Skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular activities at Mammoth Mountain, and you can typically enjoy them from mid-November through Memorial Day. If you have plans to come here during this time, there are some important safety guidelines and recommendations to be mindful of during your visit. Keep reading for details on Mammoth’s helmet rules and some related safety guidelines, brought to you by the mountain sports experts from ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for safety gear and ski rentals in Mammoth.
Mammoth Requires Helmets at All Times
According to Mammoth Mountain’s safety and conduct guidelines, helmets are required at all times. This is for practical purposes, since temperatures can suddenly change if you’re skiing and snowboarding at higher altitudes on the mountain. Helmets are also required for on-site skiing and snowboarding lessons for children 12 and under. Additionally, you’ll need to wear a helmet for guided snowmobiling adventures at Mammoth for safety reasons due to the speeds and terrain shifts involved.
Benefits of Helmets for Skiing & Snowboarding
Helmets are required with skiing and snowboarding primarily to provide added protection from serious head injuries. Even with snow, impacts can be hard. You also get some added weather protection from wearing a helmet when you’re skiing or snowboarding. This is important because the force of the wind combined with the colder temperatures can quickly cause frostbite and other serious skin injuries. You could also experience ear damage from direct wind and cold exposure while skiing or snowboarding.
Ski/Snowboard Safety Guidelines
Mammoth Mountain has some additional guidelines that are recommended for visitors enjoying skiing and snowboarding. The first one is to know the terrain, which you can do with the trail maps available through the Mammoth app. Mammoth also encourages skiers and snowboarders to:
• Allow for 15 feet of space between yourself and others, since skiing and snowboarding often involve sudden turns
• Move to the side of the trail so you’ll remain visible to others when you need to unexpectedly stop
• Give the right of way to people downhill from you
• Shout out what side you’ll be passing on to reduce the risk of unintentional collisions
Choosing a Suitable Helmet for Skiing/Snowboarding
Ski and snowboard helmets have some special features, such as vents and detachable drop liners and ear pads. Otherwise, the basic guidelines for choosing a helmet for either one of these activities are the same as those that apply for any standard helmet. Ideally, you want to wear one with the following characteristics:
• A snug fit that still allows for comfortable head movements
• Convenient goggle attachments, since protective eyewear is recommended with skiing and snowboarding
• Proper ventilation
• An easily adjustable chin strap
Helmet Requirements for Warmer-Season Activities
If you come to Mammoth during the warmer seasons, there are some times when you’ll also need to wear a helmet. With biking during the warmer seasons, Mammoth doesn’t require full-face helmets. However, helmets are still required for biking-related activities for safety reasons and to comply with California’s bike helmet requirements.
Whether you hit the slopes on skis or cruise the trails on your mountain bike, use common sense, follow safety rules, and make sure to start with high-quality equipment. ASO Mammoth is the place to go for all your mountain sports needs, including Mammoth snowboard rental, ski gear, and safety tips from the experts. We have everything you need to make your Mammoth Mountain experience a safe and memorable one. Drop in or give us a call at 760-965-3444.