Ski Touring Helmets

SKI TOURING HELMETS AT SPORT CONRAD

Do you love strenuous ascents and rapid descents? Then ski touring is just the thing for you. But even away from the groomed slopes, one thing is essential: a helmet. The touring helmets in our shop offer you first-class protection and maximum comfort. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, ski touring helmets are an essential part of any ski touring equipment. Discover our large selection of ski touring helmets and find your perfect companion for any terrain.

What is ski touring?

Ski touring is one of the most popular winter sports activities because it offers the ideal combination of physical exertion and freedom in nature. Ski touring takes place away from the groomed slopes and requires a lot of stamina. In addition to rapid descents, there are also intense ascents, which are rewarded with breathtaking views. Ski touring allows ski tourers to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and experience unforgettable adventures.

What is a ski touring helmet?

Like any other helmet, a ski touring helmet is designed to protect you from injury. Away from the groomed slopes, you may encounter avalanches, rockfalls, and collisions, both with your teammates and with unexpected objects such as trees. However, your helmet not only reduces the risk of injury during your tours, but also provides additional protection from wind and snow.

Important: Although there is no general helmet requirement for recreational ski touring, you should never go skiing without a helmet for your own protection.

Ski touring helmet and ski helmet: Are they the same thing?

The short answer is no. Special ski touring helmets and ski helmets differ in terms of standards, weight, and features. Accordingly, you should always wear a helmet that is suitable for your sport.

Standards

Ski touring helmets comply with standards EN 12492 and UIAA 106, which are the same standards that apply to climbing and mountaineering. This means that ski touring helmets are tested in different areas and therefore meet different requirements than helmets with other standards. Ski helmets are tested and manufactured according to the ski standard DIN EN 1077, which means they meet the safety standards for skiing on the slopes and freeriding (i.e., skiing away from groomed slopes).

Weight

When ski touring, you are often on the go all day, sometimes even for several days. This also means that you have to carry many other things besides your skis, helmet, and ski gear. For example, provisions, a change of clothes, and, of course, your avalanche equipment. That's why every gram can be crucial when ski touring. Ski touring helmets are often attached to the touring backpack, which is why they should not be too heavy. For this reason, ski touring helmets are often designed to offer a high level of protection while still being lightweight. In addition, many ski helmets have lamp mounts and ear pads, which are omitted from some ski touring helmets.

Features

Due to their weight, ski touring helmets often have fewer features. Some components can be removed from ski touring helmets to reduce their weight. This is not usually the case with ski helmets.

Is there an all-round solution?

Due to their low weight and often more discreet (special) features, some ski touring helmets also offer less protection than ski helmets. If you are looking for a combination that meets both touring helmet and ski helmet standards, you will find what you are looking for among some manufacturers and models. This is because some brands now offer models that are certified according to EN 12492, UIAA 106, and DIN EN 1077.

In-mold helmet or hardshell—which is better?

In hardshell models, the outer shell of the ski touring helmet is often made of a robust material such as hard plastic or carbon. In the event of an impact, the impact energy can be distributed across the entire helmet, which can effectively cushion the impact. In addition, hardshell models are manufactured using a two-layer system, which ensures good ventilation. This allows excess heat to be dissipated.

In-mold helmets are much lighter and thinner than hard shell variants. These helmets are manufactured using in-mold technology. This involves using heat to bond the outer shell to the inner shell. This creates a stable bond. The materials used, polycarbonate and polystyrene (EPS), ensure low weight.

While in-mold helmets are much easier to transport, hardshell helmets impress with their high robustness. In principle, both helmet variants are suitable for use in ski touring. Which helmet you prefer is an individual decision.

How do I find the right ski touring helmet?

To find the right helmet for you, there are a few steps you can take when purchasing.

1. Measure your head circumference: To determine the right helmet size, it is important to measure your head circumference. To do this, place a measuring tape about one centimeter above your eyebrows and ears. Make sure that the measuring tape is horizontal on your head and fits snugly but does not cut into your skin. Measure your head circumference at the point where the measuring tape overlaps. Ask someone to help you with this if necessary.
2. Selecting the right size: Once you have measured your head circumference, you have successfully determined your helmet size. Look for a helmet whose size matches your head circumference. It is important to note that although ski touring helmets can usually be adjusted to be a few centimeters tighter, you should still look for a helmet that fits your head circumference perfectly. Some manufacturers also use sizes S, M, and L or double sizes S/M and L/XL. In such cases, most manufacturers also provide a size chart from which you can find the centimeter measurements for the corresponding size.

3. Test the fit: When your ski touring helmet arrives, the next step is to test the fit. Ideally, your helmet should sit horizontally on your head and remain in place even when you shake your head with the chin strap open. Another important indicator is that you should hardly be able to feel the helmet. Your new ski touring helmet should not pinch, and there should be a space of one and a half finger widths between your eyebrows and the edge of the helmet.
With these tips, you can easily find a ski touring helmet that suits you. Your helmet should not only look good, but also have an ideal fit. This way, you will be well protected on your tour and enjoy maximum safety on the road.

Ski touring helmets for your ski tour

When ski touring, your touring helmet is an absolute must. To ensure you stay safe on the slopes, we offer a wide selection of ski touring helmets in our online shop. You can rely on high-quality products, as we have ski touring helmets from top brands such as Marker, Petzl, Salomon, and more. To ensure you are always well equipped, we have many other items for various sports. From skiing to climbing and biking, we have everything you need to be well equipped.