Sobering reminder of the importance of helmets in snow sports from the good folks at Teller County Search and Rescue (TCSAR), an all-volunteer, not-for-profit rescue team based in Teller County, Colorado
TCSAR responded to a call about an injured backcountry snowboarder on Pikes Peak and worked in conjunction with good samaritans, Teller County Sheriff’s Office, Ute Pass Regional Health Service District, Flight For Life Colorado, and El Paso County Search and Rescue to safely get the victim off the mountain.
TCSAR posted a picture of the injured snowboarder’s helmet to demonstrate why they recommend helmets for many activities in the mountains. Judging by the dents and blood smear, this accident could have been far worse if not for the head protection.
The overall percentage of skiers and snowboarders wearing helmets has increased dramatically in the past 20 years (25% in the 2002–2003 to 90% in the 2023–2024) and we would love to see that go up even more.
If you or anyone you know is a holdout on wearing a lid, we highly recommend you explore purchasing options and make it a mandatory part of you ski kit. Read the statement from TCSAR and learn more about helmet safety from the The National Ski Areas Association below.
Teller County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) Statement:
Folks, this is why we recommend helmets for many activities in the mountains. This one helped a backcountry snowboarder survive a fall on Pikes Peak today.
Skiing conditions on the peak are rarely good before spring. Wind loaded and sun baked breakable crust spaced between boilerplate is a recipe for accidents like this. Breakable crust takes out knees and boilerplate makes for a painful and potentially fatal ride.
Great teamwork today to assist an injured backcountry snowboarder off the mountain. The help from good samaritans,Teller County Sheriff’s Office, Ute Pass Regional Health Service District, Flight For Life Colorado, and El Paso County Search and Rescue was critical to this missions success. Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, thanks for creating access close to the incident for the quickest response.
The National Ski Areas Association NSAA Helmet Safety:
Helmets are Important
We urge all participants to wear a helmet, but to ski or ride as if they are not wearing a helmet. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just hitting the slopes for the first time, wearing a helmet can make all the difference in staying safe and enjoying your time on the mountain.
Skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner is the primary safety consideration for all. A participant’s behavior has more to do with their safety and that of others than any piece of equipment.
Limitations of Helmets
Helmets protect your head, but they don’t prevent all injuries, especially from high-speed impacts or collisions with obstacles. Always ski within your ability, stay alert, and follow safety guidelines. It’s important to understand that helmets are far less effective at higher rates of speed. Remember, a helmet is just one part of staying safe on the slopes.
Helmets and Kids
Wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding reduces the risk of head injuries. They are most effective when you ski or ride at slower speeds. Bonus: they also keep your head warm! Not all ski areas require helmets, but it is a good idea to outfit your child with one and wear one yourself.
While wearing a helmet is a personal choice, you would be setting a good example for the young ones in your family if you chose to wear one while skiing or riding. Nearly all ski areas rent helmets to the public. Make sure your helmet is properly fitted and the chin strap is fastened.
More People Are Wearing Helmets
The overwhelming majority of skiers and riders are wearing helmets. Helmet usage has grown dramatically over the last two decades. The overall percentage of participants wearing helmets increased from 25% in the 2002–03 season to 90% in the 2023–24 season.