Helmet Requirement

All racers, beginning in 2019, U8 included, must wear a helmet which has a hard shell completely around the ears when racing in a Giant Slalom race. For Slalom, a soft sided helmet is allowed. If you plan to have one helmet for your racer, it must be a hard sided helmet to compete in all races (Giant Slalom and Slalom). Hard sided helmets are optional but highly recommended for U8 racers.

U14 and up racers who plan to race GS in USSA sanctioned events (EMBWL events are not USSA events) must have a helmet which meets the new FIS standards. Helmets will be checked for compliance at USSA events and racers could be pulled out of the starting gate if they do not have an approved helmet. If you are in the market for a new helmet, we suggest you consider a helmet approved for the new FIS standards since these regulations to may continue to be phased in to other age groups.

This above comparison is for example only and does not imply that one manufacturer is better than another. All manufactures will have both hard and soft sided helmets and you should choose based on best fit for your racer. For those new to ski racing, try on helmets at a shop vs purchasing on line to ensure proper fit and protection.