Ski Republic, who operate 27 ski equipment rental shops in the Alps, say they have received a huge increase in the numbers of enquiries to rent or buy ski helmets since the untimely death of Natasha Richardson on 18th March. The company, who include free helmet rental with their ski equipment packages, say the actress’s unfortunate accident has massively raised awareness of the importance of head protection for skiers and snowboarders.

Mark Warnes, sales & marketing director for Ski Republic, says “Because the British may only ski for a few days each year, we’re way behind the Europeans in our awareness of the importance of head protection. We find a far higher percentage of European skiers wearing helmets while the Brits often forgo them in favour of woolly hats. Helmets are essential in any sport where there is a possibility that the head may come into contact with a solid object”.

Around 30% of skiers wear helmets, according to Betony Garner, a spokesperson for the Ski Club of Great Britain, a number that has grown significantly in the last five years.

Mark Warnes added “Natasha Richardson’s death is tragic. I very much hope that it will encourage more people to wear helmets. Certainly the response we’ve had at Ski Republic this week with the numerous calls from concerned skiers suggests that this is the case and I very much hope that this trend continues”.