Ski season is in full swing, and so is the risk of serious head injury. However, the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) reports that due to an ever-increasing use of helmets by skiers and snowboarders, the risk is decreasing.

During last year's ski season, the rate of helmet use was at an all-time high, reaching 78 percent. This was up from the previous season's rate of 73 percent.

"Ski areas have done an incredible job of encouraging helmet use, and it shows in the dramatic growth we seen in the span since NSAA began tracking helmet usage," NSAA President Michael Berry reported. "The resorts, parents, local medical groups, even the tremendous improvements by helmet manufacturers to enhance helmet design and comfort — all these factors have helped grow helmet usage.

"When you think how much we have achieved organically as an industry, without government mandates requiring helmets, it's quite impressive."

The use of helmets during snow sports has increased dramatically since the late 1990s. In fact, the reported rate of helmet use in 2002 was only 18 percent. The sharp uptick in use is due in part to some high-profile deaths.

Michael Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, died in 1997 from massive brain injuries he sustained after hitting a tree while skiing in Aspen, Colorado. Just weeks later, 1960s pop music singer and later political figure Sonny Bono was skiing in South Lake Tahoe, California, and he also collided with a tree. He died from head injuries. More recently, Natasha Neeson, the spouse of the actor Liam Neeson, died in 2009 from an epiduaral hematoma blunt trauma suffered in a fall during a ski lesson on a beginner's trail in Quebec, Canada.

The public has been made aware of the risks associated with winter sports. This has fueled greater public awareness campaigns and industry motivation to produce safe and functional head protection for skiers.

But the use of a helmet while skiing does not assure safety for all. In 2009, Dieter Althaus — head of the German state of Thuringia at the time skied off the advanced course onto an easier slope. He collided with a woman who later died of injuries. Althaus sustained a traumatic brain injury despite wearing a helmet. The woman he collided with was not wearing a helmet. Mr. Althaus subsequently found to be guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

The deadly ski accident in Germany fueled a debate on the need to enact legislation requiring skiers and snowboarders to wear helmets. NSAA reports that the only state requiring the use of helmets for skiers and snowboarders is New Jersey — but only for those under the age of 18. NSAA further reports the use of helmets under the age of 17 is at 85 percent and at 97 for children under the age of 9.

Safety was made a priority at Vail Resorts in Colorado when in 2009, the use of helmets became mandatory among employees. That same year, Vail Resorts required all children under the age of 12 to use a helmet when participating in resort ski or snowboard lessons and began providing helmets in ski rental packages.

"At Vail Resorts, the safety of our employees and guests is a top priority, and we believe the time has come for us to take our commitment to safety to the next level. Our employees will set the example next year for all who enjoy skiing and riding our slopes," said John Garnsey, co-president of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division and chief operating officer of Beaver Creek Resort.

Using a helmet for protection against head injuries makes sense. Skiing is not the only sport that poses a risk for head trauma. There are minimum standards within the ski industry, but this also holds true for other activities.

A versatile helmet that can be used as the seasons change makes sense. One that meets the standards for skiing, skateboarding, biking and other water sports might be a good choice for children, teenagers and adults. Currently, the POC Receptor+ is the only helmet in the world that has the appropriate certifications for skiing, snowboarding, biking, skateboarding and water sports.

As a reminder, any helmet used for protection should be inspected and replaced on regular basis.