corrado33

My girlfriend recently asked me if I'd like her to buy me a ski helmet for my birthday. The problem is, once it gets cold enough, it's impossible to wear what's necessary to keep your head warm under a helmet, so I go without a helmet.

Is a ski helmet sufficient to act as a bike helmet?

North Coast Joe

I have a couple of Bern models, one of which is (I understand) quite a popular model on the slopes . IIRC the Bern "Baker Hardhat". It is sized larger to make room for a headband, though it is (was?) available with a liner/earflaps.

achoo

Huh?!?!?

corrado33

My helmet doesn't fit with a huge tossle cap under it? Those skull caps just don't cut it when it gets super cold.

irwin7638

I have used a Scott ski helmet with built in ear muffs and thicker lining. It does get a little hot. Lazer makes winter lining for some of their models. I bought the winter lining for the Lazer O2 and it's really nice. It has ear covers and extra insulation on the front of the head to cut wind chill, but leaves open area in back for ventilation.

Marc

mconlonx

Probably.

kingston 

I use a ski helmet and goggles (the same set I use on the slopes) when it gets below 20F or so. It is much warmer than a bike helmet and better than nothing in terms of protection. I don't normally fall on my head anyway so I don't get too concerned about it.

spivonious

I haven't worn my ski helmet for biking, but it does keep my head nice and toasty while skiing. As far as head protection, it's much better than a bike helmet. Professional skiers travel at 50mph+.

Hypno Toad

Here in Minneapolis, you see most winter-bikers riding with ski or snowboard helmets. Bern is very popular. My daughter uses her Bern snowboard helmet for winter-bike & snowboarding.

Snowboard helmets are designed to protect the back of the head more than bike helmets ('boarders fall backwards a lot). The forces from a snowboard crash are going to be similar to a bike crash. Moving speeds are similar, and if you watch a terrain park and the stuff kids do in there, you'd be fell safe enough on a bike using the same helmets they are bouncing off the hills.

I've tried using my snowboard helmets, but I get too hot. I use my year-round Bell Muni with a wool skull cap in the winter. I have stated in other winter bike related forums, I run hotter than most people .... Cold feels different to everybody, use what keeps you comfortable and warm.

Mark Stone

Actually, my average speed on a bicycle is a million billion zillion miles per hour.

Lanovran

More than likely, yes. I once saw someone riding while wearing a hockey helmet, though I'd wager the ski helmet would be comparatively better for high-speed impacts.

mr_bill

There are multi-sport snow/bike/(and other sport) helmets. They are certified for both snow and bike use.

EU - CEN1077 - snow. CEN1078 - bike. US - ASTM F2040 snow. CPSC (12.03) bike.

-mr. bill

Chris516

When I lived in Duluth, I just used a bike helmet. I thought about using a ski or snowboard helmet, even though I didn't(and still don't) participate in either one of those sports. The helmets for skiing and snowboarding felt too heavy for when I was on my bike.

Hypno Toad

They are heavier for sure! I can only image using a snowsport helmet if I was having trouble staying warm.

Nunymare

I've used mine before along with ski goggles.. haha. Was around -40C outside though.

CliffordK

I've started using a snowboard helmet during the winter. Giro Brand.

The weight doesn't bother me.
Mine is waterproof which is a benefit for Oregon.
Above about 40°F, it sweats too bad... well, my head sweats.

I haven't done much riding below 30°F since acquiring the helmet. It keeps the ears warm, but not much protection for the rest of the face.

I do like it, and recommend considering it... although one must keep in mind they don't carry the standard helmet certifications. They do appear to offer better side and rear protection than a standard bike helmet, but may not have the testing to back that up.

D1andonlyDman

The first bike helmet I ever had was a Pro-Tec that clearly had been adapted from a hockey helmet design. But I found that it didn't provide enough ventilation for use in hot weather, but in cold weather, I'm sure it would have been fine.

FarHorizon

Head impact is head impact. ANY helmet is better than none, if impact is your concern. I've ridden with an industrial hard-hat before... None of the impact stuff has any relevance to keeping your head warm or cool.

Some consider helmets fashion accessories, others consider them safety appliances, and yet others consider them outerwear to deal with the cold. Define your goal before selecting your helmet.

GravelMN

I have worn a balaclava with face mask under my bike helmet to below zero F for up to a couple hours at a time (my winter routes are set up so that there are stops where I can warm up and grab a hot cocoa every hour or two). This year I did purchase a Giro ski helmet. I agree that a ski helmet should be perfectly good protection for winter cycling as well. They provide good coverage and are designed to protect from impacts at similar speeds.

I do disagree with the above statement as there are downhill, MTB, and other extended coverage bike helmets that provide very good coverage and the speed of a pro cyclist on a steep decent is very similar to the speed of a downhill skier. Even as a 50-year-old, overweight Clyde, I've hit 40 mph on a long fairly straight downhill with mid-level road bike. 30+ mph isn't uncommon on a downhill for me. Pros in many cycling events break 50 mph quite often and from a quick online search, it appears 65 mph is far from unheard of.

In reality, both bike and ski helmets are probably designed more with 15-30 mph crashes in mind as if you strike your head squarely on a solid object at 50+ mph, there isn't a helmet in the world that's going to do you a lot of good.

MMACH 5

I see no issue with a ski helmet in cold weather.

Keep in mind, performance fleece can be surprisingly thin and warm. I've ridden with a thin fleece cap under my helmet and a shower cap over my helmet in freezing rain with no issues (and I HATE HATE HATE the cold). A heavier fleece neck gator and balaclava really help, too.

cymro

I really like my ski helmet and goggles in the depth of winter. It gets very cold in NW Ontario.

Looigi

Consider a helmet cover. e.g.

leob1

My wife uses a Bren with a liner with ear flaps that was made for it, sold separately. it was designed as a snowboarding helmet. she likes it. I just use a UA balaclava under my regular helmet.

Nunymare

It's definitely more comfortable with a balaclava underneath IMO.

Lex Fati

I ride a Bern Macon EPS with the winter knit liner designed for it and a thin fleece cap underneath. I'll supplement with a balaclava, goggles, and/or face mask if needed. It has kept me more than adequately warm. My toes or fingers will get cold before my head does.

It is also a convenient place to mount a helmet headlight/taillight and a mirror.