Do you need a helmet to ski or snowboard at Blue Mountain?

The resort's safety page states that it is highly recommended to wear a helmet while skiing and riding, and encourages skiers and snowboarders to learn the benefits and limitations of helmet use. It also links its Alpine Responsibility Code, which every guest on the hill is expected to follow.

Lessons and programmes can set their own equipment requirements, so check the rules for any ski school booking at the time you make it, especially for children joining a group lesson for the first time. For first-time adults, our first ski trip guide covers what to bring on day one.

Off the slopes, the rules differ by activity. On the resort's skating loop, helmets are recommended and children should be accompanied by an adult. On the ice shinny pad, CSA-approved helmets are required for every skater, and guests under 18 must wear a CSA-approved helmet with a cage.

Families planning a skating evening can read our skating and tubing guide for the options, and bring hockey helmets from home if shinny is on the list.

If the group is renting equipment from the resort, our answer on what Blue Mountain ski rentals include notes that the resort's rental FAQ lists a helmet with skis and boots. Skiers bringing their own gear should check helmet fit at home; a cold, ill-fitting helmet is the item most often left in the car.

The Mountain cluster chalets are a ten-minute walk from Blue Mountain Village, so helmets, boots and skis go back to the chalet at the end of the day. Every chalet has a private year-round hot tub for after the last run, and our family ski packing list covers the rest of the kit.