Observational study of helmet use among children skiing and snowboarding

The objectives of this study were to observe the use of helmets among school-age children while skiing and snowboarding and to determine factors that influenced helmet use in children.

This was a prospective observational study. Children estimated to be school age (5-17 years of age) were observed at a Western New York area ski resort as they entered ski areas. Data collected included estimated age, helmet use, sex, sport, and whether the children were accompanied by adults or other children or were alone.

During February 2005, a total of 1472 children were observed. Thirty-seven percent wore a helmet. Helmets were worn by 42% of skiers and 32% of snowboarders. Sixty percent of children wore helmets when observed with an adult, compared with 28% when observed with other children. Those children on beginner slopes (47%) were more likely to wear helmets than those on intermediate slopes (34%). There was no difference in helmet use among males and females.

Despite recommendations for children to wear helmets while participating in winter sports, about a third of the children observed wore a helmet. Children skiing, younger children, and children on beginner slopes were more likely to wear helmets. Future studies are needed to determine if the use of helmets would decrease the incidence of head injuries while skiing and snowboarding.