Rocky Mountain Neurosurgical Society Position Statement

Regarding Ski and Snowboard Helmets

 

The Rocky Mountain Neurosurgical Society recognized that head injury is the leading cause of death and critical injury among skiers and snowboarders. Skiing is a very popular winter sport in the Rocky Mountain region and an important economic component of the tourism industry. As Neurosurgeons, we are well aware that helmets can prevent or reduce head injuries in bicycle and motorcycle accidents, but the data on ski helmets is still scarce.

 

A 1999 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report determined that helmets would potentially address 44% of head injuries in skiers and snowboarders. They recommended helmet use and concluded "that the use of skiing helmets will reduce the risk of head injury associated with skiing and snowboarding." The Rocky Mountain Neurosurgical Society strongly endorses and encourages the use of helmets for skiing and snowboarding in the hopes of reducing the incidence and severity of head injuries in skiers and snowboarders.