Helmets
Equipment is the responsibility of the athlete and in the case of a minor, their parents or guardians. Equipment must be maintained and utilized in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.
In FIS competitions, international competition rules will apply.
Helmets designed and manufactured for the particular event of ski racing being contested are required for all competitors and forerunners in all scored and non-scored events, and official training. Helmets must bear a CE mark and conform to recognized and appropriate standards such as CEH.Din 1077, ASTM F2040, SNELL S98 or RS 98.
Athletes U14 and older must use helmets that meet the FIS standards for all sanctioned GS, SG, DH, and K competitions.
In Kombi competitions, athletes must use the helmets designed for GS, SG, or DH.
Helmets must cover the head and ears. Helmets with spoilers or edges that stick out are not permitted. Protective features integral to the event being contested, such as chin guards on SL helmets are permitted. Soft ear protection is only permitted for helmets used in SL (they are not allowed in PSL).
Helmet mounted cameras, and the mount itself, are not allowed on helmets in official training or competition.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard does not wish for officials to disqualify or deny entry or starts to an athlete because the athlete has personalized his/her helmet with stickers, glitter, helmet cam mounts or other applications.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard does not specify nor recommend nor make any warranties as to the fitness for use of any particular ski helmet design or brand name. U.S. Ski & Snowboard undertakes no responsibility, liability or duties to any competitor in connection with the requirement that helmets be utilized. It is the sole responsibility of the competitor to select an appropriate helmet for accident protection in ski racing.
Caution: Age and use affect the protective qualities of all safety helmets. Some older helmets and any helmets that have been damaged either in a racing fall or from other impact may no longer provide sufficient protection – even if there are no visible indications of damage.
Anyone with questions regarding their helmet should contact the manufacturer for any specific guidelines regarding its safety or use.