EN 1077 Helmets for Alpine Skiers and Snowboarders

The European standard “EN 1077 Helmets for Alpine Skiers and Snowboarders” describes the performance requirements and tests for two classes of helmets for alpine skiers, snowboarders, and similar groups, including children and competitors. This standard covers two different protection classes: Class A and Class B.

This standard includes requirements and appropriate test methods for the following:

Structure including field of view
Shock absorbing properties
Puncture resistance
Retention system features
Signage and information

The general requirements in this standard are as follows:

The material used in the parts of the helmet that come into contact with the skin should not be subject to any known significant change from contact with sweat or substances likely to be found in toilet paper.
Materials known to cause skin irritations or other adverse health effects should not be used. For a material not commonly used, advice should be sought regarding its suitability before it is made available for use.
The following document list is provided for informational purposes only and serves as an example of documents to be reviewed:
Material properties
Safety data sheets for materials
Information on the suitability of materials for use in food, medical devices, or other related applications.
Information regarding toxicological, allergenic, carcinogenic, reproductive toxic, or mutagenic studies on the materials.
Information on ecotoxicological and other environmental studies of the materials.
The review must determine whether the claim that the materials are suitable for use in protective helmets is justified. Particular attention should be paid to the presence of plasticizers, unreacted components, heavy metals, impurities, and the chemical composition of pigments and dyes.
It is recommended that all metallic materials that may come into prolonged contact with the skin (e.g., buckles, fasteners) be tested for nickel emissions according to the EN 1811 standard.

The helmet must be designed and shaped in such a way that its parts (such as the visor, rivets, vents, edges, and fasteners) do not cause harm to the wearer.

Helmets must provide the following:

It should be lightweight.
It should be easy to put on and take off.
It should be compatible with glasses.
It should not significantly impair the user's hearing ability.
It should have good durability and withstand normal use.
It should be allowed to be cleaned.

A mechanism must be provided to keep the helmet securely on the user's head. All parts of the retention system must be securely attached to the system or helmet so that they do not detach during use. It is recommended that the release mechanism be marked in red or orange. No part of the retention system should be green.

Chin straps should not include a chin cup. Any chin strap must be at least 15 mm wide. Chin straps may be equipped with devices that increase user comfort.

Any holding system must be equipped with a device to regulate and maintain the voltage within the system.

When tested according to EN 13087-6 standard, there should be no obstruction in the limited field of view at the following angles:

Horizontal 105 degrees
Up to 25 degrees
Down 45 degrees

Coverage requirements are as follows:

Class A: For this class, when fitted into a head mold of a size conforming to EN 13087-6, the helmet must cover at least the area above the line indicated on the helmet shape. No part of the coverage area must be removable. Parts covering the area below the reference plane must be designed to provide some protection against mechanical risks such as abrasion. Smaller openings are permitted for better hearing or ventilation.
Class B: For this class, when fitted into a head mold of dimensions conforming to EN 13087-6, the helmet must cover at least the area above the line indicated on the helmet shape. Parts below plane AA in the figure are optional and may be removable or detachable.

The EN 1077 standard is widely recognized in Europe and many other regions. Helmets with EN 1077 certification bear the CE mark, indicating compliance with EU personal protective equipment regulations. Many modern ski and snowboard helmets are dual-certified to both EN 1077 and ASTM F2040 standards.

The EN 1077 standard defines two classes according to their scope:

Class A: Higher coverage (includes over-ear protection and increased side/back protection). Often preferred for racing or high-risk scenarios.
Class B: Lower coverage (less ear protection, more ventilation). Common in recreational/free riding helmets.

Many helmets are accordingly labeled as EN 1077A or EN 1077B.

To pass certification, helmets must meet strict criteria in several areas:

Field of vision: The helmet should not excessively restrict peripheral vision.
Coverage: Depending on whether it is class A or B, it must protect specific areas of the head.
Shock absorption: Basic impact test: Helmeted head dummies are dropped from a height of approximately 1,5 m onto flat, and sometimes hemispherical, anvils. The peak linear acceleration should not exceed 250 g (g-force).
Puncture resistance: To check protection against sharp objects (such as ski poles or rocks), a pointed object is dropped onto the helmet.
Retention system durability: The chin strap and buckle must withstand the specified forces and not break.
Durability/conditioning: Helmets are tested after environmental conditioning: room temperature, low temperature (minus 20 degrees to minus 25 degrees), high temperature and artificial aging (UV exposure).

Additional considerations include:

There should be no dangerous sharp edges or protrusions.
Adequate ventilation (although less emphasized compared to climbing helmets).
Compatibility with eyeglasses.
Comparison of EN 1077 and ASTM F2040 standards (quick comparison)

Many people compare two main standards for snow sports helmets:

EN 1077 standard: Includes puncture resistance (important for sharp objects). Allows for a slightly higher peak g value (250 g). Mandatory for many European ski resorts/races.
ASTM F2040 standard: No puncture test. More stringent at certain impact energy levels under specific conditions. More common in North America.

Many high-end helmets meet both standards, offering the broadest safety compliance.

Head injuries remain a leading cause of serious incidents in skiing and snowboarding. While no helmet can prevent all injuries, EN 1077 certification provides a basic level of protection against the most common fall and collision scenarios on the slopes.

Generally, a helmet with the EN 1077 label (and ideally dual-certified with ASTM F2040) is chosen. The most important factor is fit.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN 1077 standard.