Wearing a ski helmet while skiing or snowboarding is not compulsory in all winter sports countries. Fortunately, almost everyone goes on the slopes with a helmet these days. However, there are still some that refuse to do so. Silly, as you can prevent head injuries with it! In which countries is a ski helmet compulsory, and to whom does the rule apply? In this article, you will find an overview of the rules per winter sports country.
Wearing a ski helmet is not compulsory in all winter sports countries. Every year, many discussions flare up about whether or not wearing a ski helmet should be obligatory. For example, after a severe accident with injuries. Below you can read about the rules regarding wearing a helmet per winter sports country:
As you can read above, wearing a ski helmet is not (yet) compulsory by law in all winter sports countries. However, discussions have been going on for years. In Austria, for example, federal states are allowed to set the rules themselves. Wearing a ski helmet is compulsory for children up to 15 years of age everywhere except in Vorarlberg and Tyrol. In no winter sports country is wearing a helmet mandatory for adults. Quite crazy, actually, as since the introduction of the ski helmet, the number of accidents with serious head injuries has been significantly reduced. Moreover, a ski helmet is also incredibly comfortable. The strap of your goggles doesn't pinch your head, it is nice and warm and not too hot thanks to ventilation. These days, you are more likely to be looked at strangely if you ski without a helmet than with one!
I grew up in Slovenia, close to the Julian Alps. Early on, my parents put me on skis and skates, and the winter sports enthusiasm hasn't left me since. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and have been a keen snowboarder for the past 20 years.
