Snowboarding / Topic 17

Helmets

FIS · 2026 / 2027
Last checked: 23 October 2026
Source: FIS ICR Book VI June 2026; Snowboard competition equipment specifications 2026/2027 · Source pages: Equipment: 16; ICR: 237
In short

A crash helmet is compulsory in every snowboard event. It must be designed for the discipline, bear a CE mark and meet recognised appropriate standards. Wear it as the manufacturer instructs; a helmet suitable for recreational use is not automatically proof of compliance with every competition discipline.

On this pageThe ruleIn practice

The rule

A crash helmet is compulsory in every snowboard event. It must be designed for the discipline, bear a CE mark and meet recognised appropriate standards. Wear it as the manufacturer instructs; a helmet suitable for recreational use is not automatically proof of compliance with every competition discipline.

In practice

Snowboard cross has stricter requirements: the model must be certified to both ASTM 2040 and EN 1077 class A, with hard sides. It must also pass an additional test using the EN 1077 procedure at 6.8 m/s. Check the model’s certification rather than assuming that any snowboard helmet meets this requirement.

Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. References: ICR = sporting competition rules; Equipment = technical equipment specifications. Numbers refer to PDF viewer pages. Topic numbers are editorial. Snowboarding includes timed gate races, snowboard cross and judged park-and-pipe events. Slalom and giant slalom reward fast, correct runs; parallel events add direct duels. Snowboard cross combines terrain features with racing in groups. Halfpipe, slopestyle, big air and street style use judging rather than simply the fastest time.
Sources & approach ↗