After a decade plus of Ski Helmets being on the slopes Vail Resorts will make them mandatory for employee's. Vail will need to buy over 6400 Ski Helmets to provide with uniforms during the 2009-2010 ski season. Vail Resorts will be the first resort in the USA to require helmets in any way.

As part of the resort saftey awareness program mandatory helmets for employee's will set a example for guests. If a ski instructor is wearing a Ski Helmet then the guest will likely want to wear one aswell. In theory. Insurance could have a lot to due with this decision too.

Along with employee's ski school kids will be required the wear a Ski Helmet if they are under age 12. Ski Helmets will be part of children's ski rental packages in 09-2010.

Vail owns or operates  6 resorts. All will have the same requirement of mandatory helmet. The resorts Vail runs are Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, A-Basin and Heavenly Valley in Lake Tahoe CA.

A ski Helmet won't save your life if you hit a tree at 40MPH, but they will keep you from having a bad day if you fall and bump your head. The recent death of Natasha Richardson is a great example. Not just skiing, but any sport head injuries are a concern. All it takes is a little bump on the head and anyone can have a bad day or worse.

When I was young ski areas would pull your pass for jumping or building ski jumps. Today the Ski Resorts themselves are building huge jumps and half pipes. Whats changed? Who knows. Maybe the disclaimer skiers and snowboarders agree to when purchasing a ticket. Along with the growing popularity of tree skiing a Ski Helmet is highly recommended. A Ski Helmet is one of the first pieces of Ski Equipment to be purchased.

Look for other Ski Resorts to follow suit promoting the use of ski snowboard helmet.

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), in conjunction with resorts around the country, is celebrating the 10Th Anniversary of the annual National Safety Awareness Week at 100's of Ski Resorts. Jan. 17-23, 2009. Ski areas use the week to promote slope safety to ski area guests and employees in a variety of creative ways, many which involve Ski Patrollers.

Know The Code

Many skiers may thing they know the Skier Responsibility Code, but it is always a good idea to review the code for yourself and friends and family. The Skiers Safety Code is no joke. It may seem simple, but it essential all skiers and riders pay attention and abide by the code. Here's the top 7 things skiers need to be aware of in the code at most Ski Resorts.

1. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects. This is so important. When the trails get crowded on weekends and holidays other skiers can pop up anywhere.Be aware of your surroundings and your ability. If you hit a tree or another person you are not only wrecking your day or season, but many others too
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them. Almost the same as above, but one clear difference. If you are on top of the trail from another skier you must be able to avoid them or stop if the other skier suddenly decides to turn downhill or into you. Even knowing other skiers should look uphill as per code # 4. Most never do unfortunately.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above. If you stop below a steep or a drop off you stand a huge chance of being hit by another skier. Skiers and snowboarders can be traveling upwards of 25 MPH and more. Imagine being hit by a car traveling 25 MPH.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others. This part of the code would avoid 1000's of rides down the hill in a red sled. Not to mention it bugs me to no extent. Please look before you leap. This is one part of that should be drilled into every one's head and remind everyone you can.
5. Always use devices to help prevent run away equipment. Pretty self explanatory. Know One wants to lose a ski and have to hike down, into the woods or worse impale another skier.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas. Don't be a dope stay in the ropes and ski area boundaries. Same States will fine you or even put you in jail for ducking ropes, not to mention its dangerous. If you get hurt you not be found for hours, days or ever.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride, and unload safely. With the advent of high speed lifts some people forget when they get to a fixed chair left. Pay attention as soon as you approach a lift to see what kind it is. If you are loading onto a fixed chair prepare to move fast when its time to board. Many young skiers and snowboarding learned on high speed lifts and have grown use to the lift slowing down.

Please review The Skiers Responsibility Code with your family and stay safe. Also remember that you are responsible for other skiers and riders on the trail with you.

Please always wear a Ski Helmet and go with the flow

Every Year hundreds if not thousands of Skiers and Snowboarders suffer from head injuries from falls. Skiers and snowboarders fall. Thats it and your noggin needs to be protected.

Ski Vacations can be one of the best family activities. Everyone is happy at the end of a day skiing and snowboarding. Since most families start skiing together or as kids grow most in the group are at about the same level. Having a head injury during ski vacations can end all that fun. All everyone needs is a Ski Helmet.

Ski equipment should be on the top of the list when planning Ski Vacations. Ski helmet should be the 1st thing to consider. Especially kids Ski helmets. Some would argue Ski Boots would be first, but as a skier of 36 years experience I can say ski helmets are first.

Giro ski helmets are probably the most well known now. Giro helmets are well made and come in many models. Giro Fuse is their Audio Ski Helmet which has become very popular, but the standard is the G10 Giro Ski Helmet. In 2008 Giro added a size adjustment which helps with sizing. Being able to open and close the venting is also something Giro has on it G10 Ski Helmet. Giro Encore and Recruit also very popular Kids Ski Helmets. The Bad Lieutenant is more like a brain bucket look. The Giro Ricchet is a racing helmet

boeri ski helmet is also a more well known Ski Helmet. boeri Apollo

K2 is one of the oldest and well known ski Mfg, but makes some nice ski and Snowboard Helmets aswell. K2 Blackhawk, K2 Sceptor, K2 Ultramatic, K2 Automatic, K2 Cross Fire,

Carrera Ski elmet is a great choice aswell