How to Rate Ski Helmets

ASTM International is the organization that standardizes the safety qualifications of helmets designed for the skiing industry.  The ASTM F 240 is a publication published in the year 2000 for the "Standard Specification for Helmets Used for Recreational Snow Sports."

• Research the three standards of the ASTM given to helmet manufacturers to use as a guide for building ski helmets.  Helmet manufacturers can use one of the standards, all of the standards, or any combination of the standards to build and design the helmets.


• Realize the four different factors that affect the protective ratings of helmets.  The first factor is impact, which is how well the helmet protects the head from large object impact.  The next factor is position which the stability of the helmet when worn.  The third factor is retention that rates the effectiveness of the chinstrap strength to hold the helmet in place during impact.  The final factor is extent, which dictates the areas of the head protected in the case of impact.


• Choose a helmet that shows the ASTM safety rating for the single impact ski helmet.  Any helmet that conforms to this standard must be discarded after any impact.  Look out for exceptions because some helmets are rated for multiple impacts.  These helmets have an ASTM F 1492 rating for multiple impact use. 


• Distinguish the ASTM ratings from the European rating system that uses the CE rating system.  If a helmet conforms to CE ratings, then it does not necessarily mean that the helmet is approved by the ASTM standard.