Airbags for Skiers

Airbag protection for high-speed skiers has been in the pipeline for a number of years, but so far they have struggled to gain support from skiers.

Now Italian gear company Dainese is working to strike a deal that will see its protective devices worn by World Cup ski racers. Dainese is negotiating with the International Ski Federation to make the wearing of airbags mandatory, alleviating the concerns of racers worried about the impact on performance.

By ensuring that each and every skier will wear the devices, the FIS could make a level playing field and improve safety. Downhill skiers can reach speeds of up to 90 mph, and the effects of a crash can be understandably devastating.

It is thought the FIS wants to have more options available to skiers before making the bags mandatory, and a rival model has just been released by Swedish safety accessories manufacturer POC and French startup In&Motion. The Spine VPD 2.0 Airbag Vest works in a similar way to the Dainese D-Air system, but extends down to the hips.

Both companies announced airbags will be worn by competitive skiers in the 2015–2016 season, while POC also claims it will sell airbags to non-professionals. While it may be a good idea to protect yourself on the slopes, the lower speeds reached by non-professional skiers reduce the benefits of the airbags and the company may be looking to profit from safety concerns without improving the situation.

If regulations can ensure no competitive advantage will be given to those skiers who decide against using the airbag systems, we could be about to enter a new era of high-tech safety for daredevil professionals.