According to a report from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), overall helmet usage among U.S. skiers and snowboarders reached a national all-time high of 91% during the 2024/2025 skis season, up from just 25% back in the 2002/03 season. That’s a generational shift in behavior playing out over two decades.
The Numbers By Age Group
- 17 and under: 96% (ages 10-14 even higher at 98%)
- 18-24: 92%
- 25-34: 93%
- 35-44: 89%
- 45-54: 91%
- 55-64: 90%
- 65+: 92%
What The Helmet Research Shows
A peer-reviewed study tracking 17 seasons of data found that potentially serious head injuries dropped from 4.2% of all ski injuries in 1995 to 3.0% by 2012, tracking closely with rising adoption over that same window. The study also found that ski helmets are effective at preventing skull fractures and have nearly eliminated scalp lacerations entirely.
“Wearing a helmet has become second nature for most skiers and riders, but our focus remains on pairing that behavior with overall mountain safety awareness. Helmets are one part of a culture of safety that allows everyone to enjoy the mountain experience to its fullest.” – NSAA President and CEO Michael Reitzell
Programs like NSAA’s Lids on Kids campaign and High Fives Foundation’s Helmets are Cool series have been running at resorts across the country for years. Apparently they are working. More helmet safety information is available at skisafety.us/helmet-safety.
