Ski touring helmets & goggles · Test magazine 2022
Tech talk with Florian Riedel, JULBO
Sports Marketing Manager D/A/CH · Print page 103
Who is Florian Riedel? Sports Marketing Manager D/A/CH at JULBO
Florian Riedel is introduced in the BACKLINE 2022 test magazine as Sports Marketing Manager D/A/CH at JULBO. He has been responsible for professional athletes there since 2016. His work includes athlete management, competition support, event support and marketing communications. After his studies, he gained practical experience in sport and marketing. A keen outdoor sports enthusiast, he first skied at the age of three and went on his first ski tour at twelve.
In the interview on ski touring helmets, Riedel identifies low weight, reliable protection and good ventilation as key requirements. He also highlights size adjustment, different liners, removable ear pads and headlamp mounts. He stresses the importance of climbing helmet standards and certification for alpine skiing and snowboarding to address risks during both ascent and descent. According to Riedel, feedback from athletes such as Vivien Bruchez contributed to the development of the JULBO THE PEAK LT.
Regarding more sustainable materials, Riedel sees particular challenges in shock-absorbing EPS: recycled or bio-based components must not compromise its protective properties. He identifies weight reduction, improved ventilation and the growing importance of sustainable production as priorities for further development.
Not everyone wears a helmet when ski touring, why is that?
From my perspective, there are two main reasons for this: Firstly, there is unfortunately still a lot of misinformation circulating about potential dangers under the snowpack – such as rocks, sharks, etc. Secondly, many ski tourers forgo a helmet because they don't want to carry the additional weight.
What should a ski touring helmet be able to do / have?
The rule here is: maximum safety with minimum weight. A good ski touring helmet should therefore be as light as possible and protect the head from injuries in falls. Furthermore, particular attention must be paid to the best possible ventilation. Good ventilation prevents overheating during strenuous ascents. Different inner linings for various temperatures and the option to attach a headlamp to the helmet are helpful. Since every gram counts in ski mountaineering, the ear pads and headlamp holder should be removable. The helmet should also be size-adjustable so that it can be worn with or without a headband. Helmets that meet the standard for climbing helmets as well as the certification for alpine skiing and snowboarding are practical.
What tests and developments do ski touring helmets require?
Ski touring helmets must address the risks during both ascents and descents. Therefore, compliance with both standards is fundamental and even mandatory in competitions. At Julbo, many tests are carried out, and all essential aspects such as low weight, good ventilation, or comfortable wear during climbing are taken into account. For example, with our ski touring helmet THE PEAK LT, we have made all components of the helmet as light as possible without compromising on safety, stability, or comfort. The suggestions and experiences of our athletes, such as Vivien Bruchez, were very helpful in the development process.
Could / will the material from old Julbo helmets be recycled?
Since the safety aspect is essential for a helmet, today mainly the “accessory elements” (textiles, small plastic parts, packaging, etc.) are made from recycled or organically produced materials. The big challenge is to find a solution so that recycled or organic materials can be used in the production of EPS, which makes up the energy-absorbing part of almost all helmets on the market, without losing these shock-absorbing properties. The search for efficient and more environmentally friendly materials is progressing rapidly and should lead to viable solutions in terms of protective capacity and environmental impact in the coming years.
What innovations and trends do you expect or would you like to see in the field of ski touring helmets?
We are already very satisfied with our helmet THE PEAK LT. It meets all the requirements for a modern ski touring helmet. However, as in many areas, development is constantly progressing, and our challenge remains to develop the lightest possible helmet with the best possible ventilation. We at Julbo are constantly working on this. Furthermore, the topic of sustainable production will become increasingly important.
