When it comes to skiing with children, safety is paramount. The most important item: a ski helmet that really fits. In addition, the helmet should be easy to adjust and lightweight. And of course, an appealing design also adds to the fun.
Picking the perfect helmet: Size matters!
The most important aspect when choosing the perfect ski helmet for your child is the right size. The challenge: During the first years, the size and shape of children’s heads keep changing as they grow. That’s why many parents, quite understandably, opt for a bigger helmet that their kids will “grow into”. However, this can have fatal consequences. After all, only a helmet that fits perfectly offers maximum protection.
Which ski helmet is right for my child?
The first thing to keep in mind when choosing a ski helmet is your child’s head circumference. Take a look at the size chart below for a useful overview.
Ski helmets for children: size chart
| Head circumference in cm | Size |
|---|---|
| 40–43 | XXS |
| 44–47 | XS |
| 48–51 | S |
| 52–55 | M |
| 56–59 | L |
| 60–62 | XL |
NB: This chart is just for reference. If you’re in doubt, go with the manufacturers’ (partly varying) size recommendations and keep the tips from this article in mind!
Measuring your child’s head circumference to find the perfect ski helmet
- You need a measuring tape or, alternatively, a piece of string and a long ruler.
- Measure the circumference at the widest part of your child’s head. Usually, that’s right above the ears and eyebrows (forehead). To do so, fix the measuring tape with one hand and wrap it horizontally around your child’s head.
- Make sure that the tape is pulled taut without being too tight.
- Check the tape measure to see your child’s head size.
Tips for finding a perfectly fitting ski helmet
Ski helmets for children should fit snugly but not too tightly. When trying on a product, the closed helmet should sit squarely on your child’s head without wobbling.
- Ask your child to shake his or her head with the chin strap open. If the helmet stays on and doesn’t wobble, it’s a good fit.
- Padded ski helmets loosen a bit over time and gradually adjust to your child’s head shape. Keep this in mind when trying on a padded ski helmet and make sure that it’s rather on the tight side.
- Kids often wear a thin cap underneath their helmet. It’s a good idea to bring your own cap when shopping for a helmet.
Weight matters, too
Finding the perfect ski helmet is not just about the right size and your child’s age. Another important aspect is the helmet’s weight. Why’s that? During a crash, the helmet’s weight presses down on your child’s neck muscles. That’s why it makes sense to choose a particularly lightweight helmet especially for younger children.
Safety standards
Many children’s ski helmets carry a safety certification. If you find the number “1077:2007“ on a helmet or in the instruction manual, it means that it complies with the European norm for ski and snowboard helmets.
What’s more, there are two classes of ski helmets: class A and B. For kids, INTERSPORT Rent recommends class A helmets, or hard hats. They protect a larger area of the head than class B helmets and also cover the sides and ears.
Children’s ski helmets with or without visors?
What’s better: a visor or goggles? Read on to find out about the pros and cons:
Helmets with visors …
- … offer a larger field of vision than ski goggles.
- … make ski goggles unnecessary.
- … are less likely to fog up in moisture.
But they …
- … usually are more sensitive to scratches than ski goggles (once the protective foil is removed).
- … provide less UV protection than special sun ski goggles.
INTERSPORT Rent tip
When trying on different helmets, make sure to go for the best-fitting ones first. In a next step, you can go for the most appealing design. This is the quickest and best way to find the perfect ski helmet for your little ones.
