Lids on Kids
In 2002, only 63% of kids age 9 and under wore helmets while skiing or snowboarding. Kids 17 and under? Less than half!
NSAA developed the Lids on Kids program to help ski areas educate their guests on helmet use in skiing and snowboarding. The campaign included FAQs about helmet use, fit and sizing information, general slope safety information, related articles and games, and testimonials about helmet use from well-known athletes, including U.S. Ski Team members. The tagline, "A Helmet-It's a Smart Idea," is printed on posters and promotional cards at resorts nationwide.
The result? A demonstrable and significant increase in kids wearing helmets. Nearly 100% of kids age 9 and under reported wearing a helmet while skiing or riding - without state or local mandates. This past season (2023-24), about 96% of all kids age 17 and under wore helmets on the slopes.
What's next?
NSAA is focusing its efforts on young adults, ages 18-34, to encourage further adoption of helmets within this group. While approximately 92% of people in this age range report wearing helmets, our data shows that most of our opportunity to increase usage lies here (especially with male skiers and riders). NSAA encourages all ski areas and state associations to maintain helmet safety messaging, and recommends targeting this group to help increase helmet adoption.