How to Measure Ski Helmet Size

Ski helmets protect skiers from head and neck injuries.

Helmets are a skier's first line of protection from head and neck injuries while heading down the hill. More skiers, both young and old, are realizing the protective value of wearing helmets for such a small monetary investment. Resorts in states around the country, including Colorado and Utah, are making it a rule that both instructors and children under 18 have to wear helmets while on the slopes. The right ski helmet for anyone is the one that fits him properly.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• String
• Scissors
• Pen
• Ruler or yard stick
• Fitted hat
• Helmet conversion charts
• Ski goggles (optional)
• Computer with printer (optional)

Instructions

1. Use a tape measure to measure around your head slightly above the eyebrows. Take the measurement in centimeters, with which helmets are sized.

2. Unravel some string from a ball for another method of measuring. Cut a piece of string longer than the circumference of your head. Use the string like you would a tape measure and mark off the spot where the string ends meet around your head. Take your string and measure from one end to the mark with a ruler or yard stick.

3. Check the size of your fitted hat. Compare your hat size with a hat-to-helmet-size conversion chart.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not own a tape measure, you can download a printable tape measure off the Internet.

• Take your measurements or conversion numbers and a pair of ski goggles to your nearest ski shop or sporting goods retailer.

• The helmet should meet your eyebrows in the front. Pull on the strap and buckle the helmet tightly. Check all the way around the helmet for gaps. A proper-fitting helmet will have no gaps from the front to the back. The helmet should not rest on the back of the neck and should not move when tightened down and buckled as you move your head side to side.

• Put on your ski goggles to make sure they fit with the helmet.

References

• SkiHelmets.com: Ski & Snowboard Helmet Fitting Guide
• Dicks Sporting Goods: How to Buy a Ski Helmet
• Dicks Sporting Goods: Determine Your Helmet Size
• My True Fit: Printable Tape Measure
• SkiHelmets.org: Ski Helmet Conversion Chart