How can you ensure a safe ride on the slopes? Various types of protective ski accessories will help. What can no ski lover do without?
The first necessary accessory for every skier is a protective helmet. Why is it so important? The helmet protects the head from all kinds of injuries to the skull, which may occur as a result of an accident on the slopes. When choosing a helmet, particular attention should be paid to whether it complies with the European standard PN-EN 1077:2007, which guarantees its rigidity and adequate protection against punctures by sharp objects. The certification marks such as GS, CE or TUV are no less important.
The next very important parameters of each helmet are its shape and size. How to choose its size? When you put it on and shake your head slightly, it should not slip. If you feel a slight tension of the scalp then it’s a sign that the size of the helmet is correct. The chin strap should fit tightly around your chin without interfering with your riding. The strap should be padded to the touch with a soft fabric along its length and at the fastening point. Ski helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years.
No real skier can do without goggles. This type of accessory should fit tightly to the face, but must not squeeze. Through the gap, which is located between the helmet and the goggles, no air can get through. It is therefore worth first of all to get a helmet, and only then to buy goggles for it.
A very important element of each goggle are glasses, which guarantee proper protection against harmful UV radiation and provide proper visibility, regardless of the current lighting conditions. This element must be characterized by high resistance to breakage and impact. This ensures that even if there is an accident on the slope, the glass will not damage the skier’s eyes.
An interesting option are ski goggles equipped with replaceable lenses. On store shelves it is also worth looking for models lined with a special coating called Fogstop, which is designed to protect against fogging. You can also find goggles equipped with ventilation slots and fans. Skiers who wear goggles on a daily basis should purchase a model that allows them to be placed under the goggles.
When planning a ski trip, you should also get ski gloves to protect your hands from the cold, wind, and abrasions. The ideal gloves are made of waterproof and durable material. It is very important that the gloves fit the shape of your hand. They should not be too small or too big. The former can impede blood circulation, the latter can slip off when riding.
People who ski professionally may consider buying a special back protector, also called a protector. More and more amateur skiers are buying such protectors. The purpose of the protector is to absorb the impact of an accident, preventing injury to the spine. It is available in 2 versions: fastened and integrated with a vest. The protector may have a rigid Hardshell membrane or a slightly softer Softshell type.
An ideal protector should fit well to the body, covering the spine along the whole length. Additionally, it must be CE EN 1621-2 certified to guarantee protection against certain impact forces. It is also important that the protector is resistant to low temperatures and moisture. It should be replaced every 5 years or so or after an accident.
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