While Nova Scotia has made it mandatory to wear helmets on the slopes, the owner of Loch Lomond Ski Area says wearing the protective headgear is already common practice.
The Nova Scotia provincial government recently passed legislation to make wearing a helmet mandatory for all skiers and snowboarders for all ages. Anyone caught without a helmet could receive a fine of $250 for each violation.
“Many Nova Scotians enjoy activities like skiing and snowboarding to stay active over the winter months, but these are activities that should be enjoyed safely,” Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald said on her official website.
“Wearing a helmet greatly reduces the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury and could be the one thing on the hill that saves a life.”
Ward Bond, owner of Loch Lomond Ski Area, said he wears a helmet every time he goes down the slopes, but doesn’t support initiatives that take away his choice to wear it. He said despite it not being mandatory, the majority of people on the hill still wear a helmet anyway.
“I’m not personally in favour of making anything mandatory,” Bond said. “I think it is safer to wear a helmet than not wearing a helmet. I think a helmet is just as comfortable as a toque. If you do wrack your head on something I do think it’s going to help but as far as making it mandatory I wouldn’t want to be the one that says ‘no, you can’t go skiing.’ Some people like the fresh air and don’t want to wear a helmet.”
Bond added for sporting events like racing it is mandatory for skiers and snowboarders to wear a helmet.
