Part 3 / The quest for security – rts.ch

The history of the ski helmet is not as distant as one might think. Indeed, it is necessary to wait for the multiplication of injuries linked to speed on skis which continues to increase over the years for the world of skiing to ask itself the following question: how to reduce the risk of serious injuries in the event of fall?

Thus, it was not until the 1940s that the first helmet saw the light of day. Made of leather and vertical tubes, it is however only relatively effective. Novices in the field, the players in the world of skiing had in fact adopted practically, if not entirely, the model that cyclists or even bikers wore.

In terms of safety, the first helmets were more than rudimentary. [Musée du ski]

The ski helmet becomes rigid

During the Second World War, things accelerated. Helmets made of fiberglass mixed with deformable plastic foam with padding inside were born. However, we had to wait until 1958 to see skiers wearing this new helmet in competition.

It is, in fact, the year when the United States team arrives in Europe with its new helmets. Europeans give them a mocking welcome because of their weight and size. But, by seeing accidents multiply and realizing that a skier’s life was saved thanks to his helmet, cracked after the impact, protection is convincing and becoming more popular.

It was not until the late 1950s that helmets became rigid. [Musée du ski]

Accidents, sometimes fatal, to become aware

Good news, but at the cost of sometimes fatal accidents in competition, such as the death of John Semmelink in 1959. During a descent, the Canadian crashed against rocks and died of a serious head injury. He was only 20 years old. It was following this tragic event that wearing a helmet became compulsory when going downhill.

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But, unfortunately, this headset has its limitations. This is evidenced by the death during training for the downhill at the Innsbruck Olympic Games in 1964 of 19-year-old Ross Milne. The Australian hit a tree at more than 96 km/h and succumbed to his injuries, particularly to his head.

The place where Ross Milne lost his life during the 1964 Innsbruck Olympic Games. [Imago]
The place where Ross Milne lost his life during the Innsbruck Olympic Games in 1964. [Imago]

Helmets specifically designed for skiing

Finally, in the 1970s, manufacturers decided to create helmets no longer copied from what was done in motorcycles or cycling, but specific to skiing. This is the transition from fiberglass to plastic and the introduction of ABS (a synthetic rubber that resists temperature changes). These major changes allow for increased protection, but also new lightness which leads to a more stable helmet. In fact, the old, heavier model had a tendency to fall forward and obstruct the skier’s vision.

Then came, at the beginning of the 1990s, the current helmets, made of much more efficient materials than their old version, such as polycarbonate, EPS (a foam which allows the absorption and dissipation of energy over a longer large surface area and not just on the point of impact) or other absorbent components. In addition, helmets today are molded to exactly match the shape of the skier’s skull.

However, despite all these improvements, the helmet remains subject to debate as to its level of protection. Indeed, skiers, who are going faster and faster, seem to be one step ahead of the protective technology of the helmet. To find out more, we went to neighboring near to Salomon. The French brand agreed to discuss the materials it is made of, among other things, but refused to make any comments regarding the safety and effectiveness of current helmets.

>> Interview with Benjamin Raffort:

Interview with Benjamin Raffort
Alpine skiing – Published yesterday at 5:36 p.m.
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