Intrawest says it time for ski helmets for kids

Mandatory helmet rule kicks-in at all Intrawest resorts

In what will surely will become the start of a new trend, Intrawest, operators of nine North American ski areas including Whistler, Panorama, Steamboat, Winter Park and Tremblant, are introducing new requirements for children and teenagers and anyone taking ski school lessons to wear helmets on the slopes. The group will also require staff to wear helmets on the slopes in some circumstances.

The group’s decision comes after the high profile accidental death of actress Natasha Richardson after she fell and suffered apparently very superficial injuries during a ski school lesson at Tremblant last winter, only to die of a resulting blood clot to the brain.
The new rules “underscore Intrawest’s commitment to guest safety,” the company said in a statement issued Thursday.
The requirement for people taking lessons to wear helmets is regardless of age. Intrawest said it will require employees to wear helmets while on duty in any freestyle terrain parks beginning in the 2010-2011 season although some resorts are implementing the rule for the coming season.
It currently appears that the helmet-requirements will not be enforced on ski school staff working outside the parks, unlike for staff at another large US resort group Vail, which has said it will require all on-mountain skiing or boarding staff to wear helmets.
In ski and board school Intrawest previously recommended all children wore helmets but there was an opt-out waiver for parents, this will no longer being available for children and teens up to age 17 inclusive, however it is understood adults will be able to sign an opt-out waiver to not wear a helmet should they wish.
Intrawest has also announced that rental packages will now include helmets and that it is embarking on a programme of updating its brochures, website and other marketing material to show on-snow activity at its resorts being undertaken by helmet-wearing skiers and boarders.
The company also officially recommends that all skiers and snowboarders at its resorts use ski helmets.

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