EN 1077 and ASTM F2040 are both ski helmet standards, but they come from different places: EN 1077 is the European standard for ski helmets, while ASTM F2040 is the United States standard for ski and snowboard helmets. In general terms, both set out how a ski helmet should perform in an impact test and how it should be labelled, but they test helmets in different ways and apply in different countries. A helmet that meets one does not automatically meet the other.
For skiers, the difference matters most when buying a helmet, especially from an international seller, or when entering an event that names a specific standard. This guide compares the two standards in plain terms, so you can check your helmet with confidence.
What Is EN 1077?
EN 1077 is the European standard for helmets for alpine skiers and snowboarders. In general terms, it sets out the requirements a ski helmet must meet to be sold in Europe, including impact protection, the strength of the retention system, and the field of vision the helmet must allow. Helmets that meet the standard carry the CE mark and a reference to EN 1077, usually on a label inside the helmet.
The standard covers the helmet as a complete unit, including the shell, the liner, and the chin strap. The helmet is tested with a headform fitted inside, dropped onto a shaped surface to simulate a fall onto snow or ice, and the test measures how much force reaches the headform. The retention system is tested separately, to check that it holds the helmet in place.
EN 1077 also sets requirements for the information that should come with the helmet, such as fitting instructions and care advice. A helmet that meets the standard should come with guidance on how to fit it properly, because a helmet that does not fit will not protect as well as it should.
What Is ASTM F2040?
ASTM F2040 is the standard set by ASTM International, a standards organisation in the United States, for helmets used in recreational skiing and snowboarding. In general terms, it plays the same role as EN 1077, but for the American market: it sets out the impact protection, retention system strength, and labelling that a ski helmet must meet.
Like EN 1077, ASTM F2040 tests helmets using a headform fitted inside the helmet, dropped onto a shaped surface to simulate a fall. The test measures the force that reaches the headform, and the helmet must keep that force within the limits set by the standard. The chin strap and buckle are also tested, to check that they hold the helmet in place under load.
Helmets that meet ASTM F2040 carry a label inside the helmet stating that they comply with the standard. That label is the main way a buyer can tell that the helmet has been made to the standard, and it should be clear and permanent, not a loose sticker that could have been added later.
How Do EN 1077 and ASTM F2040 Differ?
The two standards differ in the details of how they test helmets, even though the broad idea is the same. In general terms, they use different test surfaces, different impact points, and different ways of conditioning the helmet before testing, such as changes in temperature. Ski helmets are used in cold conditions, so testing at low temperatures matters, and the two standards handle that in different ways.
Another difference is scope. EN 1077 covers helmets for alpine skiers and snowboarders, while ASTM F2040 covers helmets for recreational skiing and snowboarding, and it is also used for some other snow sports. That does not mean a helmet that meets one standard cannot be used for the other activity, but it does mean the two standards were written with slightly different users in mind.
Neither standard is simply better than the other. Both are recognised safety standards that have been developed over many years, and both require a helmet to offer real impact protection. The right choice depends on where you ski and which standard is recognised there.
Which Standard Should You Look for When Buying a Ski Helmet?
Look for the standard that applies where you ski. In general terms, if you ski in Europe, look for EN 1077 and the CE mark; if you ski in the United States, look for the ASTM F2040 label. Many helmets sold by major brands carry both marks, because the manufacturer has made the helmet to meet both standards, and that can be a practical choice if you travel to ski in different countries.
When you check a helmet, look inside for the label and read it properly. It should name the standard, the manufacturer, and the model, and the details should match the helmet you are holding. A helmet with no label, or with a label that is hard to read, should be treated with caution, however good it looks from the outside.
If you are learning about the technologies that can sit inside a certified ski helmet, reading about what MIPS is for helmets can help you understand one of the features some modern helmets include in addition to their standard certification.
Does the Standard Affect Fit and Comfort?
The standard itself does not decide how comfortable a helmet feels, but it does shape the design in ways that affect fit. In general terms, a helmet that meets either standard must have a retention system that holds it in place, a shell and liner that cover the right parts of the head, and a shape that allows a clear field of vision and works with goggles. Within those requirements, brands vary a great deal in shape, weight, ventilation, and padding.
Fit is the part you should test yourself. A ski helmet should sit level on your head, cover your forehead without slipping down over your eyes, and feel snug all round without pressing hard in one place. It should work with your goggles, with no gap between the top of the goggles and the front of the helmet, and it should stay put when you shake your head gently.
Finally, remember that a helmet should be replaced after a hard impact, even if the damage is not visible, and that a helmet that has been damaged, badly worn, or altered may no longer offer the protection it was designed for. The standard is the starting point; fit, condition, and proper use are what turn a certified helmet into real protection on the slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use an EN 1077 helmet in the United States?
A: In general terms, a helmet that meets EN 1077 is a properly certified ski helmet, but the recognised standard in the United States is ASTM F2040. Check local rules and the requirements of any event you enter before you ski.
Q: Can I use an ASTM F2040 helmet in Europe?
A: In general terms, a helmet that meets ASTM F2040 is a properly certified ski helmet, but the recognised standard in Europe is EN 1077. Many helmets carry both marks, which avoids the question altogether.
Q: Does a ski helmet need both EN 1077 and ASTM F2040 marks to be safe?
A: No. A helmet that meets either standard properly has been tested to a recognised benchmark. Carrying both marks is convenient for travel, but one genuine mark is enough to show the helmet meets a recognised standard.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
