Cutting Edge Safety - Protection in Ski Helmets

Safety when you're on the mountain is vital. Hidden beneath the snow can be hard rocks, ice, and frozen ground that can cause severe damage to you in an accident. You should always wear a well fitting helmet when on the mountain, and if you're wanting to be a little more adventurous make sure your helmet has some extra safety features like MIPs and D3O. 

Read on to learn more about some of the extra safety features and technology offered by Scott Ski helmets, and how they protect you in an impact.

MIPS

Traditional helmets are optimised for straight impacts and fail to account for angled impacts. These impacts can result in rotational violence to the head and brain. This is where MIPS comes in, standing for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, Scott helmets that are equipped with MIPS have a revolutionary low-friction layer inside, allowing the head to rotate independently of the helmet during an angled impact. MIPS technology does this by replicating the brain's natural defense system. Think about the fluid that surrounds your brain, allowing it to slide and move independently within the skull, and during an impact it helps mitigate damage. The MIPS system mimics this with a low friction layer - allowing the outer layers of the helmet to move separately and absorb the majority of an angled impact.

This significantly reduces rotational force on your head in an impact, minimising the potential for brain damage.

When looking at our range of Scott Helmets look for any helmets with 'Plus' in the name, this indicates the helmet is equipped with MIPS technology. You can check them out here...

D3O

The main part of your ski helmet is Impact Protection Material. This helps to protect your head against the force of hard knocks and impacts, absorbing energy during an accident that would otherwise go straight to your head. In most helmets this is usually a combination of foams and polystyrene. In more advanced helmets such as the Scott Symbol 2 Plus D, the impact protection is provided by D3O.

Unlike traditional foam, D3O is a smart material designed to provide enhanced protection against impacts. At rest, D3O molecules are flexible and malleable almost like a gel or silicone material, allowing the material to conform comfortably to the shape of your head. However, upon impact, the D3O molecules instantly lock together, forming a protective barrier that absorbs and disperses energy throughout the helmet and away from your head.

So when you're out on the slopes and unexpectedly take a fall, the D3O material instantly activates, creating a cushion of protection that significantly reduces the force of both high energy and low energy impacts.

360 Pure Sound

Sound is also an important and underrated factor to consider when you're selecting a helmet for your free ski adventures. Being able to hear what is going on in your surroundings and what is happening around you can save your life. 

Scott has developed 360 Pure Sound, specially shaped inner ear pads that are surrounded by a sound transparent fabric so you can hear better and more accurately on the slopes.

Stay ahead of the curve and elevate your safety with Scott. Remember, it's not just about style; it's about making sure you have the best protection possible while enjoying your mountain adventures to the fullest. Check out our range of helmets here, and If you have any questions or want to know more - send us a message on our live chat, flick us an email hi@onmountain.co.nz, or give us a call at the head office. Stay safe, and happy skiing!