give them a false sense of security.

The debate now appears to have moved on following Vail Resorts’ announcement that all employees will be required to wear a ski helmet when skiing or biking at work. This not only includes Vail staff, but also Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and Heavenly. In addition, all children under the age of 12 attending Vail Resorts ski schools will be required to wear a ski or snowboard helmet.

In Europe, many of the ski schools are actively encouraging their ski and snowboard instructors to wear helmets. Italy has led the way in Europe in introducing a law requiring children to wear ski helmets. This has been followed by Lower Austria which has introduced a similar law.

In response to recent tragic incidents on the ski slopes, some ski and snowboard rental companies have started promoting the use of helmets. Many include a free ski or snowboard helmet in any rental package a customer purchases from them. Additionally, some ski tour operators offer a free ski helmet with vacation bookings in an effort to promote responsible and safe skiing and riding. Ski and snowboard retailers have also noted a marked increase in the number of ski helmet sales following these high-profile incidents.

Many in the ski and snowboard community believe the Vail Resorts announcement is the thin end of the wedge. They believe that it is inevitable that the use of ski and snowboard helmets will be mandatory for everyone. At the moment it seems that common sense will have to prevail when deciding whether to wear a ski helmet while skiing or riding.