What Certifications Should a Ski Helmet Have?

When buying a ski helmet, you should look for one with an ASTM F2040 certification in the United States or a CE EN 1077 certification in Europe. These are the primary safety standards ensuring the helmet has undergone rigorous testing for impact resistance and structural integrity. For competitive racers, an additional FIS RH 2013 sticker is often required. These certifications are your assurance that the helmet meets established safety benchmarks designed to protect you on the slopes.

Why Do Ski Helmet Certifications Matter?

Choosing a ski helmet can feel overwhelming with all the styles, brands, and features available. However, the most critical factor to consider is its safety certification. A certification isn't just a sticker; it's a guarantee from an independent governing body that the helmet has passed a series of standardized tests designed to simulate real-world impacts. These tests measure a helmet's ability to absorb shock, resist penetration from sharp objects, and ensure the retention system (the chin strap) stays secure during a fall. Without a proper certification, you have no verified assurance of the helmet's protective capabilities.

Think of it this way: buying an uncertified helmet is like driving a car without knowing if the airbags work. The certifications provide a baseline of trust and safety, ensuring the product you rely on for head protection actually performs when you need it most. Furthermore, many ski resorts, competition organizers, and even insurance policies may require the use of a certified helmet. Investing in a certified helmet is a non-negotiable step in ensuring your safety and peace of mind on the mountain.

The Primary Certifications: What Do They Mean?

For the vast majority of recreational skiers and snowboarders, there are two main certifications to look for. The one you see will typically depend on where the helmet was purchased. Both are highly respected and indicate a helmet is safe for on-piste and backcountry use.

ASTM F2040: The North American Standard

If you're buying a helmet in the United States or Canada, you should look for the ASTM F2040 certification. This standard is set by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials). Helmets certified under F2040 have undergone rigorous testing protocols that include dropping the helmet onto various anvils (flat, hemispherical, and edge-shaped) from specific heights to measure its impact-absorption capabilities. The standard also tests the strength of the retention system to ensure it doesn't fail under force and the helmet's peripheral vision clearance. It is considered a very stringent and comprehensive standard for non-motorized, recreational snow sports.

CE EN 1077: The European Standard

In Europe, the prevailing standard is CE EN 1077. The "CE" mark indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). The EN 1077 standard is specific to helmets for alpine skiers and snowboarders. This certification is further divided into two classes, which have important distinctions:

• Class A: These helmets offer more coverage, protecting a larger area of the head, including the ears. They are subjected to a more rigorous penetration test, making them generally tougher and often preferred by racers. They tend to be heavier and may slightly impede hearing.

• Class B: These helmets are lighter, offer more ventilation, and have soft ear coverings. They protect a smaller area of the head compared to Class A but still pass robust impact tests. Most recreational skiers and snowboarders opt for Class B helmets due to their comfort and lower weight.

Key Differences: ASTM F2040 vs. CE EN 1077

While both standards aim to ensure your safety, their testing methods differ slightly. ASTM F2040 is often considered a single, more stringent standard compared to the dual-class CE EN 1077. For instance, ASTM testing includes dropping the helmet onto an "edge" anvil, which the CE test does not. This simulates an impact with a sharp corner. Because of this, some experts consider the ASTM F2040 to be slightly more demanding. However, a helmet with either certification is a safe choice. Many modern helmets sold globally are dual-certified to meet both standards, offering the best of both worlds.

Specialized Certifications for Competitive Skiers

For those who push the limits in a competitive racing environment, the standard recreational certifications may not be enough. Higher speeds and the risk of impacting race gates demand a higher level of protection.

What is the FIS RH 2013 Certification?

The FIS RH 2013 is a safety standard established by the International Ski Federation (FIS), the global governing body for ski racing. This standard is significantly more rigorous than ASTM F2040 or CE EN 1077. To earn the FIS conformity sticker, a helmet must first pass the primary certifications and then undergo additional testing at impact speeds approximately 20% higher. This ensures the helmet can withstand the more extreme forces generated in high-speed racing disciplines.

