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Race Helmets

A race helmet is the one piece of equipment governed by rules rather than preference, and the rules go by age class as well as event.

Every competitor needs a helmet built for the event being run — in scored races, non-scored races and official training — carrying a CE mark and meeting a recognised standard such as CEN 1077, ASTM F2040 or Snell RS-98. It has to cover the head and ears, with no spoilers or protruding edges. From U14 up, GS, Super-G, downhill and Kombi require the FIS standard on top of that, shown by a "Conforms to FIS Specification RH 2013" sticker. Slalom allows chin guards, and soft ear protection on SL helmets only. If you race more than one discipline, plan on a speed helmet plus an SL setup.

Equipment rules are reviewed every season. Check the current US Ski & Snowboard Alpine Equipment Regulations, or ask us before a first start.

We carry the three brands that dominate race starts: POC, Sweet Protection and UVEX, in adult and junior sizing. Many models now include a rotational-impact system such as MIPS, which is worth having and is standard on most of what we stock.

Buy for fit first. A helmet that is certified but loose does less than a correctly fitted one, and a junior helmet bought two sizes large will not protect a first-year racer. We size helmets in person, with goggles, at the shop in Boise.

Round out the setup with chin guards, helmet accessories and goggles.

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