Helmet Requirements for Ski Racing

The FIS and USSA have enacted rules mandating the use of helmets designed specifically for skiing and for U14 and older specific to Ski Racing.  These Helmets carry the CE stamp (CE is the European equivalent to the Underwriters Laboratory UL rating on many US products, DIN is the German version of this Rating)   Read the whole Helmet Rule - USSA Document

The sticker can usually be found on the back of the helmet.  Here are three examples of POC helmets.

According to USSA Rule:  Helmets designed and manufactured for the particular event of ski racing being contested are required for all competitors and forerunners in all USSA events and official training. Helmets must bear a CE mark and conform to recognized and appropriate standards such as CEH.Din 1077, ASTM F2040, SNELL S98 or RS 98.  

The translation is that all racers must use helmets that meet the CE designation for Alpine Skiing Helmets.

Pictured above are three helmets sold for skiing and ski racing.  These helmets were purchased between 2011-2013.  All of them bear the required CE sticker.  In this case the DIN 1077, standard is referenced on the sticker.  

The  Blue helmet (POC - Bug Recepter purchased in the 2013-14 season) has soft ears and is therefor legal for Slalom Racing in USSA, for all aged racers, but while it bears the required [CE 1077 b]  designation, it is NOT legal for GS racing at any age, because it does not have rigid ear protection.

The White and Black Helmet is a POC Skull Comp helmet and was purchased in the 2012-13 season,  This helmet bears the [CE 1077 a], CE Sticker.  This helmet will be legal for U12's and U10's racing GS in USSA.  

The White helmet (POC Skull -X was purchased during the 2011-12 season)  This helmet also features the [CE 1077 a], sticker This helmet will be legal for U12 and U10's racing in GS this season.

Note:  the CE1077a and 1077b are both designed for skiing, but the 1077a helmets provide more protection to the head.  The CE 1077 b helmets have additional ventilation and soft ears.  

NOTE- No camera mounts or other added protrusions are allowed on any helmet used in US Ski and Snowboard racing.  Chin bars while legal in slalom, must be removed for GS racing

Helmets for U14 and older athletes must currently meet the additional requirement of conforming to FIS Rule 6.2.1 GS/SG/DH

Here are the FIS Requirements for Helmets in GS, SG, DH :

• Helmet model must fulfill and to be certified under both ASTM 2040 and EN 1077 (class A)
• In addition, the Helmet model must pass an additional, specific test, under the EN1077 test procedure, but at higher test speed of 6.8 m/s
• Required Label attesting that the helmet meets the FIS specifications (GS/SG/DH)  -  The Label, must be affixed in a non removable way, at the back of the helmet. The label shall in particular not be covered by the goggle strap. The conformity label is shown to the in the image below:

Note:  The Blue helmet, that meets the CE 1077 b standard, is legal for Slalom Racing at the USSA and FIS levels for all ages.

NOTE- No camera mounts or other added protrusions are allowed on any helmet used in US Ski and Snowboard racing.   Chin bars while legal in slalom, must be removed for GS racing