CSA Group released a new version of the standard Z263.1-Recreational Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Helmets. The new Canadian standard provides rigorous testing requirements to help protect from head injuries, even after multiple impacts.

The standard was developed by a Technical Committee that is comprised of leading medical and safety experts, industry and sport experts to help improve head protection for winter sports , says Gianluca Arcari, executive director, Standards and vice president, CSA Group.

The CSA Group Recreational Alpine Ski and Snowboard Helmet standard requires third-party testing and certification and includes temperature testing to help ensure the lining functions properly during extreme temperature variations, performance testing for shock absorption and multiple-impact testing in random locations. It defines the areas of the head that are to be protected from impact injuries and covers basic performance requirements such as helmet stability and retention system strength, as well as marking and labelling requirements. The standard also applies to helmets worn for other non-motorized recreational winter sports.