A good ski helmet can easily last you for 5 years or more if you don’t take any big hits to the head. Most helmets won’t be functional after they are dented or damaged because of impact, and you’ll need a new one to stay safe.
I’m Christine, an avid skier who loves everything about the sport. I’ve used just about every type of ski-related clothing and equipment item you can imagine, and I know through first-hand experience how long a ski helmet can last.
In this post, I’ll show you how long ski helmets last. I’ll also provide you with some information to know when you might want to replace your helmet so you can stay safe and protected from severe impacts.
Keep reading to find out more.
Contents
Ski Helmet Life
Technically, a ski helmet can last for years and years. There is no exact lifespan that dictates how long they last. They are built with high-quality materials that are pretty resistant to wear and tear.
If you don’t take any bad falls that damage the helmet, it can easily last for five years or more. I’ve seen helmets last a decade. But with the way technology improves, you won’t want to hang onto one for that long.
If you take a terrible fall and your helmet gets damaged or dented, you’ll want to replace it right away (source: CDC Heads Up). Nearly every helmet is not designed to take more than one severe impact. They work by crumpling or denting to keep your head safe and dissipate external forces.
Once a helmet is used, meaning it absorbs the impact from a fall and dents or cracks, its life is over. You’ll need to get a new one.
When to Replace a Ski Helmet
As I mentioned above, if you hit your head while skiing, you’re going to want to replace your helmet. If the crash isn’t too bad and you don’t notice any damage to your helmet, you are okay to keep using it.
But if the helmet gets dented, cracked, or damaged in any significant way, you’ll want to replace it right away. Helmets don’t work properly after they take a severe blow. They aren’t invincible and need to be replaced if this happens.
You don’t want to risk being unprotected by wearing a damaged helmet. It’s just not worth it. The purpose of wearing one is to make sure your head stays safe after a severe impact. You aren’t safe if you wear a damaged helmet.
Helmets can also start to wear out after regular use. You might notice signs of wear and tear, such as the padding or lining inside of the helmet getting ripped or torn. While that won’t necessarily compromise the helmet’s integrity, you still might want to replace it.
As the inside of the helmet wears down, you won’t get as good of a fit. So if you notice any issues with how it stays on your head or struggle to keep it in place while you ski, it’s probably time to replace it and get a new one.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some common questions about ski helmets and how long they last.
What do you do with old ski helmets?
If your ski helmet is recyclable, that’s the ideal thing to do with them when they are no longer suitable to wear. If you can’t recycle it, you might want to find a creative way to repurpose it or throw it away as a last resort.
Do you need a special helmet for skiing?
Technically any helmet is better than no helmet. But I highly recommend using a helmet built explicitly for skiing or snowboarding because this will give you the most comfort. Ski helmets are better at keeping your head warm than other helmets.
Conclusion
Ski helmets can last a long time – if they don’t take a severe hit. If your helmet gets dented, damaged, or cracked (even if that’s on the first day you use it), you’ll have to replace it to stay safe on the snow.
A good ski helmet can easily last five years or more if you don’t take any serious blows to the head.
