A snowkiting helmet is a ski or snowboard helmet worn for snowkiting, where a rider on skis or a snowboard is pulled across snow and ice by a large kite, reaching high speeds and sometimes leaving the ground for jumps. The helmet protects the head during fast runs, hard landings and falls on frozen surfaces, and it needs to fit well with goggles and work in strong wind and cold.
Snowkiting combines elements of kitesurfing and skiing. The rider holds a control bar attached to a kite, which catches the wind and pulls them across open snowfields, frozen lakes and gentle slopes. This guide explains what kind of helmet snowkiters wear, why it matters, and what to look for when you choose one.
What Is Snowkiting?
Snowkiting is a winter wind sport in which a rider on skis or a snowboard is pulled by a kite, similar to the kites used in kitesurfing. The rider steers the kite with a control bar, using the wind to move across the snow, climb gentle slopes, and, with experience, jump into the air. The sport is practised on open, flat areas such as frozen lakes, wide fields and mountain plateaus, where the wind is steady and there are few obstacles.
The speeds can be high, especially when the wind is strong, and the rider can travel much faster than they could by skiing alone. Jumps are part of the sport for experienced riders, who use the lift of the kite to leave the ground and land back on the snow. A fall can therefore happen at speed, or from a height, onto snow or ice that may be hard and uneven.
What Kind of Helmet Do Snowkiters Wear?
Most snowkiters wear a standard ski or snowboard helmet. These helmets are made for snow sports, with a hard shell, padding inside, ear coverage and a fit that works with goggles. They are warm enough for cold, windy days, and they protect the head in falls on snow and ice. A ski helmet is a natural choice because the rider is already on skis or a snowboard.
Some snowkiters choose a helmet with fewer vents, or with vents that can be closed, because the wind chill at speed can be severe. A helmet that lets too much cold air in will leave the head cold very quickly, especially on a frozen lake with no shelter. Ear pads that cover the ears help keep the wind off, and a good fit with goggles prevents cold air from getting in around the eyes.
In general terms, a snowkiting helmet does not need to be a special design. What matters is that it is a proper snow sports helmet, that it fits well, and that it works with the goggles and other clothing the rider wears. A bike helmet is not the best choice, because it is made for warmer weather and does not cover the ears or keep out the cold in the same way.
Why Is a Helmet Important for Snowkiting?
A helmet is important for snowkiting because the speeds are high and the landing surface is hard. A rider travelling fast across a frozen lake who falls can slide a long way, and a rider who comes down from a jump can land heavily on ice or hard-packed snow. The helmet protects the head in both kinds of fall, and it also protects against the control bar or other kit hitting the head.
Wind is another factor. In a strong gust, a rider can be lifted or dragged, and a fall in those conditions can be sudden and uncontrolled. A helmet gives a margin of protection when the rider cannot choose how they fall. It also keeps the head warm in the wind, which helps the rider stay focused and in control of the kite.
Finally, snowkiting often takes place in remote, open places, far from help. A head injury in such a setting is more serious than one near a ski resort, because help may take longer to arrive. Wearing a helmet is a simple, practical step that reduces the risk, and most snowkiting schools and clubs expect riders to wear one.
What Should You Look for in a Snowkiting Helmet?
Fit comes first. The helmet should sit level, feel snug all round, and stay put when you shake your head. It should not press hard on your forehead or temples, and it should fit comfortably with your goggles, with no gap at the forehead where cold air can get in. Try the helmet and goggles together before you buy.
Next, look at warmth and ventilation. A helmet with vents that can be opened or closed is ideal for snowkiting, because you can let air in when you are working hard and close the vents when the wind is cold. Ear pads that cover the ears help in strong wind, and a helmet that fits with a thin balaclava underneath gives extra warmth on very cold days.
Finally, check the strap and the goggle fit. The strap should fasten securely under your chin and hold the helmet firmly in place, even in a gust of wind. The goggles should sit snugly against the helmet without pressing on your nose. If you want to understand one of the technologies used in modern helmets, reading about what MIPS is for helmets can help you compare different models before you buy.
How Do You Fit and Care for a Snowkiting Helmet?
Measure your head around the widest part, just above your eyebrows and ears, and use the maker’s size guide as a starting point. Try the helmet on and adjust the fit system at the back until it feels snug but not tight. Fasten the strap so that two fingers fit snugly between the strap and your chin, and check that the helmet does not rock forward or back when you move your head.
Test the fit with your goggles and any balaclava or hat you plan to wear, because the combination needs to work together. A helmet that fits in the shop but feels loose or tight once your winter layers are on is not the right helmet. If the helmet moves easily, try a smaller size or a different brand, because head shapes vary.
After a session, wipe the shell with a damp cloth, remove the pads if you can, and let the helmet dry in the open air away from direct heat. Wash the pads now and then following the maker’s guidance. Store the helmet in a cool, dry place out of strong sunlight, and replace it after a hard impact, even if the shell looks fine, because the liner inside can be damaged in ways you cannot see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a special helmet for snowkiting?
A: In general terms, no. A standard ski or snowboard helmet works well for snowkiting, as long as it fits well, keeps you warm, and works with your goggles.
Q: Can I snowkite without a helmet?
A: In general terms, you can, but it is not a good idea. Snowkiting involves high speeds, jumps and strong wind, and a helmet gives important protection in a fall on snow or ice.
Q: Should I wear goggles with a snowkiting helmet?
A: Yes. Goggles protect your eyes from wind, snow and glare, and they fit with a ski helmet to keep cold air out. Choose goggles that sit snugly against the helmet without a gap.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
