How to choose a children's ski helmet

The safety of children on the slopes is an absolute priority. As children are just learning to ski and often lack the instinct for self-preservation, a quality ski helmet is an essential part of their equipment. Moreover, in some countries it is compulsory for children.

This text will help you to get a basic orientation on the issue of choosing a children's ski helmet; if you want to ask for further details or consult your choice, we will be happy to help you directly in our Skibi stores. For e-shop orders, we always give you 60 days to return or exchange your helmet, so you can try it out at home in peace.

Legal requirements and regulations

Obligation to wear a helmet

  • Italy: compulsory until 18 years of age and the helmet must have the proper homologation and approvals (all helmets from us comply)
  • Austria: compulsory until 15 years of age
  • Germany: not compulsory but recommended
  • Slovakia: ski helmet is compulsory for children up to 15 years old
  • Czech Republic: not yet mandatory, but recommended
  • Ski schools: usually require a helmet compulsorily

Why a helmet is important - accident statistics

  • 45% of all skiing injuries to children involve the head
  • 3x lower risk of serious head injury when wearing a helmet
  • 70% of child skiers in the Czech Republic already use a helmet

SKIBI RECOMMENDATION: on our behalf, we recommend that every skier, big and small, should wear a ski helmet!

Key features of the children's ski helmet

1. Helmet safety and certification

  • Compliance with safety standards
  • Certification CE EN 1077
  • MIPS technology (optional) for better protection during rotational impacts

2. Correct size and seating

The ski helmet must fit solidly on your head but must not press anywhere. It is important that:

  • It fits precisely on the head without play
  • It has an adjustable clamping system (usually a wheel in the back)
  • Covers the forehead above the eyebrows
  • Does not restrict vision
  • Has a comfortable chin strap
  • Make sure there is a space for use with a balaclava in the colder weather

IMPORTANT: Never choose a helmet that is too big with the expectation that the child will grow into it. An unfastened helmet should stay on the child's head even when the body is bent over sharply, otherwise it will not reliably protect!

3. Design and technology used

  • In-mold technology for lower weight
  • MIPS technology for more security
  • Integral helmet with chin guard for racing use
  • Adjustable ventilation
  • Removable and washable inner liner

4. Proper fit - helmet must fit children well

  • No pressure anywhere
  • Horizontal position on the head
  • Forehead protection
  • Firm fit even when bending over
  • Compatible with ski goggles - ideally try with goggles

5. Design and visibility

  • Children's motifs for added popularity
  • Reflective elements for better visibility
  • Bold colours to help locate your child on the slope
  • Optional LED flasher - great in fog

MIPS technology for more security

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is an advanced safety feature in helmets. It is a special insert that allows the helmet to move slightly on impact and significantly reduces the dangerous rotational forces acting on the brain in a fall. Helmets with MIPS are more expensive, but provide a higher level of protection.

TIP: If your budget allows, we recommend choosing a helmet with MIPS technology.

How to measure the head circumference correctly

The best option is always to test the ski helmet directly on the child's head in our shop. If this is not possible, measure the head circumference using the following steps and select the helmet according to the size chart of the respective helmet model in our e-shop. After purchase at Skibi Kids e-shop you have up to 60 days for possible return or exchange

Use a tailor's tape measure:

  • Place the tape measure horizontally 2 cm above the eyebrows
  • Guide the tape measure around the head above the level of the ears
  • Measure the circumference at the widest point

If you do not have a tape measure, use a string or strip of paper and then measure with a ruler.

TIP: Hair should be styled as it will be when skiing. If using a thin hood under the helmet, add 0.5 -1cm as a margin.

 

Correctly fitted helmet

  • position: horizontal on the head
  • Forehead protection: the helmet must cover the forehead
  • Field of vision: must not interfere with vision
  • Stability test: helmet holds even when bent over
  • Fastening under the chin: the strap is tightened and must not strangling

Don't forget your ski goggles!

When choosing a ski helmet, don't forget about the children's ski goggles that must fit into it.

If your child already has goggles, take them with you when you buy the helmet; if not, buy them at the same time as the helmet and test directly on your child to see if there is not a gap between the goggles and the helmet. Check that the goggles do not pull away from the face and do not press on the child's nose.

What to watch out for

  • No gaps between helmet and goggles
  • Glasses must fit well on the face
  • Must not press on the nose
  • Ideally tried together with the helmet

For more on children's ski goggles and how to choose them, see the separate article on how to choose children's ski goggles.

Practical tips

Maintenance and storage

  • Always dry the helmet gently after skiing - no need to put it directly on the heater
  • Clean only with a soft cloth or sponge
  • Use a mild soap solution
  • Store away from high temperatures
  • Check regularly for damage
  • Wash the removable liner according to the instructions

When to replace the helmet

  • After any major impact due to a fall
  • When there is visible damage
  • When the child grows up
  • After 3-5 years of use

Conclusion

When choosing a ski helmet is the most important thing:

  • Proper size and fit
  • Safety certification
  • The quality of the technology and design of the helmet
  • Compatibility with goggles
  • Comfort of wearing

At Skibi Kids you will find a wide selection of children's helmets from the best brands on the market such as POC, Giro, Oakley, Smith or Uvex.