Who Needs an FIS-Certified Helmet?

An FIS-certified helmet is mandatory for athletes competing in all levels of FIS-sanctioned Downhill, Super-G, and Giant Slalom events. You can easily identify these helmets by a specific certification sticker on the back that says "FIS RH 2013". While not required for recreational skiing or even for some lower-level slalom competitions, anyone who races at a serious level should consider an FIS-approved helmet for the superior level of protection it offers.

Beyond Certification: Understanding Modern Helmet Technology

While certifications cover direct, linear impacts, modern helmet research has focused heavily on the dangers of rotational forces, which can occur when you hit the ground at an angle. These forces can cause the brain to rotate inside the skull, leading to concussions and other severe brain injuries. Several technologies have been developed to mitigate this.

Rotational Impact Protection: MIPS, SPIN, and WaveCel

The most well-known technology is MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). It is a low-friction layer integrated inside the helmet, designed to allow the helmet's outer shell to rotate slightly relative to the liner upon an angled impact. This small movement helps redirect rotational forces away from the brain. Other similar proprietary technologies include POC's SPIN (Shearing Pad INside) and Bontrager's WaveCel. These features provide an added layer of safety that goes beyond the scope of standard certification tests.

Is MIPS a Certification?

This is a crucial point of clarification: MIPS is a safety feature, not a certification. A helmet with MIPS must still pass ASTM F2040 or CE EN 1077 standards to be sold as a ski helmet. Think of the core certification as the mandatory pass/fail safety test, and features like MIPS as advanced safety enhancements that provide additional protection against specific types of impacts.

How to Check for a Ski Helmet's Certification

Verifying a helmet's certification is straightforward. Look for a sticker or printed information on the inside liner or shell of the helmet. The sticker will explicitly state which standard it conforms to, such as "ASTM F2040" or "CE EN 1077". It will also typically list the helmet's size, weight, model name, and date of manufacture. Never purchase a helmet that does not have this information clearly displayed. The absence of a certification label is a major red flag indicating the helmet has not been independently tested and verified for safety.

What About Multi-Sport or Dual-Certified Helmets?

Some helmets are designed for year-round use and carry certifications for multiple sports, such as skiing and cycling (e.g., ASTM F2040 and CPSC 1203). While convenient, it's essential to understand the trade-offs. Ski helmets are designed to withstand multiple low-impact hits and cold temperatures, whereas bike helmets are typically designed for a single major impact before they must be replaced. A dual-certified helmet is a safe and viable option, but ensure it specifically carries the necessary ski certification (ASTM F2040 or CE EN 1077) and is not just a bike or skate helmet marketed for winter use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to replace my helmet after a crash?
Yes. Even if you don't see visible damage, the protective foam liner can compress during a significant impact, losing its ability to absorb future shocks. It's recommended to replace your helmet after any major crash.

2. How often should I replace my ski helmet even without a crash?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every 3-5 years. Over time, materials like foam, glues, and resins can degrade due to exposure to sweat, sunlight, and temperature changes, reducing the helmet's protective qualities.

3. Is a more expensive helmet always safer?
Not necessarily. As long as a helmet has the proper certification (ASTM F2040 or CE EN 1077), it has met the baseline safety requirements. Higher prices often reflect additional features like MIPS, better ventilation, lighter materials, goggle integration, or audio systems, but not necessarily a higher level of basic impact protection.

Final Thoughts: Making the Safest Choice

When selecting a ski helmet, your primary focus should be on its safety certifications. For recreational skiers, this means ensuring it has either an ASTM F2040 or CE EN 1077 label. For competitive racers, an FIS RH 2013 sticker is a necessity. Once you've confirmed the helmet meets these fundamental safety benchmarks, you can then consider secondary factors like fit, comfort, ventilation, and advanced features like MIPS. A certified helmet is the most important piece of equipment you own—it's an investment in your well-being that allows you to enjoy the mountains with confidence.