Skiing safely: to start and end the season with a smile!
Presentation
Editorial Advertising Chamrousse Tourist Office - Snowleader
Take out the helmet:
Winter is approaching and the Early Booking offers from the Ski Lift Company will soon be available. We are all looking forward to being able to enjoy the mountain domain of Chamrousse. The opening of the ski lifts is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2023. Can't wait to start the season? Getting started is good, being able to go all the way to the end is even better... To do this, wear your helmet! More and more skiers and snowboarders are wearing helmets, for the recalcitrant, the Chamrousse Tourist Office is joining forces with Snowleader with this informative article on ski and snowboard helmets.In Chamrousse, it is possible to ski in all ways:
- On its easy tracks to start. Chamrousse is known for a ski area particularly suitable for beginners. There is even the MiniDomain package. In addition to 4 ski lifts, it offers the possibility of taking the Arselle chairlift with carpet at the start and carpet at the finish. Isn't it magic? In addition, the fun track of the Montagne de Téo is included.
- On its mythical slopes such as the Olympique Dames, the Olympique Hommes and the famous Couloir de Casserousse for good skiers.
In sunset ski mode. Skiing in the late afternoon is the best. The colors are wonderful. The snow, which can then change, takes on a pink color visible from Grenoble.
- In freestyle mode at Sunset Park - National level snowpark: slicestyle, shredline, expert zone with big airs and boardercross. There is something for all levels. It is even possible to start with the Initiatic Park and the mini-boarder. At Sunset Snowpark, everyone can find what they are looking for.
- Its known and recognized ski touring. Chamrousse is probably the first ski touring spot in France. Some like our marked trails from Casserousse and Arselle, others aim for Vans! For this practice, a bi-standard helmet exists. It will be discussed at the end of the article.
Different ways to ski, only one way to enjoy safely:
- practice according to your level and abilities
- be protected in particular via a ski and snowboard helmet
There are 3 helmet standards in the field of skiing.
The EN 1077 standard:
The ski and snowboard helmet has a standard : EN 1077. It comes in two categories:- EN 1077 A: with this helmet, the ears are protected via the shell of the helmet
- EN 1077 B: with this helmet, the ears are protected by a removable part. They can be removed to take advantage of better hearing or when the weather does not justify covering your ears.
This EN 1077 standard helmet must resist shocks but also be able to dissipate kinetic energy during an impact. Added to this are requirements in terms of resistance to penetration in the event of impact (against a rock, for example). In short, the ski and snowboard helmet must meet characteristics of resistance to blunt and piercing shocks.
When buying on the Internet, if the description does not mention the removable side or not of the earpieces, look at the standard and you will be fixed!
Of course, brands are innovating and some brands offer, for example, MIPS technology (with Multidirectional Impact Protection System). It is a non-compulsory excess protection.
The ASTM 2040 standard:
For the practice of alpine skiing in competition, you should know that the helmet is compulsory, including during training. For some categories such as Giant Slalom, you need a helmet with a more advanced standard: the ASTM 2040 standard. All helmets with the ASTM 2040 standard also have the EN 1077 standard.To sum up, the ASTM 2040 standard imposes higher speed impact resistances than the EN 1077 standard.
For this category of helmets, some shops speak of FIS (International Ski Federation) approved helmets.
The bi-standard helmet:
For ski touring or splitboarding (snowboard that can be used as a pair of ski touring), there is the possibility of wearing a binorm helmet with:- the EN 1077 standard
- the EN 12492 standard
EN 12492 is a standard for climbing and mountaineering helmets. It is this type of helmet that is used in via ferrata. These helmets have many characteristics including a requirement for the absorption of impacts from the upper part due to falling objects (stones for example), a requirement that does not exist for ski and snowboard helmets for the general public. This standard is also designed for people working at height.
Since this year (2023), Domaines Skiables de France - DSF recommends that ski resorts equip their trackers with dual-standard helmets. They are considered to be the most protective helmets to date in the context of their work.
Now it's up to you: if you're still not equipped with a ski and snowboard helmet, maybe it's time to give it some serious thought.
Winter is coming, can't wait for the fresh snow!Snowleader, "The reblochon compagny" !
